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Lu H, Kuang D, Zhou P, Zeng J, Xia Q, Wang J, Duan P, Jiang L, Zang S, Jin Y, Jiang X, Li J, Tang W, Zhou J, Chen J, Ying J. PD-L1 expression in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in China (EXCEED study): a multicentre retrospective study. J Clin Pathol 2024:jcp-2023-209059. [PMID: 37968103 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is known to be highly expressed in various malignancies, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We aimed to determine the prevalence of PD-L1 expression in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC (R/M HNSCC) among Chinese patients. METHODS This multicentre, retrospective analysis of data from six centres in China included patients with R/M HNSCC treated from 9 August 2021 to 28 February 2022. PD-L1 expression in tumour tissue was assessed and represented using a combined positive score (CPS). The χ2 and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel χ2 tests were used to compare the prevalence of different PD-L1 expression statuses according to related co-variables. RESULTS For all 402 examined patients with R/M HNSCC, 168 cases (41.8%) had PD-L1 expression with a CPS ≥20, and 337 cases (83.8%) had PD-L1 expression with a CPS ≥1. Between the PD-L1 CPS ≥20 group and PD-L1 CPS <20 group, statistically significant differences were observed for variables of sex (p<0.001), smoking habit (p=0.0138 for non-smokers vs current smokers) and primary tumour site (p<0.001 for hypopharynx vs oral cavity and p=0.0304 for larynx vs oral cavity, respectively). CONCLUSION PD-L1 with CPS ≥20 was expressed in about 41.8% of cases with R/M HNSCC among Chinese patients, and PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with sex, smoking history and primary tumour site. Our findings regarding the variables related to PD-L1 expression level provide insight for clinical practice and a solid basis for future research on immunotherapy in HNSCC. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN10570964.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhen Lu
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Kuang
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingxin Xia
- Department of Pathology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Duan
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengbing Zang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yiping Jin
- Department of Pathology, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiangnan Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jielin Li
- MRL Global Medical Affairs, MSD China, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenmin Tang
- MRL Global Medical Affairs, MSD China, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiansong Zhou
- MRL Global Medical Affairs, MSD China, Shanghai, China
| | - Jihua Chen
- MRL Global Medical Affairs, MSD China, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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2
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Manucha V. Head and Neck Fine Needle Aspiration: Current and Future Impact on Patient Care. Surg Pathol Clin 2024; 17:359-369. [PMID: 39129136 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2024.04.004] [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] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of multiple novel biomarkers in head and neck tumors has led to an increasing interest in utilizing head and neck cytology material as the primary specimens for testing diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Although human papillomavirus and programmed death ligand 1 are the most well-established biomarkers tested in cytology specimens, their utilization in cytology is limited by the absence of standardized protocols for specimen collection and fixation. This has led to a quest for innovative techniques to explore the genomic landscape in head and neck tumors and its application in cytology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Manucha
- Department of Pathology, Univeristy of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
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3
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Tudor F, Marijić B, Babarović E, Hadžisejdić I. Significance of PD-L1 and Tumor Microenvironment in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2645. [PMID: 39123373 PMCID: PMC11311265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the considerable advancement in the field of medicine over recent decades, laryngeal cancer continues to be a challenge. The field of immune oncology has generated promising immunomodulation therapies and opened up new ways of treatment. METHODS Our retrospective study included 102 patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of PD-L1 and tumor microenvironment cells (CD4, CD8, CD68 and CD163). RESULTS PD-L1 expression showed statistically significant positive correlations with all examined tumor microenvironment cells. Patients with high CD68 and CD163 expression intratumorally (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.006, respectively) had statistically significant shorter disease-specific survival. Moreover, a statistically shorter time to recurrence was found in patients with high CD68 intratumoral and CD8 overall counts (p = 0.049 and p = 0.019, respectively). Also, high CD8 overall (>23%) and CD68 intratumoral (>2.7%) expression were statistically significant predictors of recurrence (p = 0.028, OR = 3.11 and p = 0.019, OR = 3.13, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Higher CD68 and CD163 expression represented significantly worse prognosticators for clinical outcomes in patients with LSCC. In order to determine which LSCC patients will benefit from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, it is crucial to elucidate the relationship between PD-L1 expression, immune cell distribution and prognosis in LSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Tudor
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (F.T.); (B.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Blažen Marijić
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia; (F.T.); (B.M.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Emina Babarović
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ita Hadžisejdić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
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Hempenius MA, Koomen BM, Deckers IAG, Oosting SF, Willems SM, van der Vegt B. Considerable interlaboratory variation in PD-L1 positivity for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the Netherlands- A nationwide evaluation study. Histopathology 2024; 85:133-142. [PMID: 38606992 DOI: 10.1111/his.15184] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are eligible for first-line immune checkpoint inhibition if their tumour is positive for programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) determined by the combined positive score (CPS). This nationwide study, using real-world data, investigated the developing PD-L1 testing landscape in the first 3 years after introduction of the test in HNSCC and examined interlaboratory variation in PD-L1 positivity rates. METHODS Pathology reports of HNSCC patients mentioning PD-L1 were extracted from the Dutch Pathology Registry (Palga). Tumour and PD-L1 testing characteristics were analysed per year and interlaboratory variation in PD-L1 positivity rates was assessed using funnel plots with 95% confidence limits around the overall mean. RESULTS A total of 817 PD-L1 tests were reported in 702 patients among 19 laboratories; 85.2% of the tests on histological material were stated to be positive. The national PD-L1 positivity rate differed significantly per year during the study period (79.7-89.9%). The use of the recommended 22C3 antibody increased from 59.9 to 74.3%. A total of 673 PD-L1 tests on histological material from 12 laboratories were analysed to investigate interlaboratory variation. Four (33%) deviated significantly from the national mean of PD-L1-positive cases using CPS ≥ 1 cut-off, while two (17%) deviated significantly for CPS ≥ 20 cut-off. CONCLUSION In the first 3 years of PD-L1 assessment in HNSCC, the testing landscape became more uniform. However, interlaboratory variation in PD-L1 positivity rates between Dutch laboratories was substantial. This implies that there is a need for further test standardisation to reduce this variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Anna Hempenius
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje M Koomen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sjoukje F Oosting
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan M Willems
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Vegt
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Beyaert S, Borys A, Baldin P, Dahou H, Magremanne M, Mahy P, Renwart W, Machiels JP, Schmitz S. Study of the PD-L1 expression, T-cells density and immunoscore in paired baseline tumor biopsies and surgical specimens in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Oral Oncol 2024; 154:106869. [PMID: 38820890 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106869] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary objective was to evaluate the correlation between immune marker expression in baseline tumor biopsies and their respective surgical specimens in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OCSCC). Secondary objective was to assess the impact of these markers on overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with a histological diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma treated surgically between 2012 and 2020 were included in this retrospective, translational monocentric study. The expression of PD-L1, T-cells markers and an OCSCC-adapted immunoscore were evaluated by multiplex immunohistochemistry. RESULTS One hundred and four patients (mean: 58 years) were included. Seventy patients had paired samples available. Poor correlation was highlighted for PD-L1-positive surface expression (r = 0.29) and combined positive score (CPS). For CPS ≥ 20 and CPS ≥ 1, correlation coefficient r was 0.24 and 0.46 respectively. T-cells density showed also poor correlation with a r of 0.57 and 0.31 for CD3 and CD8 T-cells, respectively. Univariate survival analyses showed significant better OS and DFS (P < 0.05) for patients with stage III-IV OCSCC with a high compared to a low immunoscore, based on surgical samples only. CONCLUSION Our study showed poor correlation in PD-L1 expression, CPS, T-cells density and immunoscore between baseline tumor biopsies and surgical resection specimens. In addition, the immunoscore may emerge as a potential prognostic factor in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. If surgical specimens are available, they may be of interest for clinical practice decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Beyaert
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle MIRO, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Institut Roi Albert II & Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aléna Borys
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle MIRO, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pamela Baldin
- Department of Pathology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hajar Dahou
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle MIRO, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michèle Magremanne
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institut Roi Albert II & Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Mahy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institut Roi Albert II & Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - William Renwart
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Institut Roi Albert II & Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pascal Machiels
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle MIRO, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Roi Albert II & Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Schmitz
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle MIRO, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium; Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Institut Roi Albert II & Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
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Lee KS, Choi E, Cho SI, Park S, Ryu J, Puche AV, Ma M, Park J, Jung W, Ro J, Kim S, Park G, Song S, Ock CY, Choe G, Park JH. An artificial intelligence-powered PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) analyser in urothelial carcinoma alleviating interobserver and intersite variability. Histopathology 2024; 85:81-91. [PMID: 38477366 DOI: 10.1111/his.15176] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) have shown promising clinical outcomes in urothelial carcinoma (UC). The combined positive score (CPS) quantifies PD-L1 22C3 expression in UC, but it can vary between pathologists due to the consideration of both immune and tumour cell positivity. METHODS AND RESULTS An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered PD-L1 CPS analyser was developed using 1,275,907 cells and 6175.42 mm2 of tissue annotated by pathologists, extracted from 400 PD-L1 22C3-stained whole slide images of UC. We validated the AI model on 543 UC PD-L1 22C3 cases collected from three institutions. There were 446 cases (82.1%) where the CPS results (CPS ≥10 or <10) were in complete agreement between three pathologists, and 486 cases (89.5%) where the AI-powered CPS results matched the consensus of two or more pathologists. In the pathologist's assessment of the CPS, statistically significant differences were noted depending on the source hospital (P = 0.003). Three pathologists reevaluated discrepancy cases with AI-powered CPS results. After using the AI as a guide and revising, the complete agreement increased to 93.9%. The AI model contributed to improving the concordance between pathologists across various factors including hospital, specimen type, pathologic T stage, histologic subtypes, and dominant PD-L1-positive cell type. In the revised results, the evaluation discordance among slides from different hospitals was mitigated. CONCLUSION This study suggests that AI models can help pathologists to reduce discrepancies between pathologists in quantifying immunohistochemistry including PD-L1 22C3 CPS, especially when evaluating data from different institutions, such as in a telepathology setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sang Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Euno Choi
- Department of Pathology, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gheeyoung Choe
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hwan Park
- Department of Pathology, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kirby RP, Kim S, Abdurrahman LM, Kietzman A, Doan J, Hernandez D. Distant Multilevel Spinal Metastasis Secondary to Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cureus 2024; 16:e64715. [PMID: 39156392 PMCID: PMC11328829 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas account for most head and neck malignancies. While multi-modality treatment may be offered for locally advanced cancer, distant metastasis still occurs in a significant number of patients. This paper aims to present a rare case of a patient who developed bony metastases in the cervical spine from a primary hypopharyngeal malignancy status post-laryngopharyngectomy. We report a case of a male patient presenting with acute-on-chronic hypercapnic and hypoxic respiratory failure with two months of dysphagia and weight loss. On arrival, a barium swallow revealed mucosal irregularity of the upper thoracic esophagus as well as narrowing and stenosis. A direct laryngoscopy with biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. CT neck and chest were obtained for staging. He underwent a total laryngopharyngectomy, bilateral neck dissections, and a free flap. His final staging was pT4aN2c cM0. Three months post-admission, during inpatient radiation therapy, the patient reported midline neck pain with focal bone tenderness, and an MRI was obtained of his cervical and thoracic spine with a report concerning spinal metastasis.A subsequent bone biopsy showed findings consistent with osseous metastasis from a primary hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. After multidisciplinary goals of care discussions, the patient ultimately decided to be discharged to inpatient hospice. This report highlights a rare case of hypopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis to the cervical spine. Despite its rarity and poor prognosis, such a metastasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with a history of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and localizing symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Parker Kirby
- Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Sarah Kim
- Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Lama M Abdurrahman
- Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Alexander Kietzman
- Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - James Doan
- Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - David Hernandez
- Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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Xue L, Li Y, Jiang L, Liu C, Cheng N, Guo C, Jin Y, Zhou P, Xue X, Wang Y, Wang W, Liu Y, Ying J. Concordance between four PD-L1 immunohistochemical assays and 22C3 pharmDx assay in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a multicenter study. JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER CENTER 2024; 4:162-168. [PMID: 39282585 PMCID: PMC11390698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jncc.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prediction of response to immunotherapy mostly depends on the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) status, and the 22C3 pharmDx assay has been approved in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the widespread use of the 22C3 pharmDx assay is limited due to its availability. Thus, alternative PD-L1 assays are needed. We aimed to investigate the analytical and clinical diagnostic performances of four PD-L1 assays and to compare their concordances with the 22C3 pharmDx assay. Methods The PD-L1 22C3 pharmDx assay was performed on the Dako Autostainer Link 48 platform, three testing assays (PD-L1 E1L3N XP antibody [Ab], PD-L1 BP6099 Ab and PD-L1 CST E1L3N Ab) on the Leica BOND-MAX/III platform, and one testing assay (PD-L1 MXR006 Ab) on the Roche VENTANA Benchmark Ultra platform. A total of 218 ESCC cases from four centers were included in this retrospective study. Professionals from each center stained and read the IHC slides independently and determined the combined positive score (CPS) and the tumor proportion score (TPS). Results Regarding analytical performance, the four testing assays demonstrated good correlations with the 22C3 pharmDx assay when evaluated by the TPS or CPS (ρ > 0.8 for all four assays). Regarding diagnostic performance (CPS ≥ 10 was used as the cutoff), the four testing assays showed moderate concordances with the 22C3 pharmDx assay (kappa > 0.7 for all four assays). The overall percent agreements between each testing assay and the 22C3 pharmDx assay was at least 87.2 %. Conclusion This study provides insight into the potential interchangeability of the four PD-L1 assays with the 22C3 pharmDx assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Xue
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Jiang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong General Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Cheng
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Changyuan Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Jin
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuemin Xue
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiya Wang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanhui Liu
- Institute of Thoracic Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Balgobind S, Cheung VKY, Luk P, Low THH, Wykes J, Wu R, Lee J, Ch'ng S, Palme CE, Clark JR, Gupta R. Prognostic and predictive biomarkers in head and neck cancer: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a sixpence in your shoe. Pathology 2024; 56:170-185. [PMID: 38218691 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
A biomarker is a measurable indicator of biological or pathological processes or the response to an exposure or intervention and is used to guide management decisions. In head and neck pathology, biomarkers are assessed by histological criteria and immunohistochemical and molecular studies. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of management of many head and neck malignancies. Adjuvant radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy may be administered depending on the presence of adverse prognostic factors identified on histopathological or immunohistochemical examination. In this review, we outline the clinically relevant prognostic and predictive factors in head and neck malignancies including conventionally recognised factors such as tumour size, depth of invasion, lymphovascular and perineural invasion and margin status as well as novel evolving factors such as recurrent genetic rearrangements and assessment of immune checkpoints. Practical issues are discussed to assist with recognising and reporting of these factors. A summary of useful tools such as structured pathology report formats is also included to assist with comprehensive reporting of all clinically relevant parameters, minimise risk and improve workflow efficiencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Balgobind
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Veronica K Y Cheung
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Luk
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tsu-Hui Hubert Low
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Facial Nerve Service, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - James Wykes
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Raymond Wu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Radiation Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny Lee
- Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Sydney Ch'ng
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Carsten E Palme
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathan R Clark
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia; Sydney Facial Nerve Service, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ruta Gupta
- Department of Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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10
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Lou SSK, Ruff H, MacDonald S, Smith SM, Cheung CC. PD-L1 expression in fine-needle aspiration cell blocks of head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma and its cytohistological concordance. Diagn Cytopathol 2024; 52:163-170. [PMID: 38095142 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25264] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PD-L1 immunoexpression in head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC) determines immunotherapy eligibility. Patients are often diagnosed using fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of metastatic lymph nodes, however, the cytohistologic correlation of the combined positive score (CPS) is largely unknown. METHODS This study retrospectively identified 96 paired histologic (HS) and cytologic specimens (CyS), between 2016 and 2020, diagnosed with HNSCC. Cases with <100 tumor cells (n = 54) or missing block(s) (n = 8) were excluded. All 34 case pairs were scored with CPS using the PD-L1 22C3 pharmDx assay at clinically relevant cut-offs of <1%, 1%-19%, and ≥20% independently by three observers blinded to the case pairs (CyS with corresponding HS). RESULTS The CPS (<1/1-19/≥20) for CyS and HS were as follows: 10(29.4%)/10(29.4%)/14(41.2%) and 2(5.9%)/13(38.2%)/19(55.9%), respectively. There was fair overall cytohistologic agreement (OA) of 76.5% (k = 0.261) at the CPS cut-off of 1. The OA did not differ significantly between site-matched (n = 13) and -unmatched (n = 21) case pairs (p = .4653). CyS has a specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% but a negative predictive value (NPV) of only 20% as compared to its paired HS. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates fair CPS cytohistologic correlation in HNSCC specimens using the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay with high PPV but low NPV. This suggest that determining PD-L1 status in FNA specimens can play an important role in the clinical management of HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Si Kei Lou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Ruff
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Scott MacDonald
- Division of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen M Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carol C Cheung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Canini V, Eccher A, d’Amati G, Fusco N, Maffini F, Lepanto D, Martini M, Cazzaniga G, Paliogiannis P, Lobrano R, L’Imperio V, Pagni F. Digital Pathology Applications for PD-L1 Scoring in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Challenging Series. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1240. [PMID: 38592086 PMCID: PMC10932078 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The assessment of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive scoring (CPS) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is challenged by pre-analytical and inter-observer variabilities. An educational program to compare the diagnostic performances between local pathologists and a board of pathologists on 11 challenging cases from different Italian pathology centers stained with PD-L1 immunohistochemistry on a digital pathology platform is reported. A laboratory-developed test (LDT) using both 22C3 (Dako) and SP263 (Ventana) clones on Dako or Ventana platforms was compared with the companion diagnostic (CDx) Dako 22C3 pharm Dx assay. A computational approach was performed to assess possible correlations between stain features and pathologists' visual assessments. Technical discordances were noted in five cases (LDT vs. CDx, 45%), due to an abnormal nuclear/cytoplasmic diaminobenzidine (DAB) stain in LDT (n = 2, 18%) and due to variation in terms of intensity, dirty background, and DAB droplets (n = 3, 27%). Interpretative discordances were noted in six cases (LDT vs. CDx, 54%). CPS remained unchanged, increased, or decreased from LDT to CDx in three (27%) cases, two (18%) cases, and one (9%) case, respectively, around relevant cutoffs (1 and 20, k = 0.63). Differences noted in DAB intensity/distribution using computational pathology partly explained the LDT vs. CDx differences in two cases (18%). Digital pathology may help in PD-L1 scoring, serving as a second opinion consultation platform in challenging cases. Computational and artificial intelligence tools will improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Canini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.P.)
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia d’Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (N.F.); (F.M.); (D.L.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Fausto Maffini
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (N.F.); (F.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniela Lepanto
- Division of Pathology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20141 Milan, Italy; (N.F.); (F.M.); (D.L.)
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Department of Pathology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Cazzaniga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.P.); (R.L.)
| | - Renato Lobrano
- Anatomic Pathology and Histology, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.P.); (R.L.)
| | - Vincenzo L’Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.P.)
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy; (V.C.); (G.C.); (V.L.); (F.P.)
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12
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Zdrenka M, Kowalewski A, Ahmadi N, Sadiqi RU, Chmura Ł, Borowczak J, Maniewski M, Szylberg Ł. Refining PD-1/PD-L1 assessment for biomarker-guided immunotherapy: A review. BIOMOLECULES & BIOMEDICINE 2024; 24:14-29. [PMID: 37877810 PMCID: PMC10787614 DOI: 10.17305/bb.2023.9265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) immunotherapy is an increasingly crucial in cancer treatment. To date, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining protocols, commercially available in the form of "kits", facilitating testing for PD-L1 expression. These kits comprise four PD-L1 antibodies on two separate IHC platforms, each utilizing distinct, non-interchangeable scoring systems. Several factors, including tumor heterogeneity and the size of the tissue specimens assessed, can lead to PD-L1 status misclassification, potentially hindering the initiation of therapy. Therefore, the development of more accurate predictive biomarkers to distinguish between responders and non-responders prior to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy warrants further research. Achieving this goal necessitates refining sampling criteria, enhancing current methods of PD-L1 detection, and deepening our understanding of the impact of additional biomarkers. In this article, we review potential solutions to improve the predictive accuracy of PD-L1 assessment in order to more precisely anticipate patients' responses to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, monitor disease progression and predict clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Zdrenka
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Adam Kowalewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Navid Ahmadi
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Łukasz Chmura
- Department of Pathomorphology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre-Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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13
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Gangadhar P, Ilanthodi S, Shetty R, Shenoy KK, Philipose TR. Immunohistochemical study of Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PDL1) expression by combined positive score using 22C3 clone in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, its correlation with clinicopathological features and outcome. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2024; 28:29-36. [PMID: 38800420 PMCID: PMC11126244 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_339_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Context Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD L1) is a transmembrane protein that is highly expressed in neoplastic cells. Therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors target PD-1/PD-L1 blockade-inducing tumour regression. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PD-L1 expression enables patient selection for immunotherapy and can be considered as a potential predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Aims To determine the PDL1 expression in HNSCC, to correlate with clinicopathological features and outcome. Settings and Design We retrospectively analysed 59 cases of HNSCC at our Tertiary Hospital between January 2017 and November 2018 and followed up until death/Nov 2022 for Overall survival. Methods and Material IHC analysis of PD-L1 using Combined Positive Score (CPS) with antibody clone 22C3 in 59 cases of HNSCC was performed. PD-L1 expression was correlated with clinicopathological features and outcomes. Statistical Analysis Used Pearson Chi-square test was used to analyse the correlation between PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological parameters using SPSS20.0. Survival curves were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method, and differences were analysed by log-rank test. Results A total of 25 cases (42.4%) had positive PDL expression (CPS ≥1). 16/25 cases (27.1%) belonged to CPS (≥1, <10). An almost-perfect interobserver agreement was noted by two pathologists for PD-L1 IHC expression. No statistically significant correlation was noted between PD-L1 score and clinicopathologic features. Conclusions Detection of PD-L1 status gives further insight into frequency of PD-L1 expression in Indian HNSCC patients to possibly improve clinical treatment strategies, ensuring that our patients get the maximum therapeutic benefit of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithal Gangadhar
- Department of Pathology, A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kuntikana, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandhya Ilanthodi
- Department of Pathology, A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kuntikana, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Rachan Shetty
- Department of Oncology, A J Cancer Centre, Kuntikana, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - K. Kamalaksh Shenoy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, A J Cancer Centre, Kuntikana, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Thoppil Reba Philipose
- Department of Pathology, A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kuntikana, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
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14
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Kilaru S, Panda SS, Moharana L, Mohapatra D, Mohapatra SSG, Panda A, Kolluri S, Devaraj S, Kabi A, Das B, Biswas G. PD-L1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its clinical significance: A prospective observational study from a tertiary care centre. J Cancer Res Ther 2024; 20:46-51. [PMID: 38554297 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1239_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor cells contribute to tumor immunity and therapies directed against it, have shown encouraging results in recent years. As there is limited data on the significance of PD-L1 expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) from India, we aimed to study the PD-L1 expression and its relation with different clinic-pathological parameters in patients of HNSCC from a tertiary care center in Eastern India. METHODS A prospective evaluation of HNSCC patients diagnosed and managed at our center over a period of two and half years, was performed. PD-L1 expression in formalin fixed-paraffin embedded tumor tissue specimens was measured using SP-263 (Ventana) and 22C3 (Dako). A PD-L1 expression of <1%, 1-19%, ≥20% were considered negative, low, and high expression, respectively, and was correlated with various parameters. RESULTS A total of 71 patients (mean age 50.8 ± 13.3 years, 86% males) were diagnosed with HNSCC (buccal mucosa-28, tongue-22, rest of oral cavity-8, larynx-7, nasopharynx-6). The tumor was poorly differentiated in 12 (17%). PD-L1 positivity was seen in a total of 51 (71.8%) patients (1-19%:18, ≥20%:33). Thirty (85.7%) patients among those aged <50 years and 58.3% of those aged ≥50 years showed PD-L1 positivity which was significant (P = 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in PD-L1 positivity with respect to gender, tobacco use, tumor grade as well as tumor and nodal stage. Median follow up duration was 18 months (range 3-31 months) and there was significant difference in overall survival among PD-L1 positive and negative groups (31 vs 24 months; log rank P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS 72% of HNSCC patients in our cohort showed PD-L1 positivity and it was not associated with any patient demographic characteristics or aggressive pathological features. Positive PD-L1 expression may have a beneficial effect on overall survival in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindhu Kilaru
- Department of Medical Oncology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Soumya Surath Panda
- Department of Medical Oncology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Lalatendu Moharana
- Department of Medical Oncology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Debahuti Mohapatra
- Department of Pathology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | | | - Adyakinkar Panda
- Department of Radiology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Spoorthy Kolluri
- Department of Medical Oncology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Suma Devaraj
- Department of Medical Oncology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ananya Kabi
- Department of Pathology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Bharat Das
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sparsh Hospital and Critical care, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ghanashyam Biswas
- Department of Medical Oncology, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sparsh Hospital and Critical care, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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15
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Lee RH, Truong A, Wu X, Kang H, Algazi AP, El-Sayed IH, George JR, Heaton CM, Ryan WR, Ha PK, Wai KC. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in salivary gland cancers treated with pembrolizumab. Head Neck 2024; 46:129-137. [PMID: 37897202 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27565] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A minority of patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) salivary gland cancers (SGCs) benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), necessitating reliable biomarkers for ICI response prediction. METHODS Retrospective observational study of R/M SGC patients treated with pembrolizumab between 2016 and 2022, with a primary outcome of 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) and secondary outcome of 2-year overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were employed. RESULTS Twenty R/M SGC patients were included. After adjustment, NLR as a continuous variable was independently associated with 6-month PFS (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10-1.54, p = 0.002) and 2-year OS (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07-1.66, p = 0.010). Similarly, NLR ≥ 5 was associated with higher hazards of progression at 6 months (HR 12.85, 95% CI 2.17-76.16, p = 0.005) and death at 2 years (HR 11.25, 95% CI 1.67-75.77, p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Higher pretreatment NLR was independently associated with inferior 6-month PFS and 2-year OS in pembrolizumab-treated R/M SGC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex H Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Angeline Truong
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hyunseok Kang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alain P Algazi
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ivan H El-Sayed
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jonathan R George
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chase M Heaton
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - William R Ryan
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Patrick K Ha
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Katherine C Wai
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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16
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Bhandari C, Moffat A, Fakhry J, Malkoochi A, Nguyen A, Trinh B, Hoyt K, Story MD, Hasan T, Obaid G. A single photodynamic priming protocol augments delivery of ⍺-PD-L1 mAbs and induces immunogenic cell death in head and neck tumors. Photochem Photobiol 2023:10.1111/php.13865. [PMID: 37818742 PMCID: PMC11006828 DOI: 10.1111/php.13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Photodynamic priming (PDP) leverages the photobiological effects of subtherapeutic photodynamic therapy (PDT) regimens to modulate the tumor vasculature and stroma. PDP also sensitizes tumors to secondary therapies, such as immunotherapy by inducing a cascade of molecular events, including immunogenic cell death (ICD). We and others have shown that PDP improves the delivery of antibodies, among other theranostic agents. However, it is not known whether a single PDP protocol is capable of both inducing ICD in vivo and augmenting the delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this rapid communication, we show for the first time that a single PDP protocol using liposomal benzoporphyrin derivative (Lipo-BPD, 0.25 mg/kg) with 690 nm light (75 J/cm2 , 100 mW/cm2 ) simultaneously doubles the delivery of ⍺-PD-L1 antibodies in murine AT-84 head and neck tumors and induces ICD in vivo. ICD was observed as a 3-11 fold increase in tumor cell exposure of damage-associated molecular patterns (Calreticulin, HMGB1, and HSP70). These findings suggest that this single, highly translatable PDP protocol using clinically relevant Lipo-BPD holds potential for improving immunotherapy outcomes in head and neck cancer. It can do so by simultaneously overcoming physical barriers to the delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors, and biochemical barriers that contribute to immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanda Bhandari
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Azophi Moffat
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - John Fakhry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Ashritha Malkoochi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Austin Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Brian Trinh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth Hoyt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Present Address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Michael D. Story
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tayyaba Hasan
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Girgis Obaid
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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17
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Eccher A, Dei Tos AP, Scarpa A, L'Imperio V, Munari E, Troncone G, Naccarato AG, Seminati D, Pagni F. Cost analysis of archives in the pathology laboratories: from safety to management. J Clin Pathol 2023; 76:659-663. [PMID: 37532289 PMCID: PMC10511949 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite the reluctance to invest and the challenging estimation of necessary supporting costs, optimising the archives seems to be one of the hottest topics in the future management of the pathology laboratories. Historically, archives were only partially designed to securely store and organise tissue specimens, and tracking systems were often flawed, posing significant risks to patients' health and legal ramifications for pathologists. OBJECTIVE The current review explores the available data from the literature on archives' management in pathology, including comprehensive business plans, structure setup, outfit, inventories, ongoing conservation and functional charges. DATA SOURCES Electronic searches in PubMed-MEDLINE and Embase were made to extract pertinent articles from the literature. Works about the archiving process and storage were included and analysed to extract information. Prepublication servers were ignored. Italian Institutional Regional databases for public competitive bidding processes were queried too. CONCLUSIONS A new emergent feeling in the pathology laboratory is growing for archives management; the digital pathology era is a great opportunity to apply innovation to tracking systems and samples preservation. The main aim is a critical evaluation of the return of investment in developing automatic and tracked archiving processes for improving not only quality, efficacy and efficiency of the labs but also patients' healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albino Eccher
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Università degli Studi di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo L'Imperio
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Pathology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Public Health, University of Naples Federico II School of Medicine and Surgery, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Davide Seminati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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18
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Brennan S, O'Neill J, Kennedy S. Verification and validation of the anti-PD-L1 antibody, Clone 22C 3 on a laboratory-developed test. J Clin Pathol 2023; 76:678-683. [PMID: 35820775 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2022-208353] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The first aim of this study is to compare and validate the performance of the programmed death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay kit processed via Dako Omnis platform with the Dako Autostainer Link 48. The second aim is to examine the concordance of scoring by pathologists using the same immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay on the Dako Omnis platform and the Dako Autostainer Link 48. METHODS Fourty-seven formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumour were stained with the PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx assay kit processed via the Dako Autostainer Link 48 and the Dako Omnis platform. Combined positive score (CPS) was ascribed by two scoring pathologists, with discordant cases provided with an agreed score. RESULTS First, identical staining patterns were identified. Second, high agreement of PD-L1 scores when a CPS cut-off of 1 was implemented illustrated an overall agreement of 94%, positive agreement of 100% and negative agreement of 88%. Finally, results highlight an intraexaminer concordance of 89% and interexaminer concordance of 85% and 92%. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we propose to open for discussion the deconstruction of the current practice of a compulsory companion diagnostic test (CDT) for a particular PD-L1 immunohistochemical assay. The implementation of laboratory developed tests as an alternative to the CDT poses as a novel and readily available method to surmount limitations posed to pathology laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Susan Kennedy
- Pathology, Saint Vincent's, Dublin, Ireland
- Pathology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Surucu A, Hou T, Kuhar M, Durm G, Mesa H. Comparison of PD-L1 IHC 22C3 PharmDx Combined Positive Score (CPS) in Primary Versus Metastatic Nodal Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck: Is There a Significant Difference? Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2023; 31:550-554. [PMID: 37358840 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx is an FDA-approved companion test to select patients for anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma PD-L1 expression is determined using a Combined Positive Score (CPS), which evaluates expression in tumor cells and tumor-associated leukocytes. We hypothesized that in nodal metastasis, the CPS should be higher given their inherent higher proportion of leukocytes. A significant difference in CPS between sites would mean that the tissue chosen for PD-L1 testing would impact patient eligibility for therapy. Currently, guidelines about which tissue should be tested do not exist. PD-L1 22C3 IHC was performed in the primary and nodal metastases of 35 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and a CPS was generated by 3 pathologists. Mean CPS was higher at the primary than the nodal metastasis: 47.2 versus 42.2; however, the difference was not statistically significant: P=0.259 . By therapeutic groups: negative (CPS <1), low (CPS 1-19) and high (CPS≥20), low-expression was more common in the primary: 40 vs. 26%, and high-expression in the nodal metastasis: 74 vs. 60% but this difference was not statistically significant: P=0.180. Stratified by positive versus negative (CPS <1 vs. ≥1), there were no differences between sites. Interobserver agreement for CPS among the 3 raters was slight for both sites: ƙ = 0.117 and 0.025, fair if stratified by therapeutic group: ƙ = 0.371 and 0.318, and near perfect if stratified as negative versus positive: ƙ = 0.652 and 1. There were no statistically significant differences in CPS between primary and nodal metastases independent of how the CPS was stratified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tieying Hou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
| | | | - Greg Durm
- Division of Hematology/Oncology,Department of Medicine, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Hector Mesa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
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20
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Yeung C, Meyers BM, Kartolo A. Management of metastatic head and neck Cancer: An all-in, kitchen-sink Approach? Oral Oncol 2023; 143:106444. [PMID: 37336178 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Yeung
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandon M Meyers
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Escarpment Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adi Kartolo
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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21
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Misetic H, Keddar MR, Jeannon JP, Ciccarelli FD. Mechanistic insights into the interactions between cancer drivers and the tumour immune microenvironment. Genome Med 2023; 15:40. [PMID: 37277866 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01197-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The crosstalk between cancer and the tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) has attracted significant interest in the latest years because of its impact on cancer evolution and response to treatment. Despite this, cancer-specific tumour-TIME interactions and their mechanistic insights are still poorly understood. METHODS Here, we compute the significant interactions occurring between cancer-specific genetic drivers and five anti- and pro-tumour TIME features in 32 cancer types using Lasso regularised ordinal regression. Focusing on head and neck squamous cancer (HNSC), we rebuild the functional networks linking specific TIME driver alterations to the TIME state they associate with. RESULTS The 477 TIME drivers that we identify are multifunctional genes whose alterations are selected early in cancer evolution and recur across and within cancer types. Tumour suppressors and oncogenes have an opposite effect on the TIME and the overall anti-tumour TIME driver burden is predictive of response to immunotherapy. TIME driver alterations predict the immune profiles of HNSC molecular subtypes, and perturbations in keratinization, apoptosis and interferon signalling underpin specific driver-TIME interactions. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study delivers a comprehensive resource of TIME drivers, gives mechanistic insights into their immune-regulatory role, and provides an additional framework for patient prioritisation to immunotherapy. The full list of TIME drivers and associated properties are available at http://www.network-cancer-genes.org .
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrvoje Misetic
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK
| | - Mohamed Reda Keddar
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK
| | - Jean-Pierre Jeannon
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Great Maze Pond, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Francesca D Ciccarelli
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK.
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22
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Chen Y, Ding X, Bai X, Zhou Z, Liu Y, Zhang X, Yu J, Hu M. The current advances and future directions of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the era of immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110329. [PMID: 37207445 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have previously demonstrated their efficacy and safety in various solid tumors, and with the growing interest in the application of ICIs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), various data have been reported. Mechanistically, HNSCC cells express programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), which binds to its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1). Immune escape plays a key role in disease initiation and progression. Studying the abnormal activation of related pathways of PD-1/PD-L1 will help to understand the way of immunotherapy and find the advantageous population of immunotherapy. How to reduce HNSCC-related mortality and morbidity in this process has promoted the search for new therapeutic strategies, especially in the era of immunotherapy. PD-1 inhibitors have demonstrated significant prolongation of survival in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC with a favorable safety profile. It also holds great promise in locally advanced (LA) HNSCC, where numerous studies are underway. Although immunotherapy has made great progress in HNSCC research, there are still many challenges. Therefore, in the review, we conducted an in-depth study on the expression of PD-L1 and the regulatory, immunosuppressive mechanisms caused by PD-L1, especially in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which is different from other tumors. And further summarize the situation, challenges and development trends of PD-1 and PD-L1 blockade in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhao Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Xingchen Ding
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Xinbin Bai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tumor Hospital of Jining, Jining, Shandong 272007, China
| | - Zihan Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, China
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Jinming Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong University Cancer Center, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China; Department of Radiation Oncology and Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China; Research Unit of Radiation Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China.
| | - Man Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, China.
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23
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Taverna C, Franchi A. Role of Surgical Pathologist for Detection of Immunooncologic Predictive Factors in Head and Neck Cancer. Adv Anat Pathol 2023; 30:167-173. [PMID: 36175939 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancers. Antiprogrammed cell death (PD)-1 therapies have been recently approved in this setting and they are currently tested also in the treatment of locally advanced diseases and in the neoadjuvant setting. However, the clinical benefits of these treatments have been quite variable, hence the need to select those patients who may obtain the maximal efficacy through the identification of predictive biomarkers. Currently, PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression by tumor and immune cells is the most widely used predictive biomarker for immunotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, patients with PD-L1 - tumors may still respond to treatments, thereby emphasizing the need for the identification of other predictive biomarkers. In this review, we summarize the current data on histologic and molecular parameters that can be used to select patients with head and neck cancers for immunotherapy, with a focus on squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Taverna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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24
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Zhang MJ, Wu CC, Wang S, Yang LL, Sun ZJ. Overexpression of LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR in adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Oral Dis 2023; 29:175-187. [PMID: 34651389 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) are the two most frequent malignancies of salivary glands. This study aims to explore the expression and migration of LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR in AdCC and MEC, and the potential relationship with oncogenic signaling molecules and immunosuppressive cytokines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Custom made human salivary gland tissue microarrays included 81 AdCCs, 52 MECs, 76 normal salivary glands (NSG), and 14 pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) samples. Immunohistochemical analysis of lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3), T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3), adenosine 2a receptor (A2aR), oncogenic phosphorylated S6 kinase (p-S6) and ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2 ), and TGF-β1 was performed with salivary gland tissue microarrays of human samples. The correlation of the immunostaining was analyzed based on a digital pathological system, and data were evaluated by hierarchical cluster. Further in vitro studies of knockdown immune checkpoints LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR were carried out by siRNA transfection. RESULTS The expression levels of LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR were remarkably increased in AdCC and MEC, compared with NSG and PMA samples, but were independent of pathology grade. They were closely correlated with TGF-β1, slightly related to p-ERK1/2 and p-S6. After the knockdown of immune checkpoints LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR, the migration of SACC-LM cell line was significantly reduced. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that LAG3, TIM3, and A2aR are overexpressed in AdCC and MEC, may promote migration of SACC-LM cell and correlated with TGF-β1 and oncogenic signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jie Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Cong-Cong Wu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei-Lei Yang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Jun Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Head Neck Oncology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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25
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Pérez JMT, García-Cosío M, García-Castaño A, Gomà M, Mesia-Nin R, Ruiz-Bravo E, Soria-Rivas A, Castillo P, Braña-García I, Alberola-Ferranti M. Recommendations for the use of biomarkers for head and neck cancer, including salivary gland tumours: A Consensus of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology and the Spanish Society of Pathology. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE PATOLOGIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ANATOMIA PATOLOGICA Y DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE CITOLOGIA 2023; 56:45-57. [PMID: 36599600 DOI: 10.1016/j.patol.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of head and neck and salivary gland tumours is complicated and is constantly evolving. Prognostic and predictive indicators of response to treatment are enormously valuable for designing individualized therapies, which justifies their research and validation. Some biomarkers, such as p16, Epstein-Barr virus, PD-L1, androgen receptors and HER-2, are already used routinely in clinical practice. These biomarkers, along with other markers that are currently under development, and the massively parallel sequencing of genes, ensure future advances in the treatment of these neoplasms. In this consensus, a group of experts in the diagnosis and treatment of tumours of the head and neck and salivary glands were selected by the Spanish Society of Pathology (Sociedad Española de Anatomía Patológica - SEAP) and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica - SEOM) to evaluate the currently available information and propose a series of recommendations to optimize the determination and daily clinical use of biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Trigo Pérez
- Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Málaga, Spain.
| | - Mónica García-Cosío
- Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena García-Castaño
- Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Santander, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gomà
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ricard Mesia-Nin
- Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Badalona, Spain
| | - Elena Ruiz-Bravo
- La Paz University Hospital, Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainara Soria-Rivas
- Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Castillo
- Clínic de Barcelona Hospital, Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Braña-García
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Lee RH, Wai KC, Chan JW, Ha PK, Kang H. Approaches to the Management of Metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5698. [PMID: 36428790 PMCID: PMC9688467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High rates of recurrence and distant metastasis are a foremost challenge in the management of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), occurring in approximately 40% of all ACC patients. Despite the morbidity and mortality resulting from recurrent/metastatic (R/M) disease, there are no FDA-approved systemic agents for these patients. In this review, we summarize pertinent ACC pathophysiology and its implications for different systemic treatment regimens in R/M ACC. We review the evidence for the most widely used systemic agents - cytotoxic chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting VEGFR - in addition to immune checkpoint inhibitors and non-TKI biologic agents. Exciting emerging targets for R/M ACC, including inhibitors of Notch signaling, stemness, PRMT5, and Axl, are also discussed. Lastly, we review local therapies for small-volume lung disease in patients with oligometastatic ACC, specifically pulmonary metastasectomy and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Future development of targeted molecular agents which exploit the underlying biology of this disease may yield novel therapeutic options to improve clinical outcomes in patients with R/M ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex H. Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Katherine C. Wai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Jason W. Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Patrick K. Ha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Hyunseok Kang
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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27
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Pisani S, Bertino G, Prina-Mello A, Locati LD, Mauramati S, Genta I, Dorati R, Conti B, Benazzo M. Electroporation in Head-and-Neck Cancer: An Innovative Approach with Immunotherapy and Nanotechnology Combination. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5363. [PMID: 36358782 PMCID: PMC9658293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy that arises in the head-and-neck district. Traditional treatment could be insufficient in case of recurrent and/or metastatic cancers; for this reason, more selective and enhanced treatments are in evaluation in preclinical and clinical trials to increase in situ concentration of chemotherapy drugs promoting a selectively antineoplastic activity. Among all cancer treatment types (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), electroporation (EP) has emerged as a safe, less invasive, and effective approach for cancer treatment. Reversible EP, using an intensive electric stimulus (i.e., 1000 V/cm) applied for a short time (i.e., 100 μs), determines a localized electric field that temporarily permealizes the tumor cell membranes while maintaining high cell viability, promoting cytoplasm cell uptake of antineoplastic agents such as bleomycin and cisplatin (electrochemotherapy), calcium (Ca2+ electroporation), siRNA and plasmid DNA (gene electroporation). The higher intracellular concentration of antineoplastic agents enhances the antineoplastic activity and promotes controlled tumor cell death (apoptosis). As secondary effects, localized EP (i) reduces the capillary blood flow in tumor tissue ("vascular lock"), lowering drug washout, and (ii) stimulates the immune system acting against cancer cells. After years of preclinical development, electrochemotherapy (ECT), in combination with bleomycin or cisplatin, is currently one of the most effective treatments used for cutaneous metastases and primary skin and mucosal cancers that are not amenable to surgery. To reach this clinical evidence, in vitro and in vivo models were preclinically developed for evaluating the efficacy and safety of ECT on different tumor cell lines and animal models to optimize dose and administration routes of drugs, duration, and intensity of the electric field. Improvements in reversible EP efficacy are under evaluation for HNSCC treatment, where the focus is on the development of a combination treatment between EP-enhanced nanotechnology and immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pisani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- LBCAM, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, DO2 W085 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Deborah Locati
- Translational Oncology, IRCCS ICS Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Mauramati
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ida Genta
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rossella Dorati
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Bice Conti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Benazzo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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28
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Trigo J, García-Cosío M, García-Castaño A, Gomà M, Mesia-Nin R, Ruiz-Bravo E, Soria-Rivas A, Castillo P, Braña-García I, Alberola-Ferranti M. Recommendations for the use of biomarkers for head and neck cancer, including salivary gland tumours: a consensus of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology and the Spanish Society of Pathology. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1890-1902. [PMID: 35739348 PMCID: PMC9418267 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02856-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of head and neck and salivary gland tumours is complicated and evolves constantly. Prognostic and predictive indicators of response to treatment are enormously valuable for designing individualized therapies, which justifies their research and validation. Some biomarkers, such as p16, Epstein-Barr virus, PD-L1, androgen receptors and HER-2, are already used routinely in clinical practice. These biomarkers, along with other markers that are currently under development, and the massively parallel sequencing of genes, ensure future advances in the treatment of these neoplasms. In this consensus, a group of experts in the diagnosis and treatment of tumours of the head and neck and salivary glands were selected by the Spanish Society of Pathology (Sociedad Española de Anatomía Patológica-SEAP) and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica-SEOM) to evaluate the currently available information and propose a series of recommendations to optimize the determination and daily clinical use of biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Trigo
- HC Marbella International Hospital, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Marbella, Spain.
| | - Mónica García-Cosío
- Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena García-Castaño
- Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Santander, Spain
| | - Montserrat Gomà
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Ricard Mesia-Nin
- Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), Badalona Applied Research Group in Oncology, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Badalona, Spain
| | - Elena Ruiz-Bravo
- La Paz University Hospital, Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainara Soria-Rivas
- Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paola Castillo
- Clínic de Barcelona Hospital, Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Braña-García
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Kitichotkul K, Lertprasertsuke N, Kintarak S, Pongsiriwet S, Powcharoen W, Iamaroon A. Expression of PD-L1 is HPV/P16-independent in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10667. [PMID: 36212017 PMCID: PMC9535272 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Study design Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit Kitichotkul
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nirush Lertprasertsuke
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sompid Kintarak
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkhla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Surawut Pongsiriwet
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Warit Powcharoen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Anak Iamaroon
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Excellence Center in Osteology Research and Training Center (ORTC), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Corresponding author.
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30
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Hempenius MA, Bisheshar SK, Slagter-Menkema L, van der Kamp MF, Halmos GB, Doff JJ, Willems SM, van der Vegt B. Inter-assay reliability of programmed cell death-ligand 1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2022; 134:106086. [PMID: 35995004 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.106086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) 22C3 pharmDx assay is used as a companion diagnostic test to select head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients that may benefit from treatment with the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab. Because the Dako platform is not universally available, we studied the performance of a 22C3 laboratory developed test (LDT) performed on a Ventana BenchMark Ultra compared to the 22C3 pharmDx assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serial sections from tissue micro arrays (TMAs) containing tumour tissue from 97 HNSCC patients were stained with the 22C3 pharmDx assay and 22C3 LDT. All TMA cores were scored by three dedicated head and neck pathologists for PD-L1 expression. RESULTS Substantial interobserver agreement was reported for both the standardized 22C3 pharmDx assay and the 22C3 LDT (respectively Fleiss' κ 0.62, 95% CI 0.57-0.67 and 0.63, 95% CI 0.58-0.68). Concordance between the assays was almost perfect on core and patient level (respectively Weighted κ 0.84, 95% CI 0.79-0.89 and 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.92). Intratumor heterogeneity between the cores per patient case was similar in both assays. CONCLUSION After validation a 22C3 LDT is non-inferior to the standardized 22C3 pharmDx assay and can be safely used to select HNSCC patients for pembrolizumab treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Anna Hempenius
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Sangeeta Kareshma Bisheshar
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lorian Slagter-Menkema
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martine Froukje van der Kamp
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gyorgy Bela Halmos
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Johannes Doff
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Martin Willems
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bert van der Vegt
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Sabatini ME, Compagnoni M, Maffini F, Miccolo C, Pagni F, Lombardi M, Brambilla V, Lepanto D, Tagliabue M, Ansarin M, Citro S, Chiocca S. The UBC9/SUMO pathway affects E-cadherin cleavage in HPV-positive head and neck cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:940449. [PMID: 36032664 PMCID: PMC9411811 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.940449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional loss of E-cadherin is frequent during tumor progression and occurs through a variety of mechanisms, including proteolytic cleavage. E-cadherin downregulation leads to the conversion of a more malignant phenotype promoting Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). The UBC9/SUMO pathway has been also shown to be involved in the regulation of EMT in different cancers. Here we found an increased expression of UBC9 in the progression of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) and uncovered a role for UBC9/SUMO in hampering the HPV-mediated E-cadherin cleavage in HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elisa Sabatini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
| | - Micaela Compagnoni
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
| | - Fausto Maffini
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Miccolo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mariano Lombardi
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Brambilla
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pathology, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Daniela Lepanto
- Division of Pathology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Tagliabue
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Mohssen Ansarin
- Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Citro
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Citro, ; Susanna Chiocca,
| | - Susanna Chiocca
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, IEO Campus, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Simona Citro, ; Susanna Chiocca,
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Wang W, Lozar T, Golfinos AE, Lee D, Gronski E, Ward-Shaw E, Hayes M, Bruce JY, Kimple RJ, Hu R, Harari PM, Xu J, Keske A, Sondel PM, Fitzpatrick MB, Dinh HQ, Lambert PF. Stress Keratin 17 Expression in Head and Neck Cancer Contributes to Immune Evasion and Resistance to Immune-Checkpoint Blockade. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2953-2968. [PMID: 35621713 PMCID: PMC9250640 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated whether in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) high levels of expression of stress keratin 17 (K17) are associated with poor survival and resistance to immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We investigated the role of K17 in regulating both the tumor microenvironment and immune responsiveness of HNSCC using a syngeneic mouse HNSCC model, MOC2. MOC2 gives rise to immunologically cold tumors that are resistant to immune-checkpoint blockade (ICB). We engineered multiple, independent K17 knockout (KO) MOC2 cell lines and monitored their growth and response to ICB. We also measured K17 expression in human HNSCC of patients undergoing ICB. RESULTS MOC2 tumors were found to express K17 at high levels. When knocked out for K17 (K17KO MOC2), these cells formed tumors that grew slowly or spontaneously regressed and had a high CD8+ T-cell infiltrate in immunocompetent syngeneic C57BL/6 mice compared with parental MOC2 tumors. This phenotype was reversed when we depleted mice for T cells. Whereas parental MOC2 tumors were resistant to ICB treatment, K17KO MOC2 tumors that did not spontaneously regress were eliminated upon ICB treatment. In a cohort of patients with HNSCC receiving pembrolizumab, high K17 expression correlated with poor response. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed broad differences in the immune landscape of K17KO MOC2 tumors compared with parental MOC2 tumors, including differences in multiple lymphoid and myeloid cell types. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that K17 expression in HNSCC contributes to immune evasion and resistance to ICB treatment by broadly altering immune landscapes of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Taja Lozar
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA,University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Athena E. Golfinos
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Denis Lee
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Ellery Gronski
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Ella Ward-Shaw
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Mitchell Hayes
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Justine Y. Bruce
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Randall J Kimple
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Rong Hu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Paul M. Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aysenur Keske
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Paul M. Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA,University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
| | - Megan B. Fitzpatrick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Huy Q. Dinh
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA,University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research/ Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI, USA,University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison
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Atlas of PD-L1 for Pathologists: Indications, Scores, Diagnostic Platforms and Reporting Systems. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12071073. [PMID: 35887569 PMCID: PMC9321150 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12071073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Innovative drugs targeting the PD1/PD-L1 axis have opened promising scenarios in modern cancer therapy. Plenty of assays and scoring systems have been developed for the evaluation of PD-L1 immunohistochemical expression, so far considered the most reliable therapeutic predictive marker. Methods. By gathering the opinion of acknowledged experts in dedicated fields of pathology, we sought to update the currently available evidence on PD-L1 assessment in various types of tumors. Results. Robust data were progressively collected for several anatomic districts and leading international agencies to approve specific protocols: among these, TPS with 22C3, SP142 and SP263 clones in lung cancer; IC with SP142 antibody in breast, lung and urothelial tumors; and CPS with 22C3/SP263 assays in head and neck and urothelial carcinomas. On the other hand, for other malignancies, such as gastroenteric neoplasms, immunotherapy has been only recently introduced, often for particular histotypes, so specific guidelines are still lacking. Conclusions. PD-L1 immunohistochemical scoring is currently the basis for allowing many cancer patients to receive properly targeted therapies. While protocols supported by proven data are already available for many tumors, dedicated studies and clinical trials focusing on harmonization of the topic in other still only partially explored fields are surely yet advisable.
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Nocini R, Vianini M, Girolami I, Calabrese L, Scarpa A, Martini M, Morbini P, Marletta S, Brunelli M, Molteni G, Parwani A, Pantanowitz L, Eccher A. PD-L1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A key biomarker from the laboratory to the bedside. Clin Exp Dent Res 2022; 8:690-698. [PMID: 35593124 PMCID: PMC9209791 DOI: 10.1002/cre2.590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives and background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly malignant disease with an increasing incidence. The need to improve therapeutic strategies for patients affected by OSCC is an urgent challenge. Currently, the advent of immunotherapy represents an important step toward this aim. Programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), a membrane protein that can be expressed on tumor and inflammatory cells is a key biomarker whose expression is determined by means of immunohistochemistry and is necessary for selecting patients for immunotherapy. Methods: In this study, we review the methods of PD‐L1 assessment and outcomes achieved with immunotherapy in the treatment of OSCC patients. Results: Based on a meta‐analysis we demonstrate a lack of prognostic significance of PD‐L1 in OSCC. Conclusions: We also highlight unresolved issues including difficulties in standardizing PD‐L1 evaluation and discuss future opportunities such as leveraging digital pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nocini
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Vianini
- Department of Otolaryngology, Villafranca Hospital, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Division of Pathology, Central Hospital Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Luca Calabrese
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Central Hospital Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Catholic University-Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Morbini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Pathology, University of Pavia and Foundation IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Marletta
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriele Molteni
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anil Parwani
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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De Keukeleire SJ, Vermassen T, Deron P, Huvenne W, Duprez F, Creytens D, Van Dorpe J, Ferdinande L, Rottey S. Concordance, Correlation, and Clinical Impact of Standardized PD-L1 and TIL Scoring in SCCHN. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2431. [PMID: 35626035 PMCID: PMC9139955 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The clinical significance of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression has been thoroughly researched in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). To address the impact of intra- and intertumoral heterogeneity in these biomarkers, we explored the concordance of PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) and stromal TILs in different paired tissue sample types, while evaluating their internal relationship and prognostic impact. METHODS A total of 165 tissue blocks from 80 SCCHN patients were reviewed for TILs and PD-L1 CPS. Concordance between paired tissue samples was evaluated, and their association with several clinicopathological variables, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) was determined. RESULTS Biopsies and paired resection material were severely discordant in 39% and 34% of samples for CPS and TIL count, respectively, of which CPS was underscored in 27% of biopsies. In paired primary tumor-metastatic lesions, the disagreement was lower for CPS (19%) but not for TIL count (44%). PD-L1 CPS was correlated with prolonged OS when calculated from tissue acquirement, while extended OS and DFS were observed for high TIL density. CONCLUSION Intertumoral and, especially, intratumoral heterogeneity were confounding factors when determining PD-L1 CPS and TIL count on paired tissue samples, indicating the increasing necessity of assessing both biomarkers on representative tissue material. Although TILs hold valuable prognostic information in SCCHN, the robustness of PD-L1 as a biomarker in SCCHN remains ambiguous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Jeroen De Keukeleire
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.V.); (S.R.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Jette, Belgium
| | - Tijl Vermassen
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.V.); (S.R.)
- Drug Research Unit Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Philippe Deron
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.D.); (W.H.)
| | - Wouter Huvenne
- Drug Research Unit Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.D.); (W.H.)
| | - Fréderic Duprez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - David Creytens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (D.C.); (J.V.D.); (L.F.)
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (D.C.); (J.V.D.); (L.F.)
| | - Liesbeth Ferdinande
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (D.C.); (J.V.D.); (L.F.)
| | - Sylvie Rottey
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (T.V.); (S.R.)
- Drug Research Unit Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Ambrosini-Spaltro A, Limarzi F, Gaudio M, Calpona S, Meccariello G. PD-L1 expression in head and neck carcinoma by combined positive score: a comparison among preoperative biopsy, tumor resection, and lymph node metastasis. Virchows Arch 2022; 481:93-99. [PMID: 35420378 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently been approved for the treatment of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The determination of PD-L1 using the combined positive score (CPS) is of utmost importance in the selection of patients. However, it is unclear which material should be examined. This study aimed to compare PD-L1 CPS in the resections of primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes, and in the biopsies of the primary tumors.We collected 30 resected HNSCCs with lymph node metastases; in 17 of these, preoperative biopsies were retrieved. PD-L1 immunostaining of 75 samples was performed using the Dako 22C3 antibody on the Ventana ULTRA platform. An appropriate internal control was performed on each slide. CPS was calculated for each reaction. Concordance values and k were calculated for each patient. CPS cut-off values were fixed at 0 and 20.Tumors were resected from the oral cavity (4), oropharynx (17), hypopharynx (1), and larynx (8). The overall concordance of CPS between tumor resection and lymph node metastasis was 76.7% (k = 0.593). The overall concordance of CPS between tumor resection and tumor biopsy was 86.7% (k = 0.688). The agreement was moderate to substantial for each comparison.PD-L1 CPS may be correctly determined not only in resected primary tumors, but also in removed lymph node metastases, as well as in preoperative biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ambrosini-Spaltro
- Pathology Unit, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Via Carlo Forlanini, 34, 47121, Forlì, Italy.
| | - Francesco Limarzi
- Pathology Unit, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Via Carlo Forlanini, 34, 47121, Forlì, Italy
| | - Michele Gaudio
- Pathology Unit, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Via Carlo Forlanini, 34, 47121, Forlì, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Calpona
- Clinical and Experimental Oncology of Immunotherapy and Rare Cancers, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Meccariello
- Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery Unit, Morgagni-Pierantoni Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Forlì, Italy
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Concordance between Three PD-L1 Immunohistochemical Assays in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) in a Multicenter Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020477. [PMID: 35204568 PMCID: PMC8871075 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of immunotherapy targeting the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis has represented a turning point in the treatment of HNSCC. Harmonization studies comparing the different antibodies and immunohistochemistry platforms available for the evaluation of PD-L1 expression with Combined Positive Score (CPS) in HNSCC are strongly required. Tissue microarrays (TMA) constructed from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks of HNSCC tumor were stained with two commercial in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) PD-L1 immunohistochemical assays (22C3 pharmDx on Autostainer Link48 and Omnis platforms, and SP263) and were reviewed by seven trained pathologists to assess CPS. We found a very similar distribution for PD-L1 expression between 22C3 pharmDx assay with both platforms and SP263 assay and a strong significant correlation between the two assays in different platforms (p < 0.0001). The interobserver reliability among pathologists for the continuous scores of CPS with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the correlation between the two assays were both good. Moreover, the agreement rate between assays was high at all cut-offs, while the kappa values were from substantial to almost perfect. These data suggest the interchangeability of the two antibodies and of the different immunohistochemical platforms in the selection of patients with HNSCC for immunotherapy.
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Paolino G, Pantanowitz L, Barresi V, Pagni F, Munari E, Moretta L, Brunelli M, Bariani E, Vigliar E, Pisapia P, Malapelle U, Troncone G, Girolami I, Eccher A. PD-L1 evaluation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Insights regarding specimens, heterogeneity and therapy. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 226:153605. [PMID: 34530257 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunohistochemical assessment with combined positive score (CPS) of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is the prerequisite for administration of checkpoint inhibitor therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Practicing pathologists are required to assess PD-L1 in routinary work and can be faced up with practical issues not always addressed in clinical trials or guidelines, such as choice of specimen to test, the intrinsic heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression in tumors and the potential impact of already administered therapy, given that patients' material can be procured at several times of cancer natural history. In the present work, we review and discuss the recent literature regarding the assessment of PD-L1 in HNSCC from the perspective of the practicing pathologist, providing some evidence on the single issues. It emerges a general trend to an underestimation of PD-L1 expression in biopsies compared to resection specimens and to a higher degree of positivity in metastatic lymph nodes in respect to primary tumors. Moreover, therapy shows to have contrasting effect on PD-L1 expression. Although further studies are needed, taking into account the intrinsic heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression and the conflicting evidences, it may be speculated that the most recent material of patients in respect to the natural history of tumor can be the most reliable to evaluate PD-L1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Paolino
- Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Aristide Stefani Square 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd building 35, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Valeria Barresi
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, L.A. Scuro Square 1, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Pathology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Ateneo Nuovo Square 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili Square 1, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, San Paolo Street 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, L.A. Scuro Square 1, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Bariani
- Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Aristide Stefani Square 1, 37126 Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Pansini Street 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pisapia
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Pansini Street 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Pansini Street 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Pansini Street 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Division of Pathology, Central Hospital Bolzano, Lorenz Böhler Street 5, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Pathology Unit, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Aristide Stefani Square 1, 37126 Verona, Italy.
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Cerbelli B, Girolami I, Eccher A, Costarelli L, Taccogna S, Scialpi R, Benevolo M, Lucante T, Luigi Alò P, Stella F, Gemma Pignataro M, Fadda G, Perrone G, D'Amati G, Martini M. Evaluating programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: concordance between the 22C3 PharmDx assay and the SP263 assay on whole sections from a multicentre study. Histopathology 2021; 80:397-406. [PMID: 34496080 PMCID: PMC9299113 DOI: 10.1111/his.14562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The introduction of immunotherapy for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) raises the need for harmonisation between different types of antibody and immunohistochemistry platform for evaluating the expression of PD-L1 by use of the combined positive score (CPS) in this tumour. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of PD-L1 as determined with the CPS and two widely used assays (the 22C3 PharmDx assay and the SP263 assay) in a cohort of HNSCCs. METHODS AND RESULTS We analysed 43 whole sections of HNSCC with two different anti-PD-L1 antibodies, 22C3 and SP263. The results, expressed as the CPS, were evaluated by 10 trained pathologists and statistical analyses were performed. We found a very similar results for PD-L1 expression between the 22C3 PharmDx assay and the SP263 assay in our cohort, and a strong and significant correlation between the two assays for all specimens (P < 0.0001). The interobserver reliability among pathologists for the continuous scores of CPS with the intraclass correlation coefficient and the correlation between the two assays were both good. Moreover, the rate of agreement between assays was high at all cut-offs and was best for the most relevant cut-off of CPS ≥ 1, and the kappa values were always in the range of almost perfect. CONCLUSIONS Two different assays (the 22C3 PharmDx assay and SP263 assay) for PD-L1 in HNSCC showed high agreement. These data suggest that these two assays are interchangeable in the selection of patients with HNSCC for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Cerbelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Division of Pathology, Central Hospital Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Taccogna
- Anatomical Pathology Unit, Regina Apostolorum Hospital, Albano Laziale, Italy
| | - Renzo Scialpi
- Unità Operativa complessa di Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale Sandro Pertini, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Benevolo
- IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Lucante
- Unità Operativa Complessa, Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale San Giovanni Calibita Fatebenefratelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Luigi Alò
- Unità Operativa Complessa, Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale Fabrizio Spaziani, Frosinone, Italy
| | - Francesca Stella
- Unità Operativa Complessa, Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gemma Pignataro
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Fadda
- Dipartimento di Patologia Umana dell'adulto e dell'età evolutiva Gaetano Barresi, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Perrone
- Research Unit of Pathology, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia D'Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Martini
- Department of Health Science and Public Health, Division of Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Puladi B, Ooms M, Kintsler S, Houschyar KS, Steib F, Modabber A, Hölzle F, Knüchel-Clarke R, Braunschweig T. Automated PD-L1 Scoring Using Artificial Intelligence in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4409. [PMID: 34503218 PMCID: PMC8431396 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) represent a new therapeutic approach in recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The patient selection for the PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy is based on the degree of PD-L1 expression in immunohistochemistry reflected by manually determined PD-L1 scores. However, manual scoring shows variability between different investigators and is influenced by cognitive and visual traps and could therefore negatively influence treatment decisions. Automated PD-L1 scoring could facilitate reliable and reproducible results. Our novel approach uses three neural networks sequentially applied for fully automated PD-L1 scoring of all three established PD-L1 scores: tumor proportion score (TPS), combined positive score (CPS) and tumor-infiltrating immune cell score (ICS). Our approach was validated using WSIs of HNSCC cases and compared with manual PD-L1 scoring by human investigators. The inter-rater correlation (ICC) between human and machine was very similar to the human-human correlation. The ICC was slightly higher between human-machine compared to human-human for the CPS and ICS, but a slightly lower for the TPS. Our study provides deeper insights into automated PD-L1 scoring by neural networks and its limitations. This may serve as a basis to improve ICI patient selection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behrus Puladi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.O.); (A.M.); (F.H.)
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (F.S.); (R.K.-C.)
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mark Ooms
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.O.); (A.M.); (F.H.)
| | - Svetlana Kintsler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (F.S.); (R.K.-C.)
| | - Khosrow Siamak Houschyar
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Florian Steib
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (F.S.); (R.K.-C.)
| | - Ali Modabber
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.O.); (A.M.); (F.H.)
| | - Frank Hölzle
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.O.); (A.M.); (F.H.)
| | - Ruth Knüchel-Clarke
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (F.S.); (R.K.-C.)
| | - Till Braunschweig
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (S.K.); (F.S.); (R.K.-C.)
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Girolami I, Pantanowitz L, Barberis M, Paolino G, Brunelli M, Vigliar E, Munari E, Satturwar S, Troncone G, Eccher A. Challenges facing pathologists evaluating PD-L1 in head & neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Pathol Med 2021; 50:864-873. [PMID: 34157159 DOI: 10.1111/jop.13220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression with combined positive score (CPS) ≥1 is required for administration of checkpoint inhibitor therapy in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The 22C3 pharmDx Dako immunohistochemical assay is the one approved as companion diagnostic for pembrolizumab, but many laboratories work on other platforms and/or with other clones, and studies exploring the potential interchangeability of assays have appeared. EVIDENCE FROM THE LITERATURE After review of the literature, it emerges that the concordance among assays ranges from fair to moderate, with a tendence of assay SP263 to yield a higher quota of positivity and of assay SP142 to stain better immune cells. Moreover, pathologists achieve very good concordance in assessing PD-L1 CPS, particularly with SP263. CONCLUSIONS Differences in terms of platforms, procedures, and study design still preclude a quantitative synthesis of evidence and clearly further work is needed to draw stronger conclusions on the interchangeability of PD-L1 assays in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Girolami
- Division of Pathology, Central Hospital Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology & Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Massimo Barberis
- Division of Pathology, IEO European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Paolino
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Brunelli
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Swati Satturwar
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Eccher A, Girolami I, Troncone G, Pantanowitz L. Digital Slide Assessment for Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Combined Positive Score in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma: Focus on Validation and Vision. Front Artif Intell 2021; 4:684034. [PMID: 34151256 PMCID: PMC8213201 DOI: 10.3389/frai.2021.684034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Albino Eccher
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Girolami
- Division of Pathology, Central Hospital Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Labs, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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