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Duan XP, Qin BD, Jiao XD, Liu K, Wang Z, Zang YS. New clinical trial design in precision medicine: discovery, development and direction. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:57. [PMID: 38438349 PMCID: PMC10912713 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01760-0] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
In the era of precision medicine, it has been increasingly recognized that individuals with a certain disease are complex and different from each other. Due to the underestimation of the significant heterogeneity across participants in traditional "one-size-fits-all" trials, patient-centered trials that could provide optimal therapy customization to individuals with specific biomarkers were developed including the basket, umbrella, and platform trial designs under the master protocol framework. In recent years, the successive FDA approval of indications based on biomarker-guided master protocol designs has demonstrated that these new clinical trials are ushering in tremendous opportunities. Despite the rapid increase in the number of basket, umbrella, and platform trials, the current clinical and research understanding of these new trial designs, as compared with traditional trial designs, remains limited. The majority of the research focuses on methodologies, and there is a lack of in-depth insight concerning the underlying biological logic of these new clinical trial designs. Therefore, we provide this comprehensive review of the discovery and development of basket, umbrella, and platform trials and their underlying logic from the perspective of precision medicine. Meanwhile, we discuss future directions on the potential development of these new clinical design in view of the "Precision Pro", "Dynamic Precision", and "Intelligent Precision". This review would assist trial-related researchers to enhance the innovation and feasibility of clinical trial designs by expounding the underlying logic, which be essential to accelerate the progression of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Peng Duan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Dong Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Jiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Sheng Zang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Ye X, Yu Y, Zheng X, Ma H. Clinical immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:64. [PMID: 38430289 PMCID: PMC10908626 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03632-6] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains a challenging disease with limited treatment options, resulting in high mortality rates. The predominant approach to managing pancreatic cancer patients continues to be systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy. Despite substantial advancements in immunotherapy strategies for various cancers, their clinical utility in pancreatic cancer has proven less effective and durable. Whether administered as monotherapy, employing immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor vaccines, chimeric antigen receptors T cells, or in combination with conventional chemoradiotherapy, the clinical outcomes remain underwhelming. Extensive preclinical experiments and clinical trials in the realm of pancreatic cancer have provided valuable insights into the complexities of immunotherapy. Chief among the hurdles are the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, limited immunogenicity, and the inherent heterogeneity of pancreatic cancer. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview and critical analysis of current clinical immunotherapy strategies for pancreatic cancer, emphasizing their endeavors to overcome immunotherapy resistance. Particular focus is placed on strategies aimed at reshaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment and enhancing T cell-mediated tumor cell killing. Ultimately, through deeper elucidation of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of pancreatic cancer and the refinement of therapeutic approaches, we anticipate breakthroughs that will pave the way for more effective treatments in this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaohu Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongdi Ma
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Zhang P, Shi S, Xu J, Chen Z, Song L, Zhang X, Cheng Y, Zhang Y, Ye F, Li Z, Yin F, Ji D, Gao H, Li Y, Chen W, Yang M, Weng D, Wu C, Ma Y, Sheng W, Zhao Y, Yin X, Shen W, Su W, Shi M, Fan S, Tan P, Xu Q, Lu M, Shen L. Surufatinib plus toripalimab in patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumours and neuroendocrine carcinomas: An open-label, single-arm, multi-cohort phase II trial. Eur J Cancer 2024; 199:113539. [PMID: 38237373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.113539] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The programmed death 1 inhibitor toripalimab plus the angio-immuno kinase inhibitor surufatinib revealed a tolerable safety profile and preliminary efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumours in a phase I study. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was an open-label, single-arm, multi-cohort phase II study in China. Patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) or neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) or mixed neuroendocrine non-neuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) who had failed or were intolerable of standard treatment were given surufatinib (250 mg orally, once daily) plus toripalimab (240 mg intravenously, once every 3 weeks). Primary end-point was investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Secondary end-points included duration of response (DoR), disease control rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS Forty patients were enrolled into two cohorts by tumour types (NET, n = 19; NEC-MiNEN, n = 21). ORRs (95% CIs) were 21.1% (6.1-45.6) and 23.8% (8.2-47.2) in the NET and NEC-MiNEN cohorts, respectively. Median DoR was 7.1 months (6.9-not evaluable [NE]) and 4.1 months (3.0-NE), respectively. Median PFS was 9.6 months (4.1-NE) and 4.1 months (1.5-5.5); median OS was 27.3 (15.3-NE) and 10.9 months (9.1-14.6), respectively. Overall, grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 18 (45.0%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Surufatinib plus toripalimab showed antitumour activity and a tolerable safety profile in patients with previously treated NETs/NECs/MiNENs. Further study of this combination regimen is ongoing for advanced NECs, for which current therapeutic options remain limited. CLINICALTRIALS gov: NCT04169672.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Zhang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Early Drug Development Centre, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui district, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.8 East Avenue, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
| | - Zhendong Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lijie Song
- First Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No.651 East Dongfeng Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Jilin Cancer Hospital, No.1066 Jinghu Avenue, Gaoxin District, Changchun, Jilin,China
| | - Yanqiao Zhang
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Feng Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, No.55 Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No.12 Jiankan Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Dongmei Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui district, Shanghai, China
| | - Heli Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui district, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, No.8 East Avenue, Fengtai District, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.678 Furong Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Minjie Yang
- First Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.1 East Jianshe Road, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Desheng Weng
- Biotherapy Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, No.651 East Dongfeng Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunjiao Wu
- Phase I Study Ward, Jilin Cancer Hospital, No.1066 Jinghu Avenue, Gaoxin District, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Second Department of Gastroenterology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, No.150 Haping Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wang Sheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, No.55 Zhenhai Road, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yaqin Zhao
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaolei Yin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No.12 Jiankan Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Weina Shen
- Phase I Study Ward, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No.270 Dong'an Road, Xuhui district, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Su
- HUTCHMED Limited, Building 4, 720 Cailun Road, Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Michael Shi
- Clinical & Regulatory Department, HUTCHMED Limited, Building 4, 720 Cailun Road, Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Songhua Fan
- Clinical & Regulatory Department, HUTCHMED Limited, Building 4, 720 Cailun Road, Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Panfeng Tan
- Clinical & Regulatory Department, HUTCHMED Limited, Building 4, 720 Cailun Road, Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Clinical & Regulatory Department, HUTCHMED Limited, Building 4, 720 Cailun Road, Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
| | - Lin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Beijing Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China.
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Kaur J, Vijayvergia N. Narrative Review of Immunotherapy in Gastroentero-Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8653-8664. [PMID: 37754542 PMCID: PMC10527684 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30090627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastroentero-pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are a diverse group of rare tumors that arise from neuroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, and they can vary significantly in terms of clinical behavior and prognosis. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has shown remarkable success in various malignancies by harnessing the body's immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitor clinical studies in GEP-NENs have yielded promising outcomes, particularly in individuals with advanced and refractory disease. Objective responses and disease stabilization have been observed in some cases, even in those previously unresponsive to traditional treatments like chemotherapy or targeted therapies. However, it's important to note that the efficacy of immunotherapy in GEP-NENs can vary widely depending on tumor characteristics, the immune microenvironment, and patient factors. As such, identifying predictive biomarkers to select the most suitable patients for immunotherapy remains an ongoing challenge. Immunotherapy has considerable potential for treating GEP-NENs, but research is still in its early stages. Several combinations are being explored to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy and improve the outcomes of treatment, such as combining immunotherapy with other targeted therapies or chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Namrata Vijayvergia
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA;
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5
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Mosalem O, Sonbol MB, Halfdanarson TR, Starr JS. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immunotherapy Updates in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 37:101796. [PMID: 37414652 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2023.101796] [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] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies that arise from neuroendocrine cells dispersed throughout the organs/tissues of the body. Treatment of advanced/metastatic disease varies depending on tumor origin and grade. Somatostatin analogs (SSA) have been the mainstay first-line treatment in the advanced/metastatic setting for tumor control and managing hormonal syndromes. Treatments beyond SSAs have expanded to include everolimus (mTOR inhibitor), tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) (e.g., sunitinib), and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with the choice of therapy to some extent dictated by the anatomic origin of the NETs. This review will focus on emerging systemic treatments for advanced/metastatic NETs, particularly TKIs, and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Mosalem
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
| | | | | | - Jason S Starr
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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Diamantopoulos LN, Kalligeros M, Halfdanarson TR, Diamantis N, Toumpanakis C. Combination Systemic Therapies in Advanced Well-Differentiated Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEP-NETs): A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Trials and Prospective Studies. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1069. [PMID: 37626955 PMCID: PMC10452098 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
There is an evolving landscape of systemic combination regimens for patients with advanced well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). In this review, we provide a comprehensive outline of the existing clinical trials/prospective studies investigating these combinations. PubMed was searched using key relevant terms to identify articles referring to GEP-NETs and combination treatments. No systematic search of the literature or metanalysis of the data was performed, and we focused on the most recent literature results. Primarily, phase 1 and 2 clinical trials were available, with a smaller number of phase 3 trials, reporting results from combination treatments across a wide range of antiproliferative agents. We identified significant variability in the anti-tumor activity of the reported combinations, with occasional promising results, but only a very small number of practice-changing phase 3 clinical trials. Overall, the peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT)-based combinations (with chemotherapy, dual PPRT, and targeted agents) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent combinations with standard chemotherapy were found to have favorable results and may be worth investigating in future, larger-scale trials. In contrast, the immune-checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations were found to have limited applicability in advanced, well-differentiated GEP-NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas N. Diamantopoulos
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Markos Kalligeros
- Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
| | | | - Nikolaos Diamantis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Christos Toumpanakis
- Neuroendocrine Tumor Unit, Centre for Gastroenterology, ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Pan WX, Zhang XM, Hao SL, Han W. Progress in immunotherapy for neuroendocrine neoplasm of the digestive system. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4174-4185. [PMID: 37475845 PMCID: PMC10354576 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i26.4174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare heterogeneous tumors that can develop in almost any organ, with the digestive organs, including the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas being the most commonly affected sites. Despite the fact that advances in initial therapies have progressed, there is presently no recognized effective treatment for advanced NEN. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown superior efficacy in treating several types of solid tumors. Despite their successful role in the treatment of partial NENs, such as small cell lung cancer, and Merkel cell carcinoma, the role of ICIs in most of the NENs remains limited. Nevertheless, due to their specific anti-tumor mechanisms and acceptable safety profile, ICIs are a promising avenue for further study in NENs therapy. Recent clinical trials have illustrated that combination therapy with ICI is more efficient than monotherapy, and multiple clinical trials are constantly ongoing to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these combination therapies. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the clinical progress of immunotherapy in NENs affecting the digestive system, with a specific emphasis on the application of programmed cell death protein 1/programmed death receptor ligand 1 inhibitor. Furthermore, this review has an exploration of the potential beneficiary population and the inherent value of utilizing immunotherapy in the management of NENs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Xuan Pan
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101100, China
| | - Xin-Mu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Shao-Long Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101100, China
| | - Wei Han
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101100, China
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8
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Symons R, Daly D, Gandy R, Goldstein D, Aghmesheh M. Progress in the Treatment of Small Intestine Cancer. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:241-261. [PMID: 36826686 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Small intestine cancer is rare, accounting for approximately 3% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. The most common histological subtypes include adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) and gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). In localised disease, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment and the best approach to improve survival. Current treatment for small intestine adenocarcinoma (SIA) is extrapolated from small studies and data from colorectal cancer (CRC). There is limited evidence to guide therapy in the adjuvant setting. However, there are small phase II studies in the advanced setting providing evidence for the role of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. There is also limited evidence assessing the efficacy of targeted therapies. Small intestine NETs are rare, with evidence for somatostatin analogue therapy, particularly in the low to intermediate-grade well-differentiated tumours. Poorly differentiated NETs are generally managed with chemotherapy but have worse outcomes compared with well-differentiated NETs. The management of small intestine GISTs is largely targeting KIT mutations with imatinib. Recent trials have provided evidence for effective therapies in imatinib-resistant tumours and the potential role of immunotherapy. The aim of this article was to review the evidence for the current management and recent advances in the management of small intestine adenocarcinoma, NETs and GISTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Symons
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, High St, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Daniel Daly
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, High St, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Gandy
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, High St, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - David Goldstein
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, High St, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.,University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Morteza Aghmesheh
- Nelune Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, High St, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
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Gubbi S, Vijayvergia N, Yu JQ, Klubo-Gwiezdzinska J, Koch CA. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Neuroendocrine Tumors. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:795-812. [PMID: 35878617 PMCID: PMC9731788 DOI: 10.1055/a-1908-7790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) occur in various regions of the body and present with complex clinical and biochemical phenotypes. The molecular underpinnings that give rise to such varied manifestations have not been completely deciphered. The management of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) involves surgery, locoregional therapy, and/or systemic therapy. Several forms of systemic therapy, including platinum-based chemotherapy, temozolomide/capecitabine, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy have been extensively studied and implemented in the treatment of NETs. However, the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy as an option in the management of NETs has only recently garnered attention. Till date, it is not clear whether ICI therapy holds any distinctive advantage in terms of efficacy or safety when compared to other available systemic therapies for NETs. Identifying the characteristics of NETs that would make them (better) respond to ICIs has been challenging. This review provides a summary of the current evidence on the value of ICI therapy in the management of ICIs and discusses the potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Gubbi
- Endocrinology, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda,
United States
| | | | - Jian Q Yu
- Nuclear Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United
States
| | - Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Christian A. Koch
- Medicine/Endocrinology, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, United States
- Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United
States
- Correspondence Prof. Christian A. Koch, FACP,
MACE Fox Chase Cancer
CenterMedicine, 333 Cottman
AvePhiladelphia19111-2497United
States215 728 2713
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10
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Rösner E, Kaemmerer D, Sänger J, Lupp A. Evaluation of PD-L1 expression in a large set of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours and correlation with clinicopathological data. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101526. [PMID: 36067541 PMCID: PMC9468575 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeting programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) or its ligand PD-L1 is a promising therapeutic approach for many types of cancer in which PD-L1 is overexpressed. However, data on PD-L1 expression levels in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are limited and contradictory. METHODS We evaluated PD-L1 expression in 457 archived, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded GEP-NEN samples from 175 patients by immunohistochemistry using the highly sensitive monoclonal anti-PD-L1 antibody 73-10. The immunostaining was semiquantitatively evaluated using a 12-point immunoreactivity score (IRS) taking both PD-L1-positive tumour cells and immune cells into account. Tumour samples with an IRS ≥ 3 were considered PD-L1-positive. Results were correlated with clinicopathological data and with the expression of several typical markers and receptors for neuroendocrine tumours. RESULTS Of the GEP-NEN samples, 73% were PD-L1-positive. The median IRS value across all samples was 4.0, corresponding to low expression. PD-L1 immunostaining was predominantly localised at the plasma membrane of the tumour cells. Positive correlations were observed between PD-L1 expression and tumour grading or Ki-67 index, between PD-L1 expression and the expression of chromogranin A, and between PD-L1 expression and the expression of each of the five somatostatin receptors. PD-L1 expression was lower in tumours with lymph node metastases at diagnosis than in those without regional metastasis and lower in high-stage than in earlier-stage tumours. No association was noted between PD-L1 expression and patient survival. CONCLUSIONS PD-L1 expression is common in GEP-NENs and increases with malignancy. Therefore, especially in high-grade GEP-NENs, targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis could be a promising additional therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Rösner
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Straße 1, Jena D-07747, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaemmerer
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Zentralklinik Bad Berka, Bad Berka, Germany
| | - Jörg Sänger
- Laboratory of Pathology and Cytology Bad Berka, Bad Berka, Germany
| | - Amelie Lupp
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Straße 1, Jena D-07747, Germany.
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Pavlidis ET, Pavlidis TE. Molecular factors, diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal tract neuroendocrine tumors: An update. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:9573-9587. [PMID: 36186187 PMCID: PMC9516923 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i27.9573] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs) is increasing, and despite recent advances in their therapy, it remains inadequate in patients with advanced well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors. These tumors present many challenges concerning the molecular basis and genomic profile, pathophysiology, clinicopathological features, histopathologic classification, diagnosis and treatment. There has been an ongoing debate on diagnostic criteria and clinical behavior, and various changes have been made over the last few years. Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal system is a rare but highly malignant neoplasm that is genetically distinct from gastrointestinal system neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The diagnosis and management have changed over the past decade. Emerging novel biomarkers and metabolic players in cancer cells are useful and promising new diagnostic tools. Progress in positron emission tomography-computerized tomography and scintigraphy with new radioactive agents (64Cu-DOTATATE or 68Ga-DOTATATE) replacing enough octreoscan, has improved further the current diagnostic imaging. Promising results provide targeted therapies with biological agents, new drugs, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, the role of surgery is important, since it is the cornerstone of management. Simultaneous resection of small bowel NETs with synchronous liver metastases is a surgical challenge. Endoscopy offers novel options not only for diagnosis but also for interventional management. The therapeutic option should be individualized based on current multidisciplinary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios Theodoros Pavlidis
- Department of 2nd Surgical Propedeutic, Hippocration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Theodoros Efstathios Pavlidis
- Department of 2nd Surgical Propedeutic, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
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Lauricella E, Mandriani B, Cavallo F, Pezzicoli G, Chaoul N, Porta C, Cives M. Angiogenesis in NENs, with a focus on gastroenteropancreatic NENs: from biology to current and future therapeutic implications. Front Oncol 2022; 12:957068. [PMID: 36059642 PMCID: PMC9428554 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.957068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are highly vascularized malignancies arising from cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. An intricated cross-talk exists between NEN cells and the tumor microenvironment, and three main molecular circuits (VEGF/VEGFR pathway, FGF-dependent signaling and PDGF/PDGFR axis) have been shown to regulate angiogenesis in these neoplasms. Multiple randomized trials have investigated antiangiogenic agents over the past two decades, and sunitinib is currently approved for the treatment of advanced, progressive, G1/G2 pancreatic NENs. In recent years, two phase III clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of surufatinib, a multi-tyrosine kinase angioimmune inhibitor, in patients with well-differentiated pancreatic and extrapancreatic NENs, and two studies of this agent are currently underway in Europe and US. The HIF-2α inhibitor belzutifan has recently received regulatory approval for the treatment of tumors arising in the context of Von-Hippel Lindau syndrome including pancreatic NENs, and a study of this drug in patients with sporadic tumors is presently ongoing. Combinations of antiangiogenic agents with chemotherapeutics and targeted drugs have been tested, with accumulating toxicities being a matter of concern. The potential of antiangiogenic agents in fine-tuning the immune microenvironment of NENs to enhance the activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors has been only partially elucidated, and further research should be carried out at this regard. Here, we review the current understanding of the biology of angiogenesis in NENs and provide a summary of the latest clinical investigations on antiangiogenic drugs in this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Lauricella
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Mandriani
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Gaetano Pezzicoli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Nada Chaoul
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Cives
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, A.O.U. Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Mauro Cives,
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