1
|
Akbulut Z, Aru B, Aydın F, Yanıkkaya Demirel G. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379622. [PMID: 38638433 PMCID: PMC11024234 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, remains a major public health problem worldwide. The immune microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating tumor progression and resistance to therapy, and in HCC, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by an abundance of immunosuppressive cells and signals that facilitate immune evasion and metastasis. Recently, anti-cancer immunotherapies, therapeutic interventions designed to modulate the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer, have become an important cornerstone of cancer therapy. Immunotherapy has demonstrated the ability to improve survival and provide durable cancer control in certain groups of HCC patients, while reducing adverse side effects. These findings represent a significant step toward improving cancer treatment outcomes. As demonstrated in clinical trials, the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly in combination with anti-angiogenic agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has prolonged survival in a subset of patients with HCC, providing an alternative for patients who progress on first-line therapy. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of HCC and the role of the immune system in its development, and to summarize the findings of clinical trials involving ICIs, either as monotherapies or in combination with other agents in the treatment of the disease. Challenges and considerations regarding the administration of ICIs in the treatment of HCC are also outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Akbulut
- Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Başak Aru
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Furkan Aydın
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Valery M, Cervantes B, Samaha R, Gelli M, Smolenschi C, Fuerea A, Tselikas L, Klotz-Prieux C, Hollebecque A, Boige V, Ducreux M. Immunotherapy and Hepatocellular Cancer: Where Are We Now? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184523. [PMID: 36139683 PMCID: PMC9497386 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in many cancers. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), promising results shown in the first phase II studies evaluating anti-PD-1 or anti-PD-L1 monotherapies resulted in their approval in the United States. Approval was not obtained in Europe; subsequent randomized studies in first- or second-line treatment did not confirm these initial results. However, first data with immunotherapy plus antiangiogenic treatments or dual immunotherapy combinations were positive. In this context, the combination of bevacizumab and atezolizumab took the lead. The IMbrave150 trial revealed an improved objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival, and overall survival with this combination versus the previous standard, sorafenib. Subsequent results of dual immunotherapy with the anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 monotherapies tremelimumab and durvalumab (also superior to sorafenib monotherapy) confirmed the value of using a combination in first-line treatment. These significant therapeutic advances, and the increase in ORR, raise two main questions. Whereas response was very limited with previous treatments, the ORR reported with these new combinations are between 20% and 30%. This raises the question of whether immunotherapy (ICI single agent, combination of ICI with antiangiogenic agent or other antitumoral treatment) can be used in patients beyond those in BCLC group C, the traditional candidate group for systemic therapy. We have thus seen an increasing number of patients previously treated with trans-arterial chemoembolization (BCLC group B) receiving these new treatments, and we develop the results of several studies combining loco-regional therapies and immunotherapy-based systemic treatments. The other major question is that of how and when to use these medical treatments as "adjuvants" to interventional radiology or surgery; the results of several works are discussed for this purpose. In this review, we cover all of these points in a fairly comprehensive manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Valery
- Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Baptiste Cervantes
- Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Ramy Samaha
- Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Maximiliano Gelli
- Département d’Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Interventionnel, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Cristina Smolenschi
- Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Alina Fuerea
- Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Lambros Tselikas
- Département d’Anesthésie, Chirurgie et Interventionnel, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | | | - Antoine Hollebecque
- Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Département d’Innovation Thérapeutique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Valérie Boige
- Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Michel Ducreux
- Département de Médecine Oncologique, Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France
- Inserm Unité Dynamique des Cellules Tumorales, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, F-94805 Villejuif, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dyhl-Polk A, Mikkelsen MK, Ladekarl M, Nielsen DL. Clinical Trials of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2662. [PMID: 34208788 PMCID: PMC8234948 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Several immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are under clinical development in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the field is advancing rapidly. In this comprehensive review, we discuss published results and report on ongoing clinical trials. Methods: A literature search was carried out using PubMed and EMBASE; data reported at international meetings and clinicaltrials.gov were included as well. The search was updated 5 March 2021. We evaluated studies with monotherapy CPI's, combinations of CPI's and combinations of CPI's with other treatment modalities separately. Only studies with at least 10 included patients were considered. Results: We identified 2649 records published in the English language literature. After review, 29 studies remained, including 12 studies with preliminary data only. The obtained overall response rate of PD-1/PDL-1 monotherapy in phase II studies in the second-line setting was 15-20% with disease control in approximately 60% of patients. The responses were of long duration in a subset of patients. Furthermore, the safety profiles were manageable. However, a phase III study comparing nivolumab with sorafenib in the first-line setting and a phase III study evaluating pembrolizumab versus best supportive care in the second-line setting did not meet their prespecified endpoints. More recently, a phase I/II study of nivolumab and ipilimumab has resulted in a response rate of approximately 30% with a median OS of 22 months in the second-line setting. Multiple trials have been initiated to evaluate CPIs in combination with molecularly targeted drugs, especially anti-angiogenic drugs or local therapy. A phase III study investigating atezolizumab plus bevacizumab versus sorafenib in the first-line setting showed significantly increased survival in the combination arm. Conclusions: The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab represents a new standard of care in the first-line setting for fit patients with preserved liver function. CPIs can produce durable tumor remission and induce long-standing anti-tumor immunity in a subgroup of patients with advanced HCC. Although phase III trials of CPI monotherapy have been negative, the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with other anti-angiogenic drugs, CTLA-4 inhibitors or other modalities may result in new treatment options for patients with HCC. Research on predictive biomarkers is crucial for further development of CPIs in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Dyhl-Polk
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.K.M.); (D.L.N.)
| | - Marta Kramer Mikkelsen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.K.M.); (D.L.N.)
| | - Morten Ladekarl
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Cancer Research Center, Aalborg University Hospital, Hobrovej 19-22, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark;
| | - Dorte Lisbet Nielsen
- Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730 Herlev, Denmark; (M.K.M.); (D.L.N.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
He S, Jiang W, Fan K, Wang X. The Efficacy and Safety of Programmed Death-1 and Programmed Death Ligand 1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:626984. [PMID: 33833987 PMCID: PMC8021909 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.626984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage where only systemic treatment can be offered. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) provides hope for the treatment of HCC. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to provide evidence for the efficacy and safety of ICIs in the treatment of HCC. METHODS The following databases and websites were searched: Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov. The primary endpoints were response rate (RR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Finally, twelve studies were included in this meta-analysis. When the corresponding outcome indicators and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled directly, the overall RR, DCR, PFS and OS were 0.17 (0.15-0.19, I2 = 56.2%, P=0.009), 0.58 (0.55-0.61, I2 = 75.9%, P<0.001), 3.27 months (2.99-3.55, I2 = 73.0%, P=0.001), 11.73 months (10.79-12.67, I2 = 90.3%, P<0.001). Compared to the control group, treatment with ICIs significantly improved RR, PFS and OS, the OR and HRs were 3.11 (2.17-4.44, P<0.001), 0.852 (0.745-0.974, P=0.019) and 0.790 (0.685-0.911, P=0.001), respectively. However, no significant improvement in DCR was found in ICIs treatment in this meta-analysis. CONCLUSION HCC patients would benefit from ICIs treatment, however, more studies are needed in the future to provide more useful evidence for the treatment of HCC by programmed death-1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaobei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li B, Yan C, Zhu J, Chen X, Fu Q, Zhang H, Tong Z, Liu L, Zheng Y, Zhao P, Jiang W, Fang W. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade Immunotherapy Employed in Treating Hepatitis B Virus Infection-Related Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Literature Review. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1037. [PMID: 32547550 PMCID: PMC7270402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is regarded as the main etiological risk factor in the process of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as it promotes an immunosuppressive microenvironment that is partially mediated by the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathway. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HBV-related HCC is indeed more immunosuppressive than microenvironments not associated with viruses. And compared to TME in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected HCC, TME of HBV-related HCC is less vascularized and presents different immune components resulting in similar immunosuppression. However, few studies are focusing on the specific side effects and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy in HBV-related HCC patients, as well as on the underlying mechanism. Herein, we reviewed the basic research focusing on potential TME alteration caused by HBV infection, especially in HCC patients. Moreover, we reviewed PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy clinical trials to clarify the safety and efficacy of this newly developed treatment in the particular circumstances of HBV infection. We found that patients with HBV-related HCC displayed an acceptable safety profile similar to those of non-infected HCC patients. However, we could not determine the antiviral activity of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade because standard anti-viral therapies were conducted in all of the current clinical trials, which made it difficult to distinguish the potential influence of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade on HBV infection. Generally, the objective response rates (ORRs) of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy did not differ significantly between virus-positive and virus-negative patients, except that disease control rates (DCRs) were obviously lower in HBV-infected HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cong Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaobing Chen
- Department of Oncology, Henan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qihan Fu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangyu Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Tong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiqin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weijia Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and biliary tract cancers (BTC) display a poor prognosis with 5-year overall survival rates around 15%, all stages taken together. These primary liver malignancies are often diagnosed at advanced stages where therapeutic options are limited. Recently, immune therapy has opened new opportunities in oncology. Based on their high programmed death-ligand 1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, HCC and BTC are theoretically good candidates for immune checkpoint blockade. However, clinical activity of single agent immunotherapy appears limited to a subset of patients, which is still ill-defined, and combinations are under investigation. In this review, we provide an overview of (i) the biological rationale for immunotherapies in HCC and BTC, (ii) the current state of their clinical development, and (iii) the predictive value of immune signatures for both clinical outcome and response to these therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Hilmi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Curie Institute, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, 35 rue Dailly, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France;
- GERCOR Group, 151 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris, France; (A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Angélique Vienot
- GERCOR Group, 151 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris, France; (A.V.); (B.R.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Besançon University Hospital, 3 Boulevard Alexandre Fleming, 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Benoît Rousseau
- GERCOR Group, 151 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris, France; (A.V.); (B.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Cindy Neuzillet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Curie Institute, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin, 35 rue Dailly, 92210 Saint-Cloud, France;
- GERCOR Group, 151 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75011 Paris, France; (A.V.); (B.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Cemiplimab (LIBTAYO®; cemiplimab-rwlc), a human programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-1 and blocks its interaction with programmed death ligands 1 (PD-L1) and 2 (PD-L2), is being developed by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi Genzyme. The drug is being investigated as a treatment for various cancers and in September 2018 received approval in the USA for the treatment of patients with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of cemiplimab leading to this first global approval for the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Markham
- Springer, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
| | - Sean Duggan
- Springer, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|