Bevacizumab Reduces S100A9-Positive MDSCs Linked to Intracranial Control in Patients with EGFR-Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma

Comparison of first-generation EGFR-TKIs combined with low-dose bevacizumab versus osimertinib in untreated advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of first-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combined with low-dose bevacizumab(7.5 mg/kg) versus osimertinib as first-line treatment in patients with advanced EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 161 patients with advanced NSCLC harboring EGFR mutations, who received first-line treatment at Shanghai Chest Hospital between July 2017 and July 2023, were enrolled in this study. Among them, 78 patients were treated with a combination of first-generation EGFR-TKIs and bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg), constituting the bevacizumab plus TKI (A + T) group. The remaining 83 patients received osimertinib monotherapy (80 mg daily), forming the osimertinib group.

RESULTS

The objective response rate (ORR) was 65.4% (51/78) in the A + T group and 68.7% (57/83) in the osimertinib group (p = 0.657). Despite the potentially poorer baseline conditions of patients in the osimertinib group, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 16.59 months (95% CI: 14.39-18.80) in the A + T group compared to 16.82 months (95% CI: 13.76-19.89) in the osimertinib group (p = 0.792). Preliminary overall survival (OS) analysis indicated a median OS of 51.75 months (95% CI: 41.63-61.86) in the A + T group versus 35.55 months (95% CI: 22.32-48.77) in the osimertinib group (p = 0.010), however, the OS data are not yet mature.

CONCLUSION

Although osimertinib remains the preferred first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutations, combining first-generation EGFR-TKIs with low-dose bevacizumab may be a viable alternative for certain patients.

Myeloid cells in the microenvironment of brain metastases

Brain metastasis (BrM) from peripheral solid tumors has a high mortality rate and remains a daunting clinical challenge. In addition to the targeting of tumor cells, studies have focused on the regulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) for BrM treatment. Here, through a review of recent studies, we revealed that myeloid infiltration is a common feature of the TME in BrMs from different primary sites even though the brain is regarded as an immune-privileged site and is always in an immunosuppressive state. Tumor-educated bone marrow progenitors, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), may impact the brain tropism and and phenotypic switching of myeloid cells. Additionally, chronic inflammation may be key factors regulating the immunosuppressive TME and myeloid cell reprogramming. Here, the role of myeloid cells in the formation of the TME and strategies for targeting these cells before and after BrM are reviewed, emphasizing the potential for the use of myeloid cells in BrM treatment. However, the direct relationship between the neuronal system and myeloid cell filtration is still unclear and worthy of further study.

Clinical outcome analysis of different first‑ and second‑generation EGFR‑tyrosine kinase inhibitors in untreated patients with EGFR‑mutated non‑small cell lung cancer with baseline brain metastasis

Currently, the clinical outcomes of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with baseline brain metastasis receiving first- and second-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are not clear. The present study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC with baseline brain metastasis who received first-line first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs. In the present study, a retrospective analysis of clinical charts was performed to investigate first- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs in patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC with baseline brain metastasis. Data from 197 patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC with baseline brain metastasis who received first-line gefitinib, erlotinib or afatinib between May 2013 and January 2020 were retrieved from the Cancer Center database of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou for analysis. The systemic objective response rate and intracranial response rate to first-line EGFR-TKIs were 75.1 and 76.1%, respectively. The median progression-free survival (PFS) with first-line EGFR-TKIs, brain metastasis PFS (BMPFS) and overall survival (OS) of all the included patients were 13.07 [95% confidence interval (CI), 11.43-14.70], 24.63 (95% CI, 20.98-28.28) and 28.13 months (95% CI, 23.53-32.74), respectively. According to multivariate analysis, a greater number of brain metastases (>3) and the presence of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LMC) were independent predictors of a shorter PFS. Patients with a greater number of brain metastases or LMC also had markedly shorter BMPFS and OS than those with fewer brain metastases or no LMC. First- and second-generation EGFR-TKIs were effective for treating previously untreated patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC with baseline brain metastasis. In conclusion, for patients whose unfavorable factors [a greater number of brain metastases (>3) and LMCs] are associated with worse clinical outcomes, upfront osimertinib therapy, alone or in combination with other therapeutic strategies and procedures, should be considered.

The immunosuppressive role of MDSCs in HCC: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent malignancy with a significant global burden. Despite substantial advancements in HCC treatment in recent years, therapeutic efficacy remains constrained by immune evasion mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), as critical immunosuppressive elements of the TME, have garnered increasing attention for their role in tumor progression. Recent studies emphasize their central involvement in promoting immune evasion, tolerance, and immunosuppression in HCC. This review examines the contributions of MDSCs to HCC pathogenesis, elucidates their underlying mechanisms, and discusses ongoing clinical trials, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets for improving clinical outcomes.

Immunotherapy and MASLD-Related HCC: Should We Reconsider the Role of Etiology in the Therapeutic Approach to HCC?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of primary liver cancers and typically arises in the context of chronic liver disease. With the increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the leading cause of chronic liver disease and the most rapidly increasing cause of HCC. The role of dysfunctional innate and adaptive immune responses in the development and progression of HCC is well-established, prompting numerous trials to evaluate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in targeting tumor cells. These trials have yielded promising results, and ICIs, in combination with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibodies, are now approved as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic or unresectable HCC, irrespective of the underlying liver disease. Notably, MASLD itself is characterized by immune system dysfunction, as metabolic inflammation plays a central role in its onset and progression. However, clinical studies and post-hoc analyses suggest that immunotherapy may be less effective in MASLD-associated HCC compared to viral-related HCC. This emerging evidence raises the question of whether the underlying liver disease influences the therapeutic response to ICIs in HCC. It may be time to consider tailoring therapeutic strategies for HCC based on the specific etiological, histological, and genotypical subgroups.

Immunological features of EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer and clinical practice: a narrative review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved outcomes for patients with advanced driver-negative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, targeted therapy remains the preferred treatment for advanced driver-positive NSCLC, including cases with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Considering the variability in EGFR-mutant NSCLC, including expression levels of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and other immunological features, the application of immunotherapy in this group is still a subject of investigation. Therefore, we have summarized and analyzed the immunological characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of different EGFR mutations in NSCLC, as well as the current clinical application of immunotherapy in the EGFR-mutant population, to provide a reference for future research.

The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A121/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A165 Ratio as a Predictor of the Therapeutic Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is limited. Further, there is a need to discover biomarkers to predict therapeutic efficacy. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is strongly associated with intra-tumoral immunity; however, its utility as a marker remains unknown. Therefore, our objectives were to examine the isoforms of VEGF and determine whether VEGF levels predict ICI efficacy.

METHODS

Levels of VEGF isoforms VEGF-A121 and VEGF-A165 were measured in stored serum samples obtained from 30 patients with advanced or recurrent gastric cancer who received nivolumab monotherapy at Kagoshima University Hospital, and the association with prognosis and treatment efficacy was retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

The serum levels of the total VEGF, VEGF-A121, and VEGF-A165 were not significantly associated with prognosis. However, the ratio of VEGF-A121/VEGF-A165 (VEGF-A121/165) exhibited a statistically significant (p = 0.0088) difference in progression-free survival (PFS) with the low-ratio group having a 67-day prolonged median PFS time. Under univariable analysis, only VEGF-A121/165 values exhibited reduced progression-free survival with statistical significance. When comparing treatment responses in the low (n = 15) and high (n = 15) serum VEGF-A-121/165 groups, RECIST evaluation was 3 to 0 for complete response (CR), 2 to 0 for partial response (PR), 3 to 2 for stable disease (SD), and 3 to 10 for progressive disease (PD). Patients with clinically unsettled PR or SD were classified as non-CR/non-PD (4 vs. 3), with a disease control rate of 80% vs. 33%.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum VEGF-A121/165 ratio may represent a new, easily measured biomarker for predicting the therapeutic response to ICIs.

Targeted modulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment: Implications for cancer therapy

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells originating from the bone marrow, known for their potent immunosuppressive functions that contribute to tumor immune evasion and progression. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted interactions between MDSCs and tumors, exploring their distinct phenotypes and immunosuppressive mechanisms. Key roles of MDSCs in tumor biology are discussed, including their involvement in the formation of the pre-metastatic niche, facilitation of angiogenesis, enhancement of vascular permeability, suppression of tumor cell apoptosis, and promotion of resistance to cancer therapies. Additionally, the review highlights recent advances in the development of MDSC-targeting therapies, with a focus on their potential to enhance anti-tumor immunity. The therapeutic potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in modulating MDSC quantity and function is also explored, suggesting a novel approach to cancer treatment by integrating traditional and modern therapeutic strategies.

Current status and future of cancer vaccines: A bibliographic study

Background

Cancer vaccines are an important component of tumour immunotherapy. An increasing number of studies have shown that cancer vaccines have considerable clinical benefits. With the development of tumour precision medicine, cancer vaccines have become important because of their individualised targeting effects. However, few bibliometric studies have conducted comprehensive systematic reviews in this field. This study aimed to assess the scientific output and trends in cancer vaccine research from a global perspective.

Methods

We collected publications on cancer vaccines from the Web of Science Core Collection database, which was limited to articles and reviews in English. Microsoft Excel, VOS Viewer, and CiteSpace V were used for quantitative and visual analyses.

Results

A total of 7807 articles were included. From 1991 to 2022, the number of publications increased annually. The United States had the highest number of articles published in this field (48.28 %), the highest citation frequency (183,964 times), and the highest H-index (182). The National Institutes of Health topped the list with 476 articles. Schlom J had the highest number of published articles (128) and was the main investigator in this field. The journal, Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy, had published the highest number of articles in related fields. In recent years, tumour microenvironment, immune checkpoint inhibitors, particle vaccines, tumour antigens, and dendritic cells have become research hotspots related to cancer vaccines.

Conclusion

Cancer vaccines are a popular research topic in the field of tumour immunotherapy. Related research and publications will enter a boom stage. "Immune checkpoint inhibitors", "tumour microenvironment" and "dendritic cells" may become future research hotspots, while "T-cell suppressor" is a potential puzzle to be solved.

Front-line therapy for brain metastases and non-brain metastases in advanced epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small cell lung cancer: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The brain is a common metastatic site in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), resulting in a relatively poor prognosis. Systemic therapy with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is recommended as the first-line treatment for EGFR -mutated, advanced NSCLC patients. However, intracranial activity varies in different drugs. Thus, brain metastasis (BM) should be considered when choosing the treatment regimens. We conducted this network meta-analysis to explore the optimal first-line therapeutic schedule for advanced EGFR -mutated NSCLC patients with different BM statuses.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials focusing on EGFR-TKIs (alone or in combination) in advanced and EGFR -mutant NSCLC patients, who have not received systematic treatment, were systematically searched up to December 2021. We extracted and analyzed progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A network meta-analysis was performed with the Bayesian statistical model to determine the survival outcomes of all included therapy regimens using the R software. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare intervention measures, and overall rankings of therapies were estimated under the Bayesian framework.

RESULTS

This analysis included 17 RCTs with 5077 patients and 12 therapies, including osimertinib + bevacizumab, aumolertinib, osimertinib, afatinib, dacomitinib, standards of care (SoC, including gefitinib, erlotinib, or icotinib), SoC + apatinib, SoC + bevacizumab, SoC + ramucirumab, SoC + pemetrexed based chemotherapy (PbCT), PbCT, and pemetrexed free chemotherapy (PfCT). For patients with BM, SoC + PbCT improved PFS compared with SoC (HR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17-0.95), and osimertinib + bevacizumab was most likely to rank first in PFS, with a cumulative probability of 34.5%, followed by aumolertinib, with a cumulative probability of 28.3%. For patients without BM, osimertinib + bevacizumab, osimertinib, aumolertinib, SoC + PbCT, dacomitinib, SoC + ramucirumab, SoC + bevacizumab, and afatinib showed superior efficacy compared with SoC (HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.90; HR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31-0.68; HR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.34-0.77; HR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.38-0.66; HR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.43-0.89; HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.44-0.94; HR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.76; HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.50-1.00), PbCT (HR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.74; HR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.15-0.62; HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17-0.69; HR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18-0.64; HR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.21-0.82; HR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.87; HR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.74; HR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.31-0.75), and PfCT (HR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.32; HR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.09-0.26; HR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.09-0.29; HR = 0.16, 95% CI: 0.10-0.26; HR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12-0.35; HR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12-0.39; HR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.12-0.31; HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16-0.34) in terms of PFS. And, SoC + apatinib showed relatively superior PFS when compared with PbCT (HR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.92) and PfCT (HR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12-0.39), but similar PFS to SoC (HR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.42-1.03). No statistical differences were observed for PFS in patients without BM between PbCT and SoC (HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 0.84-2.64), but both showed favorable PFS when compared with PfCT (PfCT vs. SoC, HR = 3.09, 95% CI: 2.06-4.55; PbCT vs. PfCT, HR = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.32). For patients without BM, osimertinib + bevacizumab was most likely to rank the first, with cumulative probabilities of 47.1%. For OS, SoC + PbCT was most likely to rank first in patients with and without BM, with cumulative probabilities of 46.8%, and 37.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Osimertinib + bevacizumab is most likely to rank first in PFS in advanced EGFR -mutated NSCLC patients with or without BM, and SoC + PbCT is most likely to rank first in OS.

Sequential treatment in advanced epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients receiving first-line bevacizumab combined with 1st/2nd-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Introduction

The clinical outcomes of sequential treatment of advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with first-line bevacizumab combined with 1st/2nd-generation EGFR-TKIs are unclear. Thus, we aimed to analyze the outcomes of these patients.

Methods

Between January 2015 and December 2020, data for 102 advanced EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients receiving first-line bevacizumab combined with erlotinib or afatinib followed by treatments at multiple institutions were retrospectively analyzed. All patients with progressive disease (PD) after first-line therapy underwent secondary T790M mutation detection.

Results

The secondary T790M mutation positive rate of all study patients was 57.9%. First-line erlotinib use and progression-free survival (PFS) after first-line therapy > 12 months were positively associated with the T790M mutation (P <0.05). The response rates (RRs) to second-line treatments were 51.7% and 22.7% for the osimertinib and nonosimertinib groups, respectively (P = 0.001). The median PFS associated with second-line osimertinib and nonosimertinib therapy was 13.7 and 7.1 months, respectively (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.38; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.23-0.63; P< 0.001). Patients with a secondary T790M mutation receiving second-line osimertinib treatment had a median overall survival (OS) of 54.3 months, and the median OS was 31.9 months for non-T790M-mutated patients receiving second-line nonosimertinib treatments (HR = 0.36; CI: 0.21-0.62, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The majority of acquired resistance to first-line bevacizumab combined with 1st/2nd-generation EGFR-TKIs is associated with the T790M mutation. Sequential osimertinib treatment in patients with positive secondary T790M mutation is associated with better outcomes among these patients.

The prognostic effects of circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells in non-small cell lung cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

Immunotherapy is the main standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Immune suppressive cells in tumor microenvironment can counteract its efficacy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) include two major subsets: polymorphonuclear (PMN-MDSCs) and monocytic (M-MDSCs). Many studies explored the prognostic impact of these cell populations in NSCLC patients. The aim of this systematic review is to select studies for a meta-analysis, which compares prognosis between patients with high vs low circulating MDSC levels. We collected hazard ratios (HRs) and relative 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). Among 139 studies retrieved from literature search, 14 eligible studies (905 NSCLC patients) met inclusion criteria. Low circulating MDSC levels favor a better PFS/RFS (HR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.28-2.65) and OS (HR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.29-2.46). The subgroup analysis based on MDSC subtypes (total-, PMN-, and M-MDSCs) obtained a statistical significance only for M-MDSCs, both in terms of PFS/RFS (HR = 2.67; 95% CI = 2.04-3.50) and OS (HR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.61-2.75). NSCLC patients bearing high M-MDSC levels in peripheral blood experience a worse prognosis than those with low levels, both in terms of PFS/RFS and OS. This finding suggests that detecting and targeting this MDSC subset could help to improve NSCLC treatment efficacy.

The recent progress of myeloid-derived suppressor cell and its targeted therapies in cancers

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are an immature group of myeloid-derived cells generated from myeloid cell precursors in the bone marrow. MDSCs appear almost exclusively in pathological conditions, such as tumor progression and various inflammatory diseases. The leading function of MDSCs is their immunosuppressive ability, which plays a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis through their immunosuppressive effects. Since MDSCs have specific molecular features, and only a tiny amount exists in physiological conditions, MDSC-targeted therapy has become a promising research direction for tumor treatment with minimal side effects. In this review, we briefly introduce the classification, generation and maturation process, and features of MDSCs, and detail their functions under various circumstances. The present review specifically demonstrates the environmental specificity of MDSCs, highlighting the differences between MDSCs from cancer and healthy individuals, as well as tumor-infiltrating MDSCs and circulating MDSCs. Then, we further describe recent advances in MDSC-targeted therapies. The existing and potential targeted drugs are divided into three categories, monoclonal antibodies, small-molecular inhibitors, and peptides. Their targeting mechanisms and characteristics have been summarized respectively. We believe that a comprehensive in-depth understanding of MDSC-targeted therapy could provide more possibilities for the treatment of cancer.

Clinical efficacy and prognosis analysis of treatment regimens for EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer and brain metastasis: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The aims of the study were to evaluate potential differences among first-line treatment for EGFR mutant (m+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastasis in China and to identify the factors influencing survival outcomes.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 172 EGFRm + patients with advanced NSCLC who received a 1st generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) were divided into 4 groups: A, EGFR-TKI (n = 84); B, EGFR-TKI + pemetrexed + cisplatin/carboplatin chemotherapy (CT) (n = 55); C, EGFR-TKI + bevacizumab (n = 15); and D, EGFR-TKI + pemetrexed + cisplatin/carboplatin CT + bevacizumab (n = 18). Intracranial and extracranial progression-free survival (PFS), the overall survival (OS), objective remission rates (ORRs) and adverse events were analyzed.

RESULTS

Intracranial PFS of groups C + D was longer than for groups A + B (18.9 m vs. 11.0 m, P = 0.027). Extracranial PFS were longer in group B in comparison with group A (13.0 m vs. 11.5 m, P = 0.039) and in groups C + D compared to groups A + B (18.9 m vs. 11.9 m, P = 0.008). Median OS in groups A and B were 27.9 m and 24.4 m, respectively, while groups C and D have not yet achieved median OS. Significant difference was found in intracranial ORR between groups A + B vs. C + D (31.0% vs. 65.2%, P = 0.002). Most patients suffered grade 1-2 treatment-related adverse events, which were relieved soon after symptomatic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

First-generation EGFR-TKI + bevacizumab treatment outperformed other regimens in EGFRm + NSCLC patients with brain metastasis. The therapy improved the control and delayed progression of intracranial lesions and prolonged survival times.

Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Recent advances and future targets

Immunotherapy is a promising approach to treating various types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While single immunotherapy drugs show limited effectiveness on a small subset of patients, the combination of the anti PD-L1 atezolizumab and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor bevacizumab has shown significant improvement in survival compared to sorafenib as a first-line treatment. However, the current treatment options still have a low success rate of about 30%. Thus, more effective treatments for HCC are urgently required. Several novel immunotherapeutic methods, including the use of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors, innovative immune cell therapies like chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), TCR gene-modified T cells and stem cells, as well as combination strategies are being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of HCC. However, some crucial issues still exist such as the presence of heterogeneous antigens in solid tumors, the immune-suppressive environment within tumors, the risk of on-target/off-tumor, infiltrating CAR-T cells, immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules, and cytokines. Overall, immunotherapy is on the brink of major advancements in the fight against HCC.

S100A8 and S100A9 in Cancer

S100A8 and S100A9 are Ca²⁺ binding proteins that belong to the S100 family. Primarily expressed in neutrophils and monocytes, S100A8 and S100A9 play critical roles in modulating various inflammatory responses and inflammation-associated diseases. Forming a common heterodimer structure S100A8/A9, S100A8 and S100A9 are widely reported to participate in multiple signaling pathways in tumor cells. Meanwhile, S100A8/A9, S100A8, and S100A9, mainly as promoters, contribute to tumor development, growth and metastasis by interfering with tumor metabolism and the microenvironment. In recent years, the potential of S100A8/A9, S100A9, and S100A8 as tumor diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers has also been demonstrated. In addition, an increasing number of potential therapies targeting S100A8/A9 and related signaling pathways have emerged. In this review, we will first expound on the characteristics of S100A8/A9, S100A9, and S100A8 in-depth, focus on their interactions with tumor cells and microenvironments, and then discuss their clinical applications as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We also highlight current limitations and look into the future of S100A8/A9 targeted anti-cancer therapy.

Role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in tumor recurrence

The establishment of primary tumor cells in distant organs, termed metastasis, is the principal cause of cancer mortality and is a crucial therapeutic target in oncology. Thus, it is critical to establish a better understanding of metastatic progression for the future development of improved therapeutic approaches. Indeed, such development requires insight into the timing of tumor cell dissemination and seeding of distant organs resulting in occult lesions. Following dissemination of tumor cells from the primary tumor, they can reside in niches in distant organs for years or decades, following which they can emerge as an overt metastasis. This timeline of metastatic dormancy is regulated by interactions between the tumor, its microenvironment, angiogenesis, and tumor antigen-specific T-cell responses. An improved understanding of the mechanisms and interactions responsible for immune evasion and tumor cell release from dormancy would help identify and aid in the development of novel targeted therapeutics. One such mediator of dormancy is myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC), whose number in the peripheral blood (PB) or infiltrating tumors has been associated with cancer stage, grade, patient survival, and metastasis in a broad range of tumor pathologies. Thus, extensive studies have revealed a role for MDSCs in tumor escape from adoptive and innate immune responses, facilitating tumor progression and metastasis; however, few studies have considered their role in dormancy. We have posited that MDSCs may regulate disseminated tumor cells resulting in resurgence of senescent tumor cells. In this review, we discuss clinical studies that address mechanisms of tumor recurrence including from dormancy, the role of MDSCs in their escape from dormancy during recurrence, the development of occult metastases, and the potential for MDSC inhibition as an approach to prolong the survival of patients with advanced malignancies. We stress that assessing the impact of therapies on MDSCs versus other cellular targets is challenging within the multimodality interventions required clinically.

Afatinib in Untreated Stage IIIB/IV Lung Adenocarcinoma with Major Uncommon Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutations (G719X/L861Q/S768I): A Multicenter Observational Study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Real-world clinical experience with afatinib as a treatment for advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations (G719X, L861Q and S768I) has rarely been reported.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to perform a retrospective multicenter study to analyze afatinib therapy in untreated advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring uncommon EGFR mutations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between May 2014 and June 2021, the data of 90 stage IIIB/IV lung adenocarcinoma patients with uncommon EGFR mutations (G719X/L861Q/S768I) treated with first-line afatinib from the cancer center database of Linkou, Tucheng, and Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals were retrospectively retrieved and analyzed.

RESULTS

Afatinib had an objective response rate (ORR) of 63.3% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 86.7%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) with first-line afatinib therapy was 17.3 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 12.07-22.53), and the median overall survival (OS) was 28.5 months (95% CI, 20.22-36.77) in all study patients. In the multivariate analysis, poor performance (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥ 2) and brain and liver metastases were independent predictors of unfavorable PFS. The G719X mutation (alone+compound) was an independent predictor of favorable PFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.578; 95% CI, 0.355-0.941; P = 0.027). Most afatinib-related adverse events (AEs) were limited to grades 1 and 2 and were manageable.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line afatinib therapy is effective and safe for advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring uncommon EGFR mutations. The G719X mutation was an independent factor associated with a favorable outcome. Poor performance (ECOG PS ≥ 2), brain metastasis, and liver metastasis were predictive factors of shorter PFS with first-line afatinib therapy.

Persistent response of furmonertinib plus anlotinib in a lung adenocarcinoma patient with an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation: A case report

Insertions in exon 20 represent the third most common type of EGFR mutation following in-frame deletions in exon 19 and the point mutation L858R in exon 21. They are generally associated with primary resistance to EGFR-TKIs. Although mobocertinib and amivantamab were approved for adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, the efficacy of these two agents was rather moderate. Therefore, other more potent targeted agents are urgently needed. Here, we report a patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation (NM_005228: exon 20: c.2316_2321dup: p.773_774dup). After experiencing platinum-based chemotherapy, this patient received a combination of furmonertinib and anlotinib and achieved lasting stable disease (SD). The treatment was well tolerated, and only mild hand-foot syndrome was reported from the patient. To the best of our knowledge, this case firstly reported the encouraging efficacy of combined furmonertinib and anlotinib in an advanced lung adenocarcinoma patient with an EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation who was previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. In addition, we summarize the recent literature on therapies against NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. This case might provide an alternative approach for clinical oncologists.

Efficacy and safety of antiangiogenic agents or chemotherapy plus EGFR-TKIs in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The combination of antiangiogenic agents with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) and chemotherapy with EGFR-TKIs are the most common combination treatment options in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This network meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the differences between them.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register up to August 2022. The primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR) and adverse events (AEs). The data of hazard ratio (HR) or risk ratio (RR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted in the studies. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to indirectly compare the efficacy and safety of antiangiogenic agents plus EGFR-TKIs and chemotherapy plus EGFR-TKIs.

RESULTS

Pooled data of included studies were demonstrated that chemotherapy plus EGFR-TKIs had a benefit in ORR compared to antiangiogenic agents plus EGFR-TKIs in patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC (RR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0-1.2). However, there were no significant differences in PFS, OS and DCR between in the two group (PFS: HR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.74-1.6; OS: HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.45-1.5; DCR: RR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.94-1.1). The common treatment-related AEs in the two groups were relatively manageable.

CONCLUSION

Based on the efficacy and safety, the combination of chemotherapy with EGFR-TKIs is considered the best combination treatment options in advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutation.

Influence of Taijiquan Exercise on Mentality and Emotion Regulation by Intelligent Medical Big Data Analysis

Taijiquan training emphasizes the relaxation of the mind and the body, pay attention to maintain the peace of mind, and minimize the impact of external interference on the body so as to make the mind more comfortable. This study mainly explores the influence of Taijiquan practice on emotion regulation based on intelligent medical health big data analysis. The significance of Taijiquan in developing and improving the positive emotions of middle-aged people and maintaining physical and mental health is expounded. There are two methods of data collection: full collection and incremental collection. In this study, when the psychological testing equipment was launched, a full amount of historical data was collected; after the psychological testing equipment was online, the collection method was generally carried out in the way of incremental collection. The subjects exercised Taijiquan three times a week, one hour each time, and the exercise content was the 24-style Taijiquan designated by the workstation. At the same time, the subjects were asked not to engage in other regular physical exercise projects in their spare time. By longitudinal tracking and comparison of the Taijiquan intervention group after participating in the Taijiquan exercise intervention, the differences in the state of mind and emotion regulation strategies, and 12 subjects were selected voluntarily to participate in the emotional Stroop (the color words used in the classic Stroop paradigm were replaced with emotional and nonemotional words written in different colors, and the subjects were still tasked with responding to colors) experimental paradigm. In this paper, the moderate-intensity Taijiquan project is selected, which is in line with the effective value threshold theory of exercise load. It studies the effects of exercise on the body shape, cardiopulmonary function, flexibility, and balance ability of the body according to the metabolism theory and the movement balance theory of the human body adapting to the environment. Before the experiment, there was no significant difference between the Taijiquan training group and the control group, but after the experiment, there was a significant difference between the Taijiquan training group and the control group (P<0.05). Taijiquan has a significant effect on improving students' body shape, cardiopulmonary function, flexibility, balance, and mood.

S100A9 Derived from Chemoembolization-Induced Hypoxia Governs Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the major treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it may cause hypoxic environment, leading to rapid progression after treatment. Here, using high-throughput sequencing on different models, S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9) is identified as a key oncogene involved in post-TACE progression. Depletion or pharmacologic inhibition of S100A9 significantly dampens the growth and metastatic ability of HCC. Mechanistically, TACE induces S100A9 via hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1A)-mediated pathway. S100A9 acts as a scaffold recruiting ubiquitin specific peptidase 10 and phosphoglycerate mutase family member 5 (PGAM5) to form a tripolymer, causing the deubiquitination and stabilization of PGAM5, leading to mitochondrial fission and reactive oxygen species production, thereby promoting the growth and metastasis of HCC. Higher S100A9 level in HCC tissue or in serum predicts a worse outcome for HCC patients. Collectively, this study identifies S100A9 as a key driver for post-TACE HCC progression. Targeting S100A9 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC patients.

Pharmacological modulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells to dampen inflammation

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous cell population with potent suppressive and regulative properties. MDSCs’ strong immunosuppressive potential creates new possibilities to treat chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases or induce tolerance towards transplantation. Here, we summarize and critically discuss different pharmacological approaches which modulate the generation, activation, and recruitment of MDSCs in vitro and in vivo, and their potential role in future immunosuppressive therapy.

[Research Progress of Angiogenesis Inhibitors Plus EGFR-TKI in EGFR-mutated Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer]

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) have become the standard treatment for EGFR-mutated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Unfortunately, drug resistance is inevitable in most cases. EGFR-TKI combined with angiogenesis inhibitors is a treatment scheme being explored to delay the therapeutic resistance, which is called "A+T treatment". Several clinical trials have demonstrated that the A+T treatment can improve the progression free survival (PFS) of the NSCLC patients. However, compared to EGFR-TKI monotherapy, the benefits of the A+T treatment based on different EGFR-TKIs, as well as its safety and exploration prospects are still unclear. Therefore, we reviewed the literature related to all three generations EGFR-TKIs combined with angiogenesis inhibitors, and summarized the mechanism, benefit, safety, optimal target population of A+T treatment.
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Comparison of afatinib and erlotinib combined with bevacizumab in untreated stage IIIB/IV epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated lung adenocarcinoma patients: a multicenter clinical analysis study

Background:

Although bevacizumab in combination with afatinib or erlotinib is an effective and safe first-line therapy for advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there are very few clinical data comparing afatinib and erlotinib combined with bevacizumab. We performed a retrospective multicenter analysis for the comparison of two combination therapies.

Methods:

Between May 2015 and October 2020, data of 135 stage IIIB/IV EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients receiving first-line afatinib or erlotinib combined with bevacizumab combination therapy in Linkou, Keelung, Chiayi, and Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals were retrieved and retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

In all, 67 patients received afatinib plus bevacizumab, and 68 patients received erlotinib plus bevacizumab. Afatinib combined with bevacizumab had an objective response rate (ORR) of 82.1% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 97.0%, and the ORR and DCR were 83.8 and 95.6%, respectively, in the erlotinib combined with bevacizumab group (p = 0.798 and p = 1.000). The median progression-free survival was 20.7 and 20.3 months for the afatinib plus bevacizumab group and the erlotinib plus bevacizumab group, respectively [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.891–1.953; p = 0.167). The overall survival was 41.9 and 51.0 months for the afatinib plus bevacizumab group and erlotinib plus bevacizumab group, respectively (HR = 1.42; 95% CI, 0.829–2.436; p = 0.201). The secondary EGFR-T790M mutation rates after disease progression were 44% in the afatinib plus bevacizumab group and 58.8% in the erlotinib plus bevacizumab group (p = 0.165). Skin toxicity was the most frequent treatment-related adverse event (AE) in both treatment groups. Diarrhea, an AE, occurred significantly more frequently in the afatinib plus bevacizumab group than in the erlotinib plus bevacizumab group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Afatinib combined with bevacizumab was equally as effective as erlotinib combined with bevacizumab for untreated advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Prospective clinical studies that explore bevacizumab combined with afatinib or erlotinib for advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC are warranted.

The Strategies and Mechanisms of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Brain Metastases in NSCLC

Brain metastases are more and more common among patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). TKI therapy could provide ideal outcomes for patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor or ALK mutations. For wild-type patients, however, survival is poor because there are few effective treatments other than radiotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the management of advanced NSCLC. However, the exclusion of patients with active brain metastasis (BM) from most ICI trials precludes the generalization of results. Accordingly, a variety of appropriate real-world studies and clinical trials are being developed to evaluate tumor response. Increasingly encouraging results have suggested that ICIs could be active in the central nervous system (CNS) in select patients with high PD-L1 expression and low CNS disease burden. With the extensive use of ICIs in NSCLC patients with BM, many important questions have emerged concerning issues such as the clinical response to a single ICI, use of ICIs combined with chemotherapy or radiation, the biological mechanism and appropriate sequencing of local and systemic therapy combinations, and safety and toxicity. The present review summarizes the advances in systemic ICIs for the treatment of NSCLC patients with BM, discusses factors associated with efficacy and toxicity, and explores future directions.

Emerging immunotherapy for HCC: A guide for hepatologists

HCC is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC comprises nearly 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer. Approximately half of all patients with HCC receive systemic therapy during their disease course, particularly in the advanced stages of disease. Immuno-oncology has been paradigm shifting for the treatment of human cancers, with strong and durable antitumor activity in a subset of patients across a variety of malignancies including HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibition with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, an antivascular endothelial growth factor neutralizing antibody, has become first-line therapy for patients with advanced HCC. Beyond immune checkpoint inhibition, immunotherapeutic strategies such as oncolytic viroimmunotherapy and adoptive T-cell transfer are currently under investigation. The tumor immune microenvironment of HCC has significant immunosuppressive elements that may affect response to immunotherapy. Major unmet challenges include defining the role of immunotherapy in earlier stages of HCC, evaluating combinatorial strategies that use targeting of the immune microenvironment plus immune checkpoint inhibition, and identifying treatment strategies for patients who do not respond to the currently available immunotherapies. Herein, we review the rationale, mechanistic basis and supporting preclinical evidence, and available clinical evidence for immunotherapies in HCC as well as ongoing clinical trials of immunotherapy.

The optimal therapy strategy for epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastasis: A real-world study from Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The treatment options for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastases (BMs) include EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), whole-brain radiotherapy, brain surgery, and antiangiogenesis therapy. As treatment options evolve, redefining optimal treatment strategies to improve survival are crucial.

METHODS

A total of 150 EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with BMs who received first- or second-generation EGFR-TKIs as first-line treatment between January 2012 and October 2019 were included in this analysis.

RESULTS

After multivariate analysis, patients with the graded prognostic assessment for lung cancer using molecular markers (Lung-mol GPA) ≥3 (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.538, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-0.83), who received afatinib or erlotinib as first-line treatment (HR: 0.521, 95% CI: 0.33-0.82), underwent SRS therapy (HR: 0.531, 95% CI: 0.32-0.87), or were sequentially treated with osimertinib (HR: 0.400, 95% CI: 0.23-0.71) were associated with improved overall survival (OS). Furthermore, SRS plus EGFR-TKI provided more OS benefits in patients with Lung-mol GPA ≥3 compared with EGFR-TKI alone in our patient cohort (44.9 vs. 26.7 months, p = 0.005). The OS in patients who received sequential osimertinib therapy was significantly longer than those without osimertinib treatment (43.5 vs. 24.3 months, p < 0.001), regardless of T790 mutation status (positive vs. negative vs. unknown: 40.4 vs. 54.6 vs.43.4 months, p = 0.227).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with BMs could be precisely treated with SRS according to Lung-mol GPA ≥3. Sequential osimertinib was associated with prolonged survival, regardless of T790M status.

The role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in lung cancer and targeted immunotherapies

INTRODUCTION

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in both sexes combined globally due to significant delays in diagnosis and poor survival. Despite advances in the treatment of lung cancer, the overall outcomes remain poor and traditional chemotherapy fails to provide long-term benefits for many patients. Therefore, new treatment strategies are needed to increase overall survival. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immunosuppressive cells taking part in lung cancer, as has been described in other types of tumors. MDSCs immunosuppressive activity is mediated by arginases (ARG-1 and ARG-2), nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite, PD-1/PD-L1 axis, and different cytokines. MDSCs can be a target for lung cancer immunotherapy by inducing their differentiation into mature myeloid cells, elimination, attenuation of their function, and inhibition of their accumulation.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs, their role in lung cancer, and strategies to target them, which could result in increased efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with lung cancer, are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Identification of important mechanisms and upstream pathways involved in MDSCs functions paves the way for further preclinical and clinical lung cancer research, which could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Phase 1b study of ramucirumab in combination with erlotinib or osimertinib for untreated EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients with asymptomatic brain metastases

OBJECTIVES

The study was designed to investigate the safety of ramucirumab administered in combination with erlotinib or osimertinib for patients with untreated EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and asymptomatic brain metastases, a patient subgroup in which these regimens have remained untested.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This phase 1b study (RELAY-Brain) consisted of two cohorts with three patients each. Patients with asymptomatic brain metastases received ramucirumab every 2 weeks plus either daily oral erlotinib or osimertinib until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary objective was to assess dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), defined as central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage of grade ≥ 2.

RESULTS

Six patients were enrolled. Neither DLT nor serious or unexpected adverse events were observed. One treatment-related adverse event of grade ≥ 3 (hypertension of grade 3) was apparent. Common adverse events were generally manageable. The median number of ramucirumab administrations was 18.5 (range, 13 to 31), and there were no detected episodes of CNS hemorrhage. Five of the six patients showed an objective systemic response. Although only one patient had a measurable CNS lesion at baseline, a confirmed intracranial partial response was observed.

CONCLUSION

Ramucirumab in combination with erlotinib or osimertinib showed safety for EGFR-mutated NSCLC with brain metastases.

Tumor immune microenvironment in epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated non-small cell lung cancer before and after epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment: a narrative review

Objective

To review and summarize the characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after EGFR-TKI treatment and its role in TKI resistance.

Background

Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women around the world. Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are considered a first-line treatment for EGFR-mutated NSCLC. However, almost all patients eventually develop acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs, with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 9–14 months. As immunotherapy has developed, it has become apparent that interactions between the TIME and tumor cells also affect EGFR-TKI treatment. The TIME comprises a variety of components but previous studies of the TIME following EGFR-TKI therapy of NSCLC are inconsistent. Here, we reviewed the characteristics of the TIME in NSCLC after EGFR-TKI treatment and its role in TKI resistance.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to July 1, 2021 with the following key words: “NSCLC”, “EGFR”, and “immunotherapy”.

Conclusions

The TIME of EGFR-mutated NSCLC is different from that of non-mutated NSCLC, an explanation for EGFR-mutated NSCLC displaying a poor response to ICIs. The TIME of EGFR-mutated NSCLC also changes during treatment with EGFR-TKIs. The TIME in EGFR-TKI-resistant lung cancer can be summarized as follows: (I) compared with EGFR-TKI-sensitive tumors, EGFR-TKI-resistant tumors have a greater number of immunosuppressive cells and fewer immune-activated cells, while the tumor microenvironment is in an immunosuppressive state; (II) tumor cells and immunosuppressive cells secrete multiple negative immune regulatory factors, inhibit the recognition and presentation of tumor antigens and the antitumor effect of immune cells, resulting in immune escape; 3.EGFR-TKI-resistant tumors promote EMT. These three characteristics interact, resulting in a regulatory signaling network, which together leads to EGFR-TKI resistance.

Synergistic antitumor activity of pan-PI3K inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade in bladder cancer

Background

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) induces durable response in approximately 20% of patients with advanced bladder urothelial cancer (aUC). Over 50% of aUCs harbor genomic alterations along the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. The goal of this project was to determine the synergistic effects and mechanisms of action of PI3K inhibition and ICB combination in aUC.

Methods

Alterations affecting the PI3K pathway were examined in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Cancer Dependency Map databases. Human and mouse cells with Pten deletion were used for in vitro studies. C57BL/6 mice carrying syngeneic tumors were used to determine in vivo activity, mechanisms of action and secondary resistance of pan-PI3K inhibition, ICB and combination.

Results

Alterations along the PI3K pathway occurred in 57% of aUCs in TCGA. CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) knockout of PIK3CA induced pronounced inhibition of cell proliferation (p=0.0046). PI3K inhibition suppressed cancer cell growth, migration and colony formation in vitro. Pan-PI3K inhibition, antiprogrammed death 1 (aPD1) therapy and combination improved the overall survival (OS) of syngeneic mice with PTEN-deleted tumors from 27 days of the control to 48, 37, and 65 days, respectively. In mice with tumors not containing a PI3K pathway alteration, OS was prolonged by the combination but not single treatments. Pan-PI3K inhibition significantly upregulated CD80, CD86, MHC-I, and MHC-II in dendritic cells, and downregulated the transforming growth factor beta pathway with a false discovery rate-adjusted q value of 0.001. Interferon alpha response was significantly upregulated with aPD1 therapy (q value: <0.001) and combination (q value: 0.027). Compared with the control, combination treatment increased CD8⁺ T-cell infiltration (p=0.005), decreased T_reg-cell infiltration (p=0.036), and upregulated the expression of multiple immunostimulatory cytokines and granzyme B (p<0.01). Secondary resistance was associated with upregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and multiple Sprr family genes.

Conclusions

The combination Pan-PI3K inhibition and ICB has significant antitumor effects in aUC with or without activated PI3K pathway and warrants further clinical investigation. This combination creates an immunostimulatory tumor milieu. Secondary resistance is associated with upregulation of the mTOR pathway and Sprr family genes.

Bevacizumab plus erlotinib in Chinese patients with untreated, EGFR-mutated, advanced NSCLC (ARTEMIS-CTONG1509): A multicenter phase 3 study

Dual inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways may delay therapeutic resistance in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This phase 3 study investigated the efficacy and safety of an erlotinib plus bevacizumab regimen in untreated patients with advanced NSCLC. In total, 311 patients received bevacizumab plus erlotinib (n = 157) or erlotinib only (n = 154). Progression-free survival (PFS) was 17.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.2-19.9) for bevacizumab plus erlotinib and 11.2 months (95% CI, 9.7-13.8) for erlotinib only (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.41-0.73; p < 0.001). A brain metastases subgroup treated with bevacizumab plus erlotinib also showed improved PFS (HR = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27-0.84; p = 0.008). Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 86 (54.8%) and 40 (26.1%) patients, respectively. Bevacizumab plus erlotinib significantly improved PFS in patients with untreated metastatic EGFR-mutated NSCLC, including those with brain metastases at baseline.

Advances in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Systemic therapy is used in the advanced stage and until 2017 consisted only of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has shown strong anti-tumour activity in a subset of patients and the combination of the anti-PDL1 antibody atezolizumab and the VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab has or will soon become the standard of care as a first-line therapy for HCC, whereas the anti-PD1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used after TKIs in several regions. Other immune strategies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination or virotherapy have not yet demonstrated consistent clinical activity. Major unmet challenges in HCC checkpoint immunotherapy are the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers, advancing treatment to earlier stages of the disease, applying the treatment to patients with liver dysfunction and the discovery of more effective combinatorial or sequential approaches. Combinations with other systemic or local treatments are perceived as the most promising opportunities in HCC and some are already under evaluation in large-scale clinical trials. This Review provides up-to-date information on the best use of currently available immunotherapies in HCC and the therapeutic strategies under development.

Effect of Osimertinib in Combination With Chemotherapy and Bevacizumab for Untreated Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutated Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Case Report

Introduction: Osimertinib is an oral, third-generation, irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) that selectively inhibits both EGFR-TKI–sensitizing and EGFR T790M resistance mutations. However, whether patients with EGFR mutations can be treated by osimertinib in combination with conventional therapies, remains unknown.

Case presentation: We treated a 67-year-old female diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer with an EGFR 21 exon L858R–positive mutation. The patient was treated with 80 mg orally administered osimertinib daily, 830 mg pemetrexed, 120 mg cisplatin, and 500 mg bevacizumab. After two cycles of therapy, the patient’s intrapulmonary lesions shrank from 18 × 24 mm to 16 × 4 mm. Moreover, two cycles of evaluation were PR, and four cycles of confirmation were PR. The patient continued to receive the treatments and tolerated them well.

Conclusions: The patient benefited from treatment with osimertinib in combination with chemotherapy and bevacizumab.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of TKIs Alone or in Combination With Antiangiogenic Agents in Advanced EGFR-Mutated NSCLC as the First-Line Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have suggested that patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) might benefit from the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in combination with antiangiogenic agents. This study aimed to comprehensively review the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of first-line TKI plus antiangiogenic agents versus TKIs alone in EGFR-mutated advanced NSCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed using PubMed to identify studies published up to Feb. 2020. Abstracts from major international conferences reported over the last 5 years were searched. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), the objective response rate (ORR), and toxicity.

RESULTS

In total, 7 relevant trials comprising 1612 patients were identified. TKIs plus antiangiogenic agents led to significant improvements in PFS regardless of the EGFR mutation subtype and presence of brain metastasis. In particular, in the subgroup with the L858R mutation, the hazard ratio (HR) of PFS was 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48-0.71, P < .001). The OS following combined treatment was similar to that following TKI monotherapy. The ORR was increased with the use of TKIs plus antiangiogenic agents (HR 1.10, 95% CI, 1.01-1.20, P = .029). In the safety analyses, TKIs plus antiangiogenic agents exhibited a significantly increased incidence of adverse events of grade 3 or higher.

CONCLUSION

The use of TKIs plus antiangiogenic agents is associated with significantly improved PFS and ORR compared with TKIs alone in untreated EGFR-mutated NSCLC. The toxicities of combination therapy should be considered when making treatment choices.

Combination of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in the new era of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

Multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) have been the only first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for more than a decade, until the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Moreover, the combination regimen of atezolizumab (anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1 antibody) plus bevacizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody) has recently been demonstrated to have superior efficacy when compared with sorafenib monotherapy. The remarkable efficacy has made this combination therapy the new standard treatment for advanced HCC. In addition to MKIs, many other molecularly targeted therapies are under investigation, some of which have shown promising results. Therefore, in the era of immuno-oncology, there is a significant rationale for testing the combinations of molecularly targeted therapies and ICIs. Indeed, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have shown the synergic antitumor efficacy of such combinations. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the combination of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint therapies for HCC from both preclinical and clinical perspectives.

Emerging principles of brain immunology and immune checkpoint blockade in brain metastases

Brain metastases are the most common type of brain tumours, harbouring an immune microenvironment that can in principle be targeted via immunotherapy. Elucidating some of the immunological intricacies of brain metastases has opened a therapeutic window to explore the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in this globally lethal disease. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that tumour cells hijack the immune regulatory mechanisms in the brain for the benefit of their own survival and progression. Nonetheless, the role of the immune checkpoint in the complex interplays between cancers cells and T cells and in conferring resistance to therapy remains under investigation. Meanwhile, early phase trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors have reported clinical benefit in patients with brain metastases from melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. In this review, we explore the workings of the immune system in the brain, the immunology of brain metastases, and the current status of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of brain metastases.

Tumor-related stress regulates functional plasticity of MDSCs

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) impair protective anti-tumor immunity and remain major obstacles that stymie the effectiveness of promising cancer therapies. Diverse tumor-derived stressors galvanize the differentiation, intra-tumoral expansion, and immunomodulatory function of MDSCs. These tumor-associated 'axes of stress' underwrite the immunosuppressive programming of MDSCs in cancer and contribute to the phenotypic/functional heterogeneity that characterize tumor-MDSCs. This review discusses various tumor-associated axes of stress that direct MDSC development, accumulation, and immunosuppressive function, as well as current strategies aimed at overcoming the detrimental impact of MDSCs in cancer. To better understand the constellation of signals directing MDSC biology, we herein summarize the pivotal roles, signaling mediators, and effects of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species-related stress, chronic inflammatory stress, hypoxia-linked stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, metabolic stress, and therapy-associated stress on MDSCs. Although therapeutic targeting of these processes remains mostly pre-clinical, intercepting signaling through the axes of stress could overcome MDSC-related immune suppression in tumor-bearing hosts.

New Insights into the Multifaceted Role of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in High-Grade Gliomas: From Metabolic Reprograming, Immunosuppression, and Therapeutic Resistance to Current Strategies for Targeting MDSCs

Cancer cells “hijack” host immune cells to promote growth, survival, and metastasis. The immune microenvironment of high-grade gliomas (HGG) is a complex and heterogeneous system, consisting of diverse cell types such as microglia, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and T-cells. Of these, MDSCs are one of the major tumor-infiltrating immune cells and are correlated not only with overall worse prognosis but also poor clinical outcomes. Upon entry from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood, spleen, as well as in tumor microenvironment (TME) in HGG patients, MDSCs deploy an array of mechanisms to perform their immune and non-immune suppressive functions. Here, we highlight the origin, function, and characterization of MDSCs and how they are recruited and metabolically reprogrammed in HGG. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms by which MDSCs contribute to immunosuppression and resistance to current therapies. Finally, we conclude by summarizing the emerging approaches for targeting MDSCs alone as a monotherapy or in combination with other standard-of-care therapies to improve the current treatment of high-grade glioma patients.

Myeloid cell heterogeneity in lung cancer: implication for immunotherapy

Lung is a specialized tissue where metastases from primary lung tumors takeoff and those originating from extra-pulmonary sites land. One commonality characterizing these processes is the supportive role exerted by myeloid cells, particularly neutrophils, whose recruitment is facilitated in this tissue microenvironment. Indeed, neutrophils have important part in the pathophysiology of this organ and the key mechanisms regulating neutrophil expansion and recruitment during infection can be co-opted by tumor cells to promote growth and metastasis. Although neutrophils dominate the myeloid landscape of lung cancer other populations including macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, basophils and eosinophils contribute to the complexity of lung cancer TME. In this review, we discuss the origin and significance of myeloid cells heterogeneity in lung cancer, which translates not only in a different frequency of immune populations but it encompasses state of activation, morphology, localization and mutual interactions. The relevance of such heterogeneity is considered in the context of tumor growth and response to immunotherapy.

Anlotinib combined with gefitinib can significantly improve the proliferation of epidermal growth factor receptor-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer in vitro and in vivo

Background

The effect of anlotinib combined with epidermal growth factor receptor TKIs (EGFR-TKIs) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs and the possible molecular mechanisms are still unclear.

Methods

From April 2018 to June 2020, 20 patients with advanced NSCLC who had developed potential acquired drug resistance after receiving gefitinib or icotinib were enrolled. Anlotinib (12 mg orally, once a day) was added to the targeted drug at the original dose. Patients underwent computed tomography every 8 weeks, and the curative effect and related side effects were observed. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were performed to study the effect of anlotinib alone or in combination with gefitinib on the proliferation and clone-forming ability of NSCLC cells (A549 cells: EGFR wild-type; H1975 cells: with L858R and T790M mutations). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of related proteins (Ki-67, CD31, EGFR, P-EGFR, VEGFR2, and p-VEGFR2).

Results

After the administration of anlotinib, 8 patients were in a stable condition and continued to receive treatment, and the best efficacy disease control rate (DCR) was 100%. The median follow-up time was 6.6 months (4.08-8.28 months). The median progression-free survival was 15.7 months (10.19-18.87 months). The levels of the tumor marker (carcinoembryonic antigen) were found to be significantly decreased in seven patients. The main adverse reactions reported after anlotinib administration were hypertension, hand-foot-skin reaction, diarrhea, fatigue, oral ulcers, and anorexia.In the in vitro experiment, anlotinib combined with gefitinib significantly inhibited the proliferation and cloning ability of lung cancer cells. In the nude mouse model, this combination treatment significantly inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells. Immunohistochemical results showed that anlotinib combined with gefitinib significantly inhibited the expression of Ki-67, CD31, EGFR, P-EGFR, VEGFR2, and p-VEGFR2 in tumor tissues.

Conclusions

Anlotinib combined with gefitinib inhibited the proliferation of EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC cells in vitro and tumor angiogenesis in vivo. It also significantly improved the treatment efficacy for some patients, delaying disease progression and improving survival, with only mild side effects. This drug combination is therefore a promising treatment for patients with EGFR-TKI-resistant and potentially secondary drug-resistant advanced NSCLC.

Calprotectin in Lung Diseases

Calprotectin (CLP) is a heterodimer formed by two S-100 calcium-binding cytosolic proteins, S100A8 and S100A9. It is a multifunctional protein expressed mainly by neutrophils and released extracellularly by activated or damaged cells mediating a broad range of physiological and pathological responses. It has been more than 20 years since the implication of S100A8/A9 in the inflammatory process was shown; however, the evaluation of its role in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases or its usefulness as a biomarker for the appropriate diagnosis and prognosis of lung diseases have only gained attention in recent years. This review aimed to provide current knowledge regarding the potential role of CLP in the pathophysiology of lung diseases and describe how this knowledge is, up until now, translated into daily clinical practice. CLP is involved in numerous cellular processes in lung health and disease. In addition to its anti-microbial functions, CLP also serves as a molecule with pro- and anti-tumor properties related to cell survival and growth, angiogenesis, DNA damage response, and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix. The findings of this review potentially introduce CLP in daily clinical practice within the spectrum of respiratory diseases.

Rational Application of First-Line EGFR-TKIs Combined with Antiangiogenic Inhibitors in Advanced EGFR-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to compare the difference in efficacy and safety between epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) with antiangiogenic inhibitors (A + T) and EGFR-TKI monotherapy in patients with treatment-naïve advanced EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched for relevant RCTs. Meeting abstracts were also reviewed to identify appropriate studies. The endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), 1- and 2-year OS rates, objective response rate (ORR), and grade ≥ 3 adverse events. All pooled outcomes were expressed using hazard ratios (HRs) or relative risk ratios (RRs).

Results

Data were collected from six eligible RCTs, which included 1,244 participants (619 in the A + T group and 625 in the TKI alone group). PFS was significantly improved with A + T compared to TKI alone (HR = 0.60; P < 0.01) regardless of EGFR mutation types (exon 19 deletion or L858R) and brain metastasis status (with or without brain metastases). There was no significant difference in median OS between the A + T and TKI alone groups (HR = 0.933; P = 0.551) regardless of EGFR mutation type. The ORR for A + T combination therapy was significantly increased compared to TKI monotherapy in exon 19 deletion subgroups (RR = 0.774; P = 0.008). There was no difference in the positive rates of acquired T790M mutation between the two groups (RR = 0.967; P = 0.846). More patients in the TKI alone group received a variety of subsequent systemic treatments than those in the A + T group (RR = 0.881; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Addition of antiangiogenic inhibitors to first-line EGFR-TKI therapy significantly reduced the risk of disease progression for patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC regardless of EGFR mutation type and brain metastasis status. The lack of OS benefit may be explained by differences in subsequent treatments rather than drug resistance mechanisms.

S100A9-Imaging Enables Estimation of Early Therapy-Mediated Changes in the Inflammatory Tumor Microenvironment

(1) Background: The prognosis of cancer is dependent on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The protein S100A9 is an essential regulator of the TME, associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we evaluated early therapy effects on the TME in syngeneic murine breast cancer via S100A9-specific in vivo imaging. (2) Methods: Murine 4T1 cells were implanted orthotopically in female BALB/c mice (n = 59). Tumor size-adapted fluorescence imaging was performed before and 5 days after chemo- (Doxorubicin, n = 20), anti-angiogenic therapy (Bevacizumab, n = 20), or placebo (NaCl, n = 19). Imaging results were validated ex vivo (immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry). (3) Results: While tumor growth revealed no differences (p = 0.48), fluorescence intensities (FI) for S100A9 in Bevacizumab-treated tumors were significantly lower as compared to Doxorubicin (2.60 vs. 15.65 AU, p < 0.0001). FI for Doxorubicin were significantly higher compared to placebo (8.95 AU, p = 0.01). Flow cytometry revealed shifts in monocytic and T-cell cell infiltrates under therapy, correlating with imaging. (4) Conclusions: S100A9-specific imaging enables early detection of therapy effects visualizing immune cell activity in the TME, even before clinically detectable changes in tumor size. Therefore, it may serve as a non-invasive imaging biomarker for early therapy effects.

Advances in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Systemic therapy is used in the advanced stage and until 2017 consisted only of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has shown strong anti-tumour activity in a subset of patients and the combination of the anti-PDL1 antibody atezolizumab and the VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab has or will soon become the standard of care as a first-line therapy for HCC, whereas the anti-PD1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used after TKIs in several regions. Other immune strategies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination or virotherapy have not yet demonstrated consistent clinical activity. Major unmet challenges in HCC checkpoint immunotherapy are the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers, advancing treatment to earlier stages of the disease, applying the treatment to patients with liver dysfunction and the discovery of more effective combinatorial or sequential approaches. Combinations with other systemic or local treatments are perceived as the most promising opportunities in HCC and some are already under evaluation in large-scale clinical trials. This Review provides up-to-date information on the best use of currently available immunotherapies in HCC and the therapeutic strategies under development.

Role of Antiangiogenic Agents Combined With EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Treatment-naive Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Antiangiogenic agents combined with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are considered potentially effective biologically synergistic drug combinations for EGFR-mutant advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), although some controversy remains. The European Commission has approved the use of bevacizumab plus erlotinib as first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated NSCLC; however, it has not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Recently, several phase III, randomized controlled trials of combinations of antiangiogenic agents and EGFR-TKIs have been reported. These studies have not yet been included in any previous meta-analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis to compare antiangiogenic agents plus EGFR-TKIs versus EGFR-TKIs alone for treatment of EGFR-mutant NSCLC. The main outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), the objective response rate (ORR), and adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

We identified 9 previous reports of 6 randomized controlled trials and 1 prospective cohort study, involving 1295 patients. Compared with EGFR-TKIs alone, antiangiogenic agents plus EGFR-TKIs resulted in a higher PFS (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50-0.67; P < .001). However, no significant differences in OS (hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.53-1.18; P = .26) and ORR (risk ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.97-1.10; P = .30) were found between the 2 groups. An increased risk of serious AEs (risk ratio, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11-1.79; P = .005) was found in the combination drug therapy group.

CONCLUSIONS

Antiangiogenic agents plus EGFR-TKIs enhanced PFS for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC but with a greater risk of serious AEs. No significant benefits for OS and ORR were found between the 2 groups.

Nintedanib and a bi-specific anti-VEGF/Ang2 nanobody selectively prevent brain metastases of lung adenocarcinoma cells

Brain metastases (BM) are an ever-increasing challenge in oncology, threatening quality of life and survival of many cancer patients. The majority of BM originate from lung adenocarcinoma, and stage III patients have a risk of 40–50% to develop BM in the first years of disease onset. As therapeutic options are limited, prevention of their occurrence is an attractive concept. Here we investigated whether Nintedanib (BIBF 1120), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeting the VEGF pathway approved for lung adenocarcinoma, and the dual anti-VEGF-A/Ang2 nanobody BI836880 have the potential to prevent BM formation. A mouse model of brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma was used in which tumor cells were injected intracardially. Metastases formation occurred inside and outside of the brain and was followed by MRI, IVIS, and immunohistochemistry. BM were reduced in volume and number by both Nintedanib and the dual anti-VEGF-A/Ang2 nanobody, which translated into improved survival. Both compounds were able to normalize cerebral blood vessels at the site of brain metastatic lesions. Extracranial metastases, however, were not reduced, and meningeal metastases only partially. Interestingly, unspecific control IgG also lead to brain vessel normalization and reduction of brain and meningeal metastases. This data indicates a brain-specific group effect of antiangiogenic compounds with respect to metastasis prevention, most likely by preventing an early angiogenic switch. Thus, Nintedanib and BI836880 are promising candidates for future BM preventive study concepts in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer Patients With Different Metastatic Sites: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Organ-specific response patterns reported in previous studies indicate different response toward immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with different metastatic sites. This study aims to compare the efficacy of ICIs with conventional therapy in NSCLC patients with bone, brain or liver metastases. Materials and Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched for studies comparing ICIs with conventional therapy in NSCLC patients with bone, brain or liver metastases. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among included studies was analyzed using the random effects model. Results: Eight studies consisting of 988 NSCLC patients were included, 259 with brain metastases and 729 with liver metastases. No available study with bone metastases information was identified. For patients with brain metastases, ICIs significantly improved their OS (HR, 0.57; P = 0.007). For patients with liver metastases, both OS (HR, 0.72; P = 0.006), and PFS (HR, 0.72; P = 0.004) improvements were observed in the ICI treatment arm. Subgroup analysis was conducted based on target of ICIs and treatment regimen. PD-1 inhibitors could benefit patients with liver or brain metastases on OS and PFS (brain metastases: OS, HR, 0.43; P < 0.001; liver metastases: PFS, HR, 0.52; P = 0.003; OS, HR, 0.66; P = 0.001), while PD-L1 inhibitors could not. Patients with brain metastases could only gain OS improvement from ICIs combined with chemotherapy (HR, 0.41; P = 0.001), but for patients with liver metastases, the benefit was detected using ICIs single agent (HR, 0.68; P = 0.012) or ICIs combined with chemotherapy plus anti-VEGF therapy (HR, 0.52; P = 0.005). Conclusion: ICIs could significantly improve OS in NSCLC patients with brain or liver metastases compared with conventional therapy. Patients with brain metastases could only gain OS benefit from ICIs combined with chemotherapy, while those with liver metastases obtained superior OS from ICIs single agent or ICIs combined with chemotherapy plus anti-VEGF therapy.