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Budczies J, Kazdal D, Menzel M, Beck S, Kluck K, Altbürger C, Schwab C, Allgäuer M, Ahadova A, Kloor M, Schirmacher P, Peters S, Krämer A, Christopoulos P, Stenzinger A. Tumour mutational burden: clinical utility, challenges and emerging improvements. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024:10.1038/s41571-024-00932-9. [PMID: 39192001 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00932-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Tumour mutational burden (TMB), defined as the total number of somatic non-synonymous mutations present within the cancer genome, varies across and within cancer types. A first wave of retrospective and prospective research identified TMB as a predictive biomarker of response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors and culminated in the disease-agnostic approval of pembrolizumab for patients with TMB-high tumours based on data from the Keynote-158 trial. Although the applicability of outcomes from this trial to all cancer types and the optimal thresholds for TMB are yet to be ascertained, research into TMB is advancing along three principal avenues: enhancement of TMB assessments through rigorous quality control measures within the laboratory process, including the mitigation of confounding factors such as limited panel scope and low tumour purity; refinement of the traditional TMB framework through the incorporation of innovative concepts such as clonal, persistent or HLA-corrected TMB, tumour neoantigen load and mutational signatures; and integration of TMB with established and emerging biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression, microsatellite instability, immune gene expression profiles and the tumour immune contexture. Given its pivotal functions in both the pathogenesis of cancer and the ability of the immune system to recognize tumours, a profound comprehension of the foundational principles and the continued evolution of TMB are of paramount relevance for the field of oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Budczies
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Translational Lung Research Center (TLRC) Heidelberg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Daniel Kazdal
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center (TLRC) Heidelberg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Menzel
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Beck
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Kluck
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Altbürger
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Constantin Schwab
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Allgäuer
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumour Biology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumour Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Solange Peters
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne University, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alwin Krämer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Molecular Hematology/Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine V, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Petros Christopoulos
- Translational Lung Research Center (TLRC) Heidelberg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Thoraxklinik and National Center for Tumour Diseases at Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Translational Lung Research Center (TLRC) Heidelberg, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM), Heidelberg, Germany.
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Majumder B, Nataraj NB, Maitreyi L, Datta S. Mismatch repair-proficient tumor footprints in the sands of immune desert: mechanistic constraints and precision platforms. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1414376. [PMID: 39100682 PMCID: PMC11294168 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1414376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mismatch repair proficient (MMRp) tumors of colorectal origin are one of the prevalent yet unpredictable clinical challenges. Despite earnest efforts, optimal treatment modalities have yet to emerge for this class. The poor prognosis and limited actionability of MMRp are ascribed to a low neoantigen burden and a desert-like microenvironment. This review focuses on the critical roadblocks orchestrated by an immune evasive mechanistic milieu in the context of MMRp. The low density of effector immune cells, their weak spatiotemporal underpinnings, and the high-handedness of the IL-17-TGF-β signaling are intertwined and present formidable challenges for the existing therapies. Microbiome niche decorated by Fusobacterium nucleatum alters the metabolic program to maintain an immunosuppressive state. We also highlight the evolving strategies to repolarize and reinvigorate this microenvironment. Reconstruction of anti-tumor chemokine signaling, rational drug combinations eliciting T cell activation, and reprograming the maladapted microbiome are exciting developments in this direction. Alternative vulnerability of other DNA damage repair pathways is gaining momentum. Integration of liquid biopsy and ex vivo functional platforms provide precision oncology insights. We illustrated the perspectives and changing landscape of MMRp-CRC. The emerging opportunities discussed in this review can turn the tide in favor of fighting the treatment dilemma for this elusive cancer.
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Lee SH, Pankaj A, Rickelt S, Ting D, Ferrone C, Patil DT, Yilmaz O, Berger D, Deshpande V, Yilmaz O. β2-microglobulin expression is associated with aggressive histology, activated tumor immune milieu, and outcome in colon carcinoma. Am J Clin Pathol 2024:aqae066. [PMID: 38869306 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqae066] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins and β2-microglobulin (B2M) in tumor cells and the relationship with immune microenvironment and outcome in colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS A total of 953 CRC cases were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for HLA class I, HLA class II, and B2M. The expression level of these biomarkers was correlated with clinicopathologic information, BRAF V600E and mismatch repair (MMR) proteins, and the quantitated expression levels of immune cells (CD8 and CD163) and immune regulatory proteins (FoxP3, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 [PD-L1], and LAG3). RESULTS We found that B2M-low tumors were statistically correlated with aggressive histologic features, including higher stage, higher grade, extramural venous invasion, perineural invasion, and distant metastasis. Expression of B2M was positively correlated (R2 = 0.3) and significantly associated with MMR-deficient tumors (P < .001); B2M-low tumors were also associated with an "immune cold"' microenvironment, including a reduced number of immune cells (CD8 and CD163), reduced expression of immune regulatory proteins by immune cells (PD-L1, FoxP3, and LAG3), and reduced tumor cell expression of PD-L1. These B2M-low tumors correlated with lower disease-specific survival (P = .018), a finding that maintained significance only for the proficient MMR cohort (P = .037). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that B2M expression may support predictive models for both outcome and checkpoint inhibitor therapy treatment response for colorectal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hyun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, US
| | - Amaya Pankaj
- Departments of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, US
| | - Steffen Rickelt
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, US
| | - David Ting
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, US
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, US
| | - Cristina Ferrone
- Departments of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, US
| | - Deepa T Patil
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, US
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, US
| | - Omer Yilmaz
- Departments of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, US
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, US
| | - David Berger
- Division of General Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, US
| | - Vikram Deshpande
- Departments of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, US
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, US
| | - Osman Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, US
- Departments of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, US
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Lerner EC, Woroniecka KI, D'Anniballe VM, Wilkinson DS, Mohan AA, Lorrey SJ, Waibl-Polania J, Wachsmuth LP, Miggelbrink AM, Jackson JD, Cui X, Raj JA, Tomaszewski WH, Cook SL, Sampson JH, Patel AP, Khasraw M, Gunn MD, Fecci PE. CD8 + T cells maintain killing of MHC-I-negative tumor cells through the NKG2D-NKG2DL axis. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:1258-1272. [PMID: 37537301 PMCID: PMC10518253 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00600-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The accepted paradigm for both cellular and anti-tumor immunity relies upon tumor cell killing by CD8+ T cells recognizing cognate antigens presented in the context of target cell major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-I) molecules. Likewise, a classically described mechanism of tumor immune escape is tumor MHC-I downregulation. Here, we report that CD8+ T cells maintain the capacity to kill tumor cells that are entirely devoid of MHC-I expression. This capacity proves to be dependent instead on interactions between T cell natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) and tumor NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs), the latter of which are highly expressed on MHC-loss variants. Necessarily, tumor cell killing in these instances is antigen independent, although prior T cell antigen-specific activation is required and can be furnished by myeloid cells or even neighboring MHC-replete tumor cells. In this manner, adaptive priming can beget innate killing. These mechanisms are active in vivo in mice as well as in vitro in human tumor systems and are obviated by NKG2D knockout or blockade. These studies challenge the long-advanced notion that downregulation of MHC-I is a viable means of tumor immune escape and instead identify the NKG2D-NKG2DL axis as a therapeutic target for enhancing T cell-dependent anti-tumor immunity against MHC-loss variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Lerner
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Daniel S Wilkinson
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aditya A Mohan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Selena J Lorrey
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Lucas P Wachsmuth
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Joshua D Jackson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiuyu Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jude A Raj
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Sarah L Cook
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John H Sampson
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anoop P Patel
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael D Gunn
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter E Fecci
- Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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Liu F, Zhong F, Wu H, Che K, Shi J, Wu N, Fu Y, Wang Y, Hu J, Qian X, Fan X, Wang W, Wei J. Prevalence and Associations of Beta2-Microglobulin Mutations in MSI-H/dMMR Cancers. Oncologist 2023; 28:e136-e144. [PMID: 36724040 PMCID: PMC10020813 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyac268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsatellite instability (MSI) has emerged as an important predictor of sensitivity for immunotherapy-based strategies. β-2-Microglobulin (B2M) contains microsatellites within the coding regions and is prone to somatic changes in MSI/mismatch repair deficiency (MSI/dMMR) tumors. To delineate prevalence and associations of B2M mutations in MSI-H/dMMR cancers, we investigated the mutational profile of B2M and clinical and pathological features in gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and endometrial cancer (EC) with a high incidence of microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/dMMR. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues along with matched normal tissues were collected from 108 MSI/dMMR patients with GC, CRC, and EC. Genomic profiling of tissue and blood samples were assessed next-generation sequencing (NGS). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine the presence or absence of B2M protein. Alternations in the exonic microsatellite regions of B2M were observed at various but high frequencies (57.5% in CRC, 23.9% in GC, and 13.6% in EC) and in different forms. NGS assay revealed that genes involved in chromatin regulation, the PI3K pathway, the WNT pathway, and mismatch repair were extensively altered in the MSI-H cohort. Signature 6 and 26, 2 of 4 mutational signatures associated with defective DNA mismatch repair, featured with high numbers of small insertion/deletions (INDEL) dominated in all 3 types of cancer. Alternations in the exonic microsatellite regions of B2M were observed at various but high frequencies (57.5% in CRC, 23.9% in GC, and 13.6% in EC) and in different forms. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was significantly higher in the patients carrying MSI-H/dMMR tumors with B2M mutation than that in patients with wild-type B2M (P = .026).The frame shift alteration occurring at the exonic microsatellite sties caused loss of function of B2M gene. In addition, a case with CRC carrying indels in B2M gene resisted the ICI treatment was reported. In conclusion, patients carrying MSI-H/dMMR tumors with B2M mutation showed significantly higher TMB. Prescription of ICIs should be thoroughly evaluated for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangcen Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital to Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fangfang Zhong
- Department of Pathology, Margaret Williamson Red House Hospital, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan Wu
- Department of R&D, OrigiMed, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Keying Che
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaochun Shi
- Department of R&D, OrigiMed, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nandie Wu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital to Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Hu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Qian
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangshan Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital to Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weifeng Wang
- Department of R&D, OrigiMed, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Wei
- Corresponding author: Jia Wei, MD, The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School & Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China. Tel: +86 13951785234; Fax: +86 25 83317016; E-mail:
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Zhao W, Jin L, Chen P, Li D, Gao W, Dong G. Colorectal cancer immunotherapy-Recent progress and future directions. Cancer Lett 2022; 545:215816. [PMID: 35810989 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Compared with conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapy, immunotherapy has changed the treatment prospects of various solid tumors and has recently become the main treatment method for metastatic or recurrent solid tumors, including malignant melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. The application of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has yielded satisfactory results in terms of safety and efficacy, and several immunotherapeutic agents, including pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab, have been approved for the treatment of advanced CRC. The advent of other immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CAR-T) cells or cancer vaccines, have also contributed to the development of immunotherapy for CRC. Here, we summarize the findings of recent clinical trials on the efficacy of immunotherapy in CRC and briefly describe the mechanisms associated with tumor-intrinsic resistance to ICIs. We then discuss potential biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhao
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Lujia Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Dingchang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Wenxing Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Guanglong Dong
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China; Department of General Surgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Hernandez-Sanchez A, Grossman M, Yeung K, Sei SS, Lipkin S, Kloor M. Vaccines for immunoprevention of DNA mismatch repair deficient cancers. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004416. [PMID: 35732349 PMCID: PMC9226910 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-004416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer vaccines to induce tumor-antigen specific immune responses was sparked by the identification of antigens specific to or overexpressed in cancer cells. However, weak immunogenicity and the mutational heterogeneity in many cancers have dampened cancer vaccine successes. With increasing information about mutational landscapes of cancers, mutational neoantigens can be predicted computationally to elicit strong immune responses by CD8 +cytotoxic T cells as major mediators of anticancer immune response. Neoantigens are potentially more robust immunogens and have revived interest in cancer vaccines. Cancers with deficiency in DNA mismatch repair have an exceptionally high mutational burden, including predictable neoantigens. Lynch syndrome is the most common inherited cancer syndrome and is caused by DNA mismatch repair gene mutations. Insertion and deletion mutations in coding microsatellites that occur during DNA replication include tumorigenesis drivers. The induced shift of protein reading frame generates neoantigens that are foreign to the immune system. Mismatch repair-deficient cancers and Lynch syndrome represent a paradigm population for the development of a preventive cancer vaccine, as the mutations induced by mismatch repair deficiency are predictable, resulting in a defined set of frameshift peptide neoantigens. Furthermore, Lynch syndrome mutation carriers constitute an identifiable high-risk population. We discuss the pathogenesis of DNA mismatch repair deficient cancers, in both Lynch syndrome and sporadic microsatellite-unstable cancers. We review evidence for pre-existing immune surveillance, the three mechanisms of immune evasion that occur in cancers and assess the implications of a preventive frameshift peptide neoantigen-based vaccine. We consider both preclinical and clinical experience to date. We discuss the feasibility of a cancer preventive vaccine for Lynch syndrome carriers and review current antigen selection and delivery strategies. Finally, we propose RNA vaccines as having robust potential for immunoprevention of Lynch syndrome cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Hernandez-Sanchez
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, University Hospital Heidelberg Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Grossman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin Yeung
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shizuko S Sei
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven Lipkin
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matthias Kloor
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Institute of Pathology, Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg, Germany
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Zaborowski AM, Winter DC, Lynch L. The therapeutic and prognostic implications of immunobiology in colorectal cancer: a review. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:1341-1349. [PMID: 34302062 PMCID: PMC8575924 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01475-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer represents the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The therapeutic field of immuno-oncology has rapidly gained momentum, with strikingly promising results observed in clinical practice. Increasing emphasis has been placed on the role of the immune response in tumorigenesis, therapy and predicting prognosis. Enhanced understanding of the dynamic and complex tumour-immune microenvironment has enabled the development of molecularly directed, individualised treatment. Analysis of intra-tumoural lymphocyte infiltration and the dichotomisation of colorectal cancer into microsatellite stable and unstable disease has important therapeutic and prognostic implications, with potential to capitalise further on this data. This review discusses the latest evidence surrounding the tumour biology and immune landscape of colorectal cancer, novel immunotherapies and the interaction of the immune system with each apex of the tripartite of cancer management (oncotherapeutics, radiotherapy and surgery). By utilising the synergy of chemotherapeutic agents and immunotherapies, and identifying prognostic and predictive immunological biomarkers, we may enter an era of unprecedented disease control, survivorship and cure rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M. Zaborowski
- grid.412751.40000 0001 0315 8143Centre for Colorectal Disease, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland ,grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Des C. Winter
- grid.412751.40000 0001 0315 8143Centre for Colorectal Disease, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland ,grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Lydia Lynch
- grid.8217.c0000 0004 1936 9705School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Institutes of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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Hazini A, Fisher K, Seymour L. Deregulation of HLA-I in cancer and its central importance for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002899. [PMID: 34353849 PMCID: PMC8344275 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well accepted that many tumors undergo a process of clonal selection which means that tumor antigens arising at various stages of tumor progression are likely to be represented in just a subset of tumor cells. This process is thought to be driven by constant immunosurveillance which applies selective pressure by eliminating tumor cells expressing antigens that are recognized by T cells. It is becoming increasingly clear that the same selective pressure may also select for tumor cells that evade immune detection by acquiring deficiencies in their human leucocyte antigen (HLA) presentation pathways, allowing important tumor antigens to persist within cells undetected by the immune system. Deficiencies in antigen presentation pathway can arise by a variety of mechanisms, including genetic and epigenetic changes, and functional antigen presentation is a hard phenomenon to assess using our standard analytical techniques. Nevertheless, it is likely to have profound clinical significance and could well define whether an individual patient will respond to a particular type of therapy or not. In this review we consider the mechanisms by which HLA function may be lost in clinical disease, we assess the implications for current immunotherapy approaches using checkpoint inhibitors and examine the prognostic impact of HLA loss demonstrated in clinical trials so far. Finally, we propose strategies that might be explored for possible patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hazini
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Kerry Fisher
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Len Seymour
- Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
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10
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Beta2-microglobulin(B2M) in cancer immunotherapies: Biological function, resistance and remedy. Cancer Lett 2021; 517:96-104. [PMID: 34129878 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies have made much headway during the past decades. Techniques including the immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) have harvested impressive efficacy and provided far-reaching tools for treating cancer patients. However, due to inadequate priming of the immune system, a certain subgroup of patients remains resistant to cancer immunotherapies during or after the treatment. β2-microglobulin (B2M) is an important subunit of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I which exerts substantive biological functions in tumorigenesis and immune control. Accumulating evidence has shown that alterations of B2M gene and B2M proteins contribute to poor reaction to cancer immunotherapies by dampening antigen presentation. Here, we discuss the basic biological functions of B2M, its distribution in a spectrum of cancers, and current understanding of its role in ICI, cancer vaccines and chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapies. Furthermore, we summarize some promising therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy inhibited by B2M defects.
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Busch E, Ahadova A, Kosmalla K, Bohaumilitzky L, Pfuderer PL, Ballhausen A, Witt J, Wittemann JN, Bläker H, Holinski-Feder E, Jäger D, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Haag GM, Kloor M. Beta-2-microglobulin Mutations Are Linked to a Distinct Metastatic Pattern and a Favorable Outcome in Microsatellite-Unstable Stage IV Gastrointestinal Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 11:669774. [PMID: 34168989 PMCID: PMC8219238 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.669774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) shows remarkable clinical effects in patients with metastatic microsatellite-unstable (MSI) cancer. However, markers identifying potential non-responders are missing. We examined the prevalence of Beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) mutations, a common immune evasion mechanism, in stage IV MSI gastrointestinal cancer and its influence on metastatic pattern and patients’ survival under ICB. Twenty-five patients with metastatic, MSI gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma were included. Eighteen patients received ICB with pembrolizumab and one patient with nivolumab/ipilimumab. Sequencing was performed to determine B2M mutation status. B2M mutations and loss of B2M expression were detected in 6 out of 25 stage IV MSI cancers. B2M mutations were strongly associated with exclusively peritoneal/peritoneal and lymph node metastases (p=0.0055). However, no significant differences in therapy response (25% vs. 46.6%, p>0.99) and survival (median PFS: 19.5 vs 33.0 months, p=0.74; median OS 39 months vs. not reached, p>0.99) were observed between B2M-mutant and B2M-wild type tumor patients. Among metastatic MSI GI cancers, B2M-mutant tumors represent a biologically distinct disease with distinct metastatic patterns. To assess ICB response in B2M-mutant MSI cancer patients, future studies need to account for the fact that baseline survival of patients with B2M-mutant MSI cancer may be longer than of patients with B2M-wild type MSI cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Busch
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Centre for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kosima Kosmalla
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Bohaumilitzky
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pauline L Pfuderer
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexej Ballhausen
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Witt
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan-Niklas Wittemann
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elke Holinski-Feder
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany.,MGZ - Medical Genetics Centre, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Centre for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg Martin Haag
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Centre for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Jin Z, Sinicrope FA. Prognostic and Predictive Values of Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Non-Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020300. [PMID: 33467526 PMCID: PMC7830023 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Universal MMR/MSI testing is standard of care for all patients with newly diagnosed CRC based on multi-society guidelines in the United States. Such testing is intended to identify patients with Lynch Syndrome due to a germline mutation in an MMR gene, but also detects those with sporadic dMMR/MSI-high CRCs. The prognostic utility of MMR/MSI status in non-metastatic colorectal cancer has been studied extensively, yet more limited data are available for its predictive utility. Results have not been entirely consistent due to potential stage-related differences and limited numbers of dMMR/MSI-H patients included in the studies. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for the prognostic and predictive value of dMMR/MSI-H in non-metastatic CRC, and discuss the use of this biomarker for patient management and treatment decisions in clinical practice.
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13
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Lagos GG, Izar B, Rizvi NA. Beyond Tumor PD-L1: Emerging Genomic Biomarkers for Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2020; 40:1-11. [PMID: 32315237 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_289967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the success of immune checkpoint blockade as a strategy for activating an antitumor immune response and promoting cancer regression, only a subset of patients have durable clinical benefit. Efforts are ongoing to identify robust biomarkers that can effectively predict treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Although PD-L1 expression is useful for stratifying patients, it is an imperfect tool. Comprehensive next-generation sequencing platforms that are readily used in clinical practice to identify a tumor's potentially actionable genetic alterations also reveal tumor genomic features, including tumor mutation burden (TMB), that may impact the response to ICIs. High TMB enhances tumor immunogenicity through increased numbers of tumor neoantigens that may promote an immune response. Defective DNA repair, leading to microsatellite instability, is an endogenous mechanism for increased tumor TMB that augments response to anti-PD-1 blockade. Alternatively, DNA damage from exogenous factors is responsible for high TMB seen in melanoma, lung cancer, and urothelial carcinoma, among tumor subtypes with higher response rates to ICIs. In this review, we summarize data supporting the use of TMB as a biomarker as well as its known limitations. We also highlight specific tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes that are under investigation as biomarkers for ICI response and resistance. Efforts are ongoing to delineate which genomic tumor characteristics can eventually be utilized in clinical practice to ascertain the benefit of ICIs for an individual patient.
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14
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Kloor M, Reuschenbach M, Pauligk C, Karbach J, Rafiyan MR, Al-Batran SE, Tariverdian M, Jäger E, von Knebel Doeberitz M. A Frameshift Peptide Neoantigen-Based Vaccine for Mismatch Repair-Deficient Cancers: A Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:4503-4510. [PMID: 32540851 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-3517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE DNA mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency is a hallmark of Lynch syndrome, the most common inherited cancer syndrome. MMR-deficient cancer cells accumulate numerous insertion/deletion mutations at microsatellites. Mutations of coding microsatellites (cMS) lead to the generation of immunogenic frameshift peptide (FSP) neoantigens. As the evolution of MMR-deficient cancers is triggered by mutations inactivating defined cMS-containing tumor suppressor genes, distinct FSP neoantigens are shared by most MMR-deficient cancers. To evaluate safety and immunogenicity of an FSP-based vaccine, we performed a clinical phase I/IIa trial (Micoryx). PATIENTS AND METHODS The trial comprised three cycles of four subcutaneous vaccinations (FSP neoantigens derived from mutant AIM2, HT001, TAF1B genes) mixed with Montanide ISA-51 VG over 6 months. Inclusion criteria were history of MMR-deficient colorectal cancer (UICC stage III or IV) and completion of chemotherapy. Phase I evaluated safety and toxicity as primary endpoint (six patients), phase IIa addressed cellular and humoral immune responses (16 patients). RESULTS Vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immune responses were observed in all patients vaccinated per protocol. Three patients developed grade 2 local injection site reactions. No vaccination-induced severe adverse events occurred. One heavily pretreated patient with bulky metastases showed stable disease and stable CEA levels over 7 months. CONCLUSIONS FSP neoantigen vaccination is systemically well tolerated and consistently induces humoral and cellular immune responses, thus representing a promising novel approach for treatment and even prevention of MMR-deficient cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Reuschenbach
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Pauligk
- Institute of Clinical Cancer Research (IKF), Krankenhaus Nordwest, UCT University Cancer Center, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Karbach
- Clinic for Oncology and Hematology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Salah-Eddin Al-Batran
- Institute of Clinical Cancer Research (IKF), Krankenhaus Nordwest, UCT University Cancer Center, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Mirjam Tariverdian
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elke Jäger
- Clinic for Oncology and Hematology, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), EMBL Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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15
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Barrow P, Richman SD, Wallace AJ, Handley K, Hutchins GGA, Kerr D, Magill L, Evans DG, Gray R, Quirke P, Hill J. Confirmation that somatic mutations of beta-2 microglobulin correlate with a lack of recurrence in a subset of stage II mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancers from the QUASAR trial. Histopathology 2019; 75:236-246. [PMID: 31062389 PMCID: PMC6772160 DOI: 10.1111/his.13895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Aims Beta2‐microglobulin (B2M) forms part of the HLA class I complex and plays a role in metastatic biology. B2M mutations occur frequently in mismatch repair‐deficient colorectal cancer (dMMR CRC), with limited data suggesting they may protect against recurrence. Our experimental study tested this hypothesis by investigating B2M mutation status and B2M protein expression and recurrence in patients in the stage II QUASAR clinical trial. Methods and results Sanger sequencing was performed for the three coding exons of B2M on 121 dMMR and a subsample of 108 pMMR tumours; 52 with recurrence and 56 without. B2M protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Mutation status and protein expression were correlated with recurrence and compared to proficient mismatch repair (pMMR) CRCs. Deleterious B2M mutations were detected in 39 of 121 (32%) dMMR tumours. Five contained missense B2M‐variants of unknown significance, so were excluded from further analyses. With median follow‐up of 7.4 years, none of the 39 B2M‐mutant tumours recurred, compared with 14 of 77 (18%) B2M‐wild‐type tumours (P = 0.005); six at local and eight at distant sites. Sensitivity and specificity of IHC in detecting B2M mutations was 87 and 71%, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.0001) fewer (three of 104, 2.9%) of the 108 pMMR CRCs demonstrated deleterious B2M mutations. One pMMR tumour, containing a frameshift mutation, later recurred. Conclusion B2M mutations were detected in nearly one‐third of dMMR cancers, none of which recurred. B2M mutation status has potential clinical utility as a prognostic biomarker in stage II dMMR CRC. The mechanism of protection against recurrence and whether this protection extends to stage III disease remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Barrow
- Department of Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan D Richman
- Department of Pathology and Tumour Biology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Andrew J Wallace
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Kelly Handley
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gordon G A Hutchins
- Department of Pathology and Tumour Biology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - David Kerr
- Cancer Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura Magill
- Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Phil Quirke
- Department of Pathology and Tumour Biology, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, St James' University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - James Hill
- Department of Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
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