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Proulx-Rocray F, Soulières D. Emerging monoclonal antibody therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:165-176. [PMID: 38616696 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2339906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is increasing, particularly among younger populations. It is projected that the number of new cases will increase by almost 50% by 2040, with market revenues expected to triple in the same period. Despite the recent introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) into the therapeutic armamentarium, the vast majority of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) HNSCC fail to derive durable benefits from systemic therapy. AREAS COVERED This article aims to review the multiple monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) regimens currently under development, targeting various growth factors, immune checkpoints, immune costimulatory receptors, and more. EXPERT OPINION So far, the combination of anti-EGFR and ICI appears to be the most promising, especially in HPV-negative patients. It will be interesting to confirm whether the arrival of antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific mAb can surpass the efficacy of anti-EGFR, as they are also being tested in combination with ICI. Furthermore, we believe that immune costimulatory agonists and various ICIs combination are worth monitoring, despite some initial setbacks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Proulx-Rocray
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Soulières
- Hematology and Medical Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
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Sharma S, Boyer J, Teyton L. A practitioner's view of spectral flow cytometry. Nat Methods 2024; 21:740-743. [PMID: 37789184 PMCID: PMC10991079 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Spectral flow cytometry allows the simultaneous analysis of a large number of cell surface markers at the single cell level
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddhartha Sharma
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Josh Boyer
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Luc Teyton
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Agelaki S, Boukovinas I, Athanasiadis I, Trimis G, Dimitriadis I, Poughias L, Morais E, Sabale U, Bencina G, Athanasopoulos C. A systematic literature review of the human papillomavirus prevalence in locally and regionally advanced and recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancers through the last decade: The "ALARM" study. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6916. [PMID: 38247106 PMCID: PMC10905345 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this systematic literature review was to provide updated information on human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in locally and regionally advanced (LA) and recurrent/metastatic (RM) head and neck cancer (HNC) worldwide. METHODS Electronic searches were conducted on clinicaltrials.gov, MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and ASCO/ESMO journals of congresses for interventional studies (IS; Phase I-III trials) as well as MEDLINE and Embase for non-interventional studies (NIS) of LA/RM HNC published between January 01, 2010 and December 31, 2020. Criteria for study selection included: availability of HPV prevalence data for LA/RM HNC patients, patient enrollment from January 01, 2010 onward, and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) included among HNC types. HPV prevalence per study was calculated as proportion of HPV+ over total number of enrolled patients. For overall HPV prevalence across studies, mean of reported HPV prevalence rates across studies and pooled estimate (sum of all HPV+ patients over sum of all patients enrolled) were assessed. RESULTS Eighty-one studies (62 IS; 19 NIS) were included, representing 9607 LA/RM HNC cases, with an overall mean (pooled) HPV prevalence of 32.6% (25.1%). HPV prevalence was 44.7% (44.0%) in LA and 24.3% (18.6%) in RM. Among 2714 LA/RM OPC patients from 52 studies with available data, mean (pooled) value was 55.8% (50.7%). The majority of data were derived from Northern America and Europe, with overall HPV prevalence of 46.0% (42.1%) and 24.7% (25.3%) across studies conducted exclusively in these geographic regions, respectively (Northern Europe: 31.9% [63.1%]). A "p16-based" assay was the most frequently reported HPV detection methodology (58.0%). CONCLUSION Over the last decade, at least one quarter of LA/RM HNC and half of OPC cases studied in IS and NIS were HPV+. This alarming burden is consistent with a potential implication of HPV in the pathogenesis of at least a subgroup of HNC, underscoring the relevance of HPV testing and prophylaxis to HNC prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Agelaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of MedicineUniversity of CreteHerakleionGreece
- Department of Medical OncologyUniversity General Hospital of HerakleionHerakleionGreece
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Edith Morais
- MSD, Center for Observational and Real‐World Evidence (CORE)LyonFrance
| | - Ugne Sabale
- MSD, Center for Observational and Real‐World Evidence (CORE)StockholmSweden
| | - Goran Bencina
- MSD, Center for Observational and Real‐World Evidence (CORE)MadridSpain
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Kermorgant S. Rationale for Cotargeting Hepatocyte Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2023:JCO2300460. [PMID: 37319388 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Kermorgant
- Spatial Signalling Group, Barts Cancer Institute-a CR-UK Centre of Excellence, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, London, United Kingdom
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Bauman JE, Saba NF, Roe D, Bauman JR, Kaczmar J, Bhatia A, Muzaffar J, Julian R, Wang S, Bearelly S, Baker A, Steuer C, Giri A, Burtness B, Centuori S, Caulin C, Klein R, Saboda K, Obara S, Chung CH. Randomized Phase II Trial of Ficlatuzumab With or Without Cetuximab in Pan-Refractory, Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2023:JCO2201994. [PMID: 36977289 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary or acquired resistance to cetuximab, an antiepidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody (mAb), minimizes its utility in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Aberrant hepatocyte growth factor/cMet pathway activation is an established resistance mechanism. Dual pathway targeting may overcome resistance. PATIENTS AND METHODS This multicenter, randomized, noncomparative phase II study evaluated ficlatuzumab, an antihepatocyte growth factor mAb, with or without cetuximab in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. The primary end point was median progression-free survival (PFS); an arm met significance criteria if the lower bound of the 90% CI excluded the historical control of 2 months. Key eligibility criteria were HNSCC with known human papillomavirus (HPV) status, cetuximab resistance (progression within 6 months of exposure in the definitive or recurrent/metastatic setting), and resistance to platinum and anti-PD-1 mAb. Secondary end points included objective response rate (ORR), toxicity, and the association of HPV status and cMet overexpression with efficacy. Continuous Bayesian futility monitoring was used. RESULTS From 2018 to 2020, 60 patients were randomly assigned and 58 were treated. Twenty-seven versus 33 patients were allocated to monotherapy versus combination. Arms were balanced for major prognostic factors. The monotherapy arm closed early for futility. The combination arm met prespecified significance criteria with a median PFS of 3.7 months (lower bound 90% CI, 2.3 months; P = .04); the ORR was 6 of 32 (19%), including two complete and four partial responses. Exploratory analyses were limited to the combination arm: the median PFS was 2.3 versus 4.1 months (P = .03) and the ORR was 0 of 16 (0%) versus 6 of 16 (38%; P = .02) in the HPV-positive versus HPV-negative subgroups, respectively. cMet overexpression was associated with reduced hazard of progression in HPV-negative but not HPV-positive disease (P interaction = .02). CONCLUSION The ficlatuzumab-cetuximab arm met significance criteria for PFS and warrants phase III development. HPV-negative HNSCC merits consideration as a selection criterion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie E Bauman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, George Washington (GW) University and GW Cancer Center, Washington, DC
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
| | - Denise Roe
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, UA Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Tucson, AZ
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Jessica R Bauman
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Temple-Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - John Kaczmar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine and MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Aarti Bhatia
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Jameel Muzaffar
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
| | - Ricklie Julian
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Steven Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UA College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Shethal Bearelly
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UA College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Audrey Baker
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UA College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Conor Steuer
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA
| | - Anshu Giri
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Temple-Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Barbara Burtness
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT
| | - Sara Centuori
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Carlos Caulin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UA College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Robert Klein
- Department of Pathology, UA College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Kathylynn Saboda
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Stefanie Obara
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona (UA) College of Medicine-Tucson and UA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ
| | - Christine H Chung
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Despite a dearth of activating driver mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), aberrant activation of the oncogenes, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and c-Met is near-universal in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative disease. Although EGFR activation drove the successful development of the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab in HNSCC, no c-Met-targeting therapy has gained regulatory approval. Inhibition of the c-Met pathway may subvert oncogenesis within the tumor-intrinsic compartment, blocking tumoral proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis, or the tumor-extrinsic compartment, modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This review discusses the rationale and current drug development strategies for targeting c-Met or its exclusive ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in HNSCC.
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Newton HS, Dobrovolskaia MA. Immunophenotyping: Analytical approaches and role in preclinical development of nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114281. [PMID: 35405297 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical products can activate immune cells, suppress their function, or change the immune responses to traditional immunologically active agonists such as those present in microbes. Therefore, the assessment of immunostimulation, immunosuppression, and immunomodulation comprises the backbone of immunotoxicity studies of new drug entities. Depending on physicochemical properties (e.g., size, charge, surface functionalities, hydrophobicity), nanoparticles can be immunostimulatory, immunosuppressive, and immunomodulatory. Various methods and experimental frameworks have been established to support preclinical translational studies of nanotechnology-based drug products. Immunophenotyping after the exposure of cells or preclinical animal models to nanoparticles can provide critical information about the changes in both the numbers of immune cells and their activation status. However, this methodology is underutilized in preclinical studies of engineered nanomaterials. Herein, we review current literature about varieties of instrumentation and methods utilized for immunophenotyping, discuss their advantages and limitations, and propose a roadmap for applying immunophenotyping to support preclinical immunological characterization of nanotechnology-based formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Newton
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick MD, USA
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick MD, USA.
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Powers AA, Jones KE, Eisenberg SH, Rigatti LH, Ryan JP, Luketich JD, Lotze MT, LaRue AC, Dhupar R, Soloff AC. Experimental respiratory exposure to putative Gulf War toxins promotes persistent alveolar macrophage recruitment and pulmonary inflammation. Life Sci 2021; 282:119839. [PMID: 34293400 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Respiratory disorders are a prominent component of Gulf War Illness. Although much of the underlying mechanisms of Gulf War Illness remain undefined, chronic immune dysfunction is a consistent feature of this multi-symptomatic, multi-organ disorder. Alveolar macrophages represent the predominant mononuclear phagocytes of the pulmonary mucosa, orchestrating the host response to pathogens and environmental stimuli. Herein, we sought to characterize the innate immune response of the pulmonary mucosa, with a focus on macrophages, to experimental respiratory exposure to two putative Gulf War Toxins (GWTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS Utilizing commercially available instrumentation, we evaluated the effect of aerosolized exposure to the pesticide malathion and diesel exhaust particulate (DEP) on the immune composition and inflammatory response of the lung in FVB/N mice using multiparametric spectral cytometry, cytokine analysis, and histology. KEY FINDINGS Aerosolized GWTs induced gross pulmonary pathology with transient recruitment of neutrophils and sustained accumulation of alveolar macrophages to the lung for up to two weeks after exposure cessation. High-dimensional cytometry and unbiased computational analysis identified novel myeloid subsets recruited to the lung post-exposure driven by an influx of peripheral monocyte-derived progenitors. DEP and malathion, either alone or in combination, induced soluble mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage indicative of oxidative stress (PGF2α), inflammation (LTB4, TNFα, IL-12), and immunosuppression (IL-10), that were sustained or increased two weeks after exposures concluded. SIGNIFICANCE These findings indicate that macrophage accumulation and pulmonary inflammation induced by GWTs continue in the absence of toxin exposure and may contribute to the immunopathology of respiratory Gulf War Illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy A Powers
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Katherine E Jones
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Seth H Eisenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lora H Rigatti
- Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John P Ryan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James D Luketich
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael T Lotze
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amanda C LaRue
- Research Services, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Rajeev Dhupar
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Surgical Services Division, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adam C Soloff
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Cheng G, Dong H, Yang C, Liu Y, Wu Y, Zhu L, Tong X, Wang S. A review on the advances and challenges of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:406. [PMID: 34332576 PMCID: PMC8325213 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02024-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC), which includes lip and oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx malignancies, is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Due to the interaction of tumor cells with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy of HNCs, along with traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, has attracted much attention. Four main immunotherapy strategies in HNCs have been developed, including oncolytic viruses, monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells), and therapeutic vaccines. Oncorine (H101), an approved oncolytic adenovirus in China, is the pioneer of immunotherapy for the treatment of HNCs. Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are mAbs against PD-L1 that have been approved for recurrent and metastatic HNC patients. To date, several clinical trials using immunotherapy agents and their combination are under investigation. In this review, we summarize current the interaction of tumor cells with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of HNCs, the main strategies that have been applied for immunotherapy of HNCs, obstacles that hinder the success of immunotherapies in patients with HNCs, as well as solutions for overcoming the challenges to enhance the response of HNCs to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Cheng
- Department of Stomatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China.,Department of Stomatology, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Stomatology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China.,Department of Stomatology, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Ultrasonography, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Phase I Clinical Research Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Lifen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangmin Tong
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shibing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. .,Molecular Diagnosis Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
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Bode D, Cull AH, Rubio-Lara JA, Kent DG. Exploiting Single-Cell Tools in Gene and Cell Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:702636. [PMID: 34322133 PMCID: PMC8312222 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.702636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell molecular tools have been developed at an incredible pace over the last five years as sequencing costs continue to drop and numerous molecular assays have been coupled to sequencing readouts. This rapid period of technological development has facilitated the delineation of individual molecular characteristics including the genome, transcriptome, epigenome, and proteome of individual cells, leading to an unprecedented resolution of the molecular networks governing complex biological systems. The immense power of single-cell molecular screens has been particularly highlighted through work in systems where cellular heterogeneity is a key feature, such as stem cell biology, immunology, and tumor cell biology. Single-cell-omics technologies have already contributed to the identification of novel disease biomarkers, cellular subsets, therapeutic targets and diagnostics, many of which would have been undetectable by bulk sequencing approaches. More recently, efforts to integrate single-cell multi-omics with single cell functional output and/or physical location have been challenging but have led to substantial advances. Perhaps most excitingly, there are emerging opportunities to reach beyond the description of static cellular states with recent advances in modulation of cells through CRISPR technology, in particular with the development of base editors which greatly raises the prospect of cell and gene therapies. In this review, we provide a brief overview of emerging single-cell technologies and discuss current developments in integrating single-cell molecular screens and performing single-cell multi-omics for clinical applications. We also discuss how single-cell molecular assays can be usefully combined with functional data to unpick the mechanism of cellular decision-making. Finally, we reflect upon the introduction of spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, its complementary role with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and potential application in cellular and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bode
- Wellcome Medical Research Council (MRC) Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alyssa H. Cull
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Juan A. Rubio-Lara
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - David G. Kent
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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Bonilla DL, Reinin G, Chua E. Full Spectrum Flow Cytometry as a Powerful Technology for Cancer Immunotherapy Research. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:612801. [PMID: 33585561 PMCID: PMC7878389 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.612801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Nobel Prize-deserving concept of blocking inhibitory pathways in T cells, to unleash their anti-tumoral capacity, became one of the pillars of cancer treatment in the last decade and has resulted in durable clinical responses for multiple cancer types. Currently, two of the most important goals in cancer immunotherapy are to understand the mechanisms resulting in failure to checkpoint blockade and to identify predictive immunological biomarkers that correlate to treatment response, disease progression or adverse effects. The identification and validation of biomarkers for routine clinical use is not only critical to monitor disease or treatment progression, but also to personalize and develop new therapies. To achieve these goals, powerful research tools are needed. Flow cytometry stands as one of the most successful single-cell analytical tools used to characterize immune cell phenotypes to monitor solid tumors, hematological malignancies, minimal residual disease or metastatic progression. This technology has been fundamental in diagnosis, treatment and translational research in cancer clinical trials. Most recently, the need to evaluate simultaneously more features in each cell has pushed the field to implement more powerful adaptations beyond conventional flow cytometry, including Full Spectrum Flow Cytometry (FSFC). FSFC captures the full emission spectrum of fluorescent molecules using arrays of highly sensitive light detectors, and to date has enabled characterization of 40 parameters in a single sample. We will summarize the contributions of this technology to the advancement of research in immunotherapy studies and discuss best practices to obtain reliable, robust and reproducible FSFC results.
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12
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Deuss E, Gößwein D, Gül D, Zimmer S, Foersch S, Eger CS, Limburg I, Stauber RH, Künzel J. Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Cancer: Her1-4 and c-Met in Conjunction with the Clinical Features and Human Papillomavirus (p16) Status. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113358. [PMID: 33202816 PMCID: PMC7697064 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Growth factor expression is a negative prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Targeted therapy has a limited effect on the treatment of advanced stages due to evolving resistance mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of growth factor receptors in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC) and evaluate their role in the context of the human papillomavirus status, prognosis and possible relevance for targeted therapy. Tissue microarrays of 78 primary OPSCC, 35 related lymph node metastasis, 6 distant metastasis and 9 recurrent tumors were manufactured to evaluate the expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/erbB/Her)1–4 and c-Met by immunohistochemistry. EGFR and c-Met are relevant negative prognostic factors especially in noxae-induced OPSCC. Thus, dual targeting of EGFR and c-Met could be a promising prospective target in OPSCC treatment. Frequent coexpression of assessed receptors represents a possible intrinsic resistance mechanism in targeted therapy. Abstract This study aimed to assess the distribution of growth factor receptors in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC) and evaluate their role in the context of human papillomavirus (HPV) status, prognosis and potential relevance for targeted therapy. The protein expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor (Her)1–4 and c-Met were retrospectively assessed using semiquantitative immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays and analyzed for correlations as well as differences in the clinicopathological criteria. Her1–4 and c-met were overexpressed compared to normal mucosa in 46%, 4%, 17%, 27% and 23%, respectively. Interestingly, most receptors were coexpressed. Her1 and c-Met were inversely correlated with p16 (p = 0.04; p = 0.02). Her2 and c-Met were associated with high tobacco consumption (p = 0.016; p = 0.04). High EGFR, Her3, Her4 and c-Met expression were associated with worse overall and disease-free survival (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, EGFR and c-Met expression showed raised hazard ratios of 2.53 (p = 0.02; 95% CI 1.24–5.18) and 2.45 (p = 0.02; 95% CI 1.13–5.35), respectively. Her4 was expressed less in distant metastases than in corresponding primary tumors and was correlated to a higher T category. EGFR and c-Met are relevant negative prognostic factors in OPSCC, independent of known clinicopathological parameters. We suggest dual targeting of EGFR and c-Met as a promising strategy for OPSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Deuss
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.G.); (D.G.); (C.S.E.); (I.L.); (R.H.S.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-0-177-8482208
| | - Dorothee Gößwein
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.G.); (D.G.); (C.S.E.); (I.L.); (R.H.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Désirée Gül
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.G.); (D.G.); (C.S.E.); (I.L.); (R.H.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Stefanie Zimmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.Z.); (S.F.)
| | - Sebastian Foersch
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (S.Z.); (S.F.)
| | - Claudia S. Eger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.G.); (D.G.); (C.S.E.); (I.L.); (R.H.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Ivonne Limburg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.G.); (D.G.); (C.S.E.); (I.L.); (R.H.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Roland H. Stauber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.G.); (D.G.); (C.S.E.); (I.L.); (R.H.S.); (J.K.)
- Institute for Biotechnology, Shanxi University, No. 92 Wucheng Road, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Julian Künzel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (D.G.); (D.G.); (C.S.E.); (I.L.); (R.H.S.); (J.K.)
- Ear, Nose and Throat Department, University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Morgan EL, Chen Z, Van Waes C. Regulation of NFκB Signalling by Ubiquitination: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2877. [PMID: 33036368 PMCID: PMC7601648 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with over 600,000 cases per year. The primary causes for HNSCC include smoking and alcohol consumption, with an increasing number of cases attributed to infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The treatment options for HNSCC currently include surgery, radiotherapy, and/or platinum-based chemotherapeutics. Cetuximab (targeting EGFR) and Pembrolizumab (targeting PD-1) have been approved for advanced stage, recurrent, and/or metastatic HNSCC. Despite these advances, whilst HPV+ HNSCC has a 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of around 80%, the 3-year OS for HPV- HNSCC is still around 55%. Aberrant signal activation of transcription factor NFκB plays an important role in the pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance of HNSCC. As an important mediator of inflammatory signalling and the immune response to pathogens, the NFκB pathway is tightly regulated to prevent chronic inflammation, a key driver of tumorigenesis. Here, we discuss how NFκB signalling is regulated by the ubiquitin pathway and how this pathway is deregulated in HNSCC. Finally, we discuss the current strategies available to target the ubiquitin pathway and how this may offer a potential therapeutic benefit in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan L. Morgan
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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