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Toner K, McCann CD, Bollard CM. Applications of cell therapy in the treatment of virus-associated cancers. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:709-724. [PMID: 39160243 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00930-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
A diverse range of viruses have well-established roles as the primary driver of oncogenesis in various haematological malignancies and solid tumours. Indeed, estimates suggest that approximately 1.5 million patients annually are diagnosed with virus-related cancers. The predominant human oncoviruses include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV1), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). In addition, although not inherently oncogenic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with immunosuppression that contributes to the development of AIDS-defining cancers (specifically, Kaposi sarcoma, aggressive B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer). Given that an adaptive T cell-mediated immune response is crucial for the control of viral infections, increasing research is being focused on evaluating virus-specific T cell therapies for the treatment of virus-associated cancers. In this Review, we briefly outline the roles of viruses in the pathogenesis of these malignancies before describing progress to date in the field of virus-specific T cell therapy and evaluating the potential utility of these therapies to treat or possibly even prevent virus-related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keri Toner
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chase D McCann
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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2
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Wang C, Wang L. Resistance mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies in relapsed or refractory natural killer/T cell lymphoma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024:00029330-990000000-01193. [PMID: 39175124 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a malignant tumor originating from NK or T cells, characterized by its highly aggressive and heterogeneous nature. NKTCL is predominantly associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection, disproportionately affecting Asian and Latin American populations. Owing to the application of asparaginase and immunotherapy, clinical outcomes have improved significantly. However, for patients in whom first-line treatment fails, the prognosis is exceedingly poor. Overexpression of multidrug resistance genes, abnormal signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications and active Epstein-Barr virus infection may be responsible for resistance. This review summarized the mechanisms of resistance for NKTCL and proposed potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengji Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China
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3
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Fang CH, Cheng YF, Lin SR, Lai WY, Liao LR, Chiu YL, Lee JM. Establishment of a protocol for rapidly expanding Epstein-Barr-virus-specific cytotoxic T cells with enhanced cytotoxicity. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:980. [PMID: 39118069 PMCID: PMC11312821 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12707-7] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lytic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection plays a major role in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). For patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC and resistant to conventional therapies, adoptive cell therapy using EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells (EBV-CTLs) is a promising option. However, the long production period (around 3 to 4 weeks) and low EBV-CTL purity (approximately 40% of total CD8 T cells) in the cell product limits the application of EBV-CTLs in clinics. Thus, this study aimed to establish a protocol for the rapid production of EBV-CTLs. METHODS By culturing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from EBV-seropositive donors with EBV-specific peptides and interleukin (IL)-2, IL-15, and interferon α (IFN-α) for 9 days, we identified that IL-15 can enhance IL-2-mediated CTL activation and significantly increase the yield of CTLs. RESULTS When IFN-α was used in IL-2/IL-15-mediated CTL production from days 0 to 6, the productivity of EBV-CTLs and EBV-specific cytotoxicity significantly were reinforced relative to EBV-CTLs from IL-2/IL-15 treatment. Additionally, IFN-α-induced production improvement of virus-specific CTLs was not only the case for EBV-CTLs but also for cytomegalovirus-specific CTLs. CONCLUSION We established a novel protocol to rapidly expand highly pure EBV-CTLs from PBMCs, which can produce EBV-CTLs in 9 days and does not require feeder cells during cultivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hao Fang
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Ya Fang Cheng
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Ren Lin
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Lai
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ren Liao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Ling Chiu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, No. 121, Sec. 2, Nanya S. Rd., Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine and Graduate Program in Biomedical Informatics, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, 320315, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, 100233, Taiwan.
| | - Jan-Mou Lee
- FullHope Biomedical Co., Ltd., 10F., No. 10, Ln. 609, Sec. 5, Chongxin Rd., Sanchong Dist., New Taipei City, 241405, Taiwan.
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4
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Briercheck EL, Ravishankar S, Ahmed EH, Carías Alvarado CC, Barrios Menéndez JC, Silva O, Solórzano-Ortiz E, Siliézar Tala MM, Stevenson P, Xu Y, Wohns AW, Enriquez-Vera D, Barrionuevo C, Yu SC, Freud AG, Oakes C, Weigel C, Weinstock DM, Klimaszewski HL, Ngankeu A, Mutalima N, Samayoa-Reyes G, Newton R, Rochford R, Valvert F, Natkunam Y, Shustov A, Baiocchi RA, Warren EH. Geographic EBV variants confound disease-specific variant interpretation and predict variable immune therapy responses. Blood Adv 2024; 8:3731-3744. [PMID: 38815238 PMCID: PMC11296253 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023012461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a potent carcinogen linked to hematologic and solid malignancies and causes significant global morbidity and mortality. Therapy using allogeneic EBV-specific lymphocytes shows promise in certain populations, but the impact of EBV genome variation on these strategies remains unexplored. To address this, we sequenced 217 EBV genomes, including hematologic malignancies from Guatemala, Peru, Malawi, and Taiwan, and analyzed them alongside 1307 publicly available EBV genomes from cancer, nonmalignant diseases, and healthy individuals across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. These included, to our knowledge, the first natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) EBV genomes reported outside of East Asia. Our findings indicate that previously proposed EBV genome variants specific to certain cancer types are more closely tied to geographic origin than to cancer histology. This included variants previously reported to be specific to NKTCL but were prevalent in EBV genomes from other cancer types and healthy individuals in East Asia. After controlling for geographic region, we did identify multiple NKTCL-specific variants associated with a 7.8-fold to 21.9-fold increased risk. We also observed frequent variations in EBV genomes that affected peptide sequences previously reported to bind common major histocompatibility complex alleles. Finally, we found several nonsynonymous variants spanning the coding sequences of current vaccine targets BALF4, BKRF2, BLLF1, BXLF2, BZLF1, and BZLF2. These results highlight the need to consider geographic variation in EBV genomes when devising strategies for exploiting adaptive immune responses against EBV-related cancers, ensuring greater global effectiveness and equity in prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward L. Briercheck
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Shashidhar Ravishankar
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Elshafa Hassan Ahmed
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - César Camilo Carías Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Investigación Biológica en Cáncer, Liga Nacional Contra el Cáncer & Instituto de Cancerología, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Juan Carlos Barrios Menéndez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Biológica en Cáncer, Liga Nacional Contra el Cáncer & Instituto de Cancerología, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Oscar Silva
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Elizabeth Solórzano-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación Biológica en Cáncer, Liga Nacional Contra el Cáncer & Instituto de Cancerología, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Marcos Mauricio Siliézar Tala
- Laboratorio de Investigación Biológica en Cáncer, Liga Nacional Contra el Cáncer & Instituto de Cancerología, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Philip Stevenson
- Division of Clinical Biostatistics, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Yuexin Xu
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Daniel Enriquez-Vera
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Barrionuevo
- Department of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas, Lima, Peru
| | - Shan-Chi Yu
- Department of Pathology at National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Aharon G. Freud
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
- Department of Pathology Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Christopher Oakes
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Christoph Weigel
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - David M. Weinstock
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Apollinaire Ngankeu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
| | - Nora Mutalima
- Epidemiology and Genetics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela Samayoa-Reyes
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Robert Newton
- Epidemiology and Genetics Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary Rochford
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Fabiola Valvert
- Laboratorio de Investigación Biológica en Cáncer, Liga Nacional Contra el Cáncer & Instituto de Cancerología, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Yasodha Natkunam
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Andrei Shustov
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Robert A. Baiocchi
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Edus H. Warren
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA
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Stuver R, Epstein-Peterson ZD, Horwitz SM. Few and far between: clinical management of rare extranodal subtypes of mature T-cell and NK-cell lymphomas. Haematologica 2023; 108:3244-3260. [PMID: 38037801 PMCID: PMC10690914 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
While all peripheral T-cell lymphomas are uncommon, certain subtypes are truly rare, with less than a few hundred cases per year in the USA. There are often no dedicated clinical trials in these rare subtypes, and data are generally limited to case reports and retrospective case series. Therefore, clinical management is often based on this limited literature and extrapolation of data from the more common, nodal T-cell lymphomas in conjunction with personal experience. Nevertheless, thanks to tremendous pre-clinical efforts to understand these rare diseases, an increasing appreciation of the biological changes that underlie these entities is forming. In this review, we attempt to summarize the relevant literature regarding the initial management of certain rare subtypes, specifically subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, intestinal T-cell lymphomas, and extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma. While unequivocally established approaches in these diseases do not exist, we make cautious efforts to provide our approaches to clinical management when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stuver
- Lymphoma Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
| | - Zachary D Epstein-Peterson
- Lymphoma Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College
| | - Steven M Horwitz
- Lymphoma Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College; Cellular Therapy Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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6
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He L, Chen N, Dai L, Peng X. Advances and challenges of immunotherapies in NK/T cell lymphomas. iScience 2023; 26:108192. [PMID: 38026157 PMCID: PMC10651691 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108192] [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] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a rare subtype of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by poor clinical outcomes. It is more common in East Asian and Latin American countries. Despite the introduction of asparaginase/pegaspargase-based chemotherapy, the prognosis of patients with advanced NKTCL needs to be improved, and few salvage treatment options are available for relapsed/refractory patients who fail chemotherapy. Although many unknowns remain, novel treatment strategies to further improve outcomes are urgently needed. Immunotherapy has emerged and shown favorable antitumor activity in NKTCL, including monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoint inhibitors, other receptors on the cellular membrane, and cellular immunotherapy, which could enhance immune cells attack on tumor cells. In this review, we provide an overview of recent immunotherapy in NKTCL, focusing on programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, immunomodulatory agents, and other targeted agents, as well as the current progress and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling He
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Na Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, China
| | - Lei Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingchen Peng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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7
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Barros MHM, Alves PDS. Contribution of the Epstein-Barr virus to the oncogenesis of mature T-cell lymphoproliferative neoplasms. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1240359. [PMID: 37781191 PMCID: PMC10538126 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1240359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
EBV is a lymphotropic virus, member of the Herpesviridae family that asymptomatically infects more than 90% of the human population, establishing a latent infection in memory B cells. EBV exhibits complex survival and persistence dynamics, replicating its genome through the proliferation of infected B cells or production of the lytic virions. Many studies have documented the infection of T/NK cells by EBV in healthy individuals during and after primary infection. This feature has been confirmed in humanized mouse models. Together these results have challenged the hypothesis that the infection of T/NK cells per se by EBV could be a triggering event for lymphomagenesis. Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive nodal T- and NK-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) are two EBV-associated lymphomas of T/NK cells. These two lymphomas display different clinical, histological and molecular features. However, they share two intriguing characteristics: the association with EBV and a geographical prevalence in East Asia and Latin America. In this review we will discuss the genetic characteristics of EBV in order to understand the possible role of this virus in the oncogenesis of ENKTCL and NKTCL. In addition, the main immunohistological, molecular, cytogenetic and epigenetic differences between ENKTCL and NKTCL will be discussed, as well as EBV differences in latency patterns and other viral molecular characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paula Daniela S. Alves
- Oncovirology Laboratory, Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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8
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Sausen DG, Basith A, Muqeemuddin S. EBV and Lymphomagenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072133. [PMID: 37046794 PMCID: PMC10093459 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical significance of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) cannot be understated. Not only does it infect approximately 90% of the world’s population, but it is also associated with numerous pathologies. Diseases linked to this virus include hematologic malignancies such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, primary CNS lymphoma, and NK/T-cell lymphoma, epithelial malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma and gastric cancer, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Graves’ disease, and lupus. While treatment for these disease states is ever evolving, much work remains to more fully elucidate the relationship between EBV, its associated disease states, and their treatments. This paper begins with an overview of EBV latency and latency-associated proteins. It will then review EBV’s contributions to select hematologic malignancies with a focus on the contribution of latent proteins as well as their associated management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Sausen
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Ayeman Basith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
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9
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Major A, Porcu P, Haverkos BM. Rational Targets of Therapy in Extranodal NK/T-Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051366. [PMID: 36900160 PMCID: PMC10000128 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051366] [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] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an aggressive extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with poor outcomes, particularly in advanced-stage and relapsed/refractory disease. Emerging research on molecular drivers of ENKTL lymphomagenesis by next-generation and whole genome sequencing has revealed diverse genomic mutations in multiple signaling pathways, with the identification of multiple putative targets for novel therapeutic agents. In this review, we summarize the biological underpinnings of newly-understood therapeutic targets in ENKTL with a focus on translational implications, including epigenetic and histone regulatory aberrations, activation of cell proliferation signaling pathways, suppression of apoptosis and tumor suppressor genes, changes in the tumor microenvironment, and EBV-mediated oncogenesis. In addition, we highlight prognostic and predictive biomarkers which may enable a personalized medicine approach toward ENKTL therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Major
- Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Pierluigi Porcu
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Bradley M. Haverkos
- Division of Hematology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-720-848-0414
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10
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Yan Z, Yao S, Wang Z, Zhou W, Yao Z, Liu Y. Treatment of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma: From past to future. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1088685. [PMID: 36825002 PMCID: PMC9941192 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1088685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTCL) is the most common subtype of T/NK-cell lymphoma in Asia and Latin America, but very rare in North American and Europe. Patient survival has improved significantly over the past two decades. However, standard treatment has not yet been established, although dozens of prospective trials have been conducted. To help understand how the treatment of ENKTCL has evolved in the past and what trends lie ahead, we have comprehensively reviewed the treatment of this aggressive malignancy, with a particular focus on neglected or unanswered issues, such as the optimal staging method, the best partner of asparaginase (Asp), the individualized administration of Asp, the preferred sequence of CT and RT and so on. Overall, the 5-year overall survival (OS) of patients with Ann Arbor stage I/II disease increased from < 50% in the early 20th century to > 80% in recent years, and the median OS of patients with Ann Arbor stage III/IV disease increased from < 1 year to more than 3 years. The improvement in patient survival is largely attributable to advances in radiation technology and the introduction of Asp and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy into practice. Radiotherapy is essential for patients with early-stage disease, while Asp-based chemotherapy (CT) and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors significantly improved the prognosis of patients with advanced-stage disease. ENKTCL management is trending toward simpler regimens, less toxicity, and higher efficacy. Novel drugs, such as manufactured T cells, monoclonal antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors, are being intensively investigated. Based on the fact that ENKTCL is highly resistant to cytotoxic drugs except Asp, and aggressive CT leads to higher toxicity rather than better outcomes, we recommend it is unnecessary to expend additional resources to compare different combinations of Asp with cytotoxic agents. Instead, more efforts should be made to optimize the use of Asp and immunotherapy to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity, explore ways to overcome resistance to Asp and immunotherapy, identify novel treatment targets, and define subpopulations who may benefit more from specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Yan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shuna Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhizhong Wang
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenping Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhihua Yao
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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11
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Tse E, Fox CP, Glover A, Yoon SE, Kim WS, Kwong YL. Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: An overview on pathology and clinical management. Semin Hematol 2022; 59:198-209. [PMID: 36805888 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2022.10.002] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphomas arise mainly from NK-cells and occasionally T-cells, and are universally infected with Epstein Barr virus (EBV). They are uncommon lymphomas more prevalent in Asian and Central/South American populations. NK/T-cell lymphomas are clinically aggressive and predominantly extranodal. The most commonly involved sites are the nasal cavity, followed by non-nasal sites including the skin, gastrointestinal tract and testis. The diagnosis of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is established with histological and immunohistochemical examination, together with the demonstration of EBV in the tumour cells. Staging by positron emission tomography computed tomography is essential to inform the optimal management. Plasma EBV DNA quantification should be performed as it serves as a marker for prognostication and treatment response. Survival outcomes of patients with early-stage disease are good following treatment with nonanthracycline based chemotherapy, together with sequential/concurrent radiotherapy. For advanced-stage disease, asparaginase-containing regimens are mostly used and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be considered for those at high risk of relapse. Salvage chemotherapy is largely ineffective for relapsed/refractory disease, which has a grave prognosis. Novel therapeutic approaches including immune check-point blockade, EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells, and monoclonal antibodies are being investigated to improve outcomes for those with high risk and relapsed/refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Tse
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | | | - Alexander Glover
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sang Eun Yoon
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Seog Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yok-Lam Kwong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Casper C, Corey L, Cohen JI, Damania B, Gershon AA, Kaslow DC, Krug LT, Martin J, Mbulaiteye SM, Mocarski ES, Moore PS, Ogembo JG, Phipps W, Whitby D, Wood C. KSHV (HHV8) vaccine: promises and potential pitfalls for a new anti-cancer vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:108. [PMID: 36127367 PMCID: PMC9488886 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00535-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Seven viruses cause at least 15% of the total cancer burden. Viral cancers have been described as the "low-hanging fruit" that can be potentially prevented or treated by new vaccines that would alter the course of global human cancer. Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV or HHV8) is the sole cause of Kaposi sarcoma, which primarily afflicts resource-poor and socially marginalized populations. This review summarizes a recent NIH-sponsored workshop's findings on the epidemiology and biology of KSHV as an overlooked but potentially vaccine-preventable infection. The unique epidemiology of this virus provides opportunities to prevent its cancers if an effective, inexpensive, and well-tolerated vaccine can be developed and delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey Casper
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave. East, Suite 400, Seattle, WA, 98102, USA
| | - Lawrence Corey
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jeffrey I Cohen
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 50, Room 6134, 50 South Drive, MSC8007, Bethesda, MD, 20892-8007, USA
| | - Blossom Damania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center & Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, US
| | - Anne A Gershon
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY10032, US
| | - David C Kaslow
- PATH Essential Medicines, PATH, 2201 Westlake Avenue, Suite 200, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Laurie T Krug
- HIV and AIDS Malignancy Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey Martin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sam M Mbulaiteye
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, HHS, 9609 Medical Center Dr, Rm. 6E118 MSC 3330, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | | | - Patrick S Moore
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Javier Gordon Ogembo
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Warren Phipps
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Denise Whitby
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Charles Wood
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphomas are aggressive malignancies with a predilection for Asian and South American populations. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in lymphoma cells is universal. Predominantly extranodal, NK/T-cell lymphomas are divided clinically into nasal (involving the nose and upper aerodigestive tract), non-nasal (involving the skin, gastrointestinal tract, testes, and other organs), and aggressive leukaemia/lymphoma (involving the marrow and multiple organs) subtypes. Initial assessment should include imaging with positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET/CT), quantification of plasma EBV DNA as a surrogate marker of lymphoma load, and bone marrow examination with in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded small RNA. Prognostication can be based on presentation parameters (age, stage, lymph node involvement, clinical subtypes, and EBV DNA), which represent patient factors and lymphoma load; and dynamic parameters during treatment (serial plasma EBV DNA and interim/end-of-treatment PET/CT), which reflect response to therapy. Therapeutic goals are to achieve undetectable plasma EBV DNA and normal PET/CT (Deauville score ≤ 3). NK/T-cell lymphomas express the multidrug resistance phenotype, rendering anthracycline-containing regimens ineffective. Stage I/II nasal cases are treated with non-anthracycline asparaginase-based regimens plus sequential/concurrent radiotherapy. Stage III/IV nasal, and non-nasal and aggressive leukaemia/lymphoma cases are treated with asparaginase-containing regimens and consolidated by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in suitable patients. Autologous HSCT does not improve outcome. In relapsed/refractory cases, novel approaches comprise immune checkpoint blockade of PD1/PD-L1, EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells, monoclonal antibodies, and histone deacetylase inhibitors. Future strategies may include inhibition of signalling pathways and driver mutations, and immunotherapy targeting the lymphoma and its microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Tse
- Department of Medicine, Professorial Block, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei-Li Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Xiong
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yok-Lam Kwong
- Department of Medicine, Professorial Block, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
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14
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Reneau JC, Shindiapina P, Braunstein Z, Youssef Y, Ruiz M, Farid S, Hanel W, Brammer JE. Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphomas: Current Approaches and Future Directions. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102699. [PMID: 35628826 PMCID: PMC9145443 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102699] [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: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Extranodal natural killer/T(NK/T)-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that typically presents with an isolated nasal mass, but a sizeable minority present with advanced stage disease and have a significantly poorer prognosis. Those with limited disease are standardly treated with chemotherapy and radiation while those with advanced stage disease are treated with L-asparaginase containing chemotherapy regimens. The addition of modern radiation therapy techniques and the incorporation of L-asparaginase into chemotherapy regimens have significantly improved outcomes in this disease, but relapses and death from relapsed disease remain frequent. Given the high rate of relapse, several novel therapies have been evaluated for the treatment of this disease. In this review, we explore the current standard of care for ENKTL as well as novel therapies that have been evaluated for its treatment and the biologic understanding behind these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Reneau
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.C.R.); (P.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.); (S.F.); (W.H.)
| | - Polina Shindiapina
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.C.R.); (P.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.); (S.F.); (W.H.)
| | - Zachary Braunstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Youssef Youssef
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.C.R.); (P.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.); (S.F.); (W.H.)
| | - Miguel Ruiz
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.C.R.); (P.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.); (S.F.); (W.H.)
| | - Saira Farid
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.C.R.); (P.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.); (S.F.); (W.H.)
| | - Walter Hanel
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.C.R.); (P.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.); (S.F.); (W.H.)
| | - Jonathan E. Brammer
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (J.C.R.); (P.S.); (Y.Y.); (M.R.); (S.F.); (W.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Tse E, Kwong YL. Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Natural Killer Cell Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030597. [PMID: 35158865 PMCID: PMC8833626 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphomas are aggressive extranodal Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-positive malignancies. They can be divided into three subtypes: nasal (involving the nose and upper aerodigestive tract), non-nasal (involving skin, gastrointestinal tract, testis and other organs) and disseminated (involving multiple organs). Lymphoma cells are positive for CD3ε, CD56, cytotoxic molecules and EBV-encoded small RNA. There is a predilection for Asian and Central/South American populations. Genome-wide association studies have identified lymphoma susceptibility loci in Asians. Positron emission tomography computed tomography and plasma EBV DNA quantification are crucial at diagnosis and follow-up. Stage I/II patients receive non-athracycline asparaginse-containing regimens, together with sequential/concurrent radiotherapy. Anthracycline-containing regimens are ineffective. Stage III/IV patients receive asparaginase-containing regimens, followed by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Autologous HSCT does not improve outcome. In relapsed/refractory patients, novel approaches include PD1/PD-L1 targeting, EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells, and monoclonal antibodies. Small molecules including histone deacetylase inhibitors may be beneficial. Abstract Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphomas are aggressive malignancies. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection in lymphoma cells is invariable. NK/T-cell lymphomas are divided into nasal, non-nasal, and disseminated subtypes. Nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas involve the nasal cavity and the upper aerodigestive tract. Non-nasal NK/T-cell lymphomas involve the skin, gastrointestinal tract, testis and other extranodal sites. Disseminated NK/T-cell lymphoma involves multiple organs, rarely presenting with a leukaemic phase. Lymphoma cells are positive for CD3ε (not surface CD3), CD56, cytotoxic molecules and EBV-encoded small RNA. There is a predilection for Asian and Central/South American populations. Genome-wide association studies have identified lymphoma susceptibility loci in Asian patients. Positron emission tomography computed tomography and plasma EBV DNA quantification are crucial evaluations at diagnosis and follow-up. Stage I/II patients typically receive non-athracycline regimens containing asparaginse, together with sequential/concurrent radiotherapy. Anthracycline-containing regimens are ineffective. Stage III/IV patients are treated with asparaginase-containing regimens, followed by allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in suitable cases. Autologous HSCT does not improve outcome. In relapsed/refractory patients, novel approaches are needed, involving PD1/PD-L1 targeting, EBV-specific cytotoxic T-cells, and monoclonal antibodies. Small molecules including histone deacetylase inhibitors may be beneficial in selected patients. Future strategies may include targeting of signalling pathways and driver mutations.
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