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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Mei Q, Zhao B, Chu Q, Dai Z, Wu K. Exploiting innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 38008741 PMCID: PMC10680233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment paradigms of various types of cancers. However, most of these immunomodulatory strategies focus on harnessing adaptive immunity, mainly by inhibiting immunosuppressive signaling with immune checkpoint blockade, or enhancing immunostimulatory signaling with bispecific T cell engager and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell. Although these agents have already achieved great success, only a tiny percentage of patients could benefit from immunotherapies. Actually, immunotherapy efficacy is determined by multiple components in the tumor microenvironment beyond adaptive immunity. Cells from the innate arm of the immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and unconventional T cells, also participate in cancer immune evasion and surveillance. Considering that the innate arm is the cornerstone of the antitumor immune response, utilizing innate immunity provides potential therapeutic options for cancer control. Up to now, strategies exploiting innate immunity, such as agonists of stimulator of interferon genes, CAR-macrophage or -natural killer cell therapies, metabolic regulators, and novel immune checkpoint blockade, have exhibited potent antitumor activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the potential roles of innate cells in antitumor immunity and discuss the advances in innate arm-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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Hovhannisyan L, Riether C, Aebersold DM, Medová M, Zimmer Y. CAR T cell-based immunotherapy and radiation therapy: potential, promises and risks. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:82. [PMID: 37173782 PMCID: PMC10176707 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01775-1] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR T cell-based therapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma within the last years. In contrast to the success in hematological cancers, the treatment of solid tumors with CAR T cells is still a major challenge in the field and attempts to overcome these hurdles have not been successful yet. Radiation therapy is used for management of various malignancies for decades and its therapeutic role ranges from local therapy to a priming agent in cancer immunotherapy. Combinations of radiation with immune checkpoint inhibitors have already proven successful in clinical trials. Therefore, a combination of radiation therapy may have the potential to overcome the current limitations of CAR T cell therapy in solid tumor entities. So far, only limited research was conducted in the area of CAR T cells and radiation. In this review we will discuss the potential and risks of such a combination in the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lusine Hovhannisyan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 8, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Riether
- Department of Medical Oncology, Inselspital, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
| | - Daniel M Aebersold
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 8, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Medová
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 8, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, Bern, 3008, Switzerland
| | - Yitzhak Zimmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 8, Bern, 3008, Switzerland.
- Department for Biomedical Research, Radiation Oncology, University of Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, Bern, 3008, Switzerland.
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Baude J, Limagne E, Ladjohounlou R, Mirjolet C. Combining radiotherapy and NK cell-based therapies: The time has come. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 378:31-60. [PMID: 37438020 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that play an essential role in the anti-tumor response through immunosurveillance, multiple mechanisms of cytotoxicity and the synthesis of cytokines modulating the immune tumor microenvironment (TME). After the dramatic advances in immunotherapy targeting T cells including the success of checkpoint inhibitors or autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing T cells in clinical practice, NK cells have gained growing interest for the development of new therapies. Although NK cells have shown promising responses in leukemia patients, the effects of NK-targeted therapies are currently limited in the treatment of solid tumors. Thus, radiotherapy could provide a valuable solution to improve treatments targeting NK cells. Indeed, ionizing radiations represent a powerful immuno-modulator that can either induce a pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor TME, or conversely lead to immunosuppression of effector immune cells in favor of tumor growth and therapeutic escape, depending on how it is delivered and tumor models. However, the effects of ionizing radiation on NK cells are only partially understood. Therefore, we review the effects of radiotherapy on the NK cell-mediated anti-tumor response, and propose potential strategies to reinvigorate NK cells by combining radiotherapy with NK cell-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Baude
- Radiation Oncology Department, Preclinical Radiation Therapy and Radiobiology Unit, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Unicancer, Dijon, France
| | - Emeric Limagne
- TIReCS Team, UMR INSERM 1231, Dijon, France; Cancer Biology Transfer Platform, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Dijon, France; University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Riad Ladjohounlou
- Radiation Oncology Department, Preclinical Radiation Therapy and Radiobiology Unit, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Unicancer, Dijon, France; TIReCS Team, UMR INSERM 1231, Dijon, France
| | - Céline Mirjolet
- Radiation Oncology Department, Preclinical Radiation Therapy and Radiobiology Unit, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Unicancer, Dijon, France; TIReCS Team, UMR INSERM 1231, Dijon, France.
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Runbeck E, Crescioli S, Karagiannis SN, Papa S. Utilizing Immunocytokines for Cancer Therapy. Antibodies (Basel) 2021; 10:antib10010010. [PMID: 33803078 PMCID: PMC8006145 DOI: 10.3390/antib10010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokine therapy for cancer has indicated efficacy in certain diseases but is generally accompanied by severe toxicity. The field of antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines) arose to target these effector molecules to the tumor environment in order to expand the therapeutic window of cytokine therapy. Pre-clinical evidence has shown the increased efficacy and decreased toxicity of various immunocytokines when compared to their cognate unconjugated cytokine. These anti-tumor properties are markedly enhanced when combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and checkpoint inhibitor antibodies. Clinical trials that have continued to explore the potential of these biologics for cancer therapy have been conducted. This review covers the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidence for the application of immunocytokines in immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Runbeck
- ImmunoEngineering Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK;
| | - Silvia Crescioli
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; (S.C.); (S.N.K.)
| | - Sophia N. Karagiannis
- St. John’s Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; (S.C.); (S.N.K.)
| | - Sophie Papa
- ImmunoEngineering Group, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK;
- Correspondence:
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Olivo Pimentel V, Marcus D, van der Wiel AM, Lieuwes NG, Biemans R, Lieverse RI, Neri D, Theys J, Yaromina A, Dubois LJ, Lambin P. Releasing the brakes of tumor immunity with anti-PD-L1 and pushing its accelerator with L19-IL2 cures poorly immunogenic tumors when combined with radiotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001764. [PMID: 33688020 PMCID: PMC7944996 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poorly immunogenic tumors are hardly responsive to immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and are, therefore, a therapeutic challenge. Combination with other immunotherapies and/or immunogenic therapies, such as radiotherapy (RT), could make these tumors more immune responsive. We have previously shown that the immunocytokine L19-IL2 combined with single-dose RT resulted in 75% tumor remission and a 20% curative abscopal effect in the T cell-inflamed C51 colon carcinoma model. This treatment schedule was associated with the upregulation of inhibitory immune checkpoint (IC) molecules on tumor-infiltrating T cells, leading to only tumor growth delay in the poorly immunogenic Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) model. METHODS We aimed to trigger curative therapeutic responses in three tumor models (LLC, C51 and CT26) by "pushing the accelerator" of tumor immunity with L19-IL2 and/or "releasing the brakes" with ICB, such as antibodies directed against cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1), combined with single-dose RT (10 Gy or 5 Gy). Primary tumor endpoint was defined as time to reach four times the size of tumor volume at start of treatment (4T×SV). Multivariate analysis of 4T×SV was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model comparing each treatment group with controls. Causal involvement of T and natural killer (NK) cells in the anti-tumor effect was assessed by in vivo depletion of T, NK or both cell populations. Immune profiling was performed using flow cytometry on single cell suspensions from spleens, bone marrow, tumors and blood. RESULTS Combining RT, anti-PD-L1 and L19-IL2 cured 38% of LLC tumors, which was both CD8+ T and NK cell dependent. LLC tumors were resistant to RT +anti-PD-L1 likely explained by the upregulation of other IC molecules and increased T regulatory cell tumor infiltration. RT+L19-IL2 outperformed RT+ICB in C51 tumors; effects were comparable in CT26 tumors. Triple combinations were not superior to RT+L19-IL2 in both these models. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that combinatorial strategies rationally designed on biological effects can turn immunotherapy-resistant tumors into immunologically responsive tumors. This hypothesis is currently being tested in the international multicentric randomized phase 2 trial: ImmunoSABR (NCT03705403).
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CTLA-4 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- CTLA-4 Antigen/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/immunology
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/pathology
- Carcinoma, Lewis Lung/therapy
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chemoradiotherapy
- Coculture Techniques
- Colonic Neoplasms/immunology
- Colonic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Colonic Neoplasms/pathology
- Colonic Neoplasms/therapy
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Immunologic Memory/drug effects
- Immunomodulating Agents/pharmacology
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/therapy
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Memory T Cells/drug effects
- Memory T Cells/immunology
- Memory T Cells/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Olivo Pimentel
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Damiënne Marcus
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Ma van der Wiel
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja G Lieuwes
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Biemans
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Relinde Iy Lieverse
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Van Limbergen EJ, Hoeben A, Lieverse RIY, Houben R, Overhof C, Postma A, Zindler J, Verhelst F, Dubois LJ, De Ruysscher D, Troost EGC, Lambin P. Toxicity of L19-Interleukin 2 Combined with Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: A Phase 1 Study. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 109:1421-1430. [PMID: 33285270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The immunocytokine L19-IL2 delivers interleukin-2 to the tumor by exploiting the selective L19-dependent binding of extradomain B of fibronectin on tumor blood vessels. In preclinical models, L19-IL2 has been shown to enhance the local and abscopal effects of radiation therapy. The clinical safety of L19-IL2 monotherapy has been established previously. In this study, the safety and tolerability of L19-IL2 after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) was assessed. METHODS AND MATERIALS Patients with oligometastatic solid tumors received radical SBRT to all visible metastases. Within 1 week after SBRT, intravenous L19-IL2 using a 3 + 3 dose escalation design was administered. Safety and tolerability were analyzed as the primary endpoint using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 4.03 scoring system, with progression-free and overall survival as secondary endpoints. RESULTS A total of 6 patients in 2 L19-IL2 dose levels were included. The 15 million International Units (Mio IU) dose level was well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicity. The most frequently reported adverse events were chills, noninfectious fever, fatigue, edema, erythema, pruritus, nausea/vomiting, and cough and dyspnea. Blood analysis revealed abnormalities in liver function tests, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypokalemia. At the second dose level (ie, 22.5 Mio IU), which is the recommended dose for L19-IL2 monotherapy, all 3 included patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity but recovered without sequelae. We documented 2 long-term progression-free responders, both having non-small cell lung cancer as primary tumor. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of this phase 1 clinical trial, the recommended phase 2 dose for SBRT combined with L19-IL2 is 15 Mio IU. The therapeutic efficacy of this combination is currently being evaluated in the multicentric EU-funded phase 2 clinical trial, ImmunoSABR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evert Jan Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Hoeben
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Relinde I Y Lieverse
- The D-Lab & The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud Houben
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal Overhof
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alida Postma
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology, School for Mental Health and Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Zindler
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Radiotherapy, Erasmus University Medical Centre Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Holland Proton Therapy Centre, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Verhelst
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, H.-Hartziekenhuis, Lier, Belgium
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The D-Lab & The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk De Ruysscher
- Department of Radiation Oncology (Maastro), GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther G C Troost
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden- Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Germany: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz Association/Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The D-Lab & The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW-School for Oncology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Vanneste BG, Van Limbergen EJ, Dubois L, Samarska IV, Wieten L, Aarts MJ, Marcelissen T, De Ruysscher D. Immunotherapy as sensitizer for local radiotherapy. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1832760. [PMID: 33194319 PMCID: PMC7605354 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1832760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this report was to systematically review the radiation enhancement factor (REF) effects of immunotherapy on radiotherapy (RT) to the local tumor in comparison with other traditional radiation sensitizers such as cisplatin. PubMed and Medline databases were searched until February 2019. Reports with abscopal effect in the results were excluded. Graphs of the selected papers were digitized using Plot Digitizer (Sourceforge.net) in order to calculate the tumor growth delay (TGD) caused by immunotherapy. To enable comparison between different studies,the TGD were used to define the REF between RT versus the RT/immunotherapy combination. Thirty-two preclinical papers, and nine clinical series were selected. Different mouse models were exposed to RT doses ranging from 1 to 10 fractions of 1.8 to 20 Gray (Gy) per fraction. Endpoints were heterogeneous, ranging from regression to complete local response. No randomized clinical studies were identified. The median preclinical REF effect of different immunotherapy was varying from 1.7 to 9.1. There was no relationship observed either with subclasses of immunotherapy orRT doses. In the clinical studies, RT doses ranged from 1 to 37 fractions of 1.8 to 24 Gy per fraction. Most clinical trials used ipilimumab and interleukin-2. Local control rate in the clinical series ranged from 66% to 100%. A strong REF of immunotherapy (1.7 to 9.1) was observed, this being higher than traditionally sensitizers such as cisplatin (1.1). This result implies that for the same RT dose, a higher local control was achieved with a combination of immunotherapy and RT in preclinical settings. This study therefore supports the use of combined RT and immunotherapy to improve local tumor control in clinical settings without exacerbation of toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben G.L. Vanneste
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Evert J Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Iryna V. Samarska
- Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - L. Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M. J.B. Aarts
- Department of Medical Oncology, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - T. Marcelissen
- Department of Urology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk De Ruysscher
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO Clinic), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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A novel format for recombinant antibody-interleukin-2 fusion proteins exhibits superior tumor-targeting properties in vivo. Oncotarget 2020; 11:3698-3711. [PMID: 33110477 PMCID: PMC7566808 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The targeted delivery of interleukin-2 to the tumor is gaining attention as an avenue to potentiate the action of T and NK cells at the site of disease. We have previously described the fusion of the L19 antibody, specific to the EDB domain of fibronectin, with human interleukin-2, using a non-covalent homodimeric diabody format. Here, we describe four novel formats for the L19-IL2 fusion, featuring different arrangements of antibody and IL2. A comparative quantitative biodistribution analysis in tumor-bearing mice using radioiodinated proteins revealed that the novel format (L19L19-IL2, with the antibody in single-chain diabody format) exhibited the best biodistribution results. In vitro assays on peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed a decrease activation of regulatory T cells when single IL2 domain was used. In vivo, both L19-IL2 and L19L19-IL2 inhibited tumor growth in immunocompetent mouse models of cancer. T-cell analysis revealed similar levels of CD4+ and FoxP3+ cells, with an expansion of the CD8+ T cell in mice treated with L19-IL2 and L19L19-IL2. The percentage of CD4+ regulatory T cells was markedly decreased with L19L19-IL2 combined with a mouse-specific PD-1 blocker. Collectively, these data indicate that the new L19L19-IL2 format exhibits favorable tumor-homing properties and mediates a potent anti-cancer activity in vivo.
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Lieverse RIY, Marcus D, van der Wiel AMA, Van Limbergen EJ, Theys J, Yaromina A, Lambin P, Dubois LJ. Human fibronectin extra domain B as a biomarker for targeted therapy in cancer. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1555-1568. [PMID: 32386436 PMCID: PMC7332215 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix protein fibronectin contains a domain that is rarely found in healthy adults and is almost exclusively expressed by newly formed blood vessels in tumours, particularly in solid tumours, different types of lymphoma and some leukaemias. This domain, called the extra domain B (ED‐B), thus has broad therapeutic potential. The antibody L19 has been developed to specifically target ED‐B and has shown therapeutic potential when combined with cytokines, such as IL‐2. In this review article, we discuss the preclinical research and clinical trials that highlight the potential of ED‐B targeting for the imaging and treatment of various types of cancer. ED‐B‐centred studies also highlight how proper patient stratification is of utmost importance for the successful implementation of novel antibody‐based targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relinde I Y Lieverse
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Damiënne Marcus
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander M A van der Wiel
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Evert J Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Theys
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands
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10
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Lieverse RIY, Van Limbergen EJ, Oberije CJG, Troost EGC, Hadrup SR, Dingemans AMC, Hendriks LEL, Eckert F, Hiley C, Dooms C, Lievens Y, de Jong MC, Bussink J, Geets X, Valentini V, Elia G, Neri D, Billiet C, Abdollahi A, Pasquier D, Boisselier P, Yaromina A, De Ruysscher D, Dubois LJ, Lambin P. Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) combined with immunotherapy (L19-IL2) versus standard of care in stage IV NSCLC patients, ImmunoSABR: a multicentre, randomised controlled open-label phase II trial. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:557. [PMID: 32539805 PMCID: PMC7296663 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07055-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 50% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have metastatic disease at initial diagnosis, which limits their treatment options and, consequently, the 5-year survival rate (15%). Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, have become standard of care (SOC) for most good performance status patients. However, most patients will not obtain long-term benefit and new treatment strategies are therefore needed. We previously demonstrated clinical safety of the tumour-selective immunocytokine L19-IL2, consisting of the anti-ED-B scFv L19 antibody coupled to IL2, combined with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). METHODS This investigator-initiated, multicentric, randomised controlled open-label phase II clinical trial will test the hypothesis that the combination of SABR and L19-IL2 increases progression free survival (PFS) in patients with limited metastatic NSCLC. One hundred twenty-six patients will be stratified according to their metastatic load (oligo-metastatic: ≤5 or poly-metastatic: 6 to 10) and randomised to the experimental-arm (E-arm) or the control-arm (C-arm). The C-arm will receive SOC, according to the local protocol. E-arm oligo-metastatic patients will receive SABR to all lesions followed by L19-IL2 therapy; radiotherapy for poly-metastatic patients consists of irradiation of one (symptomatic) to a maximum of 5 lesions (including ICI in both arms if this is the SOC). The accrual period will be 2.5-years, starting after the first centre is initiated and active. Primary endpoint is PFS at 1.5-years based on blinded radiological review, and secondary endpoints are overall survival, toxicity, quality of life and abscopal response. Associative biomarker studies, immune monitoring, CT-based radiomics, stool collection, iRECIST and tumour growth rate will be performed. DISCUSSION The combination of SABR with or without ICI and the immunocytokine L19-IL2 will be tested as 1st, 2nd or 3rd line treatment in stage IV NSCLC patients in 14 centres located in 6 countries. This bimodal and trimodal treatment approach is based on the direct cytotoxic effect of radiotherapy, the tumour selective immunocytokine L19-IL2, the abscopal effect observed distant from the irradiated metastatic site(s) and the memory effect. The first results are expected end 2023. TRIAL REGISTRATION ImmunoSABR Protocol Code: NL67629.068.18; EudraCT: 2018-002583-11; Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03705403; ISRCTN ID: ISRCTN49817477; Date of registration: 03-April-2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relinde I Y Lieverse
- The D-Lab and The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Evert J Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Cary J G Oberije
- The D-Lab and The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Esther G C Troost
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay, National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sine R Hadrup
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie C Dingemans
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lizza E L Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Franziska Eckert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Crispin Hiley
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Christophe Dooms
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Respiratory Oncology Unit, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yolande Lievens
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Monique C de Jong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066, Amsterdam, CX, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Bussink
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Xavier Geets
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, MIRO - IREC Lab, UCL, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Vincenzo Valentini
- Dipartimento Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Istituto di Radiologia, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuliano Elia
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Billiet
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Iridium Network, Wilrijk (Antwerp), Belgium
- University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, Building S, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Amir Abdollahi
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Faculty of Medicine (MFHD) and Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Core Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Pasquier
- Academic Department of Radiation Oncology, Oscar Lambret Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lille, France
| | - Pierre Boisselier
- Department of Radiation Oncology, ICM-Val d'Aurelle, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Ala Yaromina
- The D-Lab and The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk De Ruysscher
- Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- The D-Lab and The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The D-Lab and The M-Lab, Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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11
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Weide B, Eigentler T, Catania C, Ascierto PA, Cascinu S, Becker JC, Hauschild A, Romanini A, Danielli R, Dummer R, Trefzer U, Elia G, Neri D, Garbe C. A phase II study of the L19IL2 immunocytokine in combination with dacarbazine in advanced metastatic melanoma patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1547-1559. [PMID: 31482307 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02383-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Engineered cytokine products represent promising agents for the treatment of immunogenic tumors, such as malignant melanoma, in addition to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here we describe the results of a controlled, randomized phase II clinical trial, aimed at assessing the therapeutic potential of L19IL2, a fully human fusion protein consisting of the L19 antibody specific to the alternatively spliced extra-domain B of fibronectin, fused to human interleukin-2 in advanced metastatic melanoma. In one arm, patients received dacarbazine (DTIC; 1000 mg/m2 of body surface on day 1 of 21-day cycles) as single agent, while in two other arms L19IL2 (22.5 million international units of IL2 equivalents) was added, based on two different schedules of administration. In total, 69 patients with stage IV melanoma were enrolled (24 in the dacarbazine arm, 23 and 22 in the other combination arms, respectively) and 67 received treatment. Analyses of efficacy results show a statistically significant benefit in terms of overall response rate and median progression-free survival for patients receiving L19IL2 in combination with DTIC, compared to DTIC as single agent. In light of these results, further clinical investigations with L19IL2 (alone or in combination with other agents) are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Weide
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chiara Catania
- Division of Thoracic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Cascinu
- Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, Ancona, Italy
- Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Hauschild
- University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSK), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | - Reinhard Dummer
- University Hospital Zurich and University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Trefzer
- Charité, Berlin, Germany
- Dermatologikum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giuliano Elia
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, 8112, Otelfingen, Switzerland.
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Building HCI G396.4, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Claus Garbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany.
- Sektion Dermatologische Onkologie, Universität Tübingen Hautklinik, Liebermeisterstraße 25, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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12
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Aliru ML, Schoenhals JE, Venkatesulu BP, Anderson CC, Barsoumian HB, Younes AI, K Mahadevan LS, Soeung M, Aziz KE, Welsh JW, Krishnan S. Radiation therapy and immunotherapy: what is the optimal timing or sequencing? Immunotherapy 2019; 10:299-316. [PMID: 29421979 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2017-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a component of the standard of care for many patients with locally advanced nonmetastatic tumors and increasingly those with oligometastatic tumors. Despite encouraging advances in local control and progression-free and overall survival outcomes, continued manifestation of tumor progression or recurrence leaves room for improvement in therapeutic efficacy. Novel combinations of radiation with immunotherapy have shown promise in improving outcomes and reducing recurrences by overcoming tumor immune tolerance and evasion mechanisms via boosting the immune system's ability to recognize and eradicate tumor cells. In this review, we discuss preclinical and early clinical evidence that radiotherapy and immunotherapy can improve treatment outcomes for locally advanced and metastatic tumors, elucidate underlying molecular mechanisms and address strategies to optimize timing and sequencing of combination therapy for maximal synergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen L Aliru
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Medical Physics Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan E Schoenhals
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bhanu P Venkatesulu
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Clark C Anderson
- Departments of Internal Medicine & Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hampartsoum B Barsoumian
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ahmed I Younes
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lakshmi S K Mahadevan
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Melinda Soeung
- From the Departments of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kathryn E Aziz
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - James W Welsh
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,From the Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sunil Krishnan
- From the Departments of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,From the Departments of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Medical Physics Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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13
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Mortara L, Balza E, Bruno A, Poggi A, Orecchia P, Carnemolla B. Anti-cancer Therapies Employing IL-2 Cytokine Tumor Targeting: Contribution of Innate, Adaptive and Immunosuppressive Cells in the Anti-tumor Efficacy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2905. [PMID: 30619269 PMCID: PMC6305397 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokine) exert a potent anti-cancer effect; indeed, they target the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) due to a specific anti-tumor antibody linked to immune activating cytokines. Once bound to the target tumor, the interleukin-2 (IL-2) immunocytokines composed of either full antibody or single chain Fv conjugated to IL-2 can promote the in situ recruitment and activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTL). This recruitment induces a TME switch toward a classical T helper 1 (Th1) anti-tumor immune response, supported by the cross-talk between NK and dendritic cells (DC). Furthermore, some IL-2 immunocytokines have been largely shown to trigger tumor cell killing by antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), through Fcγ receptors engagement. The modulation of the TME can be also achieved with immunocytokines conjugated with a mutated form of IL-2 that impairs regulatory T (Treg) cell proliferation and activity. Preclinical animal models and more recently phase I/II clinical trials have shown that IL-2 immunocytokines can avoid the severe toxicities of the systemic administration of high doses of soluble IL-2 maintaining the potent anti-tumor effect of this cytokine. Also, very promising results have been reported using IL-2 immunocytokines delivered in combination with other immunocytokines, chemo-, radio-, anti-angiogenic therapies, and blockade of immune checkpoints. Here, we summarize and discuss the most relevant reported studies with a focus on: (a) the effects of IL-2 immunocytokines on innate and adaptive anti-tumor immune cell responses as well as immunosuppressive Treg cells and (b) the approaches to circumvent IL-2-mediated severe toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Enrica Balza
- UOC Cell Biology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonino Bruno
- Vascular Biology and Angiogenesis Laboratory, Scientific and Technologic Park, IRCCS MultiMedica, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- UOSD Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Orecchia
- UOC Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carnemolla
- UOC Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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14
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Cazzamalli S, Ziffels B, Widmayer F, Murer P, Pellegrini G, Pretto F, Wulhfard S, Neri D. Enhanced Therapeutic Activity of Non-Internalizing Small-Molecule-Drug Conjugates Targeting Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Combination with Targeted Interleukin-2. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:3656-3667. [PMID: 29691298 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-3457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Antibody-drug conjugates and small-molecule-drug conjugates have been proposed as alternatives to conventional anticancer cytotoxic agents, with the potential to deliver bioactive payloads to the site of disease, helping spare normal tissues.Experimental Design: Here, we describe a novel small-molecule-drug conjugate, based on a high-affinity ligand specific to carbonic anhydrase IX. The product featured a peptidic linker, suitable for cleavage in the tumor extracellular environment, and monomethyl auristatin E as cytotoxic payload.Results: A potent anticancer activity was observed in nude mice bearing SKRC-52 renal cell carcinoma xenografts, but no durable complete responses could be observed in this model. However, when the product was administered together with L19-IL2 (a clinical-stage fusion protein capable of delivering IL2 to the tumor neovasculature), all treated mice in the combination group could be rendered tumor free, in a process that favored the influx of natural killer cells into the tumor mass. The combination of L19-IL2 and the new small-molecule-drug conjugate also eradicated cancer in 100% of immunocompetent mice, bearing subcutaneously grafted CT26 colorectal cancer cells, which stably expressed carbonic anhydrase IX.Conclusions: These findings may be of clinical significance, because carbonic anhydrase IX is overexpressed in the majority of clear cell renal cell carcinomas and in approximately 30% of colorectal cancers. The targeted delivery of IL2 helps potentiate the action of targeted cytotoxics, leading to cancer eradication in models that cannot be cured by conventional chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 24(15); 3656-67. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Cazzamalli
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Ziffels
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fontaine Widmayer
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patrizia Murer
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Pellegrini
- Laboratory for Animal Model Pathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Dario Neri
- Department of Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland.
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15
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Schaaf MB, Garg AD, Agostinis P. Defining the role of the tumor vasculature in antitumor immunity and immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:115. [PMID: 29371595 PMCID: PMC5833710 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 373] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is now well established that cancer cells co-exist within a complex environment with stromal cells and depend for their growth and dissemination on tight and plastic interactions with components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer cells incite the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels from preexisting vessels to cope with their high nutrient/oxygen demand and favor tumor outgrowth. Research over the past decades has highlighted the crucial role played by tumor-associated blood and lymphatic vasculature in supporting immunoevasion and in subverting T-cell-mediated immunosurveillance, which are the main hallmarks of cancers. The structurally and functionally aberrant tumor vasculature contributes to the protumorigenic and immunosuppressive TME by maintaining a cancer cell’s permissive environment characterized by hypoxia, acidosis, and high interstitial pressure, while simultaneously generating a physical barrier to T cells' infiltration. Recent research moreover has shown that blood endothelial cells forming the tumor vessels can actively suppress the recruitment, adhesion, and activity of T cells. Likewise, during tumorigenesis the lymphatic vasculature undergoes dramatic remodeling that facilitates metastatic spreading of cancer cells and immunosuppression. Beyond carcinogenesis, the erratic tumor vasculature has been recently implicated in mechanisms of therapy resistance, including those limiting the efficacy of clinically approved immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockers and adoptive T-cell transfer. In this review, we discuss emerging evidence highlighting the major role played by tumor-associated blood and lymphatic vasculature in thwarting immunosurveillance mechanisms and antitumor immunity. Moreover, we also discuss novel therapeutic approaches targeting the tumor vasculature and their potential to help overcoming immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco B Schaaf
- Cell Death Research & Therapy (CDRT) Laboratory, Department for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Abhishek D Garg
- Cell Death Research & Therapy (CDRT) Laboratory, Department for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrizia Agostinis
- Cell Death Research & Therapy (CDRT) Laboratory, Department for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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16
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Rekers NH, Olivo Pimentel V, Yaromina A, Lieuwes NG, Biemans R, Zegers CML, Germeraad WTV, Van Limbergen EJ, Neri D, Dubois LJ, Lambin P. The immunocytokine L19-IL2: An interplay between radiotherapy and long-lasting systemic anti-tumour immune responses. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1414119. [PMID: 29632732 PMCID: PMC5889197 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1414119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have shown that the administration of the tumour-targeted antibody-based immunocytokine L19-IL2 after radiotherapy (RT) resulted in synergistic anti-tumour effect. Here we show that RT and L19-IL2 can activate a curative abscopal effect, with a long-lasting immunological memory. Ionizing radiation (single dose of 15Gy, 5 × 2Gy or 5 × 5Gy) was delivered to primary C51 colon tumour-bearing immunocompetent mice in combination with L19-IL2 and response of secondary non-irradiated C51 or CT26 colon tumours was evaluated. 15Gy + L19-IL2 triggered a curative (20%) abscopal effect, which was T cell dependent. Moreover, 10Gy + L19-IL2 treated and cured mice were re-injected after 150 days with C51 tumour cells and tumour uptake was assessed. Age-matched controls (matrigel injected mice treated with 10Gy + L19-IL2, mice cured after treatment with surgery + L19-IL2 and mice cured after high dose RT 40Gy + vehicle) were included. Several immunological parameters in blood, tumours, lymph nodes and spleens were investigated. Treatment with 10Gy + L19-IL2 resulted in long-lasting immunological memory, associated with CD44+CD127+ expression on circulating T cells. This combination treatment can induce long-lasting curative abscopal responses, and therefore it has also great potential for treatment of metastatic disease. Preclinical findings have led to the initiation of a phase I clinical trial (NCT02086721) in our institute investigating stereotactic ablative radiotherapy with L19-IL2 in patients with oligometastatic solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolle H Rekers
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Veronica Olivo Pimentel
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ala Yaromina
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Natasja G Lieuwes
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Biemans
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina M L Zegers
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred T V Germeraad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Evert J Van Limbergen
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- Department of Radiotherapy, The M-Lab group, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiotherapy, The D-Lab, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht Comprehensive Cancer Center, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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17
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Rodemann HP, Datta NR, Bodis S. Molecular radiation biology/oncology and its impact on preclinical and clinical research in radiotherapy. Radiother Oncol 2017; 124:339-343. [PMID: 28888706 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H Peter Rodemann
- Division of Radiation Biology & Molecular Environmental Research, Dept. of Radiation Oncology, University of Tübingen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Tübingen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Niloy Ranjan Datta
- Center of Radiation Oncology KSA-KSB, Kantonsspital Aarau and University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Bodis
- Center of Radiation Oncology KSA-KSB, Kantonsspital Aarau and University of Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Van Limbergen EJ, De Ruysscher DK, Olivo Pimentel V, Marcus D, Berbee M, Hoeben A, Rekers N, Theys J, Yaromina A, Dubois LJ, Lambin P. Combining radiotherapy with immunotherapy: the past, the present and the future. Br J Radiol 2017; 90:20170157. [PMID: 28541096 PMCID: PMC5603954 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20170157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of immunotherapy is currently revolutionizing the field of oncology, where different drugs are used to stimulate different steps in a failing cancer immune response chain. This review gives a basic overview of the immune response against cancer, as well as the historical and current evidence on the interaction of radiotherapy with the immune system and the different forms of immunotherapy. Furthermore the review elaborates on the many open questions on how to exploit this interaction to the full extent in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evert J Van Limbergen
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Dirk K De Ruysscher
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.,2 KU Leuven, Radiation Oncology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veronica Olivo Pimentel
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Damiënne Marcus
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Maaike Berbee
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ann Hoeben
- 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Nicolle Rekers
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.,4 National Veterinary Institute, Division of Immunology and Vaccinology-T-cells & Cancer, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Jan Theys
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ala Yaromina
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ludwig J Dubois
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Philippe Lambin
- 1 Department of Radiation Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
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19
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Eckert F, Jelas I, Oehme M, Huber SM, Sonntag K, Welker C, Gillies SD, Strittmatter W, Zips D, Handgretinger R, Schilbach K. Tumor-targeted IL-12 combined with local irradiation leads to systemic tumor control via abscopal effects in vivo. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1323161. [PMID: 28680762 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1323161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NHS-IL12 is an immunocytokine, a fusion protein of IL12's functional domains and a necrosis-targeting antibody, which has shown significant effects against human rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts in a humanized tumor model, including terminal growth arrest and differentiation of the tumor cells. Here, we locally irradiated the tumors, increasing necrosis and consequently intratumoral immune cytokine availability, and asked whether this effect may surmount efficacy of single treatment modality. Humanized mice bearing bilateral rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts were evaluated for tumor burden and survival after irradiation, systemic NHS-IL12 therapy or a combination of both. Intratumoral immune compartments were characterized by immunohistochemistry and molecular methods. TH1-cytokine dependency of underlying effector mechanisms were investigated in vitro in several human tumor cell lines. NHS-IL12 when combined with irradiation terminally arrested tumor growth and significantly improved survival. Combination treatment induced dense intratumoral T-cell infiltrates, clonal epitope-specific T-cell expansions, expression of cytotoxins, decreased pro-tumorigenic cytokines and induced senescence and differentiation in the cancer cells. Senescence and differentiation were reproduced in vitro and confirmed to be dependent on TH1 cytokines IFNγ and TNF-α. NHS-IL12 and irradiation together induced broad intratumoral TH1 biased NK and T-cell compartments, established antitumoral cytokine profiles and irreversibly growth arrested tumor cells, leading to systemic cancer control and improved survival. For the first time, we describe immune-induced senescence as a novel mechanism resulting from a treatment regimen combining irradiation with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Eckert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ivan Jelas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Moritz Oehme
- Department of General Pediatrics, Oncology/Hematology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan M Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katja Sonntag
- Department of General Pediatrics, Oncology/Hematology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Welker
- Department of General Pediatrics, Oncology/Hematology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Daniel Zips
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of General Pediatrics, Oncology/Hematology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karin Schilbach
- Department of General Pediatrics, Oncology/Hematology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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20
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Leroi N, Sounni NE, Van Overmeire E, Blacher S, Marée R, Van Ginderachter J, Lallemand F, Lenaerts E, Coucke P, Noel A, Martinive P. The timing of surgery after neoadjuvant radiotherapy influences tumor dissemination in a preclinical model. Oncotarget 2017; 6:36825-37. [PMID: 26440148 PMCID: PMC4742213 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (neoRT) used in cancer treatments aims at improving local tumor control and patient overall survival. The neoRT schedule and the timing of the surgical treatment (ST) are empirically based and influenced by the clinician's experience. The current study examines how the sequencing of neoRT and ST affects metastatic dissemination. In a breast carcinoma model, tumors were exposed to different neoRT schedules (2x5Gy or 5x2Gy) followed by surgery at day 4 or 11 post-RT. The impact on the tumor microenvironment and lung metastases was evaluated through immunohistochemical and flow cytometry analyses. After 2x5Gy, early ST (at day 4 post-RT) led to increased size and number of lung metastases as compared to ST performed at day 11. Inversely, after 5x2Gy neoRT, early ST protected the mice against lung metastases. This intriguing relationship between tumor aggressiveness and ST timing could not be explained by differences in classical parameters studied such as hypoxia, vessel density and matrix remodeling. The study of tumor-related inflammation and immunity reveals an increased circulating NK cell percentage following neoRT as compared to non irradiated mice. Then, radiation treatment and surgery were applied to tumor-bearing NOD/SCID mice. In the absence of NK cells, neoRT appears to increase lung metastatic dissemination as compared to non irradiated tumor-bearing mice. Altogether our data demonstrate that the neoRT schedule and the ST timing affect metastasis formation in a pre-clinical model and points out the potential role of NK cells. These findings highlight the importance to cautiously tailor the optimal window for ST following RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Leroi
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer (GIGA-Cancer), University of Liège, Belgium.,Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Liège, Belgium
| | - Nor Eddine Sounni
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer (GIGA-Cancer), University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Eva Van Overmeire
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Silvia Blacher
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer (GIGA-Cancer), University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Raphael Marée
- Systems and Modeling (GIGA-Systems Biology and Chemical Biology), University of Liège, Belgium.,GIGA Bioinformatics Platform, University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Ginderachter
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Immunology, VIB, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - François Lallemand
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer (GIGA-Cancer), University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Eric Lenaerts
- Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Liège, Belgium
| | - Philippe Coucke
- Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Liège, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noel
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer (GIGA-Cancer), University of Liège, Belgium
| | - Philippe Martinive
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer (GIGA-Cancer), University of Liège, Belgium.,Department of Radiotherapy-Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Liège, Belgium
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21
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Eckert F, Gaipl U, Niedermann G, Hettich M, Schilbach K, Huber S, Zips D. Beyond checkpoint inhibition - Immunotherapeutical strategies in combination with radiation. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2017; 2:29-35. [PMID: 29657997 PMCID: PMC5893529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The revival of cancer immunotherapy has taken place with the clinical success of immune checkpoint inhibition. However, the spectrum of immunotherapeutic approaches is much broader encompassing T cell engaging strategies, tumour-specific vaccination, antibodies or immunocytokines. This review focuses on the immunological effects of irradiation and the evidence available on combination strategies with immunotherapy. The available data suggest great potential of combined treatments, yet also poses questions about dose, fractionation, timing and most promising multimodal strategies.
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Key Words
- Bispecific antibodies
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CAR-T-cells
- CDN, cyclic dinucleotides
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocyte
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4
- GM-CSF, granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor
- IR, irradiation
- Immunocytokines
- Immunotherapy
- PD-1, Programmed cell death protein 1 receptor
- PD-L1, PD-1 ligand
- Radiotherapy
- TCR, T cell receptor
- Treg, regulatory T cells
- Vaccination
- bsAb, bispecific antibody
- scFv, single chain variable fragment
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Eckert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - U.S. Gaipl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - G. Niedermann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M. Hettich
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - K. Schilbach
- Department of General Pediatrics/Pediatric Oncology, Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - S.M. Huber
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - D. Zips
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Universitaetsklinikum Tuebingen, Eberhard-Karls-University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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22
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Kang J, Demaria S, Formenti S. Current clinical trials testing the combination of immunotherapy with radiotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2016; 4:51. [PMID: 27660705 PMCID: PMC5028964 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-016-0156-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence demonstrates that radiation acts as an immune stimulus, recruiting immune mediators that enable anti-tumor responses within and outside the radiation field. There has been a rapid expansion in the number of clinical trials harnessing radiation to enhance antitumor immunity. If positive, results of these trials will lead to a paradigm shift in the use of radiotherapy. In this review, we discuss the rationale for trials combining radiation with various immunotherapies, provide an update of recent clinical trial results and highlight trials currently in progress. We also address issues pertaining to the optimal incorporation of immunotherapy with radiation, including sequencing of treatment, radiation dosing and evaluation of clinical trial endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Sandra Demaria
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Silvia Formenti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065 USA ; Department of Radiation Oncology, Stich Radiation Center, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065 USA
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23
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Filippi AR, Fava P, Badellino S, Astrua C, Ricardi U, Quaglino P. Radiotherapy and immune checkpoints inhibitors for advanced melanoma. Radiother Oncol 2016; 120:1-12. [PMID: 27345592 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The therapeutic landscape of metastatic melanoma drastically changed after the introduction of targeted therapies and immunotherapy, in particular immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICI). In recent years, positive effects on the immune system associated to radiotherapy (RT) were discovered, and radiation has been tested in combination with ICI in both pre-clinical and clinical studies (many of them still ongoing). We here summarize the rationale and the preliminary clinical results of this approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the first part of this review article, redacted with narrative non-systematic methodology, we describe the clinical results of immune checkpoints blockade in melanoma as well as the biological basis for the combination of ICI with RT; in the second part, we systematically review scientific publications reporting on the clinical results of the combination of ICI and RT for advanced melanoma. RESULTS The biological and mechanistic rationale behind the combination of ICI and radiation is well supported by several preclinical findings. Retrospective observational series and few prospective trials support the potential synergistic effect between radiation and ICI for metastatic melanoma. CONCLUSION RT may potentiate anti-melanoma activity of ICI by enhancing response on both target and non-target lesions. Several prospective trials are ongoing with the aim of further exploring this combination in the clinical setting, hopefully confirming initial observations and opening a new therapeutic window for advanced melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Fava
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology/Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Serena Badellino
- Department of Oncology, Radiation Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Astrua
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology/Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Umberto Ricardi
- Department of Oncology, Radiation Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatology/Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
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24
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Leroi N, Lallemand F, Coucke P, Noel A, Martinive P. Impacts of Ionizing Radiation on the Different Compartments of the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:78. [PMID: 27064581 PMCID: PMC4811953 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the most important modalities for cancer treatment. For many years, the impact of RT on cancer cells has been extensively studied. Recently, the tumor microenvironment (TME) emerged as one of the key factors in therapy resistance. RT is known to influence and modify diverse components of the TME. Hence, we intent to review data from the literature on the impact of low and high single dose, as well as fractionated RT on host cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, immune and inflammatory cells) and the extracellular matrix. Optimizing the schedule of RT (i.e., dose per fraction) and other treatment modalities is a current challenge. A better understanding of the cascade of events and TME remodeling following RT would be helpful to design optimal treatment combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Leroi
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer, University of Liège Liège, Belgium
| | - François Lallemand
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer, University of LiègeLiège, Belgium; Cyclotron Research Center, University of LiègeLiège, Belgium
| | - Philippe Coucke
- Radiotherapy-Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège Liège, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noel
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer, University of Liège Liège, Belgium
| | - Philippe Martinive
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée-Cancer, University of LiègeLiège, Belgium; Radiotherapy-Oncology Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de LiègeLiège, Belgium
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25
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Kiefer JD, Neri D. Immunocytokines and bispecific antibodies: two complementary strategies for the selective activation of immune cells at the tumor site. Immunol Rev 2016; 270:178-92. [PMID: 26864112 PMCID: PMC5154379 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The activation of the immune system for a selective removal of tumor cells represents an attractive strategy for the treatment of metastatic malignancies, which cannot be cured by existing methodologies. In this review, we examine the design and therapeutic potential of immunocytokines and bispecific antibodies, two classes of bifunctional products which can selectively activate the immune system at the tumor site. Certain protein engineering aspects, such as the choice of the antibody format, are common to both classes of therapeutic agents and can have a profound impact on tumor homing performance in vivo of individual products. However, immunocytokines and bispecific antibodies display different mechanisms of action. Future research activities will reveal whether an additive of even synergistic benefit can be obtained from the judicious combination of these two types of biopharmaceutical agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Kiefer
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zürich, Switzerland
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26
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Fibronectin-targeted drug delivery in cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 97:101-10. [PMID: 26639577 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Fibronectin is an extracellular matrix protein with pivotal physiological and pathological functions in development and adulthood. Alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA, produced from the single copy fibronectin gene, occurs at three sites coding for the EDA, EDB and IIICS domains. Fibronectin isoforms comprising the EDA or EDB domains are known as oncofetal forms due to their developmental importance and their re-expression in tumors, contrasting with restricted presence in normal adult tissues. These isoforms are also recognized as important markers of angiogenesis, a crucial physiological process in development and required by tumor cells in cancer progression. Attributed to this feature, EDA and EDB domains have been extensively used for the targeted delivery of cytokines, cytotoxic agents, chemotherapy drugs and radioisotopes to fibronectin-expressing tumors to exert therapeutic effects on primary cancers and metastatic lesions. In addition to drug delivery, the EDA and EDB domains of fibronectin have also been utilized to develop imaging strategies for tumor tissues. Furthermore, EDA and EDB based vaccines seem to be promising for the treatment and prevention of certain cancer types. In this review, we will summarize recent advances in fibronectin EDA and EDB-based therapeutic strategies developed to treat cancer.
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27
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Rodemann HP, Bodis S. Cutting-edge research in basic and translational radiation biology/oncology reflections from the 14th International Wolfsberg Meeting on Molecular Radiation Biology/Oncology 2015. Radiother Oncol 2015; 116:335-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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