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Zheng M, Kumar A, Sharma V, Behl T, Sehgal A, Wal P, Shinde NV, Kawaduji BS, Kapoor A, Anwer MK, Gulati M, Shen B, Singla RK, Bungau SG. Revolutionizing pediatric neuroblastoma treatment: unraveling new molecular targets for precision interventions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1353860. [PMID: 38601081 PMCID: PMC11004261 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1353860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most frequent solid tumor in pediatric cases, contributing to around 15% of childhood cancer-related deaths. The wide-ranging genetic, morphological, and clinical diversity within NB complicates the success of current treatment methods. Acquiring an in-depth understanding of genetic alterations implicated in the development of NB is essential for creating safer and more efficient therapies for this severe condition. Several molecular signatures are being studied as potential targets for developing new treatments for NB patients. In this article, we have examined the molecular factors and genetic irregularities, including those within insulin gene enhancer binding protein 1 (ISL1), dihydropyrimidinase-like 3 (DPYSL3), receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) and murine double minute 2-tumor protein 53 (MDM2-P53) that play an essential role in the development of NB. A thorough summary of the molecular targeted treatments currently being studied in pre-clinical and clinical trials has been described. Recent studies of immunotherapeutic agents used in NB are also studied in this article. Moreover, we explore potential future directions to discover new targets and treatments to enhance existing therapies and ultimately improve treatment outcomes and survival rates for NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zheng
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ankush Kumar
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Vishakha Sharma
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Amity School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amity University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- GHG Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Pranay Wal
- Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Pharmacy, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - Anupriya Kapoor
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Md. Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Monica Gulati
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
- Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Bairong Shen
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rajeev K. Singla
- Joint Laboratory of Artificial Intelligence for Critical Care Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine and Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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Philippova J, Shevchenko J, Sennikov S. GD2-targeting therapy: a comparative analysis of approaches and promising directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371345. [PMID: 38558810 PMCID: PMC10979305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Disialoganglioside GD2 is a promising target for immunotherapy with expression primarily restricted to neuroectodermal and epithelial tumor cells. Although its role in the maintenance and repair of neural tissue is well-established, its functions during normal organism development remain understudied. Meanwhile, studies have shown that GD2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Its functions include proliferation, invasion, motility, and metastasis, and its high expression and ability to transform the tumor microenvironment may be associated with a malignant phenotype. Structurally, GD2 is a glycosphingolipid that is stably expressed on the surface of tumor cells, making it a suitable candidate for targeting by antibodies or chimeric antigen receptors. Based on mouse monoclonal antibodies, chimeric and humanized antibodies and their combinations with cytokines, toxins, drugs, radionuclides, nanoparticles as well as chimeric antigen receptor have been developed. Furthermore, vaccines and photoimmunotherapy are being used to treat GD2-positive tumors, and GD2 aptamers can be used for targeting. In the field of cell therapy, allogeneic immunocompetent cells are also being utilized to enhance GD2 therapy. Efforts are currently being made to optimize the chimeric antigen receptor by modifying its design or by transducing not only αβ T cells, but also γδ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophages. In addition, immunotherapy can combine both diagnostic and therapeutic methods, allowing for early detection of disease and minimal residual disease. This review discusses each immunotherapy method and strategy, its advantages and disadvantages, and highlights future directions for GD2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergey Sennikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Chen Z, Hu T, Zhou J, Gu X, Chen S, Qi Q, Wang L. Overview of tumor immunotherapy based on approved drugs. Life Sci 2024; 340:122419. [PMID: 38242494 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122419] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy has become a new hotspot for cancer treatment. Various immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, oncolytic viruses (OVs), cytokines, and cancer vaccines, have been used to treat tumors. They operate through different mechanisms, along with certain toxicities and side effects. Understanding the mechanisms by which immunotherapy modulates the immune system is essential for improving the efficacy and managing these adverse effects. This article discusses various currently approved cancer immunotherapy mechanisms and related agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, and the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency. We also review the latest progress in immune drugs approved by the National Medical Products Administration, including monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, OVs, and chimeric antigen receptor-T cell therapy, to help understand the clinical application of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Chen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Tiantian Hu
- Clinical Base of Qingpu Traditional Medicine Hospital, the Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Xiaolei Gu
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Song Chen
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei 430061, China
| | - Qing Qi
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China.
| | - Ling Wang
- Laboratory for Reproductive Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; The Academy of Integrative Medicine of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-related Diseases, Shanghai 200011, China.
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Marjańska A, Pawińska-Wąsikowska K, Wieczorek A, Drogosiewicz M, Dembowska-Bagińska B, Bobeff K, Młynarski W, Adamczewska-Wawrzynowicz K, Wachowiak J, Krawczyk MA, Irga-Jaworska N, Węcławek-Tompol J, Kałwak K, Sawicka-Żukowska M, Krawczuk-Rybak M, Raciborska A, Mizia-Malarz A, Sobocińska-Mirska A, Łaguna P, Balwierz W, Styczyński J. Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Advanced Pediatric Malignancies in Nationwide Study: Good Outcome in Skin Melanoma and Hodgkin Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:968. [PMID: 38473329 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs; anti-PD1) in the treatment of childhood cancers is still evolving. The aim of this nationwide retrospective study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of ICIs used in a group of 42 patients, with a median age of 13.6 years, with various types of advanced malignancies treated in pediatric oncology centers in Poland between 2015 and 2023. RESULTS The indications for treatment with anti-PD1 were as follows: Hodgkin lymphoma (11); malignant skin melanoma (9); neuroblastoma (8); and other malignancies (14). At the end of follow-up, complete remission (CR) was observed in 37.7% (15/42) of children and disease stabilization in 9.5% (4/42), with a mean survival 3.6 (95% CI = 2.6-4.6) years. The best survival (OS = 1.0) was observed in the group of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. For malignant melanoma of the skin, neuroblastoma, and other rare malignancies, the estimated 3-year OS values were, respectively, 0.78, 0.33, and 0.25 (p = 0.002). The best progression-free survival value (0.78) was observed in the group with malignant melanoma. Significantly better effects of immunotherapy were confirmed in patients ≥ 14 years of age and good overall performance ECOG status. Severe adverse events were observed in 30.9% (13/42) patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Marjańska
- Department of Pediatric, Hematology and Oncology, Jurasz University Hospital, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | | | - Aleksandra Wieczorek
- Department of Pediatric, Oncology and Hematology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
| | - Monika Drogosiewicz
- Department of Oncology, The Children's Memorial Health Institute, 04-730 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Bobeff
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Łodz, 91-738 Łodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Młynarski
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Łodz, 91-738 Łodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Adamczewska-Wawrzynowicz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Jonscher Clinical Hospital, Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, 60-572 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jacek Wachowiak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Jonscher Clinical Hospital, Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań, 60-572 Poznań, Poland
| | - Małgorzata A Krawczyk
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ninela Irga-Jaworska
- Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jadwiga Węcławek-Tompol
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Mikulicz-Radecki University Clinical Hospital, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kałwak
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Mikulicz-Radecki University Clinical Hospital, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Maryna Krawczuk-Rybak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-274 Białystok, Poland
| | - Anna Raciborska
- Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth, Institute of Mother and Child, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Mizia-Malarz
- Department of Pediatric, Oncology, Hematology and Chemotherapy, Upper Silesia Children's Care Health Centre, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Agata Sobocińska-Mirska
- Department of Oncology, Children's Hematology, Clinical Transplantology and Pediatrics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Łaguna
- Department of Oncology, Children's Hematology, Clinical Transplantology and Pediatrics, University Clinical Center, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Walentyna Balwierz
- Department of Pediatric, Oncology and Hematology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 30-663 Cracow, Poland
| | - Jan Styczyński
- Department of Pediatric, Hematology and Oncology, Jurasz University Hospital, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University Toruń, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Ciurej A, Lewis E, Gupte A, Al-Antary E. Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Pediatric Oncology: Will We Say Checkmate Soon? Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1843. [PMID: 38140246 PMCID: PMC10748105 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121843] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a relatively new class of immunotherapy which bolsters the host immune system by "turning off the brakes" of effector cells (e.g., CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1). Although their success in treating adult malignancy is well documented, their utility in pediatric cancer has not yet been shown to be as fruitful. We review ICIs, their use in pediatric malignancies, and active pediatric clinical trials, exemplifying some of adult efforts that could be related to pediatric future trials and complications of ICI therapy. Through our review, we propose the consideration of ICI as standard therapy in lymphoma and various solid tumor types, especially in relapsed or refractory (R/R) disease. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate ICI effectiveness in pediatric leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ciurej
- Pediatric Department, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (A.C.)
| | - Elizabeth Lewis
- School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Avanti Gupte
- Pediatric Department, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (A.C.)
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt Clemons, MI 48859, USA
| | - Eman Al-Antary
- Pediatric Department, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (A.C.)
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University College of Medicine, Mt Clemons, MI 48859, USA
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Kennedy PT, Zannoupa D, Son MH, Dahal LN, Woolley JF. Neuroblastoma: an ongoing cold front for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007798. [PMID: 37993280 PMCID: PMC10668262 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007798] [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] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most frequent extracranial childhood tumour but effective treatment with current immunotherapies is challenging due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment. Efforts to date have focused on using immunotherapy to increase tumour immunogenicity and enhance anticancer immune responses, including anti-GD2 antibodies; immune checkpoint inhibitors; drugs which enhance macrophage and natural killer T (NKT) cell function; modulation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes pathway; and engineering neuroblastoma-targeting chimeric-antigen receptor-T cells. Some of these strategies have strong preclinical foundation and are being tested clinically, although none have demonstrated notable success in treating paediatric neuroblastoma to date. Recently, approaches to overcome heterogeneity of neuroblastoma tumours and treatment resistance are being explored. These include rational combination strategies with the aim of achieving synergy, such as dual targeting of GD2 and tumour-associated macrophages or natural killer cells; GD2 and the B7-H3 immune checkpoint; GD2 and enhancer of zeste-2 methyltransferase inhibitors. Such combination strategies provide opportunities to overcome primary resistance to and maximize the benefits of immunotherapy in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Kennedy
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Demetra Zannoupa
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Meong Hi Son
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Lekh N Dahal
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - John F Woolley
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Siebert N, Zumpe M, Schwencke CH, Biskupski S, Troschke-Meurer S, Leopold J, Zikoridse A, Lode HN. Combined Blockade of TIGIT and PD-L1 Enhances Anti-Neuroblastoma Efficacy of GD2-Directed Immunotherapy with Dinutuximab Beta. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3317. [PMID: 37444427 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies against high-risk neuroblastoma (NB), using the anti-GD2 antibody (Ab) dinutuximab beta (DB), significantly improved patient survival. Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is one of the main mechanisms of action and it is primarily mediated by NK cells. To further improve antitumor efficacy, we investigated here a combinatorial immunotherapy with DB and the double immune checkpoint blockade of T-cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1). The effects of ADCC, mediated by DB against NB cells on NK-cell activity, and the expression of TIGIT and CD226 and their ligands CD112 and CD155, as well as of PD-1 and PD-L1 on NB and effector cells, were investigated using flow cytometry. ADCC was assessed with a calcein-AM-based cytotoxicity assay. The efficacy of a combinatorial immunotherapy with DB, given as a long-term treatment, and the double immune checkpoint blockade of TIGIT and PD-L1 was shown using a resistant murine model of NB, followed by an analysis of the tumor tissue. We detected both TIGIT ligands, CD112 and CD155, on all NB cell lines analyzed. Although ADCC by DB resulted in a strong activation of NK cells leading to an effective tumor cell lysis, a remarkable induction of PD-L1 expression on NB cells, and of TIGIT and PD-1 on effector cells, especially on NK cells, was observed. Additional anti-TIGIT or anti-PD-L1 treatments effectively inhibited tumor growth and improved survival of the mice treated with DB. The superior antitumor effects were observed in the "DB + double immune checkpoint blockade" group, showing an almost complete eradication of the tumors and the highest OS, even under resistant conditions. An analysis of tumor tissue revealed both TIGIT and TIGIT ligand expression on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), suggesting additional mechanisms of protumoral effects in NB. Our data show that the targeting of TIGIT and PD-L1 significantly improves the antitumor efficacy of anti-GD2 immunotherapy, with DB presenting a new effective combinatorial treatment strategy against high-risk tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Siebert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Maxi Zumpe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | | | - Simon Biskupski
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sascha Troschke-Meurer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Justus Leopold
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Alexander Zikoridse
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Holger N Lode
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
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Inoue S, Takeuchi Y, Horiuchi Y, Murakami T, Odaka A. CD69 on Tumor-Infiltrating Cells Correlates With Neuroblastoma Suppression by Simultaneous PD-1 and PD-L1 Blockade. J Surg Res 2023; 289:190-201. [PMID: 37141702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2023.03.042] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tumor-infiltrating cells play an important role in tumor immunology, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are critical in antitumor reaction related to immune checkpoint inhibition targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). METHODS In nude mice, which are immune deficient because they lack T cells, and inbred A/J mice, which are syngeneic to neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2a) and have normal T cell function, we investigated the importance of T lymphocytes in immune checkpoint inhibition in mouse neuroblastoma and analyzed the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Then, we subcutaneously injected mouse Neuro-2ainto nude mice and A/J mice, administered anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies by intraperitoneal injection, and evaluated tumor growth. At 16 d after Neuro-2a cells injection, mice were euthanized, tumors and spleens were harvested, and immune cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS The antibodies suppressed tumor growth in A/J but not in nude mice. The co-administration of antibodies did not affect regulatory T cells (culster of differentiation [CD]4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells) or activated CD4+ lymphocytes (expressing CD69). No changes in activated CD8+ lymphocytes (expressing CD69) were observed in spleen tissue. However, increased infiltration of activated CD8+ TILs was seen in tumors weighing less than 300 mg, and the amount of activated CD8+ TILs was negatively correlated with tumor weight. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms that lymphocytes are essential for the antitumor immune reaction induced by blocking PD-1/PD-L1 and raises the possibility that promoting the infiltration of activated CD8+ TIL into tumors may be an effective treatment for neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiichiro Inoue
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Yuta Takeuchi
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Horiuchi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akio Odaka
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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9
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Flaadt T, Ladenstein RL, Ebinger M, Lode HN, Arnardóttir HB, Poetschger U, Schwinger W, Meisel R, Schuster FR, Döring M, Ambros PF, Queudeville M, Fuchs J, Warmann SW, Schäfer J, Seitz C, Schlegel P, Brecht IB, Holzer U, Feuchtinger T, Simon T, Schulte JH, Eggert A, Teltschik HM, Illhardt T, Handgretinger R, Lang P. Anti-GD2 Antibody Dinutuximab Beta and Low-Dose Interleukin 2 After Haploidentical Stem-Cell Transplantation in Patients With Relapsed Neuroblastoma: A Multicenter, Phase I/II Trial. J Clin Oncol 2023:JCO2201630. [PMID: 36854071 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.01630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with relapsed high-risk neuroblastoma (rHR-NB) have a poor prognosis. We hypothesized that graft-versus-neuroblastoma effects could be elicited by transplantation of haploidentical stem cells (haplo-SCT) exploiting cytotoxic functions of natural killer cells and their activation by the anti-GD2 antibody dinutuximab beta (DB). This phase I/II trial assessed safety, feasibility, and outcomes of immunotherapy with DB plus subcutaneous interleukin-2 (scIL2) after haplo-SCT in patients with rHR-NB. METHODS Patients age 1-21 years underwent T-/B-cell-depleted haplo-SCT followed by DB and scIL2. The primary end point 'success of treatment' encompassed patients receiving six cycles, being alive 180 days after end of trial treatment without progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, acute graft-versus-host-disease (GvHD) ≥grade 3, or extensive chronic GvHD. RESULTS Seventy patients were screened, and 68 were eligible for immunotherapy. Median number of DB cycles was 6 (range, 1-9). Median number of scIL2 cycles was 3 (1-6). The primary end point was met by 37 patients (54.4%). Median observation time was 7.8 years. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival from start of trial treatment were 43% (95% CI, 31 to 55) and 53% (95% CI, 41 to 65), respectively. Five-year EFS among patients in complete remission (CR; 52%; 95% CI, 31 to 69) or partial remission (44%; 95% CI, 27 to 60) before immunotherapy were significantly better compared with patients with nonresponse/mixed response/progressive disease (13%; 95% CI, 1 to 42; P = .026). Overall response rate in 43 patients with evidence of disease after haplo-SCT was 51% (22 patients), with 15 achieving CR (35%). Two patients developed GvHD grade 2 and 3 each. No unexpected adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION DB therapy after haplo-SCT in patients with rHR-NB is feasible, with low risk of inducing GvHD, and results in long-term remissions likely attributable to increased antineuroblastoma activity by donor-derived effector cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Flaadt
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ruth L Ladenstein
- St Anna Children's Hospital and Children's Cancer Research Institute, Department of Studies and Statistics for Integrated Research and Projects, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Ebinger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Holger N Lode
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Helga Björk Arnardóttir
- Department for Studies and Statistics and Integrated Research, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Poetschger
- Department for Studies and Statistics and Integrated Research, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Schwinger
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Roland Meisel
- Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Friedhelm R Schuster
- Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Therapy, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Michaela Döring
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter F Ambros
- CCRI, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Department of Tumor Biology and Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manon Queudeville
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Fuchs
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Steven W Warmann
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schäfer
- Department for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian Seitz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (Exc 2180) "Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- Children's Medical Research Institute, The Cancer Centre for Children, The Children's Hospital Westmead, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ines B Brecht
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ursula Holzer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Feuchtinger
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thorsten Simon
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Johannes H Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika Eggert
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko-Manuel Teltschik
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital Stuttgart-Olgahospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Toni Illhardt
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Lang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (Exc 2180) "Image-guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," University of Tuebingen, Germany
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10
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Recent Evidence-Based Clinical Guide for the Use of Dinutuximab Beta in Pediatric Patients with Neuroblastoma. Target Oncol 2023; 18:77-93. [PMID: 36504394 PMCID: PMC9928814 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-022-00930-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The anti-GD2 antibody dinutuximab beta (Qarziba®) has been added to the present standard of care for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma in Europe based on the positive results obtained in different studies. In both the first-line and relapsed/refractory settings, treatment with dinutuximab beta attains objective clinical responses in children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Its incorporation has changed the outcome for these patients and optimized management should be guaranteed to minimize possible adverse effects. Most prevalent adverse events include pain, allergic reactions, fever and capillary leak syndrome. There are still no evidence-based clinical guidelines that include the latest published evidence to optimize its use, as it depends on the experience gained in each referral center. Topics such as the mode of preparation and administration, the concomitant use of interleukin-2, the recommended pediatric age and dose for its use, or the adequate management of possible toxicities are important aspects to review. The objective of this article was to update the clinical guide to management with dinutuximab beta of children with neuroblastoma based on the most recent published evidence and our own experience in clinical practice.
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11
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Olgun N, Cecen E, Ince D, Kizmazoglu D, Baysal B, Onal A, Ozdogan O, Guleryuz H, Cetingoz R, Demiral A, Olguner M, Celik A, Kamer S, Ozer E, Altun Z, Aktas S. Dinutuximab beta plus conventional chemotherapy for relapsed/refractory high-risk neuroblastoma: A single-center experience. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1041443. [PMID: 36620564 PMCID: PMC9816792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1041443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relapsed/refractory high-risk neuroblastoma has a dismal prognosis. Anti-GD2-mediated chemo-immunotherapy has a notable anti-tumor activity in patients with relapsed/refractory high-risk neuroblastoma. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy and safety of the combination of immunotherapy with dinutuximab beta (DB) and chemotherapy in patients with relapsed/refractory high-risk neuroblastoma. Methods All patients received the Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group NB 2009 national protocol for HR-NB treatment at the time of diagnosis. Salvage treatments were administered after progression or relapse. The patients who could not achieve remission in primary or metastatic sites were included in the study. The most common chemotherapy scheme was irinotecan and temozolomide. DB was administered intravenously for 10 days through continuous infusion with 10 mg/m2 per day. The patients received 2 to 14 successive cycles with duration of 28 days each. Disease assessment was performed after cycles 2, 4, and 6 and every 2 to 3 cycles thereafter. Results Between January 2020 and March 2022, nineteen patients received a total of 125 cycles of DB and chemotherapy. Objective responses were achieved in 12/19 (63%) patients, including complete remission in 6/19 and partial response in 6/19. Stable disease was observed in two patients. The remaining five patients developed bone/bone marrow and soft tissue progression after 2-4 cycles of treatment. The most common Grade ≥3 toxicities were leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypertransaminasemia, fever, rash/itching and capillary leak syndrome, respectively. Conclusion Our study results suggest that DB-based chemo-immunotherapy seems to be suitable with encouraging response rates in patients with relapsed/refractory high-risk neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Olgun
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Türkiye,*Correspondence: Nur Olgun,
| | - Emre Cecen
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Dilek Ince
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Deniz Kizmazoglu
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Birsen Baysal
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Ayse Onal
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Ozhan Ozdogan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Handan Guleryuz
- Department of Radiology, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Riza Cetingoz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Ayse Demiral
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Mustafa Olguner
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Celik
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Serra Kamer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Erdener Ozer
- Department of Pathology, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Zekiye Altun
- Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Türkiye
| | - Safiye Aktas
- Department of Basic Oncology, Dokuz Eylul University Institute of Oncology, Izmir, Türkiye
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12
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Takeuchi Y, Inoue S, Odaka A. Expression of programmed cell death-1 on neuroblastoma cells in TH-MYCN transgenic mice. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 39:6. [PMID: 36441248 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05292-y] [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] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy may improve the poor prognosis of high-risk neuroblastoma. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is expressed in several cancers. The tyrosine hydroxylase MYCN (TH-MYCN) transgenic mouse model is widely used in neuroblastoma research, but detailed information on its immunological background is lacking. Therefore, we studied the immunological tumor microenvironment and tumor cell surface antigen expression in homozygote and hemizygote mice and effects of antibody therapy against PD-1. METHODS CD4, CD8, CD11b, and CD11c expression in immune cells from retroperitoneal lymph nodes and spleen was analyzed by flow cytometry. Tumor cell surface antigen expression was confirmed, and data from homozygote and hemizygote mice were compared. Effects of anti-PD-1 antibody were evaluated. RESULTS CD4-, CD8-, CD11b-, and CD11c-positive cells were not significantly different in homozygote and hemizygote mice, and CD11b- and CD11c-positive cells were identified in the tumor microenvironment in both. Tumor cells expressed PD-1, and anti-PD-1 antibody had anti-tumor effects and significantly reduced the percentage of living tumor cells in cultures after 2 h. CONCLUSION The immunological background is similar in homozygote and hemizygote TH-MYCN transgenic mice, and both have PD-1-positive tumor cells. Anti-PD-1 antibody suppresses tumor growth. This mouse model may be a useful for studying immunotherapy of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Takeuchi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, 1981 Kamoda, Kawagoe, Saitama, 350-8550, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Inoue
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, 1981 Kamoda, Kawagoe, Saitama, 350-8550, Japan.
| | - Akio Odaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, 1981 Kamoda, Kawagoe, Saitama, 350-8550, Japan
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13
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Sengupta S, Das S, Crespo AC, Cornel AM, Patel AG, Mahadevan NR, Campisi M, Ali AK, Sharma B, Rowe JH, Huang H, Debruyne DN, Cerda ED, Krajewska M, Dries R, Chen M, Zhang S, Soriano L, Cohen MA, Versteeg R, Jaenisch R, Spranger S, Romee R, Miller BC, Barbie DA, Nierkens S, Dyer MA, Lieberman J, George RE. Mesenchymal and adrenergic cell lineage states in neuroblastoma possess distinct immunogenic phenotypes. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:1228-1246. [PMID: 36138189 PMCID: PMC10171398 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00427-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Apart from the anti-GD2 antibody, immunotherapy for neuroblastoma has had limited success due to immune evasion mechanisms, coupled with an incomplete understanding of predictors of response. Here, from bulk and single-cell transcriptomic analyses, we identify a subset of neuroblastomas enriched for transcripts associated with immune activation and inhibition and show that these are predominantly characterized by gene expression signatures of the mesenchymal lineage state. By contrast, tumors expressing adrenergic lineage signatures are less immunogenic. The inherent presence or induction of the mesenchymal state through transcriptional reprogramming or therapy resistance is accompanied by innate and adaptive immune gene activation through epigenetic remodeling. Mesenchymal lineage cells promote T cell infiltration by secreting inflammatory cytokines, are efficiently targeted by cytotoxic T and natural killer cells and respond to immune checkpoint blockade. Together, we demonstrate that distinct immunogenic phenotypes define the divergent lineage states of neuroblastoma and highlight the immunogenic potential of the mesenchymal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satyaki Sengupta
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sanjukta Das
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela C Crespo
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annelisa M Cornel
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anand G Patel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Navin R Mahadevan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco Campisi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alaa K Ali
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bandana Sharma
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jared H Rowe
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David N Debruyne
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Esther D Cerda
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malgorzata Krajewska
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ruben Dries
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Minyue Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shupei Zhang
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Luigi Soriano
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Malkiel A Cohen
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rogier Versteeg
- Department of Oncogenomics, University Medical Center Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stefani Spranger
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brian C Miller
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Evergrande Center for Immunological Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Barbie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rani E George
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Bottino C, Della Chiesa M, Sorrentino S, Morini M, Vitale C, Dondero A, Tondo A, Conte M, Garaventa A, Castriconi R. Strategies for Potentiating NK-Mediated Neuroblastoma Surveillance in Autologous or HLA-Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194548. [PMID: 36230485 PMCID: PMC9559312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NB) are malignant tumors of childhood that are treated with a very aggressive and life-threatening approach; this includes autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the infusion of a mAb targeting the GD2 tumor-associated antigen. Although the current treatment provided benefits, the 5-year overall survival remains below 50% due to relapses and refractoriness to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to ameliorate the standard therapeutic protocol, particularly improving the immune-mediated anti-tumor responses. Our review aims at summarizing and critically discussing novel immunotherapeutic strategies in HR-NB, including NK cell-based therapies and HLA-haploidentical HSCT from patients’ family. Abstract High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NB) still have an unacceptable 5-year overall survival despite the aggressive therapy. This includes standardized immunotherapy combining autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the anti-GD2 mAb. The treatment did not significantly change for more than one decade, apart from the abandonment of IL-2, which demonstrated unacceptable toxicity. Of note, immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic option in cancer and could be optimized by several strategies. These include the HLA-haploidentical αβT/B-depleted HSCT, and the antibody targeting of novel NB-associated antigens such as B7-H3, and PD1. Other approaches could limit the immunoregulatory role of tumor-derived exosomes and potentiate the low antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity of CD16 dim/neg NK cells, abundant in the early phase post-transplant. The latter effect could be obtained using multi-specific tools engaging activating NK receptors and tumor antigens, and possibly holding immunostimulatory cytokines in their construct. Finally, treatments also consider the infusion of novel engineered cytokines with scarce side effects, and cell effectors engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Our review aims to discuss several promising strategies that could be successfully exploited to potentiate the NK-mediated surveillance of neuroblastoma, particularly in the HSCT setting. Many of these approaches are safe, feasible, and effective at pre-clinical and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-01056363855
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tondo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and HSCT, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- Pediatric Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Garaventa
- Pediatric Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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15
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Pathania AS, Prathipati P, Murakonda SP, Murakonda AB, Srivastava A, Avadhesh A, Byrareddy SN, Coulter DW, Gupta SC, Challagundla KB. Immune checkpoint molecules in neuroblastoma: A clinical perspective. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:247-258. [PMID: 35787940 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) is challenging to treat with 5-year long-term survival in patients remaining below 50% and low chances of survival after tumor relapse or recurrence. Different strategies are being tested or under evaluation to destroy resistant tumors and improve survival outcomes in NB patients. Immunotherapy, which uses certain parts of a person's immune system to recognize or kill tumor cells, effectively improves patient outcomes in several types of cancer, including NB. One of the immunotherapy strategies is to block immune checkpoint signaling in tumors to increase tumor immunogenicity and anti-tumor immunity. Immune checkpoint proteins put brakes on immune cell functions to regulate immune activation, but this activity is exploited in tumors to evade immune surveillance and attack. Immune checkpoint proteins play an essential role in NB biology and immune escape mechanisms, which makes these tumors immunologically cold. Therapeutic strategies to block immune checkpoint signaling have shown promising outcomes in NB but only in a subset of patients. However, combining immune checkpoint blockade with other therapies, including conjugated antibody-based immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, tumor vaccines, or cellular therapies like modified T or natural killer (NK) cells, has shown encouraging results in enhancing anti-tumor immunity in the preclinical setting. An analysis of publicly available dataset using computational tools has unraveled the complexity of multiple cancer including NB. This review comprehensively summarizes the current information on immune checkpoint molecules, their biology, role in immune suppression and tumor development, and novel therapeutic approaches combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with other therapies to combat high-risk NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Philip Prathipati
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki City, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Swati P Murakonda
- Sri Rajiv Gandhi College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560032, India
| | - Ajay B Murakonda
- Sree Sai Dental College & Research Institute, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh 532001, India
| | - Ankit Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Avadhesh Avadhesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Subash C Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India; Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, India.
| | - Kishore B Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; The Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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16
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Pathania AS, Prathipati P, Olwenyi OA, Chava S, Smith OV, Gupta SC, Chaturvedi NK, Byrareddy SN, Coulter DW, Challagundla KB. miR-15a and miR-15b modulate natural killer and CD8 +T-cell activation and anti-tumor immune response by targeting PD-L1 in neuroblastoma. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 25:308-329. [PMID: 35663229 PMCID: PMC9133764 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an enigmatic and deadliest pediatric cancer to treat. The major obstacles to the effective immunotherapy treatments in NB are defective immune cells and the immune evasion tactics deployed by the tumor cells and the stromal microenvironment. Nervous system development during embryonic and pediatric stages is critically mediated by non-coding RNAs such as micro RNAs (miR). Hence, we explored the role of miRs in anti-tumor immune response via a range of data-driven workflows and in vitro & in vivo experiments. Using the TARGET, NB patient dataset (n=249), we applied the robust bioinformatic workflows incorporating differential expression, co-expression, survival, heatmaps, and box plots. We initially demonstrated the role of miR-15a-5p (miR-15a) and miR-15b-5p (miR-15b) as tumor suppressors, followed by their negative association with stromal cell percentages and a statistically significant negative regulation of T and natural killer (NK) cell signature genes, especially CD274 (PD-L1) in stromal-low patient subsets. The NB phase-specific expression of the miR-15a/miR-15b-PD-L1 axis was further corroborated using the PDX (n=24) dataset. We demonstrated miR-15a/miR-15b mediated degradation of PD-L1 mRNA through its interaction with the 3'-untranslated region and the RNA-induced silencing complex using sequence-specific luciferase activity and Ago2 RNA immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, we established miR-15a/miR-15b induced CD8+T and NK cell activation and cytotoxicity against NB in vitro. Moreover, injection of murine cells expressing miR-15a reduced tumor size, tumor vasculature and enhanced the activation and infiltration of CD8+T and NK cells into the tumors in vivo. We further established that blocking the surface PD-L1 using an anti-PD-L1 antibody rescued miR-15a/miR-15b induced CD8+T and NK cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. These findings demonstrate that miR-15a and miR-15b induce an anti-tumor immune response by targeting PD-L1 in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S. Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Philip Prathipati
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki City, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Omalla A. Olwenyi
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Srinivas Chava
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Oghenetejiri V. Smith
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Subash C. Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Nagendra K. Chaturvedi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Don W. Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kishore B. Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- The Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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17
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Abstract
There are encouraging signs in our collective progress to leverage the immune system to treat pediatric cancers. Here, we summarize interim successes in cancer immunotherapy and opportunities to translate from the adult world to pediatrics, and highlight challenges that could benefit from additional development, focusing on solid tumors. Just a decade ago, other than antibodies targeting disialoganglioside (GD2) in neuroblastoma, pediatric cancer immunotherapy was mostly relegated to obscure preclinical studies in a few academic labs. Today there are numerous clinical trials of a variety of antibody, cellular, gene, and viral therapies and vaccines designed to either promote antitumor immunity or specifically attack validated immunotherapy targets. Understanding those targets and their pediatric relevance is paramount. While much work is underway to evaluate the utility of numerous immunologic targets, the lack of regulatory approvals is emblematic of the challenges that remain. Herein we focus our review on the most promising targeted immunotherapies in clinical trials for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Gupta
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, New York, USA.
| | - Timothy P Cripe
- Division of Hematology/Oncology/Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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18
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Shao C, Anand V, Andreeff M, Battula VL. Ganglioside GD2: a novel therapeutic target in triple-negative breast cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1508:35-53. [PMID: 34596246 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by lack of hormone receptor expression and is known for high rates of recurrence, distant metastases, and poor clinical outcomes. TNBC cells lack targetable receptors; hence, there is an urgent need for targetable markers for the disease. Breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) are a fraction of cells in primary tumors that are associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Targeting BCSCs is thus an effective strategy for preventing cancer metastatic spread and sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy. The CD44hi CD24lo phenotype is a well-established phenotype for identification of BCSCs, but CD44 and CD24 are not targetable markers owing to their expression in normal tissues. The ganglioside GD2 has been shown to be upregulated in primary TNBC tumors compared with normal breast tissue and has been shown to identify BCSCs. In this review, we discuss GD2 as a BCSC- and tumor-specific marker in TNBC; epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the signaling pathways that are upstream and downstream of GD2 and the role of these pathways in tumorigenesis and metastasis in TNBC; direct and indirect approaches for targeting GD2; and ongoing clinical trials and treatments directed against GD2 as well as future directions for these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Shao
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Vivek Anand
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Venkata Lokesh Battula
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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19
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Furman WL. Monoclonal Antibody Therapies for High Risk Neuroblastoma. Biologics 2021; 15:205-219. [PMID: 34135571 PMCID: PMC8200163 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s267278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are part of the standard of care for the treatment of many adult solid tumors. Until recently none have been approved for use in children with solid tumors. Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Those with high-risk disease, despite treatment with very intensive multimodal therapy, still have poor overall survival. Results of treatment with an immunotherapy regimen using a chimeric (human/mouse) mAb against a cell surface disialoganglioside (GD2) have changed the standard of care for these children and resulted in the first approval of a mAb for use in children with solid tumors. This article will review the use of the various anti-GD2 mAbs in children with NB, methods that have been or are being evaluated for enhancing their efficacy, as well as review other promising antigenic targets for the therapeutic use of mAbs in children with NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne L Furman
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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20
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Quamine AE, Olsen MR, Cho MM, Capitini CM. Approaches to Enhance Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Pediatric Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2796. [PMID: 34199783 PMCID: PMC8200074 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of metastatic pediatric solid tumors remain a significant challenge, particularly in relapsed and refractory settings. Standard treatment has included surgical resection, radiation, chemotherapy, and, in the case of neuroblastoma, immunotherapy. Despite such intensive therapy, cancer recurrence is common, and most tumors become refractory to prior therapy, leaving patients with few conventional treatment options. Natural killer (NK) cells are non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted lymphocytes that boast several complex killing mechanisms but at an added advantage of not causing graft-versus-host disease, making use of allogeneic NK cells a potential therapeutic option. On top of their killing capacity, NK cells also produce several cytokines and growth factors that act as key regulators of the adaptive immune system, positioning themselves as ideal effector cells for stimulating heavily pretreated immune systems. Despite this promise, clinical efficacy of adoptive NK cell therapy to date has been inconsistent, prompting a detailed understanding of the biological pathways within NK cells that can be leveraged to develop "next generation" NK cell therapies. Here, we review advances in current approaches to optimizing the NK cell antitumor response including combination with other immunotherapies, cytokines, checkpoint inhibition, and engineering NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for the treatment of pediatric solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aicha E. Quamine
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.E.Q.); (M.R.O.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Mallery R. Olsen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.E.Q.); (M.R.O.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Monica M. Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.E.Q.); (M.R.O.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Christian M. Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA; (A.E.Q.); (M.R.O.); (M.M.C.)
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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21
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Zhang Y, Kupferschlaeger J, Lang P, Reischl G, Handgretinger R, la Fougere C, Dittmann H. 131Iodine-GD2-ch14.18 scintigraphy to evaluate option for radioimmunotherapy in patients with advanced tumors. J Nucl Med 2021; 63:205-211. [PMID: 34049985 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.120.261854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor-selective ganglioside antigene GD2 is frequently expressed on neuroblastomas and to a lesser extent also on sarcomas and neuroendocrine tumors. Aim of our study was to evaluate tumor targeting and biodistribution of iodine-131-labeled chimeric GD2-antibody clone 14/18 (131I-GD2-ch14.18) in patients with late-stage disease in order to identify eligibility for radioimmunotherapy. Methods: 20 patients (neuroblastoma n = 9; sarcoma n = 9; pheochromocytoma n = 1, neuroendocrine tumor n = 1) were involved in this study. 21 to 131 MBq (1-2 MBq/kg) of I-131-GD2-ch14.18 (0.5 -1.0 mg) were injected intravenously. Planar scintigraphy was performed within 1 h from injection (d0), on d1, d2, d3, and d6 or d7 to analyse tumor uptake and tracer biodistribution. Serial blood samples were collected in 4 individuals. Irradiation dose to tumor lesions and organs was calculated using Olinda® software. Results: The tumor targeting rate on a per-patient base was 65% (13/20) with 6/9 neuroblastomas showing uptake of I-GD2-ch14.18. Tumor lesions showed maximum uptake at 20-64 h p.i. (effective half-life in tumors 33-192 h). The tumor irradiation dose varied between 0.52 and 30.2 mGy/MBq (median: 9.08, n = 13). Visual analysis showed prominent blood pool activity up to d2/d3 p.i.. No pronounced uptake was observed in the bone marrow compartment or in the kidneys. Bone marrow dose was calculated at 0.07-0.47 mGy/MBq (median: 0.14) while blood dose was 1.1-4.7 mGy/MBq. Two patients (1 neuroblastoma and 1 pheochromocytoma) with particularly high tumor uptake underwent radioimmunotherapy using 2.3 and 2.9 GBq of I-GD2-ch14.18 both achieving stable disease. Overall survival was 17 and 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: I-GD2-ch14.18 is cleared slowly from blood resulting in good tumor to background contrast not until 2 d after application. With acceptable red marrow and organ dose, radioimmunotherapy is an option for patients with high tumor uptake. However, due to the variable GD2-expression, decision should be made depending on pretherapeutic dosimetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Juergen Kupferschlaeger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter Lang
- Clinic for Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gerald Reischl
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Clinic for Paediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christian la Fougere
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Helmut Dittmann
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Molecular Imaging, University Hospital Tuebingen, Germany
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22
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Valind A, Gisselsson D. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in Wilms' tumor and Neuroblastoma: What now? Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 4:e1397. [PMID: 33932141 PMCID: PMC8714551 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Therapeutic activation of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes using monoclonal antibodies targeting PD1 or PD‐L1 (immune checkpoint inhibitors—ICIs) has revolutionized treatment of specific solid tumors in adult cancer patients, and much hope has been placed on a similar effect in relapsed or refractory solid pediatric tumors. Recent clinical trials have disappointingly shown an almost nonexistent response rate, while case reports have demonstrated that some pediatric patients do achieve durable responses when treated with this type of drug. Aim To elucidate this paradox, we mapped the landscape of expressed neoantigens as well as the levels of immune cell infiltration in the two most common extracranial solid pediatric tumors: Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma using state‐of‐the‐art in silico analysis of a large cohort of patients with these tumors. Methods By integration of whole exome sequencing and RNA‐sequencing, we mapped the landscape of neoantigens in the TARGET cohorts for these diagnoses and correlated these findings with known genetic prognostic markers. Results Our analysis shows that these tumors typically have much lower levels of expressed neoantigens than commonly seen in adult cancers, but we also identify subgroups with significantly higher levels of neoantigens. For neuroblastomas, the cases with higher levels of neoantigens were confined to the group without MYCN‐amplification and for Wilms tumor restricted to the TP53‐mutated cases. Furthermore, we demonstrate that neuroblastomas have an unexpectedly high level of CD8+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, even when compared to adult tumor types where ICI is an approved treatment. Conclusion These results could be important to consider when designing future clinical trials of ICI treatment in pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Valind
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - David Gisselsson
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Skåne, Lund, Sweden
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23
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Reichel CA. Rare Diseases of the Oral Cavity, Neck, and Pharynx. Laryngorhinootologie 2021; 100:S1-S24. [PMID: 34352905 PMCID: PMC8432966 DOI: 10.1055/a-1331-2851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Diseases occurring with an incidence of less than 1-10 cases per 10 000 individuals are considered as rare. Currently, between 5 000 and 8 000 rare or orphan diseases are known, every year about 250 rare diseases are newly described. Many of those pathologies concern the head and neck area. In many cases, a long time is required to diagnose an orphan disease. The lives of patients who are affected by those diseases are often determined by medical consultations and inpatient stays. Most orphan diseases are of genetic origin and cannot be cured despite medical progress. However, during the last years, the perception of and the knowledge about rare diseases has increased also due to the fact that publicly available databases have been created and self-help groups have been established which foster the autonomy of affected people. Only recently, innovative technical progress in the field of biogenetics allows individually characterizing the genetic origin of rare diseases in single patients. Based on this, it should be possible in the near future to elaborate tailored treatment concepts for patients suffering from rare diseases in the sense of translational and personalized medicine. This article deals with orphan diseases of the lip, oral cavity, pharynx, and cervical soft tissues depicting these developments. The readers will be provided with a compact overview about selected diseases of these anatomical regions. References to further information for medical staff and affected patients support deeper knowledge and lead to the current state of knowledge in this highly dynamic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph A Reichel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, KUM-Klinikum, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München
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24
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Wienke J, Dierselhuis MP, Tytgat GAM, Künkele A, Nierkens S, Molenaar JJ. The immune landscape of neuroblastoma: Challenges and opportunities for novel therapeutic strategies in pediatric oncology. Eur J Cancer 2020; 144:123-150. [PMID: 33341446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy holds great promise for the treatment of pediatric cancers. In neuroblastoma, the recent implementation of anti-GD2 antibody Dinutuximab into the standard of care has improved patient outcomes substantially. However, 5-year survival rates are still below 50% in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma, which has sparked investigations into novel immunotherapeutic approaches. T cell-engaging therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade, antibody-mediated therapy and adoptive T cell therapy have proven remarkably successful in a range of adult cancers but still meet challenges in pediatric oncology. In neuroblastoma, their limited success may be due to several factors. Neuroblastoma displays low immunogenicity due to its low mutational load and lack of MHC-I expression. Tumour infiltration by T and NK cells is especially low in high-risk neuroblastoma and is prognostic for survival. Only a small fraction of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes shows tumour reactivity. Moreover, neuroblastoma tumours employ a variety of immune evasion strategies, including expression of immune checkpoint molecules, induction of immunosuppressive myeloid and stromal cells, as well as secretion of immunoregulatory mediators, which reduce infiltration and reactivity of immune cells. Overcoming these challenges will be key to the successful implementation of novel immunotherapeutic interventions. Combining different immunotherapies, as well as personalised strategies, may be promising approaches. We will discuss the composition, function and prognostic value of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in neuroblastoma, reflect on challenges for immunotherapy, including a lack of TIL reactivity and tumour immune evasion strategies, and highlight opportunities for immunotherapy and future perspectives with regard to state-of-the-art developments in the tumour immunology space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Wienke
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J Molenaar
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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25
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Through Predictive Personalized Medicine. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10090594. [PMID: 32872094 PMCID: PMC7565271 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NBM) is a deadly form of solid tumor mostly observed in the pediatric age. Although survival rates largely differ depending on host factors and tumor-related features, treatment for clinically aggressive forms of NBM remains challenging. Scientific advances are paving the way to improved and safer therapeutic protocols, and immunotherapy is quickly rising as a promising treatment that is potentially safer and complementary to traditionally adopted surgical procedures, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Improving therapeutic outcomes requires new approaches to be explored and validated. In-silico predictive models based on analysis of a plethora of data have been proposed by Lombardo et al. as an innovative tool for more efficacious immunotherapy against NBM. In particular, knowledge gained on intracellular signaling pathways linked to the development of NBM was used to predict how the different phenotypes could be modulated to respond to anti-programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy. Prediction or forecasting are important targets of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Hopefully, similar systems could provide a reliable opportunity for a more targeted approach in the near future.
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