1
|
Li M, Bhoori S, Mehta N, Mazzaferro V. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: The next evolution in expanding access to liver transplantation. J Hepatol 2024; 81:743-755. [PMID: 38848767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionised the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, several phase III trials of immunotherapy in combination with surgical or locoregional therapies for early-to intermediate-stage HCC have recently reported positive results, and other phase III trials in the same patient population are currently in progress. As the application of immunotherapy is shifting to include patients with earlier stages of HCC, one looming question now emerges: What is the role of immunotherapy in the pre-liver transplant population? Liver transplantation is a potentially curative therapy for HCC and confers the additional advantage of restoring a normal, healthy liver. In pre-transplant patients, immunotherapy may improve downstaging success and tumour control at the cost of some immunologic risks. These include immune-related toxicities, which are particularly relevant in a uniquely vulnerable population with chronic liver disease, and the possibility of acute rejection after transplantation. Ultimately, the goal of immunotherapy in this population will be to effectively expand access to liver transplantation while preserving pre- and post-transplant outcomes. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms supporting combination immunotherapy, summarise key recent clinical data from major immunotherapy trials, and explore how immunotherapy can be applied in the neoadjuvant setting prior to liver transplantation in selected high-risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA
| | - Sherrie Bhoori
- Division of HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University of Milan, and Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan Italy
| | - Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco CA, USA.
| | - Vincenzo Mazzaferro
- Division of HPB Surgery, Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, University of Milan, and Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Núñez K, Sandow T, Gimenez J, Hibino M, Cohen A, Thevenot P. Yttrium-90 Induces an Effector Memory Response with Neoantigen Clonotype Expansion: Implications for Immunotherapy. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:2163-2173. [PMID: 39069671 PMCID: PMC11331567 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Yttrium-90 (90Y) transarterial radioembolization can safely and effectively treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinical trials combining 90Y with immunotherapy are aimed at improving treatment response rates. The impact of transient 90Y-induced lymphopenia on T-cell homeostasis and functional dynamics is unknown. Paired blood specimens were collected prior to first-cycle 90Y and at imaging follow-up in patients with HCC Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stages A-B. Flow cytometry and T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing were used to monitor changes in T-cell subsets and TCR repertoire following 90Y. Objective response (OR) rates were determined using modified RECIST and defined as either OR or nonobjective response. Time-to-progression (TTP) was defined as progression to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C within 6 months following 90Y. 90Y induced shifts in both CD4+ (P = 0.049) and CD8+ (P < 0.001) toward an effector memory T-cell response independent of treatment response rate. Nonresponders to 90Y were characterized by a sustained elevation in both naïve CD4+ cells (P = 0.019) and programmed cell death protein 1 expression in CD8+ cells (P = 0.003). Paired analysis of the TCR repertoire revealed a variable induction of neoantigen clonotypes and expansion of existing clonotypes independent of 90Y response. In patients with an OR, changes in TCR clonality did not influence TTP. However, polyclonal profiles in patients without an OR were associated with shorter TTP (P = 0.005; HR, 10.8) and 75% disease progression rates 6 months following treatment. 90Y induces a population shift from central to effector memory accompanied by neoantigen T-cell responses independent of treatment response rate. Monoclonal shifts in the post-90Y T-cell repertoire had superior overall TTP and improved TTP in patients with a first-cycle nonobjective response. SIGNIFICANCE 90Y can safely treat HCC; however, it causes transient lymphopenia. In this article, 90Y stimulates a peripheral effector memory response independent of initial treatment response. TCR sequencing revealed that polyclonal profiles in patients without an OR to treatment were associated with rapid progression rates 6 months after 90Y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelley Núñez
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| | - Tyler Sandow
- Interventional Radiology, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| | - Juan Gimenez
- Interventional Radiology, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| | - Mina Hibino
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| | - Ari Cohen
- Multi-Organ Transplant Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Paul Thevenot
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen K, Shuen TWH, Chow PKH. The association between tumour heterogeneity and immune evasion mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical implications. Br J Cancer 2024; 131:420-429. [PMID: 38760445 PMCID: PMC11300599 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02684-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The emergence of combination therapy, atezolizumab (anti-PDL1, immune checkpoint inhibitor) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) has revolutionised the management of HCC. Despite this breakthrough, the best overall response rate with first-line systemic therapy is only about 30%, owing to intra-tumoural heterogeneity, complex tumour microenvironment and the lack of predictive biomarkers. Many groups have attempted to classify HCC based on the immune microenvironment and have consistently observed better outcomes in immunologically "hot" HCC. We summarised possible mechanisms of tumour immune evasion based on the latest literature and the rationale for combination/sequential therapy to improve treatment response. Lastly, we proposed future strategies and therapies to overcome HCC immune evasion to further improve treatment outcomes of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaina Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Timothy W H Shuen
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pierce K H Chow
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
- Program in Translational and Clinical Liver Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mehta N, Kelley RK, Yao FY. Refining the approach to down-staging of HCC prior to liver transplantation: Patient selection, loco-regional treatments, and systemic therapies. Hepatology 2024; 80:238-253. [PMID: 37183865 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Neil Mehta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - R Katie Kelley
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Francis Y Yao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pinato DJ, D'Alessio A, Fulgenzi CAM, Schlaak AE, Celsa C, Killmer S, Blanco JM, Ward C, Stikas CV, Openshaw MR, Acuti N, Nteliopoulos G, Balcells C, Keun HC, Goldin RD, Ross PJ, Cortellini A, Thomas R, Young AM, Danckert N, Tait P, Marchesi JR, Bengsch B, Sharma R. Safety and Preliminary Efficacy of Pembrolizumab Following Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The PETAL Phase Ib Study. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2433-2443. [PMID: 38578610 PMCID: PMC11145164 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) may prime adaptive immunity and enhance immunotherapy efficacy. PETAL evaluated safety, preliminary activity of TACE plus pembrolizumab and explored mechanisms of efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with liver-confined hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were planned to receive up to two rounds of TACE followed by pembrolizumab 200 mg every 21 days commencing 30 days post-TACE until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity for up to 1 year. Primary endpoint was safety, with assessment window of 21 days from pembrolizumab initiation. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and evaluation of tumor and host determinants of response. RESULTS Fifteen patients were included in the safety and efficacy population: 73% had nonviral cirrhosis; median age was 72 years. Child-Pugh class was A in 14 patients. Median tumor size was 4 cm. Ten patients (67%) received pembrolizumab after one TACE; 5 patients after two (33%). Pembrolizumab yielded no synergistic toxicity nor dose-limiting toxicities post-TACE. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 93% of patients, most commonly skin rash (40%), fatigue, and diarrhea (27%). After a median follow-up of 38.5 months, objective response rate 12 weeks post-TACE was 53%. PFS rate at 12 weeks was 93% and median PFS was 8.95 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.30-NE (not estimable)]. Median duration of response was 7.3 months (95% CI: 6.3-8.3). Median overall survival was 33.5 months (95% CI: 11.6-NE). Dynamic changes in peripheral T-cell subsets, circulating tumor DNA, serum metabolites, and in stool bacterial profiles highlight potential mechanisms of action of multimodal therapy. CONCLUSIONS TACE plus pembrolizumab was tolerable with no evidence of synergistic toxicity, encouraging further clinical development of immunotherapy alongside TACE.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/mortality
- Male
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/mortality
- Female
- Aged
- Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/methods
- Chemoembolization, Therapeutic/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects
- Middle Aged
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Aged, 80 and over
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Treatment Outcome
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Pinato
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Alessio
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Claudia Angela Maria Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ciro Celsa
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Saskia Killmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jesus Miguens Blanco
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Ward
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charalampos-Vlasios Stikas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R. Openshaw
- Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Acuti
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Nteliopoulos
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Balcells
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hector C. Keun
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert D. Goldin
- Centre for Pathology, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J. Ross
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Cortellini
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Thomas
- Interventional Radiology, Imperial College NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna-Mary Young
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Georges University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Danckert
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Tait
- Interventional Radiology, Imperial College NHS Trust, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julian R. Marchesi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bertram Bengsch
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany, partner site Freiburg
| | - Rohini Sharma
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sim YK, Chong MC, Gandhi M, Pokharkar YM, Zhu Y, Shi L, Lequn L, Chen CH, Kudo M, Lee JH, Strasser SI, Chanwat R, Chow PK. Real-World Data on the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific: The INSIGHT Study. Liver Cancer 2024; 13:298-313. [PMID: 38756144 PMCID: PMC11095624 DOI: 10.1159/000534513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. While there has been rapid evolution in the treatment paradigm of HCC across the past decade, the extent to which these newly approved therapies are utilized in clinical practice in the real world is, however, unknown. The INSIGHT study was an investigator-initiated, multi-site longitudinal cohort study conducted to reflect real-world epidemiology and clinical practice in Asia-Pacific in the immediate 7-year period after the conclusion of the BRIDGE study. Methods Data were collected both retrospectively (planned 30% of the total cohort size) and prospectively (planned 70%) from January 2013 to December 2019 from eligible patients newly diagnosed with HCC from 33 participating sites across 9 Asia-Pacific countries. Results A total of 2,533 newly diagnosed HCC patients (1,052 in retrospective cohort and 1,481 in prospective cohort) were enrolled. The most common risk factor was hepatitis B in all countries except Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where the prevalence of hepatitis C and diabetes were more common. The top three comorbidities reported in the INSIGHT study include cirrhosis, hypertension, and diabetes. We observe high heterogeneity in the first-line treatment recorded across countries and across disease stages, which significantly affects survival outcomes. Stratification by factors such as etiologies, tumor characteristics, the presence of extrahepatic metastases or macrovascular invasion, and the use of subsequent lines of treatment were performed. Conclusion The INSIGHT study describes a wide spectrum of clinical management practices in HCC, where patient demographics, differential costs, and patient access to therapies may lead to wide geographical variations through the patient's treatment cycle, from diagnosis to clinical outcome. The high heterogeneity in patient outcomes demonstrates the need for more robust and clinical management strategies to be designed and adopted to bring about better patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ki Sim
- Programme in Translational and Clinical Liver Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ming Chuen Chong
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mihir Gandhi
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine and Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research: Global Health Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Yogesh Mahadev Pokharkar
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yanan Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Luming Shi
- Department of Epidemiology, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Lequn
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Centre, Nanning, China
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Joon Hyeok Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Samsung Medical Centre, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Simone I. Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rawisak Chanwat
- Department of Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pierce K.H. Chow
- Programme in Translational and Clinical Liver Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Surgery Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Hepatocellular Carcinoma Trials Group
- Programme in Translational and Clinical Liver Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine and Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research: Global Health Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Epidemiology, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Centre, Nanning, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Samsung Medical Centre, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Surgery Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Garcia-Reyes K, Gottlieb RA, Menon KM, Bishay V, Patel R, Patel R, Nowakowski S, Sung MW, Marron TU, Gansa WH, Zhang J, Raja SC, Shilo D, Fischman A, Lookstein R, Kim E. Radioembolization plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Compared with Radioembolization plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2024; 35:722-730.e1. [PMID: 38342221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate if combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization results in superior outcomes than those yielded by tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and 90Y for the treatment of intermediate- to advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A retrospective review of patients presented at an institutional multidisciplinary liver tumor board between January 1, 2012 and August 1, 2023 was conducted. In total, 44 patients with HCC who underwent 90Y 4 weeks within initiation of ICI or TKI therapy were included. Propensity score matching was conducted to account for baseline demographic differences. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and univariate statistics identified disease response and control rate differences. Duration of imaging response was defined as number of months between the first scan after therapy and the first scan showing progression as defined by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) or immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST). Adverse events were analyzed per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. RESULTS Patients in the 90Y+ICI therapy group had better objective response rates (ORRs) (89.5% vs 36.8%; P < .001) and disease control rates (DCRs) (94.7% vs 63.2%; P < .001) by mRECIST and iRECIST (ORR: 78.9% vs 36.8%; P < .001; DCR: 94.7% vs 63.2%; P < .001). Median PFS (8.3 vs 4.1 months; P = .37) and OS (15.8 vs 14.3 months; P = .52) were not statistically different. Twelve patients (63.1%) in the 90Y+TKI group did not complete systemic therapy owing to adverse effects compared with 1 patient (5.3%) in the 90Y+ICI group (P < .001). Grade 3/4 adverse events were not statistically different (90Y+TKI: 21.1%; 90Y+ICI: 5.3%; P = .150). CONCLUSIONS Patients with HCC who received 90Y+ICI had better imaging response and fewer regimen-altering adverse events than those who received 90Y+TKI. No significant combination therapy adverse events were attributable to radioembolization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirema Garcia-Reyes
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York.
| | - Ricki A Gottlieb
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Kartikeya M Menon
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Vivian Bishay
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Rahul Patel
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Rajesh Patel
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Scott Nowakowski
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Max W Sung
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
| | - Thomas U Marron
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
| | - William H Gansa
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Jack Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
| | - Sahitya C Raja
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Rush University Medical Center, Illinois
| | - Daniel Shilo
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Aaron Fischman
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Robert Lookstein
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| | - Edward Kim
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yu S, Yu M, Keane B, Mauro DM, Helft PR, Harris WP, Sanoff HK, Johnson MS, O’Neil B, McRee AJ, Somasundaram A. A Pilot Study of Pembrolizumab in Combination With Y90 Radioembolization in Subjects With Poor Prognosis Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Oncologist 2024; 29:270-e413. [PMID: 38325328 PMCID: PMC10911903 DOI: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination checkpoint inhibition therapy with yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization represents an emerging area of interest in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCRN GI15-225 is an open-label, single-arm multicenter, pilot study (NCT03099564). METHODS Eligible patients had poor prognosis, localized HCC defined as having portal vein thrombus, multifocal disease, and/or diffuse disease that were not eligible for liver transplant or surgical resection. Patients received pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks in conjunction with glass yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization TheraSphere. Primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS6) per RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints included time to progression (TTP), objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety/tolerability. RESULTS Between October 23, 2017 and November 24, 2020, 29 patients were enrolled: 2 were excluded per protocol. Fifteen of the remaining 27 patients were free of progression at 6 months (55.6%; 95% CI, 35.3-74.5) with median PFS 9.95 months (95% CI, 4.14-15.24) and OS 27.30 months (95% CI, 10.15-39.52). One patient was not evaluable for response due to death; among the remaining 26 patients, ORR was 30.8% (95% CI, 14.3-51.8) and DCR was 84.6% (95% CI, 65.1-95.6). CONCLUSION In patients with localized, poor prognosis HCC, pembrolizumab in addition to glass Y90 radioembolization demonstrated promising efficacy and safety consistent with prior observations (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03099564; IRB Approved: 16-3255 approved July 12, 2016).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Yu
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Menggang Yu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Barry Keane
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David M Mauro
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paul R Helft
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - William P Harris
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington/FHCC, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hanna K Sanoff
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew S Johnson
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Bert O’Neil
- Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Ashwin Somasundaram
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Núñez KG, Sandow T, Gimenez J, Hibino M, Fort D, Cohen AJ, Thevenot PT. Lineage-specific regulation of PD-1 expression in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma following 90yttrium transarterial radioembolization - Implications in treatment outcomes. Eur J Cancer 2024; 196:113442. [PMID: 37988841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Liver-directed therapies, including 90Yttrium (90Y) radioembolization, play an integral role in the management of HCC with excellent response rates. This has led to clinical trials of immunotherapy in combination with 90Y. Elevated PD-1 expression and lymphopenia were recently shown as risk factors for disease progression in early-stage HCC treated with liver-directed therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate PD-1 expression dynamics in bridge/downstage to transplant in HCC patients receiving first-cycle 90Y and evaluate the impact of these changes on response rates and time-to-progression (TTP). METHODS Patients with HCC receiving first-cycle 90Y as a bridge to liver transplantation (n = 99) were prospectively enrolled. Blood specimens were collected before 90Y and again during routine imagining follow-up to analyze PD-1 expression via flow cytometry. Complete and objective response rates (CR and ORR) were determined using mRECIST. RESULTS In 84/88 patients with available follow-up imaging, 83% had a localized ORR with 63% having localized CR. For overall response, 71% and 54% experienced ORR and CR, respectively. Post-90Y PD-1 upregulation in CD8 + associated with HCC progression and decreased TTP. Treatment with 90Y was associated with an anticipated significant post-treatment drop in lymphocytes (P < 0.001) that was independent of PD-1 expression for either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells (P = 0.751 and P = 0.375) and not associated with TTP risk. The change in lymphocytes was not correlated with PD-1 expression following treatment nor TTP. CONCLUSIONS Elevated PD-1 expression on peripheral T cells is associated with increased risk of HCC progression and shorter time to progression in bridging/downstaging to transplant HCC patients undergoing first-cycle 90Y. Treatment-induced lymphopenia was not associated with treatment response, or increased progression risk, suggesting this anticipated adverse event does not impact short-term HCC outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelley G Núñez
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Tyler Sandow
- Interventional Radiology, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Juan Gimenez
- Interventional Radiology, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Mina Hibino
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Daniel Fort
- Center for Outcomes Research, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ari J Cohen
- Multi-Organ Transplant Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, United States; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul T Thevenot
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Young S, Hannallah J, Goldberg D, Khreiss M, Shroff R, Arshad J, Scott A, Woodhead G. Liver-Directed Therapy Combined with Systemic Therapy: Current Status and Future Directions. Semin Intervent Radiol 2023; 40:515-523. [PMID: 38274222 PMCID: PMC10807971 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
In the past several decades, major advances in both systemic and locoregional therapies have been made for many cancer patients. This has led to modern cancer treatment algorithms frequently calling for active interventions by multiple subspecialists at the same time. One of the areas where this can be clearly seen is the concomitant use of locoregional and systemic therapies in patients with primary or secondary cancers of the liver. These combined algorithms have gained favor over the last decade and are largely focused on the allure of the combined ability to control systemic disease while at the same time addressing refractory/resistant clonal populations. While the general concept has gained favor and is likely to only increase in popularity with the continued establishment of viable immunotherapy treatments, for many patients questions remain. Lingering concerns over the increase in toxicity when combining treatment methods, patient selection, and sequencing remain for multiple cancer patient populations. While further work remains, some of these questions have been addressed in the literature. This article reviews the available data on three commonly treated primary and secondary cancers of the liver, namely, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, strengths and weaknesses are reviewed and future directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamar Young
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Jack Hannallah
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Dan Goldberg
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Mohammad Khreiss
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Rachna Shroff
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Junaid Arshad
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Aaron Scott
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Gregory Woodhead
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yu Q, Wang Y, Ungchusri E, Patel M, Kumari D, Van Ha T, Pillai A, Liao CY, Ahmed O. Combination of transarterial radioembolization with atezolizumab and bevacizumab for intermediate and advanced staged hepatocellular carcinoma: A preliminary report of safety and feasibility. J Interv Med 2023; 6:187-193. [PMID: 38312131 PMCID: PMC10831372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jimed.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The IMbrave150 Phase III trial demonstrated the superiority of atezolizumab and bevacizumab (Atezo/Bev) over sorafenib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study aims to evaluate the feasibility of TARE in combination with Atezo/Bev for the treatment of intermediate and advanced staged HCC. Methods A retrospective review at a single institution was performed between May 2021 and December 2022. Patients who received TARE using yttrium-90 (Y90) with concomitant or sequential Atezo/Bev systemic treatment were included. The following outcomes were retrieved: overall survival (OS), radiologic tumor response, progression-free survival, technical adverse events related to TARE, and toxicity based on the National Cancer Institute-Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Results Ten consecutive patients with intermediate (n = 4) and advanced stage HCC (n = 6) were treated with TARE and sequential/concomitant Atezo/Bev. Tumor control was achieved in all TARE-treated target lesions (100%). Overall disease progression occurred in 4 patients with PFS of 78.8% and 66.7% at 6- and 12- months, respectively. Two patients died at follow-up, with 6-month and 12-month OS rates of 90.0% and 77.1%, respectively. Three (75%) patients with intermediate stage disease were downstaged into Milan criteria. One patient developed grade 3 transaminitis and hypoglobulinemia, while Atezo/Bev was switched to Lenvatinib in another patient due to immunotherapy related myositis. Conclusion This study demonstrates the initial safety and feasibility of combined TARE with Atezo/Bev for intermediate/advanced stage HCC. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Yating Wang
- Hematology and Oncology, Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield, MI, 48075, USA
| | - Ethan Ungchusri
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Mikin Patel
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Divya Kumari
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Thuong Van Ha
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Anjana Pillai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Chih-yi Liao
- Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Osman Ahmed
- Department of Radiology, University of Chicago Medical Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tamai Y, Fujiwara N, Tanaka T, Mizuno S, Nakagawa H. Combination Therapy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors with Locoregional Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5072. [PMID: 37894439 PMCID: PMC10605879 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is estimated to be the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and its overall prognosis is dismal because most cases are diagnosed at a late stage and are unamenable to curative treatment. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has dramatically improved the therapeutic efficacy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma; however, their response rates remain unsatisfactory, partly because >50% of HCC exhibit an ICI-nonresponsive tumor microenvironment characterized by a paucity of cytotoxic T cells (immune-cold), as well as difficulty in their infiltration into tumor sites (immune excluded). To overcome this limitation, combination therapies with locoregional therapies, including ablation, transarterial embolization, and radiotherapy, which are usually used for early stage HCCs, have been actively explored to enhance ICI efficacy by promoting the release of tumor-associated antigens and cytokines, and eventually accelerating the so-called cancer-immunity cycle. Various combination therapies have been investigated in early- to late-phase clinical trials, and some have shown promising results. This comprehensive article provides an overview of the immune landscape for HCC to understand ICI efficacy and its limitations and, subsequently, reviews the status of combinatorial therapies of ICIs with locoregional therapy for HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Tamai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Takamitsu Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| | - Shugo Mizuno
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan;
| | - Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (Y.T.); (T.T.); (H.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kaya NA, Tai D, Lim X, Lim JQ, Lau MC, Goh D, Phua CZJ, Wee FYT, Joseph CR, Lim JCT, Neo ZW, Ye J, Cheung L, Lee J, Loke KSH, Gogna A, Yao F, Lee MY, Shuen TWH, Toh HC, Hilmer A, Chan YS, Lim TKH, Tam WL, Choo SP, Yeong J, Zhai W. Multimodal molecular landscape of response to Y90-resin microsphere radioembolization followed by nivolumab for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007106. [PMID: 37586766 PMCID: PMC10432632 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination therapy with radioembolization (yttrium-90)-resin microspheres) followed by nivolumab has shown a promising response rate of 30.6% in a Phase II trial (CA209-678) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the response mechanisms and relevant biomarkers remain unknown. METHODS By collecting both pretreatment and on-treatment samples, we performed multimodal profiling of tissue and blood samples and investigated molecular changes associated with favorable responses in 33 patients from the trial. RESULTS We found that higher tumor mutation burden, NCOR1 mutations and higher expression of interferon gamma pathways occurred more frequently in responders. Meanwhile, non-responders tended to be enriched for a novel Asian-specific transcriptomic subtype (Kaya_P2) with a high frequency of chromosome 16 deletions and upregulated cell cycle pathways. Strikingly, unlike other cancer types, we did not observe any association between T-cell populations and treatment response, but tumors from responders had a higher proportion of CXCL9+/CXCR3+ macrophages. Moreover, biomarkers discovered in previous immunotherapy trials were not predictive in the current cohort, suggesting a distinctive molecular landscape associated with differential responses to the combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS This study unraveled extensive molecular changes underlying distinctive responses to the novel treatment and pinpointed new directions for harnessing combination therapy in patients with advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neslihan Arife Kaya
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - David Tai
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Xinru Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jia Qi Lim
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Mai Chan Lau
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Bioinformatics Institute (BII), Agency of Science Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Denise Goh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Cheryl Zi Jin Phua
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Felicia Yu Ting Wee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Craig Ryan Joseph
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jeffrey Chun Tatt Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Zhen Wei Neo
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Lawrence Cheung
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Joycelyn Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Kelvin S H Loke
- Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Apoorva Gogna
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Fei Yao
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - May Yin Lee
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
| | | | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Axel Hilmer
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Koln, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yun Shen Chan
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tony Kiat-Hon Lim
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Su Pin Choo
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joe Yeong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Weiwei Zhai
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science(A*STAR), Technology and Research, Singapore
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Young S, Hannallah J, Goldberg D, Sanghvi T, Arshad J, Scott A, Woodhead G. Friend or Foe? Locoregional Therapies and Immunotherapies in the Current Hepatocellular Treatment Landscape. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11434. [PMID: 37511193 PMCID: PMC10380625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last several decades, a number of new treatment options for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been developed. While treatment decisions for some patients remain clear cut, a large numbers of patients have multiple treatment options, and it can be hard for multidisciplinary teams to come to unanimous decisions on which treatment strategy or sequence of treatments is best. This article reviews the available data with regard to two treatment strategies, immunotherapies and locoregional therapies, with a focus on the potential of locoregional therapies to be combined with checkpoint inhibitors to improve outcomes in patients with locally advanced HCC. In this review, the available data on the immunomodulatory effects of locoregional therapies is discussed along with available clinical data on outcomes when the two strategies are combined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shamar Young
- Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Interventional Radiology, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Jack Hannallah
- Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Interventional Radiology, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Dan Goldberg
- Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Interventional Radiology, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Tina Sanghvi
- Department of Radiology, Southern Arizona VA, Tucson, AZ 85723, USA
| | - Junaid Arshad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Aaron Scott
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Gregory Woodhead
- Department of Medical Imaging, Division of Interventional Radiology, University of Arizona, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kumar R, Kim J, Deek MP, Eskander MF, Gulhati P, In H, Kennedy T, Shah MM, Grandhi MS, Berim L, Spencer KR, Langan RC, Hochster HS, Boland PM, Jabbour SK. Combination of Immunotherapy and Radiation Therapy in Gastrointestinal Cancers: An Appraisal of the Current Literature and Ongoing Research. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:6432-6446. [PMID: 37504333 PMCID: PMC10378032 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30070473] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncological outcomes are improving in gastrointestinal cancer with advancements in systemic therapies, and there is notable potential in combining immunotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) to allow for further improvements. Various preclinical and early phase II studies have shown promising synergy with immunotherapy and RT in gastrointestinal cancer. A few recent phase III studies have shown improved survival with the addition of immunotherapy to standard treatment for gastrointestinal cancer. The timing, duration, sequencing, and integration with other anti-cancer treatments are still areas of ongoing research. We have reviewed the published and ongoing studies of the combinations of immunotherapy and RT in gastrointestinal cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ritesh Kumar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Jongmyung Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Matthew P Deek
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Mariam F Eskander
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Prateek Gulhati
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Haejin In
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Timothy Kennedy
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Mihir M Shah
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Miral S Grandhi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Lyudmyla Berim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Kristen R Spencer
- Department of Medicine, Perlmutter Cancer Center of NYU Langone Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Russell C Langan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Howard S Hochster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Patrick M Boland
- Department of Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Salma K Jabbour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Charles J, Vrionis A, Mansur A, Mathias T, Shaikh J, Ciner A, Jiang Y, Nezami N. Potential Immunotherapy Targets for Liver-Directed Therapies, and the Current Scope of Immunotherapeutics for Liver-Related Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2624. [PMID: 37174089 PMCID: PMC10177356 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092624] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, is increasing in incidence and mortality across the globe. An improved understanding of the complex tumor microenvironment has opened many therapeutic doors and led to the development of novel pharmaceuticals targeting cellular signaling pathways or immune checkpoints. These interventions have significantly improved tumor control rates and patient outcomes, both in clinical trials and in real-world practice. Interventional radiologists play an important role in the multidisciplinary team given their expertise in minimally invasive locoregional therapy, as the bulk of these tumors are usually in the liver. The aim of this review is to highlight the immunological therapeutic targets for primary liver cancers, the available immune-based approaches, and the contributions that interventional radiology can provide in the care of these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Charles
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA; (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Andrea Vrionis
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA; (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
| | - Arian Mansur
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Trevor Mathias
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Jamil Shaikh
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 560 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, USA; (J.C.); (A.V.); (J.S.)
- Department of Radiology, Tampa General Hospital, University of South Florida Health, Tampa General Cir, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
| | - Aaron Ciner
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.C.); (Y.J.)
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.C.); (Y.J.)
| | - Nariman Nezami
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Experimental Therapeutics Program, University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Combined Loco-Regional and Systemic Treatment Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Basics to New Developments. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2023; 46:175-186. [PMID: 36478027 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-022-03327-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in systemic therapeutic options have led to improved survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. In order to optimize patient outcomes across different disease stages, attempts are being made at exploiting combinations of loco-regional treatments and systemic therapeutic regimens. The possibilities of a beneficial synergistic effect are strongly supported by biological evidence of changes in tumor microenvironment and systemic immunity. With the advent of newer interventional technologies and newer biological and immunological drugs, these possibilities keep on gaining interest and expectations, yet many questions remain unanswered as to how to best manipulate and combine the two therapeutic approaches.This review aims at providing a general overview of biological foundations, preliminary clinical applications, critical issues and future directions of this constantly growing field.
Collapse
|