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Wei LJ, Fu J, Yang HX, Yang X, Liang HY, Luo RZ, Liu LL. Evaluation of pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:655. [PMID: 39004706 PMCID: PMC11247755 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05482-3] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is a viable therapeutic option for women diagnosed locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). However, the factors influencing pathological response are still controversial. We collected pair specimens of 185 LACC patients before and after receiving NACT and conducted histological evaluation. 8 fresh tissues pre-treatment were selected from the entire cohort to conducted immune gene expression profiling. A novel pathological grading system was established by comprehensively assessing the percentages of viable tumor, inflammatory stroma, fibrotic stroma, and necrosis in the tumor bed. Then, 185 patients were categorized into either the good pathological response (GPR) group or the poor pathological response (PPR) group post-NACT, with 134 patients (72.4%, 134/185) achieving GPR. Increasing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes volume (TILV) pre-treatment were correlated with GPR, with TILV emerging as an independent predictive factor for GPR. Additionally, CIBERSORT analysis revealed noteworthy differences in the expression of immune makers between cPR and non-cPR group. Furthermore, a significantly heightened density of CD8 + T cells and a reduced density of FOXP3 + T cells were observed in GPR than PPR. Importantly, patients exhibiting GPR or inflammatory type demonstrated improved overall survival and disease-free survival. Notably, stromal type was an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis. Our study indicates the elevated TILV in pre-treatment specimens may predict a favorable response to NACT, while identifying stromal type in post-treatment specimens as an independent prognostic factor. Moreover, we proposed this pathological grading system in NACT patients, which may offer a more comprehensive understanding of treatment response and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651# Dong Feng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651# Dong Feng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Hai-Xia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518101, China
| | - Xia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651# Dong Feng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao-Yu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651# Dong Feng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Rong-Zhen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651# Dong Feng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651# Dong Feng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China.
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Guo F, Kong W, Li D, Zhao G, Anwar M, Xia F, Zhang Y, Ma C, Ma X. M2-type tumor-associated macrophages upregulated PD-L1 expression in cervical cancer via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:357. [PMID: 38970071 PMCID: PMC11225336 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01897-2] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have become a promising therapy. However, the response rate is lower than 30% in patients with cervical cancer (CC), which is related to immunosuppressive components in tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), as one of the most important immune cells, are involved in the formation of tumor suppressive microenvironment. Therefore, it will provide a theoretical basis for curative effect improvement about the regulatory mechanism of TAMs on PD-L1 expression. METHODS The clinical data and pathological tissues of CC patients were collected, and the expressions of PD-L1, CD68 and CD163 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatics was used to analyze the macrophage subtypes involved in PD-L1 regulation. A co-culture model was established to observe the effects of TAMs on the morphology, migration and invasion function of CC cells, and the regulatory mechanism of TAMs on PD-L1. RESULTS PD-L1 expression on tumor cells could predict the poor prognosis of patients. And there was a strong correlation between PD-L1 expression with CD163+TAMs infiltration. Similarly, PD-L1 expression was associated with M1/M2-type TAMs infiltration in bioinformatics analysis. The results of cell co-culture showed that M1/M2-type TAMs could upregulate PD-L1 expression, especially M2-type TAMs may elevate the PD-L1 expression via PI3K/AKT pathway. Meanwhile, M1/M2-type TAMs can affect the morphological changes, and enhance migration and invasion abilities of CC cells. CONCLUSIONS PD-L1 expression in tumor cells can be used as a prognostic factor and is closely related to CD163+TAMs infiltration. In addition, M2-type TAMs can upregulate PD-L1 expression in CC cells through PI3K/AKT pathway, enhance the migration and invasion capabilities, and affect the tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Guo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation of Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Weina Kong
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dewei Li
- Center of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The People's Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Miyessar Anwar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Feifei Xia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yuanming Zhang
- Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Cailing Ma
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, 137 Li Yu Shan South Road, Urumqi, 830054, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Xiumin Ma
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, 830011, Xinjiang, China.
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Olifirenko V, Barlev NA. A Review of CAR-T Combination Therapies for Treatment of Gynecological Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6595. [PMID: 38928301 PMCID: PMC11204235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126595] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy offers a promising way for prolonged cancer remission, specifically in the case of blood cancers. However, its application in the treatment of solid tumors still faces many limitations. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and strategies associated with CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors, with a focus on gynecological cancer. This study discusses the limitations of CAR-T therapy for solid tumor treatment, such as T cell exhaustion, stromal barrier, and antigen shedding. Additionally, it addresses possible approaches to increase CAR-T efficacy in solid tumors, including combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy, as well as the novel approach of combining CAR-T with oncolytic virotherapy. Given the lack of comprehensive research on CAR-T combination therapies for treating gynecological cancers, this review aims to provide insights into the current landscape of combination therapies for solid tumors and highlight the potential of such an approach in gynecology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nikolai A. Barlev
- Department of Biomedical Studies, School of Medicine, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
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Lovane L, Tulsidás S, Carrilho C, Karlsson C. PD-L1 expression in squamous cervical carcinomas of Mozambican women living with or without HIV. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12974. [PMID: 38839923 PMCID: PMC11153591 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63595-7] [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: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in squamous cervical cancer (SCC) and can be used for targeted immunotherapy. The highest mortality rates of SCC are reported in sub-Saharan Africa, where Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence is high. In Mozambique most SCC patients present at advanced stages. Thus, there is a need to introduce new treatment options. However, immunocompromised patients were frequently excluded in previous clinical trials. Our aim was to determine if PD-L1 expression in SCC is as prevalent among women living with HIV (WLWH) as among other patients. 575 SCC from Maputo Central Hospital were included. HIV status was available in 266 (46%) cases PD-L1 expression was scored through tumour proportion score (TPS) and combined positive score (CPS). PD-L1 was positive in 20.1% of the cases (n = 110), TPS (score ≥ 25%) and in 26.3% (n = 144), CPS (score ≥ 1). Stratifying according to the HIV status, WLWH were TPS positive in 16.7%, compared to 20.9%, p = 0.43, and concerning CPS 21.1% versus 28.7%, p = 0.19, respectively. PD-L1 status was not influenced by stage, Ki-67 or p16, CD8 expression influenced only CPS status. Our data indicates that the documented effect of PD-L1 therapy on SCC should be confirmed in randomized clinical trials in an HIV endemic milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucília Lovane
- Pathology Department, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique.
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Satish Tulsidás
- Medical Oncology Service, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Carla Carrilho
- Pathology Department, Maputo Central Hospital, Maputo, Mozambique
- Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Christina Karlsson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Liu K, Yang W, Tian H, Li Y, He J. Association between programmed cell death ligand-1 expression in patients with cervical cancer and apparent diffusion coefficient values: a promising tool for patient´s immunotherapy selection. Eur Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00330-024-10759-8. [PMID: 38637428 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-024-10759-8] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the associations between apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values extracted from three different region of interest (ROI) position approaches and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression, and evaluate the performance of the nomogram established based on ADC values and clinicopathological parameters in predicting PD-L1 expression in cervical cancer (CC) patients. METHODS Through retrospective recruitment, a training cohort of 683 CC patients was created, and a validation cohort of 332 CC patients was prospectively recruited. ROIs were delineated using three different methods to measure the mean ADC (ADCmean), single-section ADC (ADCss), and the minimum ADC of tumors (ADCmin). Logistic regression was employed to identify independent factors related to PD-L1 expression. A nomogram was drawn based on ADC values combined with clinicopathological features, its discrimination and calibration performances were estimated using the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic and calibration curve. The clinical benefits were evaluated by decision curve analysis. RESULTS The ADCmin independently correlated with PD-L1 expression. The nomogram constructed with ADCmin and other independent clinicopathological-related factors: FIGO staging, pathological grade, parametrial invasion, and lymph node status demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.912 and 0.903, respectively), good calibration capacities, and greater net benefits compared to the clinicopathological model in both the training and validation cohorts. CONCLUSION ADCmin independently correlated PD-L1 expression, and the nomogram established with ADCmin and clinicopathological independent prognostic factors had a strong predictive performance for PD-L1 expression, thereby serving as a promising tool for selecting cases eligible for immunotherapy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT The minimum ADC can serve as a reliable imaging biomarker related to PD-L1 expression; the established nomogram combines the minimum ADC and clinicopathological factors that can assist clinical immunotherapy decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaihui Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, P.R. China.
| | - Haiping Tian
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, P.R. China
| | - Yunxia Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, P.R. China
| | - Jianli He
- Department of Radiotherapy, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, P.R. China
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Li JY, Hu CJ, Peng H, Chen EQ. A novel immune-related long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) pair model to predict the prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:1252-1267. [PMID: 38617505 PMCID: PMC11009803 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1975] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer type and is the principal cause of cancer-related death in women. Anti-programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immunotherapy has shown promising effects in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but the potential factors affecting its efficacy have not been elucidated. Immune-related long noncoding RNAs (irlncRNAs) have been reported to be involved in immune escape to influence the carcinogenic process through the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway. Therefore, exploring the potential regulatory mechanism of irlncRNAs in PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in TNBC is of great importance. Methods We retrieved transcriptome profiling data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and identified differentially expressed irlncRNA (DEirlncRNA) pairs. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was performed to construct a risk assessment model. Results Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the risk model may serve as a potential prediction tool in TNBC patients. Clinical stage and risk score were proved to be independent prognostic predictors by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Subsequently, we investigated the correlation between the risk model and tumor-infiltrating immune cells and immune checkpoints. Finally, we identified USP30-AS1 through the StarBase and Multi Experiment Matrix (MEM) databases, predicted the potential target genes of USP30-AS1, and then discovered that these target genes were closely associated with immune responses. Conclusions Our study constructed a risk assessment model by irlncRNA pairs regardless of expression levels, which contributed to predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy in TNBC. Furthermore, the lncRNA USP30-AS1 in the model was positively correlated with the expression of PD-L1 and provided a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Ying Li
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen-Ji Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - En-Qiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Brito MJ, Sequeira P, Quintas A, Silva I, Silva F, Martins C, Félix A. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical squamous cell carcinoma of HIV-infected and non-infected patients. Virchows Arch 2024; 484:507-516. [PMID: 37341812 PMCID: PMC11021248 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-023-03580-z] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in cervical carcinoma, hindering tumor destruction. The aim of this study was to assess PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) from human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) and human immunodeficiency virus-negative (HIV-) patients. A total of 166 SCC and SIL samples of HIV+ and HIV- patients were included and analyzed for PD-L1 expression through tumor proportion score (TPS), and results were stratified in five TPS groups using SP263 antibody and, combined positive score (CPS) using 22C3 antibody. In cohort 1 (SP263 clone), all HIV+ patients were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) scored < 1; and 87.5% of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) adjacent to SCC, 19% of HSILs non-adjacent to SCC, and 69% of SCCs scored ≥ 1 (15.4% scored 5). In HIV- patients, all NILM, LSILs, HSILs adjacent to SCC, and two HSILs non-adjacent to SCC scored < 1. SCC: 88.2% scored ≥ 1 and 5.9% scored 5. In cohort 2 (SP263 and 22C3 clones), 16.7% of HIV+ patients with SCC were positive with both clones, CPS ≥ 1 (22C3) or score 5 (≥ 50%) (SP263), showing no significant differences in positivity between both clones. These results indicate that a relatively low percentage of SCCs (16.7%; both in HIV+ and in HIV- patients) express PD-L1 (TPS ≥ 50% and CPS > 1), which may be due to some samples being archival material, sample characteristics, or use of different methodologies, highlighting the need for standardization of PD-L1 assessment in SCC of the cervix. The fact that PD-L1 is overexpressed in SILs of HIV+ patients suggests potential additional applications for immunotherapy in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria José Brito
- Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal.
- Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | | | | | - Fernanda Silva
- NOVA Medical Research, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Martins
- NOVA Medical Research, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- CHRC, Comprehensive Health Research Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Félix
- Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA Medical Research, NOVA Medical School/Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Guo F, Lu R, Kong W, Anwar M, Feng Y. DNA mismatch repair system regulates the expression of PD-L1 through DNMTs in cervical cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:25. [PMID: 38200495 PMCID: PMC10782574 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03214-7] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) is a potential clinical application of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor. We aimed to study the mechanism of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system regulating the expression of PD-L1 in CC through DNA methyltransferase (DNMTs). METHODS We collected pathological specimens from 118 cases of CC to analyze the relationship between PD-L1 expression and DNMTs in different MMR states. RNA interference (RNAi) technique was used to simulate the formation of CC cell line with MMR deficiency (dMMR) state, and subcutaneous tumor formation experiment was carried out in nude mice to verify the relationship between PD-L1 expression and DNMTs in MMR state. RESULTS The PD-L1 positive rate in 118 cases of CC was 58.47%, while the microsatellite instability (MSI) status accounted for 5.93%. There was a significant difference in the expression of PD-L1 between patients within the dMMR and MMR proficient (pMMR) groups (χ2 = 21.405, P < 0.001). Subcutaneous inoculation after infection of Siha cells led to successful tumorigenesis in nude mice, accompanied by a significant increase in the level of PD-L1 expression in the mouse tumors, while the expression level of MLH1 and MSH2 protein decreased significantly. We also found that PD-L1 expression was closely related to the expression of DNMTs. CONCLUSION PD-L1 is universal expressed on the surface of CC cells, dMMR status enhances the expression of PD-L1 on the surface of CC cells, dMMR states of CC are related to the demethylation status of the PD-L1 gene promoter region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Guo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, China
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation of Tumor Hospital affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ruijiao Lu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, China
| | - Weina Kong
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, China
| | - Miyessar Anwar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, China
| | - Yangchun Feng
- Department of Medical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, No 789 Suzhou Road, Urumqi, China.
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation of Tumor Hospital affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.
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Liu Y, Huang W, Yang K, Du X, Guo X, Cao Y. The expression and significance of PD-L1 in condyloma acuminatum. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13558. [PMID: 38186053 PMCID: PMC10772475 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13558] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is highly expressed in cells during viral infection, which helps the virus escape host immunity. However, the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) and PD-L1 in condyloma acuminatum and whether they participate in immunosuppression have not been reported. In this paper, we aimed to explore the expression and significance of PD-L1 in condyloma acuminatum. METHODS The expression of PD-L1 in the wart of condyloma acuminatum patients and the foreskin of healthy individuals was evaluated. Lentivirus transfection was used to introduce the HPV11-E7 gene into HaCaT cells to investigate whether HPV infection could affect the expression of PD-L1. The successfully constructed HPV11-E7 HaCaT cells were cocultured with Jurkat cells, and Jurkat cell apoptosis and proliferation as well as the Jurkat cell cycle were evaluated by flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays. RESULTS PD-L1 was highly expressed in keratinocytes of genital warts. Through the construction of a cell model, we found that HPV11-E7 could upregulate the expression of PD-L1 in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, HPV11-E7 HaCaT cells can promote the apoptosis of Jurkat cells, inhibit the proliferation of Jurkat cells and mediate the cell cycle arrest of Jurkat cells through the PD-1/PD-L1 signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS HPV infection may upregulate PD-L1 expression in the keratinocytes of genital warts and participate in the inhibition of local T-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Liu
- Department of DermatologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Weiqi Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineUnion Jiangbei HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of DermatologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xiangxi Du
- Department of DermatologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Xueyun Guo
- Department of DermatologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Yuchun Cao
- Department of DermatologyTongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Li J, Zhang Y, Luo B. The programed death-1/programed death ligand-1 axis and its potential as a therapeutic target for virus-associated tumours. Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2486. [PMID: 37905387 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
As an important and serious condition impacting human health, the diagnosis, and treatment of tumours is clinically vital because tumour cell immune escape sustains tumour development. Programed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tumour cell surfaces binds to the programed death-1 (PD-1), inhibits T cell activation, and induces apoptosis, and incapacitates cells. This allows tumour cells to evade recognition and clearance by the immune system, thereby permitting tumour occurrence, and development and poor prognosis outcomes in patients with tumours. Currently, anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy has become pivotal in tumour treatment. Pathogens, especially viruses, are important factors which induce many tumours. In this article, we examine associations between Epstein-Barr virus, human papilloma virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1-related tumours and PD-1/PD-L1 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Bing Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Wang L, Wang C, He Y, Jin M, Lin L, Jiao X, Hu X, Wang Y. Identification of a prognostic model based on immune and hypoxia-related gene expressions in cervical cancer. J OBSTET GYNAECOL 2023; 43:2277242. [PMID: 37938121 DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2023.2277242] [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: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) has long been a key direction of tumour research. Understanding the occurrence, metastasis and other processes of cervical cancer (CC) is of great significance in the diagnosis and prognosis of tumours. METHODS Here, this study applied the univariate Cox regression model to determine the prognostic association of immune and hypoxia signature genes in CC, and used Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox method to build immune and hypoxia related risk score model to uncover the immune signature of the TIME of CC. Moreover, we used in vitro experiment to validate the expression level of signature genes. Notably, we assessed the predictive effect of anti-PD1/PDL1 immunotherapy using risk score model. RESULTS Through the LASSO Cox regression model, we obtained 12 characteristic genes associated with the prognosis of CC, and also associated with immunity and hypoxia. Interestingly, the high-risk group had the properties of high hypoxia and low immunity, while the low-risk group had the properties of low hypoxia and high immunity. In the low-risk group, patients lived longer and had a significant therapeutic advantage of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Established risk scores model can help predict response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Caizhi Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yu He
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Maosheng Jin
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Lu Lin
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xuejuan Jiao
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xiaowen Hu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yafei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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12
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Xue J, Yan X, Ding Q, Li N, Wu M, Song J. Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the immune microenvironment of gynaecological tumours. Ann Med 2023; 55:2282181. [PMID: 37983527 PMCID: PMC10836282 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2282181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in gynaecological tumors, with a focus on understanding the potential for enhanced combination therapies.Methods: We systematically queried the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases, encompassing reviews, clinical trials, and case studies, to undertake a thorough analysis of the impact of NACT on the TIME of gynaecological tumors.Results: NACT induces diverse immune microenvironment changes in gynaecological tumors. In cervical cancer, NACT boosts immune-promoting cells, enhancing tumor clearance. Ovarian cancer studies yield variable outcomes, influenced by patient-specific factors and treatment regimens. Limited research exists on NACT's impact on endometrial cancer's immune microenvironment, warranting further exploration. In summary, NACT-induced immune microenvironment changes display variability. Clinical trials highlight personalized immunotherapy's positive impact on gynaecological tumor prognosis, suggesting potential avenues for future cancer treatments. However, rigorous investigation is needed to determine the exact efficacy and safety of combining NACT with immunotherapy.Conclusion: This review provides a solid foundation for the development of late-stage immunotherapy and highlights the importance of therapeutic strategies targeting immune cells in TIME in anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xue
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, PR China
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Xia Yan
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, PR China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Qin Ding
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, PR China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Nan Li
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, PR China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Menghan Wu
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, PR China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, PR China
| | - Jianbo Song
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, PR China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory for Translational Nuclear Medicine and Precision Protection, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, PR China
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13
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Monsrud AL, Avadhani V, Mosunjac MB, Flowers L, Krishnamurti U. Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) Expression in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Does it Correlate With Outcomes? Int J Gynecol Pathol 2023; 42:535-543. [PMID: 37562018 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000975] [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: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. Upregulation of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), an immunoregulatory protein, is associated with an adverse outcomes in several malignancies. Most studies evaluating PD-L1 expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) lack data on outcomes. In this study, we correlate PD-L1 expression with clinicopathologic factors and clinical outcomes in invasive CSCC. Seventy-three cases of CSCC from 2010 to 2018 were immunostained for PD-L1. A combined positive score (CPS) of ≥1 and ≥10 was correlated with age, stage, and survival outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves for progression-free survival and overall survival were plotted and compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify significant prognostic factors (2-tailed P <0.05 was considered statistically significant). With CPS ≥1 or ≥10 as the cut-off, PD-L1 was positive in 52/73 (71.2%) and 23/73 (31.5%) of cases, respectively. PD-L1 positive patients present at a higher stage of disease, especially those with CPS ≥10. With CPS of ≥10 as the cut-off, the 5-yr progression-free survival and 5-yr overall survival were significantly lower ( P = 0.034 and 0.012, respectively). Only stage was statistically significant for worse overall survival on multivariate analysis. PD-L1 positive patients present at a higher stage of disease, and stage is an independent prognostic indicator for adverse outcomes in CSCC. This study highlights the potential of PD-L1 targeted therapy in patients with CSCC.
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Zhao H, Wei Y, Zhang J, Zhang K, Tian L, Liu Y, Zhang S, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Shi S, Fu Z, Fu J, Zhao J, Li X, Zhang L, Zhao L, Liu K. HPV16 infection promotes the malignant transformation of the esophagus and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29132. [PMID: 37792307 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29132] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) may be correlated with HPV infection, and the mechanism underlying the ESCC formation induced by HPV16 infection remains elusive. Here, we overexpressed HPV16 E6 and E7 and coordinated the overexpression of these two genes in EPC2 and ESCC cells. We found that E7 and coordinated expression of E6 and E7 promoted the proliferation of EPC2 cells, and upregulation of shh was responsible for cell proliferation since the use of vismodegib led to the failure of organoid formation. Meanwhile, overexpression of E6 and E7 in ESCC cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Importantly, E6 and E7 coordinately increased the capability of tumor growth in nude mice, while vismodegib slowed the growth of tumors in NCG mice. Moreover, a series of genes and proteins changed in cell lines after overexpression of the E6 and E7 genes, the potential biological processes and pathways were systematically analyzed using a bioinformatics assay. Together, these findings suggest that the activation of the hedgehog pathway induced by HPV16 infection may initially transform basal cells in the esophagus and promote following malignant processes in ESCC cells. The application of hedgehog inhibitors may represent a therapeutic avenue for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Wei
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Fuzhou, Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Tian
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongpan Liu
- School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Yijian Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Songlin Shi
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhichao Fu
- Department of Radiotherapy, 900 Hospital of the Joint Logistics Team (Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University), Fuzhou, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianqian Fu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijia Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Liran Zhao
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Science, Nanchang Normal University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
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15
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Amin FAS, Un Naher Z, Ali PSS. Molecular markers predicting the progression and prognosis of human papillomavirus-induced cervical lesions to cervical cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:8077-8086. [PMID: 37000261 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04710-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is linked to 99% of cervical cancer (CC) cases. HPV types 16 and 18 alone result in 75% of CC cases and thus are considered to be high-risk types (HR-HPV). CC is the third most common cancer among women globally. Approximately, 7000 patients die from it yearly. It is worthy to note that not every patient with HPV precancerous lesions will progress to CC. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this review is to explore the utilization of molecular and viral biomarkers as a tool for early detection and prediction of HPV-induced cervical lesions that might progress to CC. METHODS The data bases PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO were searched using keywords CC screening, HPV, and recent molecular biomarkers. The search time frame was within the last 7 years. Studies on HPV-induced cancers other than CC were excluded; a total of 200 eligible articles were retrieved. RESULTS In this review we explored the current literature about HPV virology, virulence genes and early diagnostic/prognostic molecular biomarkers in CC. The oncogenic property of HPV is attributed to viral expression of various early proteins (E5, E6, E7). The interaction between viral oncoproteins and the cellular genetic apparatus alters the expression of many genes at different phases of the disease. There was an association between cervical lesions induced by HR-HPV and the overexpression of markers of oxidative DNA damage and other proteins. The markers p16INK4a, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1, mismatch repair enzymes (MMR), miRNA-377, claudin family (CLDN) are dysregulated and are associated with high risk lesions. Furthermore, advanced older cervical lesions were associated with high methylation levels and higher risk to progress to CC. CONCLUSION Adding different the above markers to the CC screening program scheme might offer a triage for prioritizing patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zeba Un Naher
- School of Medicine, Maldives National University, Male', Maldives
| | - P Shaik Syed Ali
- School of Medicine, Maldives National University, Male', Maldives
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16
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Margul D, Yu C, AlHilli MM. Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Gynecologic Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3849. [PMID: 37568665 PMCID: PMC10417375 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153849] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers have varying response rates to immunotherapy due to the heterogeneity of each cancer's molecular biology and features of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). This article reviews key features of the TIME and its role in the pathophysiology and treatment of ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer. Knowledge of the role of the TIME in gynecologic cancers has been rapidly developing with a large body of preclinical studies demonstrating an intricate yet dichotomous role that the immune system plays in either supporting the growth of cancer or opposing it and facilitating effective treatment. Many targets and therapeutics have been identified including cytokines, antibodies, small molecules, vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and bacterial-based therapies but most efforts in gynecologic cancers to utilize them have not been effective. However, with the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, we have started to see the rapid and successful employment of therapeutics in cervical and endometrial cancer. There remain many challenges in utilizing the TIME, particularly in ovarian cancer, and further studies are needed to identify and validate efficacious therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariam M. AlHilli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (D.M.); (C.Y.)
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17
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Kumar V, Bauer C, Stewart JH. TIME Is Ticking for Cervical Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:941. [PMID: 37508372 PMCID: PMC10376148 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is a major health problem among reproductive-age females and comprises a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor associated with CC incidence. However, lifestyle is also a critical factor in CC pathogenesis. Despite HPV vaccination introduction, the incidence of CC is increasing worldwide. Therefore, it becomes critical to understand the CC tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to develop immune cell-based vaccination and immunotherapeutic approaches. The current article discusses the immune environment in the normal cervix of adult females and its role in HPV infection. The subsequent sections discuss the alteration of different immune cells comprising CC TIME and their targeting as future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
| | - Caitlin Bauer
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
| | - John H Stewart
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
- Louisiana Children's Medical Center Cancer Center, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
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18
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Lifsics A, Cistjakovs M, Sokolovska L, Deksnis R, Murovska M, Groma V. The Role of the p16 and p53 Tumor Suppressor Proteins and Viral HPV16 E6 and E7 Oncoproteins in the Assessment of Survival in Patients with Head and Neck Cancers Associated with Human Papillomavirus Infections. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2722. [PMID: 37345059 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102722] [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: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of HPV in the survival prognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC), is still somewhat ambiguous. The present study aimed to explore the significance of tumor suppressor proteins and HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins in the assessment of survival in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), LSCC, and HPSCC associated with high-risk (HR-) and low-risk (LR-) HPV infections. By utilizing molecular and immunohistochemical investigations of HNSCC samples and patient data, univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted. The presence of HPV DNA (LR- and HR-HPV) was associated with a better 5-year OS and DSS for OPSCC and LSCC. The IHC overexpression of HPV16 E6 protein and p16 protein was associated with better survival in the univariate (for OPSCC) and multivariate (OPSCC and HPSCC) survival analyses. The overexpression of p53 was associated with better survival in OPSCC. HPV infection plays a significant role in the tumorigenesis of HNSCC, and the immunohistochemical assessment of HPV16 E6 protein expression should be interpreted as a useful prognostic marker for OPSCC and HPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrejs Lifsics
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Riga Stradiņš University, Pilsoņu 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Maksims Cistjakovs
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradiņš University, Rātsupītes 5, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Liba Sokolovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradiņš University, Rātsupītes 5, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Renars Deksnis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Riga Stradiņš University, Pilsoņu 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Modra Murovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradiņš University, Rātsupītes 5, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Valerija Groma
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda blvd 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
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19
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Zou Y, Xu Y, Chen X, Zheng L. Advances in the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in gynecological tumors. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109774. [PMID: 37012881 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoints are regulatory molecules that suppress immune effector cells, and are essential for maintaining tolerance, preventing autoimmune reactions, and minimizing tissue damage by controlling the duration and intensity of the immune responses. However, immune checkpoints are frequently upregulated during cancer and dampen the anti-tumor immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been effective against multiple tumors, and have improved patients' survival outcomes. Recent clinical trials have also reported promising therapeutic effects of ICIs in some gynecological cancers. AIM To review the current research and future directions in the treatment of gynecological malignancies, including ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers, using ICIs. CONCLUSION Currently, cervical and ovarian cancers are the only gynecological tumors that are treated by immunotherapeutic approaches. In addition, ICIs, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)- and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells targeting endometrial tumors, especially those originating in the vulva and fallopian tubes, are under development. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of ICIs, especially in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, anti-angiogenesis drugs and poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), needs to be elucidated. Furthermore, novel predictive biomarkers have to be identified in order to increase the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs while reducing adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- YingGang Zou
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Ying Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - XiaoChen Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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20
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Hu XC, Gan CX, Zheng HM, Wu XP, Pan WS. Immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with advanced cervical cancer: A case report. World J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 15:480-487. [PMID: 37032790 PMCID: PMC10080604 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i3.480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder, and female patients may develop gynecologic tumours. The prognosis for such patients is poor and the specific pathogenesis remains uncertain. Therefore, there are currently no uniform treatment options.
CASE SUMMARY Herein, we introduce the case of a 45-year-old female who was diagnosed with PJS for 45 years and cervical cancer for 3 years. Postoperative pathological examination showed metastases in the right external iliac lymph nodes. The patient was initially treated with a combination of doxorubicin and carboplatin chemotherapy and pelvic magnetic resonance showed that the metastases had grown. Subsequently, we performed whole exome sequencing in this patient and identified the relevant causative gene. In addition to the chemotherapy regimen, sindilizumab was administered and the patient was followed up. After 4 cycles of treatment, the metastases were substantially reduced and were not enlarged after six months of follow-up. This case report suggests that patients with PJS combined with cervical cancer may have a sustained response to immune-combination chemotherapy regimens.
CONCLUSION Clinicians should be aware of the importance of immunotherapy in patients with PJS combined with advanced cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Cheng Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Chen-Xiao Gan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hui-Min Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xue-Ping Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wen-Sheng Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s hospital, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang Province, China
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21
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Cui Y, Shi J, Cui Y, Zhu Z, Zhu W. The relationship between autophagy and PD-L1 and their role in antitumor therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1093558. [PMID: 37006252 PMCID: PMC10050383 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1093558] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapy is an important advance in cancer treatment, and the representative drugs (PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies) have greatly improved clinical outcomes in various human cancers. However, since many patients still experience primary resistance, they do not respond to anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy, and some responders also develop acquired resistance after an initial response. Therefore, combined therapy with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy may result in better efficacy than monotherapy. In tumorigenesis and tumor development processes, the mutual regulation of autophagy and tumor immune escape is an intrinsic factor of malignant tumor progression. Understanding the correlation between the tumor autophagy pathway and tumor immune escape may help identify new clinical cancer treatment strategies. Since both autophagy and immune escape of tumor cells occur in a relatively complex microenvironmental network, autophagy affects the immune-mediated killing of tumor cells and immune escape. Therefore, comprehensive treatment targeting autophagy and immune escape to achieve “immune normalization” may be an important direction for future research and development. The PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is essential in tumor immunotherapy. High expression of PD-L1 in different tumors is closely related to poor survival rates, prognoses, and treatment effects. Therefore, exploring the mechanism of PD-L1 expression is crucial to improve the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. Here, we summarize the mechanism and mutual relationship between autophagy and PD-L1 in antitumor therapy, which may help enhance current antitumor immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cui
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinfeng Shi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Youbin Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhanpeng Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhu, ; Zhanpeng Zhu,
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Zhu, ; Zhanpeng Zhu,
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Gultekin M, Beduk Esen CS, Ates Ozdemir D, Yildirim S, Yuce D, Usubutun A, Yildiz F. Stromal or intraepithelial tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes: which one has more prognostic significance in cervical cancer? Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:969-980. [PMID: 35840843 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06687-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) on treatment results in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma who underwent definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS Pathological specimens were evaluated from 96 cervical cancer patients who were treated with definitive or adjuvant RT/CRT between April 2001 and January 2020. The percentage of intraepithelial TILs (iTILs) and stromal TILs (sTILs) were calculated, and immunohistochemistry was used for identifying lymphocyte lineage with CD4, CD8, and CD20 antibodies and macrophages with CD68 antibody. Prognostic values of TILs/TAMs on oncological outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS Thirty patients had early-stage disease and 66 patients had advanced-stage disease. Sixty-three and 33 patients received adjuvant RT and definitive CRT, respectively. Low number of sCD20 positive cells was associated with large tumor size and parametrial invasion. In multivariate analysis, low percentage of sTILs and advanced-stage disease were independent poor prognostic factors for overall survival, disease-free survival (DFS), and distant metastasis-free survival; low number of sCD4 positive cells was also an independent poor prognostic factor for DFS. Low percentage of sTILs and low number of sCD8 positive cells was correlated with high rates of distant metastasis (p = 0.038 and p = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSION sTILs have superior predictive value than iTILs in terms of prognosis. Stromal compartment should be investigated as a routine practice in TIL studies in cervical cancer. Intensifying the treatment in cervical cancer patients with low number of sTILs should be studied in further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis Gultekin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Deniz Ates Ozdemir
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selma Yildirim
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Yuce
- Department of Preventive Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Alp Usubutun
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ferah Yildiz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
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Avila JP, Carvalho BM, Coimbra EC. A Comprehensive View of the Cancer-Immunity Cycle (CIC) in HPV-Mediated Cervical Cancer and Prospects for Emerging Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041333. [PMID: 36831674 PMCID: PMC9954575 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with more than 500,000 new cases each year and a mortality rate of around 55%. Over 80% of these deaths occur in developing countries. The most important risk factor for CC is persistent infection by a sexually transmitted virus, the human papillomavirus (HPV). Conventional treatments to eradicate this type of cancer are accompanied by high rates of resistance and a large number of side effects. Hence, it is crucial to devise novel effective therapeutic strategies. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have aimed to develop immunotherapeutic methods for treating cancer. However, these strategies have not proven to be effective enough to combat CC. This means there is a need to investigate immune molecular targets. An adaptive immune response against cancer has been described in seven key stages or steps defined as the cancer-immunity cycle (CIC). The CIC begins with the release of antigens by tumor cells and ends with their destruction by cytotoxic T-cells. In this paper, we discuss several molecular alterations found in each stage of the CIC of CC. In addition, we analyze the evidence discovered, the molecular mechanisms and their relationship with variables such as histological subtype and HPV infection, as well as their potential impact for adopting novel immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Li Y, Shen F, Tan Q, Chen Y, Gu Y. Research Progress of Immuno-Inhibitory Receptors in Gynecological Cervical Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231208846. [PMID: 37908109 PMCID: PMC10621300 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231208846] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The mortality rate of cervical cancer is the highest among female malignant tumors and seriously threatens women's lives and health. Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer, which provides the basis for immunotherapy. In recent years, owing to progress in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the survival time of patients with cervical cancer has been significantly extended. However, effective treatments for advanced, recurrent, and metastatic cancers are lacking. "Tumor immunotherapy" has been described as a viable option for tumor therapy but the efficacy of immunotherapy for cervical cancer has only been demonstrated in phase I or II clinical trials. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promising clinical results particularly for treating recurrent and advanced cervical cancer, however, they remain inadequate in some patients. Immune checkpoint is the target of immunotherapy. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic targets is essential. In this paper, the structure, expression, function, biological effect of immune inhibitory receptors (IRs) and related clinical studies were reviewed, in order to further explore the application potential of these immune checkpoints and apply them to the future clinical treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gynecology and obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fangrong Shen
- Department of Gynecology and obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingqing Tan
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The Affiliated Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youguo Chen
- Department of Gynecology and obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanzheng Gu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Grau-Bejar JF, Garcia-Duran C, Garcia-Illescas D, Mirallas O, Oaknin A. Advances in immunotherapy for cervical cancer. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231163836. [PMID: 37007635 PMCID: PMC10052578 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231163836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer still represents a major public health problem, being the fourth most common cancer in incidence and mortality in women worldwide. These figures are unacceptable since cervical cancer, an human papillomavirus-related malignancy, is a largely preventable disease by means of well-established screening and vaccination programs. Patients with recurrent, persistent, or metastatic disease unsuitable for curative therapeutic approaches represent a dismal prognosis population. Until recently, these patients were only candidates for cisplatin-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab. However, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment landscape of this disease achieving historical overall survival improvements in both the post-platinum and frontline settings. Interestingly, the clinical development of immunotherapy in cervical cancer is currently advancing to earlier stages of the disease, as the locally advanced setting, whose standard of care has not changed in the last decades with still modest outcomes. As more innovative immunotherapy approaches are in clinical early development in advanced cervical cancer, promising efficacy data are emerging that may shape the future of this disease. This review summarizes the main treatment advances carried out in the field of immunotherapy throughout the past years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Francisco Grau-Bejar
- Gynaecologic Cancer Programme Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcia-Duran
- Gynaecologic Cancer Programme Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Garcia-Illescas
- Gynaecologic Cancer Programme Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Mirallas
- Gynaecologic Cancer Programme Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
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Polten R, Kutle I, Hachenberg J, Klapdor R, Morgan M, Schambach A. Towards Novel Gene and Cell Therapy Approaches for Cervical Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010263. [PMID: 36612258 PMCID: PMC9818159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women, and the majority of cases are caused by infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes. Despite effective preventative measures, such as vaccinations against HPV, over 300,000 women die world-wide from cervical cancer each year. Once cervical cancer is diagnosed, treatment may consist of radial hysterectomy, or chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or a combination of therapies dependent upon the disease stage. Unfortunately, overall prognosis for patients with metastatic or recurrent disease remains poor. In these cases, immunotherapies may be useful based on promising preclinical work, some of which has been successfully translated to the clinic. For example, approaches using monoclonal antibodies directed against surface proteins important for control of immune checkpoints (i.e., immune checkpoint inhibitors) were shown to improve outcome in many cancer settings, including cervical cancer. Additionally, initial clinical studies showed that application of cytotoxic immune cells modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) or T cell receptors (TCR) for better recognition and elimination of tumor cells may be useful to control cervical cancer. This review explores these important topics, including strengths and limitations of standard and developing approaches, and how some novel treatment strategies may be optimally used to offer the best possible treatment for cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Polten
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ivana Kutle
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jens Hachenberg
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Klapdor
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.S.); Tel.: +49-511-532-6067 (A.S.)
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (A.S.); Tel.: +49-511-532-6067 (A.S.)
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[MiR-4772 modulates tumor immune microenvironment by regulating immune- related genes in ovarian cancer]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:1638-1645. [PMID: 36504056 PMCID: PMC9742773 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.11.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the regulatory role of miR-4772 in the formation of tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer. METHODS The optimal cutoff level of PD-L1 expression was calculated based on data from 294 ovarian cancer patients in the TCGA database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high and low PD-L1 expression groups were screened, and the important DEGs were identified by correlation analysis. WGCNA analysis was performed to select the weighted genes and PD-L1-related miRNAs, from which the hub genes were obtained by intersection analysis. ssGSEA analysis was used to evaluate the effect of PD-L1 and miR-4772 expressions on the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer. KEGG analysis was used to identify the involved signal pathways, and the interactions between the hub genes were mapped by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Survival analysis was carried out to identify the survival-related hub genes, and the results were validated using the data of 399 patients with ovarian cancer from GEO database and the sequencing results of SKOV3 cells transfected with miR-4772 mimics or inhibitor. RESULTS According the optimal cutoff level of PD-L1 expression of 1.31582 (90th quantile), the patients were divided into high- and low-PD-L1 expression groups. A total of 840 DEGs were identified, including 549 significantly up-regulated genes and 291 down-regulated genes. Among them, 20 important DEGs were found to closely correlate with miR-4772 expression, and WGCNA analysis identified 48 weighted genes significantly correlated with miR-4772. Twelve genes were identified as both key DEGs and weighted genes and were treated as the hub genes. ssGSEA analysis showed that both the patients with high PD-L1 expressions and those with high miR-4772 expressions showed more active immune infiltration and functional activity. The 12 hub genes were involved mainly in immune-related signaling pathways, and PPI analysis suggested significant interactions among the hub genes. The two hub genes CD96 and TBX21 showed close correlation with the survival of ovarian cancer patients. The sequencing results of SKOV3 cells transfected with miR-4772 mimics or inhibitor showed that the changes in miR-4772 expression level caused obvious changes in the expressions of the 12 hub genes and PD-L1. CONCLUSION MiR-4772 plays a regulatory role in the formation of tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer by regulating 12 hub genes.
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Xie Y, Kong W, Zhao X, Zhang H, Luo D, Chen S. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in cervical cancer: Current status and research progress. Front Oncol 2022; 12:984896. [PMID: 36387196 PMCID: PMC9647018 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.984896] [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: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second most common gynecological malignant tumor endangering the health of women worldwide. Despite advances in the therapeutic strategies available to treat cervical cancer, the long-term prognosis of patients with recurrent and metastatic cervical cancer remains unsatisfactory. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown encouraging efficacy in the treatment of cervical cancer. ICIs have been approved for use in both first- and second-line cervical cancer therapies. This review summarizes the current knowledge of ICIs and the application of ICIs in clinical trials for the treatment of cervical cancer.
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Huang W, Liu J, Xu K, Chen H, Bian C. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for advanced or metastatic cervical cancer: From bench to bed. Front Oncol 2022; 12:849352. [PMID: 36313730 PMCID: PMC9614140 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.849352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced or metastatic cervical cancer has a poor prognosis, and the 5-year overall survival is <5% with conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), achieved initial success in advanced solid tumors, while their efficacy and safety in advanced or metastatic cervical cancer remains to be explored. Previous studies found high-risk HPV infection and elevated PD-L1 expression in cervical precancerous lesions and squamous cell carcinoma. Meanwhile, elevated PD-L1 expression, high cytotoxic T lymphocyte infiltration, and abnormal cytotoxic T lymphocyte function might benefit inflammation infiltration for ICIs in the tumor microenvironment. Patients with HPV infection, squamous cell carcinoma, advanced stage, large tumor size, poor differentiation, metastatic disease, history of multiple childbirth and abortion, or a previous history of receiving chemotherapy might be associated with positive PD-L1 expression. Although there is no correlation between PD-L1 expression and prognosis using conventional radiotherapy, patients with high PD-L1 expression have a poorer prognosis. Several clinical studies demonstrate preliminary safety and efficacy for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and the exploration of combination strategies such as immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, anti-angiogenesis therapy, or dual ICIs is ongoing. This paper systematically reviews PD-L1 expression patterns and their relationship with prognosis, along with reported and ongoing clinical trials of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cervical cancer to clarify the prospect of ICIs for cervical cancer from bench to bed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Huang
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Xu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huilin Chen
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ce Bian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Key Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ce Bian,
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PD-L1 rs2890658 Polymorphism Increases Risk for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Northern China Population Based on Experimental Data and Meta-Analysis. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2022; 2022:8433489. [PMID: 35992543 PMCID: PMC9363189 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8433489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To dig the PD-L1 rs2890658 polymorphism with susceptibility of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in northern China. Patients and Methods There were 600 NSCLC patients and 600 age and sex matched controls from the same ethnic origin recruited in the present research. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method genotyped PD-L1 rs2890658 polymorphism. PubMed and Embase were searched to get eligible literature for meta-analysis. The association between PD-L1 rs2890658 polymorphism and NSCLC risk was calculated with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Results It is more likely that individuals who have CC genotype and C allele are 2.15 and 1.41 times to develop NSCLC compared with individuals with AA genotype and A allele, respectively. Meta-analysis showed that the individuals who have C allele and CA genotype increased the risk of suffering from NSCLC. Conclusion PD-L1 rs2890658 polymorphism increased NSCLC risk in northern China population and it might predict the occurrence of NSCLC.
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Horn LC, Beckmann MW, Follmann M, Koch MC, Nothacker M, Pöschel B, Stübs F, Schmidt D, Höhn AK. [Revised German guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of carcinoma of the uterine cervix-what's new for pathologists in 2021?]. PATHOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 43:292-302. [PMID: 35191993 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-021-01051-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In 2021, the 2015 German consensus guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine cervical carcinoma was updated. The present article summarises the new recommendations for pathologists: the incorporation of the International Endocervical Adenocarcinoma Classification (IECC), which morphologically separates HPV-associated and non-HPV-associated adenocarcinomas, as well as the reporting of the prognostic relevant growth pattern of the adenocarcinoma of the endocervical subtype (Silva pattern). Histologically, multifocality has been defined as the presence of clearly invasive foci with a minimum distance between each focus of 0.2 cm. Because of its intratumoural heterogeneity, all carcinomas ≤ 2 cm in their largest dimension should be processed completely, and tumours > 2 cm should be processed with one block per centimetre of their greatest dimension. In cases of (radical) trachelectomy/hysterectomy, the distal vaginal resection margin and all parametrial tissue should be processed completely. Sentinel lymph nodes have to be processed completely by lamellation along its long axis in 0.2 cm intervals. Immunohistochemical ultrastaging is mandatory. Staging should be performed using the 2009 FIGO classification and 2017 TNM classification. Reporting the revised 2018 FIGO classification is optional. To date, molecular markers have not been relevant for prognostication and treatment decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars-Christian Horn
- Institut für Pathologie, Abteilung Mamma‑, Gynäko- & Perinatalpathologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 26, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland.
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Universitätsfrauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | | | - Martin C Koch
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, ANregiomed, Ansbach, Deutschland
| | - Monika Nothacker
- AWMF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften), Berlin, Deutschland
| | | | - Frederik Stübs
- Universitätsfrauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Deutschland
| | | | - Anne Kathrin Höhn
- Institut für Pathologie, Abteilung Mamma‑, Gynäko- & Perinatalpathologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstraße 26, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland
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van Luijk IF, Smith SM, Marte Ojeda MC, Oei AL, Kenter GG, Jordanova ES. A Review of the Effects of Cervical Cancer Standard Treatment on Immune Parameters in Peripheral Blood, Tumor Draining Lymph Nodes, and Local Tumor Microenvironment. J Clin Med 2022; 11:2277. [PMID: 35566403 PMCID: PMC9102821 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a public health concern despite all the efforts to implement vaccination and screening programs. Conventional treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer consists of surgery, radiotherapy (with concurrent brachytherapy), combined with chemotherapy, or hyperthermia. The response rate to combination approaches involving immunomodulatory agents and conventional treatment modalities have been explored but remain dismal in patients with locally advanced disease. Studies exploring the immunological effects exerted by combination treatment modalities at the different levels of the immune system (peripheral blood (PB), tumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLN), and the local tumor microenvironment (TME)) are scarce. In this systemic review, we aim to define immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive effects induced by conventional treatment in cervical cancer patients to identify the optimal time point for immunotherapy administration. Radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiation (CRT) induce an immunosuppressive state characterized by a long-lasting reduction in peripheral CD3, CD4, CD8 T cells and NK cells. At the TDLN level, CRT induced a reduction in Nrp1+Treg stability and number, naïve CD4 and CD8 T cell numbers, and an accompanying increase in IFNγ-producing CD4 helper T cells, CD8 T cells, and NK cells. Potentiation of the T-cell anti-tumor response was particularly observed in patients receiving low irradiation dosage. At the level of the TME, CRT induced a rebound effect characterized by a reduction of the T-cell anti-tumor response followed by stable radioresistant OX40 and FoxP3 Treg cell numbers. However, the effects induced by CRT were very heterogeneous across studies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) containing both paclitaxel and cisplatin induced a reduction in stromal FoxP3 Treg numbers and an increase in stromal and intratumoral CD8 T cells. Both CRT and NACT induced an increase in PD-L1 expression. Although there was no association between pre-treatment PD-L1 expression and treatment outcome, the data hint at an association with pro-inflammatory immune signatures, overall and disease-specific survival (OS, DSS). When considering NACT, we propose that posterior immunotherapy might further reduce immunosuppression and chemoresistance. This review points at differential effects induced by conventional treatment modalities at different immune compartments, thus, the compartmentalization of the immune responses as well as individual patient's treatment plans should be carefully considered when designing immunotherapy treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iske F. van Luijk
- Haaglanden Medical Center, Lijnbaan 32, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.C.M.O.); (G.G.K.); (E.S.J.)
| | - Sharissa M. Smith
- Erasmus Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Maria C. Marte Ojeda
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.C.M.O.); (G.G.K.); (E.S.J.)
| | - Arlene L. Oei
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Gemma G. Kenter
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.C.M.O.); (G.G.K.); (E.S.J.)
| | - Ekaterina S. Jordanova
- Center for Gynecologic Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.C.M.O.); (G.G.K.); (E.S.J.)
- Department of Urology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Dolciami M, Capuani S, Celli V, Maiuro A, Pernazza A, Palaia I, Di Donato V, Santangelo G, Rizzo SMR, Ricci P, Della Rocca C, Catalano C, Manganaro L. Intravoxel Incoherent Motion (IVIM) MR Quantification in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer (LACC): Preliminary Study on Assessment of Tumor Aggressiveness and Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040638. [PMID: 35455755 PMCID: PMC9027075 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether quantitative parameters obtained from intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model at baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlate with histological parameters and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Methods: Twenty patients with biopsy-proven cervical cancer, staged as LACC on baseline MRI and addressed for neoadjuvant chemotherapy were enrolled. At treatment completion, tumor response was assessed with a follow-up MRI evaluated using the revised response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST; version 1.1), and patients were considered good responders (GR) if they had complete response or partial remission, and poor responders/non-responders (PR/NR) if they had stable or progressive disease. MRI protocol included conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI; b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2) and IVIM acquisition using eight b-values (range: 0–1500 s/mm2). MR-images were analyzed using a dedicated software to obtain quantitative parameters: diffusion (D), pseudo-diffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (fp) from the IVIM model; apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from conventional DWI. Histologic subtype, grading, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were assessed in each LACC. Results: D showed significantly higher values in GR patients (p = 0.001) and in moderate/high TILs (p = 0.018). Fp showed significantly higher values in squamous cell tumors (p = 0.006). Conclusions: D extracted from the IVIM model could represent a promising tool to identify tumor aggressiveness and predict response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Dolciami
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (P.R.); (C.D.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Silvia Capuani
- CNR Institute for Complex Systems (ISC), Physics Department, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Veronica Celli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (P.R.); (C.D.R.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Angelina Pernazza
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (P.R.); (C.D.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Innocenza Palaia
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (V.D.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Violante Di Donato
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (V.D.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Giusi Santangelo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (I.P.); (V.D.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Stefania Maria Rita Rizzo
- Istituto di Imaging della Svizzera Italiana (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland;
- Facoltà di Scienze Biomediche, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Ricci
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (P.R.); (C.D.R.); (C.C.)
- Unit of Emergency Radiology, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Della Rocca
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (P.R.); (C.D.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Catalano
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (P.R.); (C.D.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Lucia Manganaro
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.D.); (V.C.); (A.P.); (P.R.); (C.D.R.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3338151295
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Birrer MJ, Fujiwara K, Oaknin A, Randall L, Ojalvo LS, Valencia C, Ray-Coquard I. The Changing Landscape of Systemic Treatment for Cervical Cancer: Rationale for Inhibition of the TGF-β and PD-L1 Pathways. Front Oncol 2022; 12:814169. [PMID: 35280818 PMCID: PMC8905681 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.814169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common and lethal cancers among women worldwide. Treatment options are limited in patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer, with <20% of women living >5 years. Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been implicated in almost all cases of cervical cancer. HPV infection not only causes normal cervical cells to transform into cancer cells, but also creates an immunosuppressive environment for cancer cells to evade the immune system. Recent clinical trials of drugs targeting the PD-(L)1 pathway have demonstrated improvement in overall survival in patients with cervical cancer, but only 20% to 30% of patients show overall survival benefit beyond 2 years, and resistance to these treatments remains common. Therefore, novel treatment strategies targeting HPV infection-associated factors are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Bintrafusp alfa is a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGF-βRII receptor (a TGF-β "trap") fused to a human immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that blocks PD-L1. Early clinical trials of bintrafusp alfa have shown promising results in patients with advanced cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Birrer
- Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas Medical School, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - Keiichi Fujiwara
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Ana Oaknin
- Gynaecological Cancer Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leslie Randall
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Laureen S Ojalvo
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Christian Valencia
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Isabelle Ray-Coquard
- GINECO Group & Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Leon Berard, University Claude Bernard Lyon, Lyon, France
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35
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Zhou F, Chen H, Li M, Strickland AL, Zheng W, Zhang X. The Prognostic Values of HPV Genotypes and Tumor PD-L1 Expression in Patients With HPV-associated Endocervical Adenocarcinoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2022; 46:300-308. [PMID: 35175967 PMCID: PMC8860210 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite the well-established pathogenic effect of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) genotypes on endocervical adenocarcinomas (ECAs), the prognostic values of hrHPV genotypes and their association with other prognostic variables have not been established. We categorized 120 usual-type human papillomavirus-associated (HPVA) ECA cases into 3 species groups (HPV16+, HPV18/45+, and other genotypes+) based on the hrHPV status. The clinical-stage, invasion patterns (Silva), and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression were compared among genotype groups. In addition, log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare progression-free survival (PFS) among different patient groups. A total of 120 ECA cases with positive hrHPV tests were included in this study. Among them, 51 (42.5%) were positive for HPV16, 50 (41.7%) were positive for HPV18 or 18/45, 9 (7.5%) were positive for other hrHPV genotypes (not including HPV16/18/45). Our data showed patients had no significant difference in clinical stages (P=0.51), invasion patterns (P=0.55), and PFS (P=0.59) across genotype groups. Overall, a relatively high prevalence of PD-L1 expression was observed in HPVA ECAs (25% by tumor proportion score [TPS] and 55% by a combined positive score [CPS]). Using TPS, 19.6% (10/51) HPV16+ cases, 32.0% (16/50) cases of HPV18 or 18/45+ cases, and 22.2% (2/9) cases of other genotypes+ cases demonstrated PD-L1 positivity. No significant difference in PD-L1 expression was seen across genotype groups (P=0.35). PD-L1 expression in tumors with patterns B and C was significantly higher than in those with pattern A (P=0.00002). Patients with PD-L1-positive tumors by either CPS or TPS showed significantly poorer PFS than those with PD-L1-negative tumors (CPS, P=0.025; TPS, P=0.001). Our data support that HPV genotypes have no prognostic value in HPVA ECAs, while PD-L1 expression serves as a negative prognostic marker in HPVA ECAs and implies an unfavorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women’s Hospital, Hangzhou
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Meiping Li
- Department of Pathology, Shaoxing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Amanda L. Strickland
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Wenxin Zheng
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women’s Hospital, Hangzhou
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Xu Q, Wang J, Sun Y, Lin Y, Liu J, Zhuo Y, Huang Z, Huang S, Chen Y, Chen L, Ke M, Li L, Li Z, Pan J, Song Y, Liu R, Chen C. Efficacy and Safety of Sintilimab Plus Anlotinib for PD-L1-Positive Recurrent or Metastatic Cervical Cancer: A Multicenter, Single-Arm, Prospective Phase II Trial. J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:1795-1805. [PMID: 35192397 PMCID: PMC9148684 DOI: 10.1200/jco.21.02091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
No combined immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy have been investigated in exclusively programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)–positive advanced cervical cancer (CA). We investigated the efficacy and safety of sintilimab plus anlotinib as second-line or later therapy for PD-L1–positive recurrent or metastatic (R/M) CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xu
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Radiation, Peking University Third Hospital, Haidian District, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yibin Lin
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yanhong Zhuo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhangzhou Hospital, Teaching Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Zhangzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhangzhou Huang
- Departments of Physicians, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Songhua Huang
- Department of Oncology, Sanming Second Hospital, Yongan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Li Chen
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Meifang Ke
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Li Li
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zirong Li
- Deparment of Radiation Oncology, Longyan First Hospital, Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Longyan, Fujian Province, China
| | - Junping Pan
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yanwen Song
- Departments of Gynecology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Rongqiang Liu
- Department of Radiation, Nanping First Hospital, Yanping District, Nanping, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chuanben Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Jinan District, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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Wang M, Zhu Y, Li T, Xia C. The Mechanism of Human Umbilical Mesenchymal Stem Cells (HUMSC) on Biological Behavior of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Cells Through Restraining the Programmed Cell Death Protein 1/Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) Signal Pathway. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2022.2884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Biological behavior of HPV cell was observed by HUMSC through restraining PD-1/PD-L1 signal pathway. And HUMSC was adopted as target cell for the treatment on HPV. The rat HPV model was established and divided into three groups including blank group, control group and test group according
to different reagents being injected into rats. Use HE staining method to observe the cancerous transformation of tumor tissue sections. The gene presentation of PD-1/PD-L1 and lymphocyte was detected with Western blot. The invasion and migration condition of cancer cells was observed from
experiment in vitro. The quantity of cancer cells in test group was the least. And invasion and migration ability in test group was the weakest. The control group was the second. The number of tumor cells in the blank group was the largest. Strongest ability to invade and migrate. The
presentation of PD-L1 was restrained partly by HUMSC. The increasing of immune-associated cells could be prompted by HUMSC. The quantity of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ in PB was the most in test group. The expression of blank groups is the lowest than others restrained
by HUMSC. And quantity of abundant immune cells including CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ could be activated partly through activating immune action of body. And monitoring function of immune system on HPV cells could be increased effectively. The invasion and migration
ability in vitro of HPV could be reduced partly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- School of Medicine, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252003, China
| | - Yanong Zhu
- Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, District of Dong Chang, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252004, China
| | - Tongmin Li
- Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, District of Dong Chang, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252004, China
| | - Chaofeng Xia
- Department of Anorectal, Liaocheng People’s Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, 252004, China
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T cell subtype profiling measures exhaustion and predicts anti-PD-1 response. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1342. [PMID: 35079117 PMCID: PMC8789795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05474-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD-1 therapy can provide long, durable benefit to a fraction of patients. The on-label PD-L1 test, however, does not accurately predict response. To build a better biomarker, we created a method called T Cell Subtype Profiling (TCSP) that characterizes the abundance of T cell subtypes (TCSs) in FFPE specimens using five RNA models. These TCS RNA models are created using functional methods, and robustly discriminate between naïve, activated, exhausted, effector memory, and central memory TCSs, without the reliance on non-specific, classical markers. TCSP is analytically valid and corroborates associations between TCSs and clinical outcomes. Multianalyte biomarkers based on TCS estimates predicted response to anti-PD-1 therapy in three different cancers and outperformed the indicated PD-L1 test, as well as Tumor Mutational Burden. Given the utility of TCSP, we investigated the abundance of TCSs in TCGA cancers and created a portal to enable researchers to discover other TCSP-based biomarkers.
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Jovanovic MZ, Geller DA, Gajovic NM, Jurisevic MM, Arsenijevic NN, Jovanovic MM, Supic GM, Vojvodic DV, Jovanovic IP. Dual blockage of PD-L/PD-1 and IL33/ST2 axes slows tumor growth and improves antitumor immunity by boosting NK cells. Life Sci 2022; 289:120214. [PMID: 34890591 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Although separate blockage of either IL33/ST2 or PD-L/PD-1 axes has been shown to be beneficial in many tumors, co-blockage of IL33/ST2 and PD-L/PD-1 hasn't been studied yet. MAIN METHODS 4T1 breast cancer and CT26 colon cancer were inducted in BALB/C wild type (WT) and BALB/C ST2 knockout mice, after which mice underwent anti PD-1 and anti IL-33 treatment. KEY FINDINGS Co-blockage of IL33/ST2 and PD-L/PD-1 delayed tumor appearance and slowed tumor growth. Enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity against 4T1 tumor cells in ST2 knockout anti-PD-1 treated mice was associated with overexpression of miRNA-150 and miRNA-155, upregulation of NFκB and STAT3, increased expression of activation markers and decreased expression of immunosuppressive markers in splenic and primary tumor derived NK cells. NK cells from ST2 knockout anti-PD-1 treated mice tend to proliferate more and are less prone to apoptosis. Accumulation of immunosuppressive myeloid derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells was significantly impaired in spleen and primary tumor of ST2 knockout anti-PD-1 treated mice. SIGNIFICANCE Co-blockage of IL3/ST2 and PD-L/PD-1 axes impedes tumor progression more efficiently than single blockage of either axes, thus offering potential new approach to immunotherapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Z Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - David A Geller
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 3459 Fifth Avenue, UPMC Montefiore, 7 South Pittsburgh, PA 15213 2582, USA.
| | - Nevena M Gajovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena M Jurisevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, SvetozaraMarkovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Nebojsa N Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milan M Jovanovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Gordana M Supic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Danilo V Vojvodic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ivan P Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
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40
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Immuno-Oncology for Gynecologic Malignancies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1342:193-232. [PMID: 34972966 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-79308-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients with advanced and/or recurrent gynecologic cancers derive limited benefit from currently available cytotoxic and targeted therapies. Successes of immunotherapy in other difficult-to-treat malignancies such as metastatic melanoma and advanced lung cancer have led to intense interest in clinical testing of these treatments in patients with gynecologic cancers. Currently, in the realm of gynecologic oncology, the FDA-approved use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is limited to microsatellite instability-high cancers, cancers with high tumor mutational burden, and PD-L1-positive cervical cancer. However, there has been an exponential growth of clinical trials testing immunotherapy approaches both alone and in combination with chemotherapy and/or targeted agents in patients with gynecologic cancers. This chapter will review some of the major reported and ongoing immunotherapy clinical trials in patients with endometrial, cervical, and epithelial ovarian cancer.
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PD-L1: Can it be a biomarker for the prognosis or a promising therapeutic target in cervical cancer? Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 103:108484. [PMID: 34954558 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108484] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most common in the female genital tract and remains a leading cause that threatens the health and lives of women worldwide, although preventive vaccines and early diagnosis have reduced mortality. While treatment by operation and chemoradiotherapy for early-stage patients achieve good outcomes, the great majority of cervical cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) make immunotherapy realizable for patients with advanced and recurrent cervical cancer. To date, some clinical trials of checkpoint immunotherapy in cervical cancer have indicated significant benefits of programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors, providing strong evidence for PD-1/PD-L1 as a therapeutic target. In this review article, we discuss the role of PD-L1 and the application of PD-L1 inhibitors in cervical cancer, with the aim of providing direction for future research.
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Paskeh MDA, Mirzaei S, Gholami MH, Zarrabi A, Zabolian A, Hashemi M, Hushmandi K, Ashrafizadeh M, Aref AR, Samarghandian S. Cervical cancer progression is regulated by SOX transcription factors: Revealing signaling networks and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112335. [PMID: 34700233 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth common gynecologic cancer and is considered as second leading cause of death among women. Various strategies are applied in treatment of cervical cancer including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. However, cervical cancer cells demonstrate aggressive behavior in advanced phases, requiring novel strategies in their elimination. On the other hand, SOX proteins are transcription factors capable of regulating different molecular pathways and their expression varies during embryogenesis, disease development and carcinogenesis. In the present review, our aim is to reveal role of SOX transcription factors in cervical cancer. SOX transcription factors play like a double-edged sword in cancer. For instance, SOX9 possesses both tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoting role in cervical cancer. Therefore, exact role of each SOX members in cervical cancer has been discussed to direct further experiments for revealing other functions. SOX proteins can regulate proliferation and metastasis of cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, response of cervical cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is tightly regulated by SOX transcription factors. Different downstream targets of SOX proteins such as Wnt signaling, EMT and Hedgehog have been identified. Besides, upstream mediators such as microRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs can regulate SOX expression in cervical cancer. In addition to pre-clinical studies, role of SOX transcription factors as prognostic and diagnostic tools in cervical cancer has been shown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Gholami
- DVM. Graduated, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Sariyer, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey; Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vice President at Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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Tang Y, Zhang AXJ, Chen G, Wu Y, Gu W. Prognostic and therapeutic TILs of cervical cancer-Current advances and future perspectives. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 22:410-430. [PMID: 34553029 PMCID: PMC8430272 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a top lethal cancer for women worldwide. Although screening and vaccination programs are available in many countries, resulting in the decline of new cases, this is not true for developing countries where there are many new cases and related deaths. Cancer immunotherapy through adaptive cell therapy (ACT) has been applied in clinics, but now much attention is focused on autogenic tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-based therapy, which has shown more specificity and better ability to inhibit tumor growth. Data from melanoma and cervical cancers confirm that tumor-specific T cells in TILs can be expanded for more specific and effective ACT. Moreover, TILs are derived from individual patients and are ready to home back to kill tumor cells after patient infusion, aligning well with personalized and precision medicine. In addition to therapy, TIL cell types and numbers are good indicators of host immune response to the tumor, and thus they have significant values in prognosis. Because of the special relationship with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, cervical cancer has some specialties in TIL-based prognosis and therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the prognostic significance of TILs and TIL-based therapy for cervical cancer and discuss related perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tang
- Institute of Tumor, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anne X J Zhang
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Chen
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanheng Wu
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Gillion ITM Research Institute, Guangzhou Hongkeyuan, Guangzhou, China.,Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Xu F, Zhang F, Wang Q, Xu Y, Xu S, Zhang C, Wang L. The augment of regulatory T cells undermines the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 treatment in cervical cancer. BMC Immunol 2021; 22:60. [PMID: 34479503 PMCID: PMC8414724 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-021-00451-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors have aroused great expectation of tumor eradication. However, the effect of anti-PD-L1 treatment for cervical cancer is unsatisfactory and the underlying antagonist to anti-PD-L1 efficacy is remained to be studied. Here, we investigated the anti-tumor effect of anti-PD-L1 treatment in cervical tumor model and identified the antagonist to the therapeutic efficacy of anti-PD-L1 treatment. Results We found that PD-L1 exhibited a moderate expression in both cervical tumor cell lines and clinical samples compared to other tumor types and the para-tumor tissue respectively. Interestingly, our results showed that the anti-PD-L1 treated mice were dichotomously divided into responsive and unresponsive group after five cycles of anti-PD-L1 treatment although all the mice had the same genome background. In addition, the unresponsive tumors showed less tumor necrosis area and higher immunosuppression activity induced by regulatory T cells (Tregs) population than the responsive ones. Furthermore, we found that anti-PD-L1 treatment autonomously upregulated Tregs proliferation and frequency in multiple immune organs, and, most importantly, Tregs depletion significantly depressed the tumor growth rate and tumor weight compared with either anti-PD-L1 or anti-CD25 treatment alone. Finally, we observed that the upregulating effector CD8+ T cell is associated with the better therapeutic effect of anti-PD-L1 therapy post Tregs depletion. Conclusions Anti-PD-L1 treatment upregulates Tregs frequency and proliferation in tumor model, and the depletion of Tregs may be a useful adjuvant strategy for anti-PD-L1 therapy of cervical cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12865-021-00451-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengying Xu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Jinshan District Tinglin Hospital, Shanghai, 201505, China
| | - Fengying Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Jinshan District Tinglin Hospital, Shanghai, 201505, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pathology, Jinshan District Tinglin Hospital, Shanghai, 201505, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Jinshan District Tinglin Hospital, Shanghai, 201505, China
| | - Shuifang Xu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Jinshan District Tinglin Hospital, Shanghai, 201505, China
| | - Caihong Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Jinshan District Tinglin Hospital, Shanghai, 201505, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 910 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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Chen L, Lucas E, Zhang X, Liu Q, Zhuang Y, Lin W, Chen H, Zhou F. Programmed death-ligand 1 expression in human papillomavirus-independent cervical adenocarcinoma and its prognostic significance. Histopathology 2021; 80:338-347. [PMID: 34455625 DOI: 10.1111/his.14552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In the 2020 World Health Organization classification of female genital tumours, endocervical adenocarcinomas (ECAs) are subclassified into human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated (HPVA) and HPV-independent (HPVI) groups on the basis of their distinct aetiologies and clinical behaviours. The aim of this study was to investigate programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and its prognostic value in HPVI ECA and HPVA ECA, and compare these between the two entities. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 93 ECAs accessioned between 2013 and 2020 were selected for further analysis, including 48 usual-type HPVA ECAs and 45 HPVI ECAs. Then, we evaluated PD-L1 expression in whole tissue sections of these cases by using the tumour proportion score (TPS) and the combined positive score (CPS). Heterogeneous PD-L1 expression was observed in both HPVI ECAs and usual-type HPVA ECAs. However, no significant difference in PD-L1 expression was seen among different histological types of ECA when either the CPS or the TPS was used. Gastric-type ECA (GEA) was associated with higher clinical stage (P = 0.001), worse progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.008) and worse overall survival (OS) (P = 0.02) than usual-type HPVA ECA and non-GEA HPVI ECA. When the TPS was used, PD-L1-positive GEA was associated with significantly worse PFS (P = 0.03) and OS (P = 0.015) than PD-L1-negative GEA. CONCLUSIONS Our data show frequent PD-L1 expression in HPVI ECAs, supporting the potential role of the programmed cell death protein 1/PD-L1 pathway as a therapeutic target for these tumours. Our data also support PD-L1 as a negative prognostic marker associated with a potentially unfavourable outcome for GEAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Chen
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Elena Lucas
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, USA.,Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yalin Zhuang
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wanrun Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, USA.,Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Feng Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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46
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Zhang L, Kuca K, You L, Zhao Y, Musilek K, Nepovimova E, Wu Q, Wu W, Adam V. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling in tumor immune evasion. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 230:107969. [PMID: 34450232 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The underlying mechanism of tumor immune evasion is a highly concerning subject for researchers. Increasing evidences reveal that the over-activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a crucial molecular hub in malignant tumors. STAT3 controls autophagy molecules that impair CTL-mediated tumor cell lysis, inhibiting natural killer cells and inducing apoptosis in T lymphocytes to create an immunosuppressive environment. STAT3 signaling regulates the expression of immune factors and recruits immunosuppressive cells to establish a tolerant tumor microenvironment (TME). STAT3 signaling regulates the expression of immune factors and recruits immunosuppressive cells to create an immunosuppressive environment. All this aid tumor cells in escaping from immune surveillance. In this review, we outlined the STAT3-mediated mechanisms involved in tumor immune evasion and their potential regulatory functions in the TME. We discussed the impact of STAT3 signaling on PD-L1, HIF-1α, exosome, lncRNA, and autophagy in the promotion of tumor immune evasion and highlighted the recent research on STAT3 signaling and tumor immune evasion that may assist in developing effective STAT3-targeted drugs for advancing immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luying Zhang
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic
| | - Li You
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Kamil Musilek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic
| | - Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic.
| | - Wenda Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Králové 500 03, Czech Republic.
| | - Vojtech Adam
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mendel University in Brno, Brno 613 00, Czech Republic; Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno 602 00, Czech Republic.
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Mixed and nonvaccine high risk HPV types are associated with higher mortality in Black women with cervical cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14064. [PMID: 34234252 PMCID: PMC8263581 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93485-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the incidence of HPV genotypes in mostly Black women with cervical carcinoma and correlated histopathologic tumor characteristics, immune markers and clinical data with survival. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were recorded for 60 months post-diagnosis. Fifty four of the 60 (90%) patients were Black and 36 (60%) were < 55 years of age. Of the 40 patients with typeable HPV genotypes, 10 (25%) had 16/18 HPV genotypes, 30 (75%) had one of the non-16/18 HPV genotypes, and 20 (50%) had one of the 7 genotypes (35, 39, 51, 53, 56, 59 and 68) that are not included in the nonavalent vaccine. Mixed HPV infections (≥ 2 types) were found in 11/40 (27.5%) patients. Patients infected with non-16/18 genotypes, including the most common genotype, HPV 35, had significantly shorter DFS and OS. PD-L1 (p = 0.003), MMR expression (p = 0.01), clinical stage (p = 0.048), histologic grade (p = 0.015) and mixed HPV infection (p = 0.026) were independent predictors of DFS. A remarkably high proportion of cervical cancer cells in our patients expressed PD-L1 which opens the possibility of the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat these cancers. Exclusion of the common HPV genotypes from the vaccine exacerbates mortality from cervical cancer in underserved Black patients.
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Palaia I, Tomao F, DI Pinto A, Pernazza A, Santangelo G, D'Alessandris N, Manganaro L, Arno A, Donato VDI, Perniola G, Della Rocca C, Panici PB. Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: The Role of Immune-related Factors. In Vivo 2021; 35:1277-1283. [PMID: 33622931 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) consists of concomitant chemoradiation or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) plus radical surgery (RS). This study analyzed the prognostic role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and PD-L1 expression in LACC patients, treated with NACT+RS. PATIENTS AND METHODS We prospectively analyzed 37 LACC patients treated from December 2016 to September 2019. Patients were submitted to pelvic examination, biopsy and imaging. RESULTS In 65% of cases, a nodal involvement was present at pre-treatment MRI. All cancers showed the presence of stromal TILs and PD-L1 staining of inflammatory cells. No significant correlations were found between clinicopathological parameters and the number of TILs and PDL-1 at baseline. After NACT, 29 patients (78%) were submitted to RS; 28% of patients showed pathological complete response, 62% partial response and 10% stable disease. Seven (24%) patients reported a positive node. Patients with high levels of stromal TILs and low NLR and PLR showed a significantly better response to NACT. No significant correlation was observed between PD-L1 expression and response to NACT. CONCLUSION The number of TILs, the expression of PDL1, and NLR and PLR ratios correlate significantly with the response of LACC patients to NACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Innocenza Palaia
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Tomao
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology European Institute of Oncology (IEO) IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna DI Pinto
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy;
| | - Angelina Pernazza
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Giusi Santangelo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta D'Alessandris
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Manganaro
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Arno
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Violante DI Donato
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Perniola
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Della Rocca
- Department of Radiological, Oncological, and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Benedetti Panici
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
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Rivera-Colon G, Chen H, Molberg K, Niu S, Strickland AL, Castrillon DH, Carrick K, Gwin K, Lea J, Zheng W, Lucas E. PD-L1 Expression in Endocervical Adenocarcinoma: Correlation With Patterns of Tumor Invasion, CD8+ Tumor-infiltrating Lymphocytes, and Clinical Outcomes. Am J Surg Pathol 2021; 45:742-752. [PMID: 33298732 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1) expression has been used as a predictive marker for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors and has been reported to have prognostic value. Its prevalence and significance in endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA) remain underinvestigated. We evaluated PD-L1 expression and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density in whole tissue sections of 89 ECAs. PD-L1 expression was observed in 68% of ECAs by combined positive score (CPS, cutoff 1) and 29% of ECAs by tumor proportion score (TPS, cutoff 1%). Using CPS, PD-L1 expression was seen in 11%, 78%, and 72% of pattern A, B, and C tumors, respectively, with significantly higher expression in tumors with destructive-type invasion (B and C) (P=0.001 [A vs. B], 0.0006 [A vs. C], 0.0002 [A vs. B+C]). Using TPS, no significant difference in PD-L1 expression was seen between tumors with different invasion patterns (0%, 22%, and 32% in tumors with pattern A, B, and C, respectively; P=0.27 [A vs. B], 0.053 [A vs. C], 0.11 [A vs. B+C]). PD-L1-positive ECAs demonstrated significantly higher CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density (CPS: P=0.028; TPS: P=0.013) and worse progression-free survival when compared with PD-L1-negative ECAs (CPS: hazard ratio [HR]=4.253 vs. 0.235, P=0.025; TPS: HR=4.98 vs. 0.2; P=0.004). When invasion patterns were separately assessed, pattern C tumors similarly showed worse progression-free survival in PD-L1-positive tumors (CPS: HR=6.15 vs. 0.16, P=0.045; TPS: HR=3.78 vs. 0.26, P=0.027). In conclusion, our data show frequent PD-L1 expression in ECA with destructive-type invasion, supporting the role of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway as a therapeutic target for these tumors. Our data also support PD-L1 as a negative prognostic marker associated with a potentially unfavorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hao Chen
- Departments of Pathology
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Kyle Molberg
- Departments of Pathology
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Shuang Niu
- Departments of Pathology
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Amanda L Strickland
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Diego H Castrillon
- Departments of Pathology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Kelley Carrick
- Departments of Pathology
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Katja Gwin
- Departments of Pathology
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Jayanthi Lea
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center
| | - Wenxin Zheng
- Departments of Pathology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
| | - Elena Lucas
- Departments of Pathology
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Department of Pathology, Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX
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50
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Lifsics A, Groma V, Cistjakovs M, Skuja S, Deksnis R, Murovska M. Identification of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus DNA, p16, and E6/E7 Oncoproteins in Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061008. [PMID: 34072187 PMCID: PMC8229053 DOI: 10.3390/v13061008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) was proven to play a significant role in cancer development in the oropharynx. However, its role in the development of laryngeal (LSCC) and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) remains to be clarified. High-risk HPV (HR-HPV) viral proteins E6 and E7 are considered to be pertinent to HPV-related carcinogenesis. Hence, our aim was to estimate LSCC and HPSCC for HR-HPV DNA, p16, and E6/E7 oncoprotein status by using molecular virology and immunohistochemistry methods. The prevalence of HPV16 infection was 22/41 (53.7%) and 20/31 (64.5%) for LSCC and HPSCC, accordingly. The majority of HPV16+ tumor samples were stage III or IV. In most samples, the presence of either HPV16 E6 or HPV16 E7 viral protein in dysplastic or tumor cells was confirmed using immunohistochemistry. Our results suggest a high prevalence of HPV16 as a primary HR-HPV type in LSCC and HPSCC. The lack of HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins in some tumor samples may suggest either the absence of viral integration or the presence of other mechanisms of tumorigenesis. The utilization of p16 IHC as a surrogate marker of HR-HPV infection is impractical in LSCC and HPSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrejs Lifsics
- Department of otolaryngology, Riga Stradiņš University, Pilsoņu 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Correspondence:
| | - Valerija Groma
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda blvd 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia; (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Maksims Cistjakovs
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradiņš University, Rātsupītes 5, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Sandra Skuja
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda blvd 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia; (V.G.); (S.S.)
| | - Renars Deksnis
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Oncology Centre of Latvia, Riga Eastern University Hospital, Hipokrāta 2, LV-1038 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Modra Murovska
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradiņš University, Rātsupītes 5, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (M.C.); (M.M.)
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