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Zhou SQ, Wan P, Zhang S, Ren Y, Li HT, Ke QH. Programmed cell death 1 inhibitor sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:859-866. [PMID: 39071470 PMCID: PMC11271726 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i7.859] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a malignancy that arises in the cells of the pancreas, is a devastating disease with unclear etiology and often poor prognosis. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer, a stage where the tumor has grown significantly but has not yet spread to distant organs, presents unique challenges in treatment. This article aims to discuss the current strategies, challenges, and future directions in the management of locally advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LAPC). AIM To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy for LAPC. METHODS Eligible patients had LAPC, an Eastern cooperative oncology group performance status of 0 or 1, adequate organ and marrow functions, and no prior anticancer therapy. In the observation group, participants received intravenous sintilimab 200 mg once every 3 wk, and received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (concurrent conventional fractionated radiotherapy with doses planning target volume 50.4 Gy and gross tumor volume 60 Gy in 28 fractions and oral S-1 40 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-14 of a 21-d cycle and intravenous gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of a 21-d cycle for eight cycles until disease progression, death, or unacceptable toxicity). In the control group, participants only received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. From April 2020 to November 2021, 64 participants were finally enrolled with 34 in the observation group and 30 in the control group. RESULTS Thirty-four patients completed the scheduled course of chemoradiotherapy, while 32 (94.1%) received sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy with 2 patients discontinuing sintilimab in the observation group. Thirty patients completed the scheduled course of chemoradiotherapy in the control group. Based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines, the analysis of the observation group revealed that a partial response was observed in 11 patients (32.4%), stable disease was evident in 19 patients (55.9%), and 4 patients (11.8%) experienced progressive disease; a partial response was observed in 6 (20.0%) patients, stable disease in 18 (60%), and progressive disease in 6 (20%) in the control group. The major toxic effects were leukopenia and nausea. The incidence of severe adverse events (AEs) (grade 3 or 4) was 26.5% (9/34) in the observation group and 23.3% (7/30) in the control group. There were no treatment-related deaths. The observation group demonstrated a significantly longer median overall survival (22.1 mo compared to 15.8 mo) (P < 0.05) and progression-free survival (12.2 mo vs 10.1 mo) (P < 0.05) in comparison to the control group. The occurrence of severe AEs did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between the observation group and the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Sintilimab plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy was effective and safe for LAPC patients, and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Qiong Zhou
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Peng Wan
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Sen Zhang
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yuan Ren
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong-Tao Li
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qing-Hua Ke
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, Hubei Province, China
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Wang L, Lynch C, Pitroda SP, Piffkó A, Yang K, Huser AK, Liang HL, Weichselbaum RR. Radiotherapy and immunology. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20232101. [PMID: 38771260 PMCID: PMC11110906 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20232101] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The majority of cancer patients receive radiotherapy during the course of treatment, delivered with curative intent for local tumor control or as part of a multimodality regimen aimed at eliminating distant metastasis. A major focus of research has been DNA damage; however, in the past two decades, emphasis has shifted to the important role the immune system plays in radiotherapy-induced anti-tumor effects. Radiotherapy reprograms the tumor microenvironment, triggering DNA and RNA sensing cascades that activate innate immunity and ultimately enhance adaptive immunity. In opposition, radiotherapy also induces suppression of anti-tumor immunity, including recruitment of regulatory T cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and suppressive macrophages. The balance of pro- and anti-tumor immunity is regulated in part by radiotherapy-induced chemokines and cytokines. Microbiota can also influence radiotherapy outcomes and is under clinical investigation. Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and CTLA-4 has been extensively investigated in combination with radiotherapy; we include a review of clinical trials involving inhibition of these immune checkpoints and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Wang
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Connor Lynch
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sean P. Pitroda
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - András Piffkó
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kaiting Yang
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy K. Huser
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hua Laura Liang
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ralph R. Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Mohamed AH, Ahmed AT, Al Abdulmonem W, Bokov DO, Shafie A, Al-Hetty HRAK, Hsu CY, Alissa M, Nazir S, Jamali MC, Mudhafar M. Interleukin-6 serves as a critical factor in various cancer progression and therapy. Med Oncol 2024; 41:182. [PMID: 38900329 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02422-5] [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: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, plays a crucial role in host immune defense and acute stress responses. Moreover, it modulates various cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and differentiation. These effects are facilitated by various signaling pathways, particularly the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). However, excessive IL-6 production and dysregulated signaling are associated with various cancers, promoting tumorigenesis by influencing all cancer hallmarks, such as apoptosis, survival, proliferation, angiogenesis, invasiveness, metastasis, and notably, metabolism. Emerging evidence indicates that selective inhibition of the IL-6 signaling pathway yields therapeutic benefits across diverse malignancies, such as multiple myeloma, prostate, colorectal, renal, ovarian, and lung cancers. Targeting key components of IL-6 signaling, such as IL-6Rs, gp130, STAT3, and JAK via monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or small molecules, is a heavily researched approach in preclinical cancer studies. The purpose of this study is to offer an overview of the role of IL-6 and its signaling pathway in various cancer types. Furthermore, we discussed current preclinical and clinical studies focusing on targeting IL-6 signaling as a therapeutic strategy for various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma'a H Mohamed
- Biomedical Engineering Department, College of Engineering and Technologies, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babil, Hilla, 51001, Iraq
| | - Abdulrahman T Ahmed
- Department of Nursing, Al-Maarif University College, Ramadi, AL-Anbar Governorate, Iraq.
| | - Waleed Al Abdulmonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dmitry Olegovich Bokov
- Institute of Pharmacy named after A.P. Nelyubin, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8 Trubetskaya St., bldg. 2, Moscow, Russian Federation, 119991
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Federal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food Safety, 2/14 Ustyinsky pr., Moscow, Russian Federation, 109240
| | - Alaa Shafie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, 21944, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Chou-Yi Hsu
- Thunderbird School of Global Management, Arizona State University Tempe Campus, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Mohammed Alissa
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahid Nazir
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammad Chand Jamali
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Liwa College, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mustafa Mudhafar
- Department of Medical Physics, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Kerbala, Karbala, 56001, Iraq
- Department of Anesthesia Techniques and Intensive Care, Al-Taff University College, Kerbala, 56001, Iraq
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Musiu C, Lupo F, Agostini A, Lionetto G, Bevere M, Paiella S, Carbone C, Corbo V, Ugel S, De Sanctis F. Cellular collusion: cracking the code of immunosuppression and chemo resistance in PDAC. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1341079. [PMID: 38817612 PMCID: PMC11137177 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1341079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the efforts, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still highly lethal. Therapeutic challenges reside in late diagnosis and establishment of peculiar tumor microenvironment (TME) supporting tumor outgrowth. This stromal landscape is highly heterogeneous between patients and even in the same patient. The organization of functional sub-TME with different cellular compositions provides evolutive advantages and sustains therapeutic resistance. Tumor progressively establishes a TME that can suit its own needs, including proliferation, stemness and invasion. Cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells, the main non-neoplastic cellular TME components, follow soluble factors-mediated neoplastic instructions and synergize to promote chemoresistance and immune surveillance destruction. Unveiling heterotypic stromal-neoplastic interactions is thus pivotal to breaking this synergism and promoting the reprogramming of the TME toward an anti-tumor milieu, improving thus the efficacy of conventional and immune-based therapies. We underscore recent advances in the characterization of immune and fibroblast stromal components supporting or dampening pancreatic cancer progression, as well as novel multi-omic technologies improving the current knowledge of PDAC biology. Finally, we put into context how the clinic will translate the acquired knowledge to design new-generation clinical trials with the final aim of improving the outcome of PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Musiu
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Lupo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Lionetto
- General and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Institute, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Paiella
- General and Pancreatic Surgery Unit, Pancreas Institute, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Balar PC, Apostolopoulos V, Chavda VP. A new era of immune therapeutics for pancreatic cancer: Monoclonal antibodies paving the way. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 969:176451. [PMID: 38408598 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176451] [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: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, remains a devastating disease with a dismal prognosis and limited survival rates. Despite various drug treatments and regimens showing promise in managing the disease, the clinical outcomes have not significantly improved. Immunotherapy however, has become a forefront area in pancreatic cancer treatment. This approach comprises a range of agents, including small molecule drugs, antibodies, combination therapies, and vaccines. In the last 5-8 years, there has been an upsurge of research into the use of monoclonal antibodies to block receptors on cancer or immune cells, revolutionising cancer treatment and management. Several targets have been identified and studied, with the most encouraging noted in relation to checkpoint markers, namely, antibodies targeting anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and its receptor PD-L1. Herein, we present the clinical developments in immunotherapy in the last 5 years especially those which have been tested in humans against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankti C Balar
- Pharmacy Section, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Werribee Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3030, Australia
| | - Vivek P Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L.M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad, India.
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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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7
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Luo W, Wen T, Qu X. Tumor immune microenvironment-based therapies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: time to update the concept. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:8. [PMID: 38167055 PMCID: PMC10759657 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal solid tumors. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) formed by interactions among cancer cells, immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and extracellular matrix (ECM) components drives PDAC in a more immunosuppressive direction: this is a major cause of therapy resistance and poor prognosis. In recent years, research has advanced our understanding of the signaling mechanism by which TIME components interact with the tumor and the evolution of immunophenotyping. Through revolutionary technologies such as single-cell sequencing, we have gone from simply classifying PDACs as "cold" and "hot" to a more comprehensive approach of immunophenotyping that considers all the cells and matrix components. This is key to improving the clinical efficacy of PDAC treatments. In this review, we elaborate on various TIME components in PDAC, the signaling mechanisms underlying their interactions, and the latest research into PDAC immunophenotyping. A deep understanding of these network interactions will contribute to the effective combination of TIME-based therapeutic approaches, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), adoptive cell therapy, therapies targeting myeloid cells, CAF reprogramming, and stromal normalization. By selecting the appropriate integrated therapies based on precise immunophenotyping, significant advances in the future treatment of PDAC are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Ti Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiujuan Qu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Key Laboratory of Anticancer Drugs and Biotherapy of Liaoning Province, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
- Clinical Cancer Research Center of Shenyang, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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Mahadevia H, Uson Junior PLS, Wang J, Borad M, Babiker H. An overview of up-and-coming immune checkpoint inhibitors for pancreatic cancer. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:79-90. [PMID: 38193476 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2304125] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway as well as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) have demonstrated substantial potential in several malignancies. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) still carries a high mortality despite tremendous advances in the anti-cancer arsenal. AREAS COVERED In this review, we discuss completed and ongoing studies on various ICIs in PC. ICIs have not yielded significant benefits as monotherapy. However, the combination with currently utilized therapies as well as with several other newer forms of therapy has delineated encouraging results. Larger trials are currently underway to definitively characterize the utility of ICIs in the treatment algorithm of PC. ICIs are approved for cancers with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high tumors (MSI-H) as a tumor-agnostic treatment strategy usually referred to as hot tumors. EXPERT OPINION Studies evaluating different drugs to transform the tumor microenvironment (TME) from 'cold' to 'hot' have not shown promise in PC. There still needs to be more prospective trials evaluating the efficacy of the combination of ICIs with different therapeutic modalities in PC that can augment the immunogenic potential of those 'cold' tumors. Exploratory biomarker analysis may help us identify those subsets of PC patients who may particularly benefit from ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himil Mahadevia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Pedro Luiz Serrano Uson Junior
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Mitesh Borad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Hani Babiker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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Kleef R, Dank M, Herold M, Agoston EI, Lohinszky J, Martinek E, Herold Z, Szasz AM. Comparison of the effectiveness of integrative immunomodulatory treatments and conventional therapies on the survival of selected gastrointestinal cancer patients. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20360. [PMID: 37990076 PMCID: PMC10663566 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47802-5] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the use of immunomodulating treatments (IMT) at integrative oncology providers (IOP) increased. IMTs are used to modulate the tumor microenvironment, which might lead to increased response-to-treatment, and the indication of immune checkpoint inhibitors might also be widened. The efficacy and safety of IMTs in advanced/metastatic gastrointestinal cancers were compared with conventional chemo(radio)therapy (CT). 21 colorectal- (CRC), 14 pancreatic- (PC), 5 cholangiocellular- (CCC), 5 gastric- (GC) and 4 esophageal cancer (EC) patients received IMT. IMT and CT were compared in CRC and PC. CT was administered at an academic oncology center. After the initiation of IMT, a median survival of ~ 20 (CRC, PC and EC) and ~ 10 months (CCC and GC) was observed. Of the IMTs, locoregional modulated electro-hyperthermia had the most positive effect on overall survival (HR: 0.3055; P = 0.0260), while fever-inducing interleukin-2, and low-dose ipilimumab showed a positive tendency. IMT was superior to CT in PC (HR: 0.1974; P = 0.0013), while modest effect was detected in CRC (HR: 0.7797; P = 0.4710). When the whole study population was analyzed, IMTs showed minimal effect on patient survival, still CT had the greatest effect if introduced as early as possible (HR: 0.0624; P < 0.0001). The integrative IMTs in the presented form have mild impact on gastrointestinal cancer patients' survival, however, we observed its benefit in PC, which warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Kleef
- Dr. Kleef Medical Center, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Magdolna Dank
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
| | - Magdolna Herold
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Emese Irma Agoston
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
| | - Julia Lohinszky
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Emoke Martinek
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Herold
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary
| | - Attila Marcell Szasz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1082, Hungary.
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Tran LC, Özdemir BC, Berger MD. The Role of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer: Current State and Outlook. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1411. [PMID: 37895882 PMCID: PMC10609661 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101411] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest tumors, characterized by its aggressive tumor biology and poor prognosis. While immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) play a major part in the treatment algorithm of various solid tumors, there is still no evidence of clinical benefit from ICI in patients with metastatic PDAC (mPDAC). This might be due to several reasons, such as the inherent low immunogenicity of pancreatic cancer, the dense stroma-rich tumor microenvironment that precludes an efficient migration of antitumoral effector T cells to the cancer cells, and the increased proportion of immunosuppressive immune cells, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), facilitating tumor growth and invasion. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of ICIs in mPDAC, report on the biological rationale to implement ICIs into the treatment strategy of pancreatic cancer, and discuss preclinical studies and clinical trials in this field. Additionally, we shed light on the challenges of implementing ICIs into the treatment strategy of PDAC and discuss potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin D. Berger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Di Martino M, El Boghdady M. Pancreatic cancer surgery. BMC Surg 2023; 23:196. [PMID: 37420195 PMCID: PMC10329289 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-023-02091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
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