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Wang X, Lu J. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024:00029330-990000000-01097. [PMID: 38855876 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its high recurrence rate and lack of effective control drugs result in a 5-year survival rate of only about 10%. HCC is a tumor regulated by the immune system. Significant breakthroughs have occurred in treating solid tumors with immunotherapy in recent years. Various immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including combination therapies, have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in both clinical applications and research. Other immunotherapies, such as adoptive cell therapies and oncolytic viruses, are also emerging, offering hope for addressing long-term survival issues in HCC. This article reviews current commonly used immunotherapy strategies and the latest research findings for reference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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2
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Yamashita S, Hamamoto S, Furukawa J, Fujita K, Takahashi M, Miyake M, Ito N, Iwamoto H, Kohjimoto Y, Hara I. Prognostic impact of FAN score in patients receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12398. [PMID: 38811687 PMCID: PMC11137057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63403-2] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
FAN score is reportedly associated with prognostic outcomes in patients with urothelial carcinoma being treated with immune check point inhibitors. However, the prognostic impact of pre-treatment FAN score in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab remains unclear. We retrospectively evaluated the association between pre-treatment FAN score and prognostic outcomes in 154 patients with metastatic RCC treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. The pre-treatment FAN score was '0' in 56 patients (36%), '1' in 60 patients (40%), '2' in 37 patients (24%) and '3' in one patient (1%). Progression-free survival was not significantly different between patients with different FAN scores, but second progression-free survival (PFS2), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly different. In multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses, FAN score ≥ 2 was a significant predictor of poor PFS2 (vs. FAN score 0, HR: 2.43, 95% CI 1.21-4.87, P = 0.01), poor CSS (vs. FAN score 0, HR: 2.71, 95% CI 1.13-6.47, P = 0.02) and poor OS (vs. FAN score 0, HR: 2.42, 95% CI 1.11-5.25, P = 0.02). High pre-treatment FAN score could be a significant independent predictor of poor prognosis in patients receiving nivolumab plus ipilimumab for metastatic RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimpei Yamashita
- Department of Urology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan.
| | - Shuzo Hamamoto
- Department of Nephro-Urology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Junya Furukawa
- Department of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Fujita
- Department of Urology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takahashi
- Department of Urology, Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Makito Miyake
- Department of Urology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Ito
- Department of Urology, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hideto Iwamoto
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kohjimoto
- Department of Urology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan
| | - Isao Hara
- Department of Urology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-0012, Japan
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3
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Huang H, Wei Q, Leng C, Wang H, Mei B. Improvements in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma to repeat implementation of primary protocol after cancer progression occurs following sequential systemic therapy and a clinical trial: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38138. [PMID: 38728500 PMCID: PMC11081626 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038138] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic therapy is recommended for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC). However, drug resistance occurs over time when patients receive systemic therapy, resulting in cancer progression. Due to the lack of relevant clinical trials, optimizing subsequent treatments after cancer progression remains elusive. PATIENT CONCERNS A 52-year-old male patient presented with epigastric discomfort and fatigue for almost 1 month with a past history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection for 30 years. DIAGNOSIS Based on the patient's performance status, tumor status assessed by computed tomography, liver function, he was diagnosed with HCC at BCLC stage C. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES He first received transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sintilimab and lenvatinib as first-line treatment and experienced 10-month progression-free survival. After cancer progression, the patient participated in a clinical trial of ABSK-011, a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 inhibitor, with a frustrating result. Then, the patient underwent TACE and received sintilimab plus lenvatinib again. Surprisingly, the tumor had a partial response, and the patient's serum alpha-fetoprotein returned to normal. LESSONS The combined treatment of TACE plus systemic therapy might be an appropriate subsequent treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Wei
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Leng
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Mei
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Zhao H, Ling Y, He J, Dong J, Mo Q, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yu H, Tang C. Potential targets and therapeutics for cancer stem cell-based therapy against drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 74:101084. [PMID: 38640592 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101084] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common digestive malignancyin the world, which is frequently diagnosed at late stage with a poor prognosis. For most patients with advanced HCC, the therapeutic options arelimiteddue to cancer occurrence of drug resistance. Hepatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) account for a small subset of tumor cells with the ability of self-renewal and differentiationin HCC. It is widely recognized that the presence of CSCs contributes to primary and acquired drug resistance. Therefore, hepatic CSCs-targeted therapy is considered as a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance and improve therapeutic outcome in HCC. In this article, we review drug resistance in HCC and provide a summary of potential targets for CSCs-based therapy. In addition, the development of CSCs-targeted therapeuticsagainst drug resistance in HCC is summarized in both preclinical and clinical trials. The in-depth understanding of CSCs-related drug resistance in HCC will favor optimization of the current therapeutic strategies and gain encouraging therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxing Zhao
- Department of Radiology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuhang Ling
- Central Laboratory, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Huzhou Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jie He
- Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinling Dong
- Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qinliang Mo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Central Laboratory, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Hepatology, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hongbin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chengwu Tang
- Huzhou Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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5
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Song Y, Lei L, Cai X, Wei H, Yu CY. Immunomodulatory Peptides for Tumor Treatment. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400512. [PMID: 38657003 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400512] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Peptides exhibit various biological activities, including biorecognition, cell targeting, and tumor penetration, and can stimulate immune cells to elicit immune responses for tumor immunotherapy. Peptide self-assemblies and peptide-functionalized nanocarriers can reduce the effect of various biological barriers and the degradation by peptidases, enhancing the efficiency of peptide delivery and improving antitumor immune responses. To date, the design and development of peptides with various functionalities have been extensively reviewed for enhanced chemotherapy; however, peptide-mediated tumor immunotherapy using peptides acting on different immune cells, to the knowledge, has not yet been summarized. Thus, this work provides a review of this emerging subject of research, focusing on immunomodulatory anticancer peptides. This review introduces the role of peptides in the immunomodulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, followed by a link between peptides in the innate and adaptive immune systems. The peptides are discussed in detail, following a classification according to their effects on different innate and adaptive immune cells, as well as immune checkpoints. Subsequently, two delivery strategies for peptides as drugs are presented: peptide self-assemblies and peptide-functionalized nanocarriers. The concluding remarks regarding the challenges and potential solutions of peptides for tumor immunotherapy are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Song
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Longtianyang Lei
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Xingyu Cai
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
| | - Cui-Yun Yu
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hunan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410013, China
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6
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Akbulut Z, Aru B, Aydın F, Yanıkkaya Demirel G. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379622. [PMID: 38638433 PMCID: PMC11024234 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in cancer treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, remains a major public health problem worldwide. The immune microenvironment plays a critical role in regulating tumor progression and resistance to therapy, and in HCC, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by an abundance of immunosuppressive cells and signals that facilitate immune evasion and metastasis. Recently, anti-cancer immunotherapies, therapeutic interventions designed to modulate the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer, have become an important cornerstone of cancer therapy. Immunotherapy has demonstrated the ability to improve survival and provide durable cancer control in certain groups of HCC patients, while reducing adverse side effects. These findings represent a significant step toward improving cancer treatment outcomes. As demonstrated in clinical trials, the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), particularly in combination with anti-angiogenic agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has prolonged survival in a subset of patients with HCC, providing an alternative for patients who progress on first-line therapy. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of HCC and the role of the immune system in its development, and to summarize the findings of clinical trials involving ICIs, either as monotherapies or in combination with other agents in the treatment of the disease. Challenges and considerations regarding the administration of ICIs in the treatment of HCC are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Akbulut
- Cancer and Stem Cell Research Center, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Maltepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Başak Aru
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Furkan Aydın
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Hsu CY, Mustafa MA, Kumar A, Pramanik A, Sharma R, Mohammed F, Jawad IA, Mohammed IJ, Alshahrani MY, Ali Khalil NAM, Shnishil AT, Abosaoda MK. Exploiting the immune system in hepatic tumor targeting: Unleashing the potential of drugs, natural products, and nanoparticles. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 256:155266. [PMID: 38554489 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155266] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic tumors present a formidable challenge in cancer therapeutics, necessitating the exploration of novel treatment strategies. In recent years, targeting the immune system has attracted interest to augment existing therapeutic efficacy. The immune system in hepatic tumors includes numerous cells with diverse actions. CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper 1 (Th1) CD4+ T lymphocytes, alternative M1 macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells provide the antitumor immunity. However, Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs), M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are the key immune inhibitor cells. Tumor stroma can also affect these interactions. Targeting these cells and their secreted molecules is intriguing for eliminating malignant cells. The current review provides a synopsis of the immune system components involved in hepatic tumor expansion and highlights the molecular and cellular pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. It also overviews the diverse range of drugs, natural products, immunotherapy drugs, and nanoparticles that have been investigated to manipulate immune responses and bolster antitumor immunity. The review also addresses the potential advantages and challenges associated with these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chou-Yi Hsu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan City 71710, Taiwan
| | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560069, India; Department of Pharmacy, Vivekananda Global University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012, India
| | - Atreyi Pramanik
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Rajiv Sharma
- Institute of Pharma Sciences and Research, Chandigarh University, Mohali, India
| | - Faraj Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacy, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, Maysan, Iraq
| | | | - Imad Jasim Mohammed
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, Dhi Qar, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Y Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | | | | | - Munther Kadhim Abosaoda
- College of technical engineering, the Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Iraq; College of technical engineering, the Islamic University of Babylon, Iraq
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8
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Llovet JM, Pinyol R, Yarchoan M, Singal AG, Marron TU, Schwartz M, Pikarsky E, Kudo M, Finn RS. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant immunotherapies in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:294-311. [PMID: 38424197 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00868-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The development of effective systemic therapies, particularly those involving immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has substantially improved the outcomes of patients with advanced-stage HCC. Approximately 30% of patients are diagnosed with early stage disease and currently receive potentially curative therapies, such as resection, liver transplantation or local ablation, which result in median overall survival durations beyond 60 months. Nonetheless, up to 70% of these patients will have disease recurrence within 5 years of resection or local ablation. To date, the results of randomized clinical trials testing adjuvant therapy in patients with HCC have been negative. This major unmet need has been addressed with the IMbrave 050 trial, demonstrating a recurrence-free survival benefit in patients with a high risk of relapse after resection or local ablation who received adjuvant atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. In parallel, studies testing neoadjuvant ICIs alone or in combination in patients with early stage disease have also reported efficacy. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current approaches to manage patients with early stage HCC. We also describe the tumour immune microenvironment and the mechanisms of action of ICIs and cancer vaccines in this setting. Finally, we summarize the available evidence from phase II/III trials of neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches and discuss emerging clinical trials, identification of biomarkers and clinical trial design considerations for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roser Pinyol
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas U Marron
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Myron Schwartz
- Department of Liver Surgery, Recanati/Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eli Pikarsky
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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9
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Jani Y, Jansen CS, Gerke MB, Bilen MA. Established and emerging biomarkers of immunotherapy in renal cell carcinoma. Immunotherapy 2024; 16:405-426. [PMID: 38264827 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2023-0267] [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] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, have heralded impressive progress for patient care in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Despite this success, some patients' disease fails to respond, and other patients experience significant side effects. Thus, development of biomarkers is needed to ensure that patients can be selected to maximize benefit from immunotherapies. Improving clinicians' ability to predict which patients will respond to immunotherapy and which are most at risk of adverse events - namely through clinical biomarkers - is indispensable for patient safety and therapeutic efficacy. Accordingly, an evolving suite of therapeutic biomarkers continues to be investigated. This review discusses biomarkers for immunotherapy in RCC, highlighting current practices and emerging innovations, aiming to contribute to improved outcomes for patients with RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash Jani
- Mercer University, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Caroline S Jansen
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Margo B Gerke
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mehmet Asim Bilen
- Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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10
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Cappuyns S, Corbett V, Yarchoan M, Finn RS, Llovet JM. Critical Appraisal of Guideline Recommendations on Systemic Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Review. JAMA Oncol 2024; 10:395-404. [PMID: 37535375 PMCID: PMC10837331 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.2677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Importance The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with antiangiogenic agents has revolutionized the treatment landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, due to rapid publication of new studies that attained their predefined primary end points, a lack of robust cross-trial comparison of first-line therapies, and diverging clinical guidelines, no clear-cut treatment flowchart and sequence of therapies are available. This critical analysis of the recommendations for the management of advanced HCC from the main scientific societies in the US and Europe adopted an integrated approach to provide information on the clinical benefit (overall survival and progression-free survival) and safety profile of these therapies using the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (MCBS) score and an ad hoc network meta-analysis. Observations There is a major consensus among guidelines that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab has a primacy as the recommended first-line treatment of choice in advanced HCC. On progression after immunotherapy-containing regimens and for patients with contraindications for immunotherapies, most guidelines maintain the established treatment hierarchy, recommending lenvatinib or sorafenib as the preferred options, followed by either regorafenib, cabozantinib, or ramucirumab. Thus far, the first-line immune-based regimen of tremelimumab plus durvalumab has been integrated only in the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidance document and the latest National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines and has particular utility for patients with a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Overall, in the first-line setting, both atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and sintilimab plus IBI305 (a bevacizumab biosimilar) and durvalumab plus tremelimumab received the highest ESMO-MCBS score of 5, indicating a substantial magnitude of clinical benefit. In a network meta-analysis, no significant differences in overall survival were found among the various combination regimens. However, the newly reported combination of camrelizumab plus rivoceranib was associated with a significantly higher risk of treatment-related adverse events compared with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (relative risk, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.25-2.03; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance This narrative review found that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is regarded as the primary standard of care for advanced HCC in the first-line setting. These findings from integrating the recommendations from scientific societies' guidelines for managing advanced HCC along with new data from cross-trial comparisons may aid clinicians in decision-making and guide them through a rapidly evolving and complex treatment landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cappuyns
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Digestive Oncology, Department of Gastroenterology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven/Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Virginia Corbett
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), Los Angeles
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Zhang R, Wang F, You Z, Deng D, He J, Yan W, Quan J, Wang J, Yan S. Approved immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma: a large-scale meta-analysis and systematic review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:82. [PMID: 38319412 PMCID: PMC10847200 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05539-8] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
A meta-analysis was performed to assess the benefits and safety profile of approved immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Eligible studies were searched from Cochrane, Embase, and PubMed databases based on a well-established strategy. Following the exclusion of ineligible studies, 12 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with control group, immune checkpoint inhibitors were associated with improved ORR (OR 3.03, 95% CI 2.26-4.05, P < 0.00001), SD (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.95, P = 0.02), OS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68-0.83, P < 0.00001), and PFS (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.63-0.87, P < 0.0003). However, no significant differences were observed in DCR (OR 1.33, 95% CI 0.97-1.81, P = 0.07), PD (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.67-1.21, P = 0.48), and all caused any-grade adverse events (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.62-2.39, P = 0. 57), all caused ≥ grade 3 adverse events (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.97-1.25, P = 0.14), treatment-related any-grade adverse events (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.55-2.32, P = 0.73), and treatment-related ≥ grade 3 events (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.34-1.97, P = 0.65) between the two groups. After subgroup analysis conducted, patients in the immune checkpoint inhibitor group compared with targeted drug group showed significant improvements in OS (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.84, P < 0.00001) and PFS (HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61-0.91, P = 0.004). Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated peculiar benefits in the treatment of HCC with an acceptable safety profile. Compared to targeted drugs, immune checkpoint inhibitors still offer advantages in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there is still considerable room for further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, 550001, China
- Center for Eugenics Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Center for Eugenics Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Zhiyu You
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, 550001, China
| | - Dongyang Deng
- Center for Eugenics Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Jiangyan He
- Center for Eugenics Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, China
| | - Wentao Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou, 550001, China
| | - Jian Quan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Anshun Hospital of Guizhou Aviation Industry Group, Guizhou, 561099, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic, Kunming Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, 650051, China
| | - Shujuan Yan
- Department of Prenatal Diagnostic Center, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou Medical University, Tianhe District, No.9 Jinsui Road, Zhujiang New Town, Guangzhou, 510623, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China.
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12
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Qin R, Jin T, Xu F. Biomarkers predicting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1326097. [PMID: 38187399 PMCID: PMC10770866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1326097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a transformative approach in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite their success, challenges persist, including concerns about their effectiveness, treatment costs, frequent occurrence of treatment-related adverse events, and tumor hyperprogression. Therefore, it is imperative to identify indicators capable of predicting the efficacy of ICIs treatment, enabling optimal patient selection to maximize clinical benefits while minimizing unnecessary toxic side effects and economic losses. This review paper categorizes prognostic biomarkers of ICIs treatment into the following categories: biochemical and cytological indicators, tumor-related markers, imaging and personal features, etiology, gut microbiome, and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). By organizing these indicators systematically, we aim to guide biomarker exploration and inform clinical treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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13
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Zanuso V, Pirozzi A, Balsano R, Pressiani T, Rimassa L. Safety and Efficacy of Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab Combination as a First Line Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1689-1708. [PMID: 37808223 PMCID: PMC10557510 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s347932] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common leading causes of cancer death worldwide. As most patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, systemic therapy remains the backbone of treatment. In recent years, we have witnessed the transformation of advanced HCC treatment landscapes from single-agent targeted therapies to immunotherapy combinations, with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab becoming the new first-line standard of care with an increase in overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rate compared to sorafenib, and a positive impact on quality of life. Although the efficacy and safety of this combination have been confirmed regardless of ethnicity, age, and etiology, only a subgroup of patients seems to benefit the most from this treatment. Currently, predictive serum and tissue biomarkers to select patients who are most likely to respond to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab are lacking. Moreover, the optimal subsequent therapy for patients who progress on first-line atezolizumab plus bevacizumab remains unknown, clinical trials are ongoing, and real-world data are needed to determine the most effective treatment sequence. Importantly, careful evaluation of bleeding risk and preservation of adequate liver function are fundamental to improve patients' prognosis, especially when subsequent treatments are administered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Zanuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Pirozzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Rita Balsano
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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14
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Liang Y, Wang B, Chen Q, Fu X, Jiang C, Lin Z, Zhuang Q, Zeng Y, Liu X, Zhang D. Systemic delivery of glycosylated-PEG-masked oncolytic virus enhances targeting of antitumor immuno-virotherapy and modulates T and NK cell infiltration. Theranostics 2023; 13:5452-5468. [PMID: 37908722 PMCID: PMC10614686 DOI: 10.7150/thno.87498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Immuno-virotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment, as it directly and cytotoxically eliminates tumors with systemic immune stimulation. However, the clinical efficacy of this approach remains limited by inappropriate delivery routes, robust antiviral responses, and the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Methods: To address these challenges, we propose a surface engineering strategy that masks oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) with a galactose-polyethylene-glycol (PEG) polymer chain to minimize host antiviral responses and selectively targets tumors by limiting exposure to circulation upon systemic administration. We evaluated the antitumor efficacy of glycosylated-PEG-oHSV by examining tumor growth in animal models and analyzing tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells and NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). To assess the neutralizing antibody levels after systemic administration of glycosylated-PEG-oHSV, we utilized a mouse model and measured oHSV-specific IgG. Results: We demonstrate that the glycosylated-PEG modified oHSV does not affect the replication of oHSV yet exhibits high specificity to the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. This results in selectively targeting cancer cells and deep penetration into tumors while avoiding spreading into the brain. Our approach also effectively reduces oHSV-specific neutralizing antibody levels to mitigate host antiviral immune response. Notably, our glycosylated-PEG-oHSV alleviates the immunosuppressive microenvironment within tumors by reducing regulatory T cells, augmenting the infiltration of activated CD8+T cells and NK cells with increasing release of anti-tumor cytokines, to impede tumor progression. Conclusion: Our findings offer a widely applicable and universal strategy to enhance cancer immuno-virotherapy through systemic administration of non-genetically engineered oncolytic viruses. This approach has the potential to overcome the limitations of current immune-virotherapy strategies and may improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhi Liang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - Bing Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
- Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
| | - Qingjing Chen
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
- Liver Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, P. R. China
| | - Xingyue Fu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
| | - Chenwei Jiang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwen Lin
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
| | - Qiuyu Zhuang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Yongyi Zeng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
- Liver Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, P. R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Da Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350025, P. R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
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15
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Cerreto M, Cardone F, Cerrito L, Stella L, Santopaolo F, Pallozzi M, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. The New Era of Systemic Treatment for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From the First Line to the Optimal Sequence. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:8774-8792. [PMID: 37887533 PMCID: PMC10605429 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30100633] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most common primary liver cancer and is considered a major global health problem as one of the leading causes of cancer-related death in the world. Due to the increase in life expectancy and the epidemiological growth of specific risk factors, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the incidence of HCC is growing globally, and mortality rates are still high. Moreover, patients frequently present at an intermediate or advanced tumor stage, when curative treatments, such as surgical resection, liver transplantation or ablation are no longer applicable. In these cases, trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE), trans-arterial radioembolization (TARE), and systemic therapy are the only suitable options to achieve disease control. The multi-kinase inhibitor Sorafenib has been the only systemic treatment available for unresectable advanced HCC for almost a decade, but in the last couple of years new therapeutic options have emerged. Recent advances in understanding the interactions between the tumor and its microenvironment, especially cancer immune escape, led to the advent of immunotherapy. Currently, first-line systemic treatment for HCC is represented by the combination of the immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab, an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, but many other ICIs have been investigated, such as Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Durvalumab and Ipilimumab. However, the problem of second- and third-line therapies, and the correct sequence of treatments remains open and is not addressed in most studies. This explains the urge to find new systemic treatments that can improve the survival and quality of life in patients that can go beyond the first line of treatment. The aim of this paper is to offer a complete overview of the most recent innovations in systemic treatments for unresectable locally advanced and metastatic HCC, including emerging therapies, with a particular focus on treatment sequences. Moreover, we will provide an outlook on possible future approaches to patients who progress beyond first-line therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cerreto
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Ferdinando Cardone
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Leonardo Stella
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Liver Unit—CEMAD, Centro Malattie Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (F.C.); (L.C.); (L.S.); (F.S.); (M.P.); (A.G.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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16
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Zanuso V, Rimassa L, Braconi C. The rapidly evolving landscape of HCC: Selecting the optimal systemic therapy. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00559. [PMID: 37695554 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Over the past years, there has been a remarkable advance in the systemic treatment options for advanced HCC. The overall survival has gradually increased over time, with larger benefits for patients with sensitive tumors and preserved liver function, the latter being an essential condition for the delivery of sequential lines of treatment and optimization of clinical outcomes. With the approval of new first-line agents and the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based therapies, the treatment landscape of advanced HCC is becoming wider than ever. Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and, more recently, durvalumab plus tremelimumab have entered the clinical practice and are the current standard of care for treatment-naïve patients, surpassing sorafenib and lenvatinib monopoly. As no head-to-head comparisons are available among all the first-line treatment options, the recommendation for the most appropriate choice and sequence is patient-driven and integrates efficacy data with clinical comorbidities, background liver disease, and the safety profile of available drugs. In addition, predictive biomarkers for successful patients' stratification are yet to be available and constitute the focus of ongoing research. The treatment algorithm is likely to become even more complex since systemic therapeutic approaches are now being translated into earlier stages of the disease, with an impact on the evolution of the sequential treatment of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Zanuso
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Braconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK
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17
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Carloni R, Sabbioni S, Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Palloni A, Petrarota C, Cusmai A, Tavolari S, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Brandi G. Immune-Based Combination Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1445-1463. [PMID: 37701562 PMCID: PMC10493094 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s390963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most frequent cause of cancer-related death worldwide. HCC frequently presents as advanced disease at diagnosis, and disease relapse following radical surgery is frequent. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced HCC, particularly with the introduction of atezolizumab/bevacizumab as the new standard of care for first-line treatment. Recently, dual immune checkpoint blockade with durvalumab plus tremelimumab has also emerged as an effective first-line treatment for advanced HCC and most of the research is currently focused on developing combination treatments based mainly on ICIs. In this review, we will discuss the rationale and ongoing clinical trials of immune-based combination therapies for the treatment of advanced HCC, also focusing on new immunotherapy strategies such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) and anti-cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Carloni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simone Sabbioni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello”, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology, “Saverio de Bellis” Research Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Palloni
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cataldo Petrarota
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello”, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Cusmai
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello”, I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Tavolari
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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18
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Kawamura Y, Akuta N, Fujiyama S, Suzuki F, Kumada H. Two Cases of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Who Responded Well to the Combination of Durvalumab Plus Tremelimumab After Disease Progression During Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Therapy Under Bevacizumab Withdrawal. Cureus 2023; 15:e45385. [PMID: 37854758 PMCID: PMC10579722 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45385] [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] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Many systemic chemotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), are now available for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, it is often difficult to continue administration of angiogenesis inhibitors in these patients due to various side effects. In the two cases described in this paper, following the introduction of combination therapy with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atezo/Bev), it was difficult to continue bevacizumab treatment due to side effects, such as proteinuria and fluid retention, with disease control in the two patients being ultimately poor. However, both patients experienced treatment success after switching Atezo/Bev to a regimen that included durvalumab, an anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody (anti-PD-L1 antibody) similar to atezolizumab, plus tremelimumab, an anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 antibody (anti-CTLA-4 antibody) in situations where the continuation of bevacizumab was difficult. The efficacy of subsequent drug sequencing from ICI to another ICI after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, which is the standard first-line treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, has not yet been established. We consider that the two cases described in this paper provide valuable information worthy of the report.
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19
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Lee YR. A multidisciplinary approach with immunotherapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:316-329. [PMID: 37743048 PMCID: PMC10565553 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.09.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive disease that is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Advanced HCC has limited treatment options and often has a poor prognosis. For the past decade, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been the only treatments approved for advanced HCC that have shown overall survival (OS) benefits; however, but their clinical efficacy has been limited. Recent trials have demonstrated promising advancements in survival outcomes through immunotherapy-based treatments, such as combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with other ICIs, antiangiogenic drugs, and locoregional therapies. The atezolizumab-bevacizumab and durvalumab-tremelimumab (STRIDE) regimen has significantly improved survival rates as a first-line treatment and has become the new standard of care. Therefore, combined treatments for advanced HCC can result in better treatment outcomes owing to their synergistic effects, which requires a multidisciplinary approach. Ongoing studies are examining other therapeutic innovations that can improve disease control and OS rates. Despite improvements in the treatment of advanced HCC, further studies on the optimal treatment selection and sequences, biomarker identification, combination approaches with other therapies, and development of novel immunotherapy agents are required. This review presents the current treatment options and clinical data of the ICI-based combination immunotherapies for advanced HCC from a multidisciplinary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Rim Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
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20
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Tang F, Wang N. Identification and validation of ferroptosis-related prognostic risk model and immune landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152723. [PMID: 37517112 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152723] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ferroptosis has been paid much more attention on account of the correlation withtumorigenesis and development. However, the molecular characteristics and immune landscape of ferroptosis regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been fully elucidated. METHODS RNA-sequencing data and matched clinical data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, then underwent gene expression, genetic variations, prognostic risk model, and immune characterization analyses. An independent cohort from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was utilized to validate ferroptosis-related prognostic risk model. RESULTS We first identified the differentially expressed ferroptosis regulators between the tumor tissues and normal controls in HCC. Furthermore, the prognostic risk model based on ferroptosis regulators was constructed, of which the high risk group presented poor clinical outcomes compared to the low risk group. Importantly, the ferroptosis-related prognostic risk model consistently presented excellent prediction ability in recognizing the high and low risk patients according to the validation from an independent cohort. Subsequently, immune landscape analysis uncovered that most of ferroptosis regulatory genes were significantly associated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoints in HCC. Moreover, the correlations of risk score with immune cells infiltration and immune checkpoints were determined in HCC. CONCLUSION Our study developed a prognostic risk model based on ferroptosis regulatory genes, which could accurately predict the patients' prognosis. Immune characteristics analysisrevealed that ferroptosis regulatory genes were associated with immune cells infiltration and immune checkpoints in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin 300170, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Tianjin 300170, China; Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin 300170, China; Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin 300170, China.
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21
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Chen VCH, Huang SL, Huang JY, Hsu TC, Tzang BS, McIntyre RS. Combined Administration of Escitalopram Oxalate and Nivolumab Exhibits Synergistic Growth-Inhibitory Effects on Liver Cancer Cells through Inducing Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12630. [PMID: 37628813 PMCID: PMC10454364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612630] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal malignant cancers worldwide. However, the therapeutic options for advanced liver cancers are limited and reveal scant efficacy. The current study investigated the effects of nivolumab (Niv) and escitalopram oxalate (Esc) in combination on proliferation of liver cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Significantly decreased viability of HepG2 cells that were treated with Esc or Niv was observed in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Administration of Esc (50 μM) + Niv (20 μM), Esc (75 μM) + Niv (5 μM), and Esc (75 μM) + Niv (20 μM) over 24 h exhibited synergistic effects, inhibiting the survival of HepG2 cells. Additionally, treatment with Esc (50 μM) + Niv (1 μM), Esc (50 μM) + Niv (20 μM), and Esc (75 μM) + Niv (20 μM) over 48 h exhibited synergistic effects, inhibiting the survival of HepG2 cells. Finally, treatment with Esc (50 μM) + Niv (1 μM), Esc (50 μM) + Niv (20 μM), and Esc (75 μM) + Niv (20 μM) for 72 h exhibited synergistic effects, inhibiting HepG2 survival. Com-pared with controls, HepG2 cells treated with Esc (50 μM) + Niv (20 μM) exhibited significantly increased sub-G1 portion and annexin-V signals. In a xenograft animal study, Niv (6.66 mg/kg) + Esc (2.5 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the growth of xenograft HepG2 tumors in nude mice. This study reports for the first time the synergistic effects of combined administration of Niv and Esc for inhibiting HepG2 cell proliferation, which may provide an alternative option for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Chin-Hung Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan;
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61303, Taiwan; (S.-L.H.); (J.-Y.H.)
| | - Shao-Lan Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61303, Taiwan; (S.-L.H.); (J.-Y.H.)
| | - Jing-Yu Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61303, Taiwan; (S.-L.H.); (J.-Y.H.)
| | - Tsai-Ching Hsu
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Immunology Center, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Bor-Show Tzang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Immunology Center, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Roger S. McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T2S8, Canada;
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T1R8, Canada
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22
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Persano M, Rimini M, Tada T, Suda G, Shimose S, Kudo M, Cheon J, Finkelmeier F, Lim HY, Presa J, Masi G, Yoo C, Lonardi S, Tovoli F, Kumada T, Sakamoto N, Iwamoto H, Aoki T, Chon HJ, Himmelsbach V, Niizeki T, Montes M, Vivaldi C, Soldà C, Stefanini B, Hiraoka A, Sho T, Nishida N, Steup C, Iavarone M, Di Costanzo G, Marra F, Tamburini E, Cabibbo G, Foschi FG, Silletta M, Hirooka M, Kariyama K, Tani J, Atsukawa M, Takaguchi K, Itobayashi E, Fukunishi S, Tsuji K, Ishikawa T, Tajiri K, Ochi H, Yasuda S, Toyoda H, Ogawa C, Nishimura T, Hatanaka T, Kakizaki S, Shimada N, Kawata K, Tada F, Ohama H, Nouso K, Morishita A, Tsutsui A, Nagano T, Itokawa N, Okubo T, Arai T, Imai M, Kosaka H, Naganuma A, Koizumi Y, Nakamura S, Kaibori M, Iijima H, Hiasa Y, Campani C, Amadeo E, Rossari F, Burgio V, Cascinu S, Scartozzi M, Casadei-Gardini A. Sequential therapies after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab or lenvatinib first-line treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Eur J Cancer 2023; 189:112933. [PMID: 37385069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this retrospective proof-of-concept study was to compare different second-line treatments for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and progressive disease (PD) after first-line lenvatinib or atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 1381 patients had PD at first-line therapy. 917 patients received lenvatinib as first-line treatment, and 464 patients atezolizumab plus bevacizumab as first-line. RESULTS 49.6% of PD patients received a second-line therapy without any statistical difference in overall survival (OS) between lenvatinib (20.6months) and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab first-line (15.7months; p = 0.12; hazard ratio [HR]= 0.80). After lenvatinib first-line, there wasn't any statistical difference between second-line therapy subgroups (p = 0.27; sorafenib HR: 1; immunotherapy HR: 0.69; other therapies HR: 0.85). Patients who underwent trans-arterial chemo-embolization (TACE) had a significative longer OS than patients who received sorafenib (24.7 versus 15.8months, p < 0.01; HR=0.64). After atezolizumab plus bevacizumab first-line, there was a statistical difference between second-line therapy subgroups (p < 0.01; sorafenib HR: 1; lenvatinib HR: 0.50; cabozantinib HR: 1.29; other therapies HR: 0.54). Patients who received lenvatinib (17.0months) and those who underwent TACE (15.9months) had a significative longer OS than patients treated with sorafenib (14.2months; respectively, p = 0.01; HR=0.45, and p < 0.05; HR=0.46). CONCLUSION Approximately half of patients receiving first-line lenvatinib or atezolizumab plus bevacizumab access second-line treatment. Our data suggest that in patients progressed to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, the systemic therapy able to achieve the longest survival is lenvatinib, while in patients progressed to lenvatinib, the systemic therapy able to achieve the longest survival is immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Persano
- Medical Oncology, University and University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Margherita Rimini
- Department of Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Toshifumi Tada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Goki Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, North 15, West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shigeo Shimose
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Jaekyung Cheon
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Fabian Finkelmeier
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ho Yeong Lim
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Gianluca Masi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Changhoon Yoo
- Department of Oncology, ASAN Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05505, South Korea
| | - Sara Lonardi
- Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Takashi Kumada
- Department of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, North 15, West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hideki Iwamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | - Tomoko Aoki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Hong Jae Chon
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Vera Himmelsbach
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Takashi Niizeki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan
| | | | - Caterina Vivaldi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Soldà
- Oncology Unit 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Bernardo Stefanini
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Atsushi Hiraoka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Takuya Sho
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, North 15, West 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
| | - Christoph Steup
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Massimo Iavarone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Marra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Emiliano Tamburini
- Department of Oncology and Palliative Care, Cardinale G Panico, Tricase City Hospital, Tricase, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Marianna Silletta
- Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - Masashi Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kariyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Atsukawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Takaguchi
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Ei Itobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asahi General Hospital, Asahi, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukunishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Tsuji
- Center of Gastroenterology, Teine Keijinkai Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Toru Ishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuto Tajiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toyama University Hospital, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hironori Ochi
- Hepato-biliary Center, Japanese Red Cross Matsuyama Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Chikara Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Takamatsu Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishimura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hatanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Satoru Kakizaki
- Department of Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Noritomo Shimada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Otakanomori Hospital, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Department of Hepatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Fujimasa Tada
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Hideko Ohama
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nouso
- Department of Gastroenterology, Okayama City Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Akemi Tsutsui
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Takuya Nagano
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu, Japan
| | - Norio Itokawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomomi Okubo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taeang Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michitaka Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Niigata Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kosaka
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Yohei Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nakamura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hospital, Himeji, Japan
| | - Masaki Kaibori
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroko Iijima
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan
| | - Claudia Campani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Amadeo
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina n. 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Rossari
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina n. 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Burgio
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina n. 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Cascinu
- Department of Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology, University and University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Casadei-Gardini
- Department of Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Milan, Italy
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23
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Krekeler C, Wethmar K, Mikesch JH, Kerkhoff A, Menck K, Lenz G, Schildhaus HU, Wessolly M, Hoffmann MW, Pascher A, Asmus I, Wardelmann E, Bleckmann A. Complete Metabolic Response to Combined Immune Checkpoint Inhibition after Progression of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer on Pembrolizumab: A Case Report. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12056. [PMID: 37569431 PMCID: PMC10418401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512056] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and microsatellite instable (MSI) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) can be successfully treated with FDA- and EMA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) pembrolizumab and nivolumab (as single agents targeting the anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)) or combinations of a PD-1 inhibitor with ipilimumab, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4)-targeting antibody. The best treatment strategy beyond progression on single-agent ICI therapy remains unclear. Here, we present the case of a 63-year-old male with Lynch-syndrome-associated, microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) mCRC who achieved a rapid normalization of his tumor markers and a complete metabolic remission (CMR), currently lasting for ten months, on sequential ICI treatment with the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab followed by nivolumab maintenance therapy after progression on single-agent anti-PD-1 ICI therapy. The therapy was well-tolerated, and no immune-related adverse events occurred. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a sustained metabolic complete remission in an MSI-H mCRC patient initially progressing on single-agent anti-PD-1 therapy. Thus, dMMR mCRC patients might benefit from sequential immune checkpoint regimens even with long-term responses. However, further sophistication of clinical algorithms for treatment beyond progression on single-agent ICI therapy in MSI-mCRC is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Krekeler
- Department for Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany (A.B.)
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Klaus Wethmar
- Department for Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany (A.B.)
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Jan-Henrik Mikesch
- Department for Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany (A.B.)
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Andrea Kerkhoff
- Department for Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany (A.B.)
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Kerstin Menck
- Department for Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany (A.B.)
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Lenz
- Department for Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany (A.B.)
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Schildhaus
- Institute of Pathology Nordhessen, 34119 Kassel, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Wessolly
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Hoffmann
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Raphaelsklinik Muenster, 48143 Muenster, Germany
| | - Andreas Pascher
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Inga Asmus
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Eva Wardelmann
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Annalen Bleckmann
- Department for Medicine A, Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology and Pneumology, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany (A.B.)
- West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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24
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Pinter M, Scheiner B, Pinato DJ. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma: emerging challenges in clinical practice. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:S2468-1253(23)00147-4. [PMID: 37327807 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00147-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has expanded at an unprecedented pace over the past 5 years. After tyrosine kinase inhibitors dominated the field for more than a decade, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapies have become the main component in systemic first-line treatment of this cancer. Delivery of immunotherapy in routine clinical practice recognises several challenges. In this Viewpoint, we discuss the major gaps in knowledge around the role of ICI-based therapies in patients with Child-Pugh class B. We discuss the challenges in individuals with rare histological subtypes of primary liver cancer, including combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma, fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, and sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma. We also review data on ICI rechallenge in patients previously treated with ICIs, and discuss atypical patterns of progression related to immunotherapy (ie, hyperprogressive disease and pseudoprogression).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Liver Cancer (HCC) Study Group Vienna, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Liver Cancer (HCC) Study Group Vienna, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - David J Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK; Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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25
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Ye Z, Zhang Y, Chen J, Wang X, Hong Y, Zhao Q. First-line PD-1 inhibitors combination therapy for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma: A retrospective real-world study. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110344. [PMID: 37245298 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110344] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combination therapy with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors is currently the first-line treatment for advanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) in real-world settings. However, its effectiveness and safety are yet to be established. This study sought to assess the impact of this approach on the survival of this patient population. METHODS Our study included patients with advanced CCA who received first-line PD-1 inhibitors combination therapy at our hospital between September 2020 and April 2022 and were followed up until October 2022. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot the survival curves. The Log-Rank method was used to compare differences in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between groups. RESULTS A total of 54 patients with advanced CCA were enrolled. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 16.7% and 79.6%, respectively. The median PFS and OS were 6.6 (95% CI: 3.9-9.3) months and 13.9 (95% CI: 10.0-17.8) months, respectively. 88.9% of patients (n = 48) experienced at least one adverse event (AE) with grade ≥ 3 AEs occurring in 20 patients (37.0%). The most common grade ≥ 3 AEs were neutropenia (n = 6, 11.1%), anemia (n = 6, 11.1%), and thrombocytopenia (n = 6, 11.1%). 28 patients (51.9%) developed at least one immune-related adverse event (irAE). The most common irAEs reported were rash (n = 12, 22.2%), hypothyroidism (n = 11, 20.4%), and pruritus (n = 5, 9.3%). Four patients (7.4%) developed grade ≥ 3 irAEs, including rash (n = 1, 1.9%), pruritus (n = 1, 1.9%), colitis (n = 1, 1.9%), and pancreatitis (n = 1, 1.9%). In addition, patients with CEA ≤ 5 ng/ml prior to PD-1 inhibitors combination therapy experienced longer median PFS (9.0 months vs. 4.5 months, P = 0.016) and median OS (17.5 months vs. 11.3 months, P = 0.014) than those with CEA > 5 ng/ml. CONCLUSION Combination therapy with PD-1 inhibitors has demonstrated promising efficacy and manageable adverse events as a first-line treatment for advanced CCA in the real world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Ye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Hong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Hu H, Wang K, Jia R, Zeng ZX, Zhu M, Deng YL, Xiong ZJ, Tang JN, Xie H, Wang Y, Zhang P, Zhou J. Current Status in Rechallenge of Immunotherapy. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2428-2442. [PMID: 37215995 PMCID: PMC10197886 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.82776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of malignant tumors has entered the era of immunotherapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have brought significant benefits to patients. However, some patients are required to discontinue treatment with ICIs owing to factors such as disease progression and intolerable side effects. Faced with limited subsequent treatment options and complex medical needs, we searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and the NIH clinical trials database and found that ICI rechallenge could be a relevant clinical strategy. The factors that could affect the rechallenge efficacy include the patients' characteristics, therapeutic strategy selection, and the timing of treatment. Multiple factors are used to identify target population, of which clinical features and PD-L1 expression are more potential. Both single ICI rechallenge and combination therapy may have survival benefits. Patients who have tolerated initial immunotherapy well could undergo ICI rechallenge, while patients who have experienced grade 3 or higher immune-related adverse events should be carefully assessed prior to rechallenge. Interventions and the interval between two courses of ICI will clearly have an impact on the efficacy of subsequent treatment. Preliminary data evaluation supports further investigation on ICI rechallenge to identify the factors that could contribute to its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zi-Xun Zeng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan-Le Deng
- Division of Nutritional Medicine, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu-Juan Xiong
- Division of Nutritional Medicine, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian-Ning Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Affliated Cancer Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Jo A, Jeong D, Eum HH, Kim N, Na M, Kang H, Lee HO. CTLA-4 inhibition facilitates follicular T and B cell interaction and the production of tumor-specific antibodies. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:1964-1976. [PMID: 36650700 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34438] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) induce activation and expansion of cytotoxic T cells. To depict a comprehensive immune cell landscape reshaped by the CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitor, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing in a mouse syngeneic tumor transplant model. After CTLA-4 inhibition, tumor regression was accompanied by massive immune cell expansion, especially in T and B cells. We found that B cells in tumor transplant represented follicular, germinal center and plasma B cells, some of which shared identical B cell receptor clonotypes and possessed tumor reactivity. Furthermore, the posttreatment tumor contained a tertiary lymphoid-like structure with intermingled T and B cells. These data suggest germinal center formation within the tumor mass and in situ differentiation of tumor-specific plasma cells. Taken together, our data provide a panoramic view of the immune microenvironment after CTLA-4 inhibition and suggest a role for tumor-specific B cells in antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areum Jo
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dasom Jeong
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Hyeon Eum
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Nayoung Kim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minsu Na
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Huiram Kang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hae-Ock Lee
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
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Bhatt A, Wu J. Immunotherapy for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2261-2271. [PMID: 37124885 PMCID: PMC10134420 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i15.2261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is presented frequently in late stages that are not amenable for curative treatment. Even for patients who can undergo resection for curative treatment of HCC, up to 50% recur. For patients who were not exposed to systemic therapy prior to recurrence, recurrence frequently cannot be subjected to curative therapy or local treatments. Such patients have several options of immunotherapy (IO). This includes programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T- lymphocyte associated protein 4 treatment, combination of PD-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor or single agent PD-1 therapy when all other options are deemed inappropriate. There are also investigational therapies in this area that explore either PD-1 and tyrosine kinase inhibitors or a novel agent in addition to PD-1 with vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. This mini-review explored IO options for patients with recurrent HCC who were not exposed to systemic therapy at the initial diagnosis. We also discussed potential IO options for patients with recurrent HCC who were exposed to first-line therapy with curative intent at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahan Bhatt
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center of NYU Langone Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Jennifer Wu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Perlmutter Cancer Center of NYU Langone Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
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El Hajra I, Sanduzzi-Zamparelli M, Sapena V, Muñoz-Martínez S, Mauro E, Llarch N, Iserte G, Forner A, Rios J, Bruix J, Reig M. Outcome of patients with HCC and liver dysfunction under immunotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatology 2023; 77:1139-1149. [PMID: 36632997 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Immunotherapy-based regimes have changed the management of HCC. However, evidence of efficacy in patients with impaired liver function is unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses survival of HCC patients and liver dysfunction treated with immunotherapy-based regimens. METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis of original articles or abstracts reporting survival of HCC patients treated with immunotherapy according to liver function between 2017 and 2022. Overal survival (OS) according to restricted mean survival time (RMST) and median OS, and hazard ratio (HR) of Child-Pugh B or B/C versus Child-Pugh A were assessed while considering the line of treatment. RESULTS Of the 2218 articles considered, 15 articles recruiting 2311 patients were included. Of these, 639 (27.7%) were Child-Pugh B and 34 (1.5%) C. RMST was 8.36 (95% CI, 6.15-10.57; I2 =93%) months, estimated from 8 studies. The HR was reported in 8 studies for survival between Child-Pugh B versus Child-Pugh A and metanalysis disclosed a 1.65 HR (95% CI,1.45-1.84; I2 =0% heterogeneity; p = 0.45). Treatment line data were available for 47% of the patients and 3 studies included patients treated with atezolizumab-bevacizumab in the first line. CONCLUSIONS The high heterogeneity across studies reflects the incapacity of the current evidence to support the indication of immunotherapy in HCC patients with relevant liver dysfunction. It is mandatory to report complementary information to Child-Pugh classification such as prior liver decompensation, use of concomitant medication to control ascites, or signs of clinically significant portal hypertension to allow better patient stratification in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael El Hajra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marco Sanduzzi-Zamparelli
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Sapena
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
- Medical Statistics Core Facility, Institut D'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Muñoz-Martínez
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ezequiel Mauro
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Llarch
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Iserte
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Forner
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Rios
- Biostatistics and Data Management Core Facility, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Reig
- Liver Oncology Unit, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- BCLC Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain
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Rimassa L, Finn RS, Sangro B. Combination immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00178-2. [PMID: 36933770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
Single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been tested in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) showing an objective response rate of 15-20%, mostly without a significant overall survival (OS) benefit. Furthermore, approximately 30% of HCC shows intrinsic resistance to ICIs. In the absence of predictive biomarkers to identify patients likely to benefit most from immunotherapy, research has moved to exploring combinations with potential activity in broader patient populations. Basket trials, including cohorts of patients with HCC, and early phase studies tested the combination of ICIs with antiangiogenic agents as well as the combination of two different ICIs. The achieved promising results provided the rationale for the following phase 3 trials, which tested the combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 with bevacizumab, or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), or anti-CTLA-4. Positive results from the IMbrave150 trial led to the practice-changing approval of atezolizumab-bevacizumab, the first regimen to demonstrate improved survival in the front-line setting, since the approval of sorafenib. More recently, the HIMALAYA trial demonstrated the superiority of durvalumab-tremelimumab (STRIDE regimen) over sorafenib, establishing a new first-line option. In contrast, inconsistent results have been achieved with combinations of ICIs and TKIs, with only one phase 3 trial showing an OS benefit. The rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced HCC has left significant unmet needs to be addressed in future research. These include choice and sequencing of treatments, identification of biomarkers, combinations with locoregional therapies, and development of new immunotherapy agents. This review summarizes the scientific rationale and available clinical data for combination immunotherapy in advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy; Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (Milan), Italy.
| | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit and HPB Oncology Area, Clinica Universidad de Navarra and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
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Zhang L, Feng J, Kuang T, Chai D, Qiu Z, Deng W, Dong K, Zhao K, Wang W. Blood biomarkers predict outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint Inhibitors: A pooled analysis of 44 retrospective sudies. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 118:110019. [PMID: 36933492 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We conducted the first meta-analysis to identify the predictive significance of baseline blood biomarkers (such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), early alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI), AFP, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), protein induced by vitamin K absence II (PIVKA-II), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR)) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). METHODS Eligible articles were retrieved using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Google Scholar by November 24, 2022. Clinical outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and hyperprogressive disease (HPD). RESULTS A total of 44 articles with 5322 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results demonstrated that patients with high NLR levels had significantly poorer OS (HR: 1.951, P < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 1.632, P < 0.001), lower ORR (OR: 0.484, P < 0.001) and DCR (OR: 0.494, P = 0.027), and higher HPD (OR: 8.190, P < 0.001). The patients with high AFP levels had shorter OS (HR: 1.689, P < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 1.380, P < 0.001), and lower DCR (OR: 0.440, P < 0.001) than those with low AFP levels, however, there was no difference in ORR (OR: 0.963, P = 0.933). We also found that early AFP response was correlated with better OS (HR: 0.422, P < 0.001) and PFS (HR: 0.385, P < 0.001), higher ORR (OR: 7.297, P < 0.001) and DCR (OR: 13.360, P < 0.001) compared to non-responders. Besides, a high ALBI grade was significantly related to shorter OS (HR: 2.440, P = 0.009) and PFS (HR: 1.373, P = 0.022), lower ORR (OR: 0.618, P = 0.032) and DCR (OR: 0.672, P = 0.049) than those with an ALBI grade 1. CONCLUSION The NLR, early AFP response, and ALBI were useful predictors of outcomes in HCC patients treated with ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiarui Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianrui Kuang
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongqi Chai
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhendong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenhong Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Keshuai Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China
| | - Kailiang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China.
| | - Weixing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan, China.
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Huang PS, Wang LY, Wang YW, Tsai MM, Lin TK, Liao CJ, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Evaluation and Application of Drug Resistance by Biomarkers in the Clinical Treatment of Liver Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060869. [PMID: 36980210 PMCID: PMC10047572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060869] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in the world, mainly owing to the lack of effective means for early monitoring and treatment. Accordingly, there is considerable research interest in various clinically applicable methods for addressing these unmet needs. At present, the most commonly used biomarker for the early diagnosis of liver cancer is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), but AFP is sensitive to interference from other factors and cannot really be used as the basis for determining liver cancer. Treatment options in addition to liver surgery (resection, transplantation) include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, even more expensive targeted drug therapies have a limited impact on the clinical outcome of liver cancer. One of the big reasons is the rapid emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, in addition to finding effective biomarkers for early diagnosis, an important focus of current discussions is on how to effectively adjust and select drug strategies and guidelines for the treatment of liver cancer patients. In this review, we bring this thought process to the drug resistance problem faced by different treatment strategies, approaching it from the perspective of gene expression and molecular biology and the possibility of finding effective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Shuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ming Tsai
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of General Surgery, New Taipei Municipal Tu Cheng Hospital, New Taipei 236, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Kang Lin
- Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan;
- Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-2118263
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Recent Emerging Immunological Treatments for Primary Brain Tumors: Focus on Chemokine-Targeting Immunotherapies. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060841. [PMID: 36980182 PMCID: PMC10046911 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary brain tumors are a leading cause of death worldwide and are characterized by extraordinary heterogeneity and high invasiveness. Current drug and radiotherapy therapies combined with surgical approaches tend to increase the five-year survival of affected patients, however, the overall mortality rate remains high, thus constituting a clinical challenge for which the discovery of new therapeutic strategies is needed. In this field, novel immunotherapy approaches, aimed at overcoming the complex immunosuppressive microenvironment, could represent a new method of treatment for central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Chemokines especially are a well-defined group of proteins that were so named due to their chemotactic properties of binding their receptors. Chemokines regulate the recruitment and/or tissue retention of immune cells as well as the mobilization of tumor cells that have undergone epithelial–mesenchymal transition, promoting tumor growth. On this basis, this review focuses on the function and involvement of chemokines and their receptors in primary brain tumors, specifically examining chemokine-targeting immunotherapies as one of the most promising strategies in neuro-oncology.
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Kim HJ, Hwang SY, Im JW, Jeon KJ, Jeon W. A case of nearly complete response in hepatocellular carcinoma with disseminated lung metastasis by combination therapy of nivolumab and ipilimumab after treatment failure of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:213-218. [PMID: 37384023 PMCID: PMC10202248 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.02.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the efficacy of immuno-oncologic agents for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been proven in several trials. In particular, atezolizumab with bevacizumab (AteBeva), as a first-line therapy for advanced HCC, has shown tremendous advances in the IMBrave150 study. However, second or third-line therapy after treatment failure with AteBeva has not been firmly established. Moreover, clinicians have continued their attempts at multidisciplinary treatment that includes other systemic therapy and radiotherapy (RT). Here, we report a case that showed a near complete response (CR) of lung metastasis to nivolumab with ipilimumab therapy after achieving a near CR of intrahepatic tumor using sorafenib and RT in a patient with advanced HCC who had experienced treatment failure of AteBeva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Korea
| | - Sang Youn Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Korea
| | - Jung Woo Im
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Korea
| | - Ki Jeong Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Korea
| | - Wan Jeon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Korea
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Frager SZ, Cooper W, Saenger Y, Schwartz JM. Treatment of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma following liver resection, ablation or liver transplantation. World J Meta-Anal 2023; 11:47-54. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v11.i2.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and causes one third of cancer related deaths world-wide. Approximately one third of patients with HCC are eligible for curative treatments that include hepatic resection, liver transplantation or imaging guided tumor ablation. Recurrence rates after primary therapy depends on tumor biology and pre-treatment tumor burden with early recurrence rates ranging from 30%-80% following surgical resection and ablation. HCC recurs in over ten percent following liver transplantation for HCC. Treatment modalities for tumor recurrence following resection and ablation include repeat liver resection, salvage liver transplantation, locoregional therapies, and systemic chemotherapy/immunotherapy. Locoregional and immune mediated therapies are limited for patients with tumor recurrence following liver transplantation given potential immune related allograft rejection. Given the high HCC recurrence rates after primary tumor treatment, it is imperative for the clinician to review the appropriate treatment strategy for this disease entity. This article will review the current literature regarding HCC recurrence after primary curative therapies and will discuss the relevant future trends in the HCC field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalom Z Frager
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, United States
| | - Weston Cooper
- Cancer Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, United States
| | - Yvonne Saenger
- Cancer Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, United States
| | - Jonathan M Schwartz
- Department of Medicine, Division Hepatology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, United States
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Efficacy and Safety of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Adv Ther 2023; 40:521-549. [PMID: 36399316 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02371-3] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have been increasingly employed for the treatment of various cancers in clinical practice. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and Abstracts of American Society of Clinical Oncology proceedings databases were searched. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression-free survival (PFS), median overall survival (OS), and incidence of adverse events (AEs) and drug withdrawal were pooled. Odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) were calculated to analyze the difference in the ORR, DCR, PFS, and OS between groups. RESULTS Among the 14,902 initially identified papers, 98 studies regarding use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced HCC were included. Based on different criteria of response in solid tumors, the pooled ORR, DCR, and median PFS was 16-36%, 54-74%, and 4.5-6.8 months, respectively. The pooled median OS was 11.9 months. Compared to multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors monotherapy significantly increased ORR (OR 2.73, P < 0.00001) and OS (HR 0.97, P = 0.05), and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors combined with TKIs significantly increased ORR (OR 3.17, P < 0.00001), DCR (OR 2.44, P < 0.00001), PFS (HR 0.58, P < 0.00001), and OS (HR 0.58, P < 0.00001). The pooled incidence of all-grade AEs, grade ≥ 3 AEs, and drug withdrawal was 71%, 25%, and 7%, respectively. CONCLUSION On the basis of the present systematic review and meta-analysis, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors should be the preferred treatment choice for advanced HCC owing to their higher antitumor effect and improved outcomes.
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Ren Z, Ducreux M, Abou-Alfa GK, Merle P, Fang W, Edeline J, Li Z, Wu L, Assenat E, Hu S, Rimassa L, Zhang T, Blanc JF, Pan H, Ross P, Yen CJ, Tran A, Shao G, Bouattour M, Chen Y, Meyer T, Hou J, Tougeron D, Bai Y, Hou MM, Meng Z, Wu J, Li V, Chica-Duque S, Cheng AL. Tislelizumab in Patients with Previously Treated Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (RATIONALE-208): A Multicenter, Non-Randomized, Open-Label, Phase 2 Trial. Liver Cancer 2023; 12:72-84. [PMID: 36872927 PMCID: PMC9982342 DOI: 10.1159/000527175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tislelizumab (anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibody) showed preliminary antitumor activity and tolerability in patients with advanced solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tislelizumab in patients with previously treated advanced HCC. Methods The multiregional phase 2 study RATIONALE-208 examined single-agent tislelizumab (200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks) in patients with advanced HCC with Child-Pugh A, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B or C, and who had received one or more prior lines of systemic therapy. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), radiologically confirmed per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 by the Independent Review Committee. Safety was assessed in patients who received ≥1 dose of tislelizumab. Results Between April 9, 2018, and February 27, 2019, 249 eligible patients were enrolled and treated. After a median study follow-up of 12.7 months, ORR was 13% (n = 32/249; 95% confidence interval [CI], 9-18), including five complete and 27 partial responses. The number of prior lines of therapy did not impact ORR (one prior line, 13% [95% CI, 8-20]; two or more prior lines, 13% [95% CI, 7-20]). Median duration of response was not reached. The disease control rate was 53%, and median overall survival was 13.2 months. Of the 249 total patients, grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 38 (15%) patients; the most common was liver transaminase elevations in 10 (4%) patients. Treatment-related adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 13 (5%) patients or dose delay in 46 (19%) patients. No deaths were attributed to the treatment per investigator assessment. Conclusion Tislelizumab demonstrated durable objective responses, regardless of the number of prior lines of therapy, and acceptable tolerability in patients with previously treated advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenggang Ren
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Michel Ducreux
- Medical Oncology Department, Gustave Roussy, INSERM U1279, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Ghassan K Abou-Alfa
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Philippe Merle
- Department of Hepatology, Hospital La Croix-Rousse, Lyon, France
| | - Weijia Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Julien Edeline
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France, and ARPEGO (Accès à La Recherche Précoce Dans Le Grand-Ouest) Network, Rennes, France
| | - Zhiwei Li
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lihua Wu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Eric Assenat
- Department of Oncology, CHRU Saint Eloi, Montpellier, France
| | - Sheng Hu
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tao Zhang
- Abdominal Oncology Department, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jean-Frédéric Blanc
- Service Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Groupe Hospitalier Sud - Hôpital Haut Lévêque, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Paul Ross
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and Department of Oncology, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Albert Tran
- Département Digestif, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France, and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France, and Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, INSERUM U1065, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Guoliang Shao
- Department of Radiology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mohamed Bouattour
- Department of Digestive Oncology, APHP Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Nord Val de Seine, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Yajin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tim Meyer
- Academic Department of Oncology, Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, Pond Street, London, UK
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Tougeron
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, University of Poitiers and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Poitiers University Hospital, Poitiers, France
| | - Yuxian Bai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Ming-Mo Hou
- Department of Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - John Wu
- Biostatistics, BeiGene USA, Inc., Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vincent Li
- Clinical Development, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | | | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Sun P, Zhang H, Shi J, Xu M, Cheng T, Lu B, Yang L, Zhang X, Huang J. KRTCAP2 as an immunological and prognostic biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 222:113124. [PMID: 36634487 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113124] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in protein glycosylation affect tumor progression and immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Keratinocyte-associated protein 2 (KRTCAP2) encodes the corresponding proteins involved in N-glycosylation. The clinical predictive significance and immune role of KRTCAP2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) largely remain elusive. Combining bioinformatics tools and multiplex immunohistochemistry analysis, we evaluated the KRTCAP2 expression in the HCC tumor microenvironment. The results showed that KRTCAP2 mRNA and protein expression were markedly increased in HCC tissues. Furthermore, high KRTCAP2 expression was an independent predictive factor of unfavorable prognosis in HCC. Moreover, high KRTCAP2 protein expression was associated with a lower proportion of CD8+ T cells and CD68+ macrophages in the stroma region. There was also a lower proportion of CD8+ T cells in the tumor region with high KRTCAP2 protein expression. Specifically, KRTCAP2 expression showed an inverse relationship with programmed cell death ligand-1 in HCC. Analysis of immunophenoscore showed that the low KRTCAP2 expression group had a stronger ability to predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In conclusion, KRTCAP2 had a significant prognostic value for HCC and was correlated with the immune microenvironment. Our findings suggest that KRTCAP2 is a prognostic marker for HCC patients with potential clinical implications for predicting immunotherapeutic responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Sun
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jiawen Shi
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Manyu Xu
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Tong Cheng
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Bing Lu
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jianfei Huang
- Department of Clinical Biobank, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University & Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, China.
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Yuan ZF, Lin YD, Wu GS, Li L, Yang JP, Zhang JW. Inhibition of the AKT1/mTOR pathway through SIRT6 over expression downregulated the expression of programmed death-ligand 1 and prolonged overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2023; 11:21. [PMID: 36760260 PMCID: PMC9906195 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-6218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a common biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) and PD-L1 expressions in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods Recombinant plasmids containing green fluorescent protein (GFP)/no SIRT6 (h-NULL) and GFP/SIRT6 (h-SIRT6) were constructed and transfected into A549 cells by lentivirus as vector. The experiment was divided into control, h-NULL and h-SIRT6 groups. We detected apoptosis and the cell cycle by flow cytometry and observed migration and proliferation by wound-healing assays and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium. The expressions of SIRT6, PD-L1, serine/threonine protein kinase-1 (AKT1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) associated X protein (BAX), and BCL-2 were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between SIRT6 expression and survival in lung adenocarcinoma treated by ICIs. Results The expression of BAX, apoptosis rate, and proportion of G0G1 and G2M phases in the h-SIRT6 group were higher than in the control and h-NULL groups (P<0.05). The expressions of PD-L1, BCL-2, AKT1, and mTOR migration and proliferation rates and proportion of S phase in the h-SIRT6 group were lower than in the control and h-NULL groups (P<0.05). Survival in lung adenocarcinoma with high SIRT6 expression was better than with low SIRT6 expression. Conclusions SIRT6 over expression, through the inhibition of the AKT1/mTOR pathway, down-regulated PD-L1 expression, influenced biological behaviors, and prolonged survival of lung adenocarcinoma. SIRT6 expression may be a potential gene biomarker for immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Fu Yuan
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yi-Dong Lin
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Gui-Shu Wu
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Neijiang, Neijiang, China
| | - Jing-Pin Yang
- Department of Oncology, the First Hospital of Guangyuan, Guangyuan, China
| | - Jian-Wen Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China;,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China;,Academician (Expert) workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
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Cammarota A, Zanuso V, Manfredi GF, Murphy R, Pinato DJ, Rimassa L. Immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: how will it reshape treatment sequencing? Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359221148029. [PMID: 36643654 PMCID: PMC9837292 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221148029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has broadened with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) setting a novel standard of care. With the increased number of therapies either in first or in further line, disentangling the possible treatment sequences has become much more complex. Yet, all the second-line therapies have been evaluated after sorafenib. After ICIs, offering multikinase inhibitors is a widespread approach, either shifting forward sorafenib or lenvatinib, or choosing among regorafenib or cabozantinib, already approved in the refractory setting. Under specific circumstances, ICIs could be maintained beyond disease progression in patients with proven clinical benefit, as supported by some data emerging from phase III clinical trials with immunotherapy in HCC. Rechallenge with ICIs is an additional attractive alternative, although requiring careful and individual evaluation as efficacy and safety of such a strategy have not been yet clarified. Still, a considerable number of patients displays primary resistance to ICIs and might benefit from antiangiogenics either alone or in addition to ICIs instead. Hopefully, the ongoing clinical trials will enlighten regarding the most effective treatment pathways. The identification of predictive correlates of response to immunotherapy will help treatment allocation at each stage, thus representing an urgent matter to address in HCC research. With programmed death ligand 1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite status being inadequate biomarkers in HCC, patient characteristics, drug safety profile, and regulatory approval remain key elements to acknowledge in routine practice. Despite the tissue remaining a preferred source, biomarkers discovery could take advantage of liquid biopsy to overcome the matter of tissue availability and track tumor changes. Lastly, tumor genetic phenotypes, tumor microenvironment features, gut microbiome, and markers of immune response and systemic inflammation are all potential emergent predictors of response to ICIs, pending validation in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Cammarota
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy
- Drug Development Unit, Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK, London, UK
| | - Valentina Zanuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ravindhi Murphy
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David James Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano (Milan), Italy
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Khanam A, Kottilil S. New Therapeutics for HCC: Does Tumor Immune Microenvironment Matter? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010437. [PMID: 36613878 PMCID: PMC9820509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of liver cancer is continuously rising where hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most common form of liver cancer accounting for approximately 80-90% of the cases. HCC is strongly prejudiced by the tumor microenvironment and being an inflammation-associated condition, the contribution of various immune mechanisms is critical in its development, progression, and metastasis. The tumor immune microenvironment is initially inflammatory which is subsequently replenished by the immunosuppressive cells contributing to tumor immune escape. Regardless of substantial advancement in systemic therapy, HCC has poor prognosis and outcomes attributed to the drug resistance, recurrence, and its metastatic behavior. Therefore, currently, new immunotherapeutic strategies are extensively targeted in preclinical and clinical settings in order to elicit robust HCC-specific immune responses and appear to be quite effective, extending current treatment alternatives. Understanding the complex interplay between the tumor and the immune cells and its microenvironment will provide new insights into designing novel immunotherapeutics to overcome existing treatment hurdles. In this review, we have provided a recent update on immunological mechanisms associated with HCC and discussed potential advancement in immunotherapies for HCC treatment.
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Deng M, Li S, Wang Q, Zhao R, Zou J, Lin W, Mei J, Wei W, Guo R. Real-world outcomes of patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated with programmed cell death protein-1-targeted immunotherapy. Ann Med 2022; 54:803-811. [PMID: 35272564 PMCID: PMC8920361 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2048416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a lack of effective treatment to improve the prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)-targeted immunotherapy has shown promising results in a variety of malignant tumours. However, in patients with advanced ICC, the safety and efficacy of anti-PD-1 agents remain unclear. METHODS Forty-two advanced ICC patients treated with anti-PD-1 agents from August 2018 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Tumour response, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and time to tumour progression (TTP) were evaluated. Adverse events were also recorded. RESULTS The median duration of follow-up was 12.1 months, and the median time of treatment was 6.7 months for all patients. The median OS, median PFS, and median TTP for the whole cohort were 19.3 months, 11.6 months, and 11.6 months, respectively. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) for the whole cohort were 23.8% and 85.7%, respectively. Of the 42 evaluable individuals, two (4.8%) had hyperprogressive disease. The most common adverse events (AEs) were pain (n = 6; 14.3%), anorexia (n = 4; 9.5%), hypertension (n = 4; 9.5%), pyrexia (n = 3; 7.1%), cough (n = 3; 7.1%), and hypothyroidism (n = 3; 7.1%). The median OS of patients with albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 1 was longer than that of patients with ALBI grade 2 (19.3 months vs. 14.7 months). The median PFS did not show a significant difference between ALBI grade 1 and grade 2 patients (13.6 months vs. 6.9 months). CONCLUSIONS PD-1-targeted immunotherapy showed promising efficacy and safety in advanced ICC patients.Key messagesPD-1-targeted immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for advanced ICC patients.This study provides therapeutic strategy for advanced ICC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Deng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoxuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongce Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Zou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenping Lin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Mei
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongping Guo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang J, Han H, Wang L, Wang W, Yang M, Qin Y. Overcoming the therapeutic resistance of hepatomas by targeting the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:988956. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.988956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for the majority of primary liver cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Multifactorial drug resistance is regarded as the major cause of treatment failure in HCC. Accumulating evidence shows that the constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor vasculature, immune cells, physical factors, cytokines, and exosomes may explain the therapeutic resistance mechanisms in HCC. In recent years, anti-angiogenic drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in HCC patients. However, due to enhanced communication between the tumor and TME, the effect of heterogeneity of the microenvironment on therapeutic resistance is particularly complicated, which suggests a more challenging research direction. In addition, it has been reported that the three-dimensional (3D) organoid model derived from patient biopsies is more intuitive to fully understand the role of the TME in acquired resistance. Therefore, in this review, we have focused not only on the mechanisms and targets of therapeutic resistance related to the contents of the TME in HCC but also provide a comprehensive description of 3D models and how they contribute to the exploration of HCC therapies.
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Li L, Liu HT, Teng YX, Deng ZJ, Zhang GL, Su JY, Ma L, Zhong JH. Second-line treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma: current state and challenges for the future. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1151-1167. [PMID: 36437752 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2151891] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the approval of sorafenib for systemic treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), many tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown efficacy and tolerability as first-line treatments. On the other hand, these first-line therapies are associated with low objective response and drug resistance. Many drugs have been successfully tested for second-line treatment of advanced HCC. While the rapid proliferation of second-line treatments for advanced HCC brings hope to patients, it also complicates clinical decision-making. AREAS COVERED This review aims to facilitate decisions by summarizing the latest guidelines for second-line treatment of HCC in various countries or regions. We then review existing second-line treatment options and discuss challenges that should be addressed in the future. A literature search was conducted in April 2022 of PubMed/Medline, Cochrane library, and abstracts of international cancer meetings. EXPERT OPINION There is no standard second-line treatment, especially for the case of sequential treatment after atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (atezo+bev) and further studies focused on sequential treatment are warranted in this setting. The design of clinical trials, different etiologies, and complications or quality of life (QoL) are interesting issues in the second-line setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Li
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Hao-Tian Liu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Yu-Xian Teng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Zhu-Jian Deng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Guan-Lan Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jia-Yong Su
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jian-Hong Zhong
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China.,Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, China
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Scheiner B, Roessler D, Phen S, Lim M, Pomej K, Pressiani T, Cammarota A, Fründt TW, von Felden J, Schulze K, Himmelsbach V, Finkelmeier F, Deibel A, Siebenhüner AR, Shmanko K, Radu P, Schwacha-Eipper B, Ebert MP, Teufel A, Djanani A, Hucke F, Balcar L, Philipp AB, Hsiehchen D, Venerito M, Sinner F, Trauner M, D'Alessio A, Fulgenzi CA, Pinato DJ, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Dufour JF, Weinmann A, Kremer AE, Singal AG, De Toni EN, Rimassa L, Pinter M. Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor rechallenge in individuals with hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2022; 5:100620. [PMID: 36578451 PMCID: PMC9791167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims We investigated the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) rechallenge in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received ICI-based therapies in a previous systemic line. Methods In this international, retrospective multicenter study, patients with HCC who received at least two lines of ICI-based therapies (ICI-1, ICI-2) at 14 institutions were eligible. The main outcomes included best overall response and treatment-related adverse events. Results Of 994 ICI-treated patients screened, a total of 58 patients (male, n = 41; 71%) with a mean age of 65.0±9.0 years were included. Median systemic treatment lines of ICI-1 and ICI-2 were 1 (range, 1-4) and 3 (range, 2-9), respectively. ICI-based therapies used at ICI-1 and ICI-2 included ICI alone (ICI-1, n = 26, 45%; ICI-2, n = 4, 7%), dual ICI regimens (n = 1, 2%; n = 12, 21%), or ICI combined with targeted therapies/anti-VEGF (n = 31, 53%; n = 42, 72%). Most patients discontinued ICI-1 due to progression (n = 52, 90%). Objective response rate was 22% at ICI-1 and 26% at ICI-2. Responses at ICI-2 were also seen in patients who had progressive disease as best overall response at ICI-1 (n = 11/21; 52%). Median time-to-progression at ICI-1 and ICI-2 was 5.4 (95% CI 3.0-7.7) months and 5.2 (95% CI 3.3-7.0) months, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3-4 at ICI-1 and ICI-2 were observed in 9 (16%) and 10 (17%) patients, respectively. Conclusions ICI rechallenge was safe and resulted in a treatment benefit in a meaningful proportion of patients with HCC. These data provide a rationale for investigating ICI-based regimens in patients who progressed on first-line immunotherapy in prospective trials. Impact and implications Therapeutic sequencing after first-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge as no available second-line treatment options have been studied in immunotherapy-pretreated patients. Particularly, the role of ICI rechallenge in patients with HCC is unclear, as data from prospective trials are lacking. We investigated the efficacy and safety of ICI-based regimens in patients with HCC pretreated with immunotherapy in a retrospective, international, multicenter study. Our data provide the rationale for prospective trials investigating the role of ICI-based regimens in patients who have progressed on first-line immunotherapy.
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Key Words
- BOR, best overall response
- CR, complete response
- DCR, disease control rate
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- ICI, immune checkpoint inhibitor
- Immune checkpoint blocker
- Immunotherapy
- Liver cancer
- NE, not evaluable
- ORR, objective response rate
- OS, overall survival
- PD, progressive disease
- PR, partial response
- SD, stable disease
- Systemic therapy
- TRAEs, treatment-related adverse events
- TTP, time-to-progression
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Liver Cancer (HCC) Study Group Vienna, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Roessler
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Samuel Phen
- Department of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX, USA
| | - Mir Lim
- Department of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX, USA
| | - Katharina Pomej
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Liver Cancer (HCC) Study Group Vienna, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Antonella Cammarota
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (Milan), Italy,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy
| | - Thorben W. Fründt
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johann von Felden
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kornelius Schulze
- 1. Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vera Himmelsbach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Fabian Finkelmeier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Ansgar Deibel
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Hospital Zurich and University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander R. Siebenhüner
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cantonal Hospital Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
| | - Kateryna Shmanko
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Pompilia Radu
- Hepatology-Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland,Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Birgit Schwacha-Eipper
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P. Ebert
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany,Clinical Cooperation Unit Healthy Metabolism, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health Baden-Württemberg (CPDBW), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany,DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Teufel
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Healthy Metabolism, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health Baden-Württemberg (CPDBW), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany,Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Hepatology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Angela Djanani
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Hucke
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology (IMuG), Including Centralized Emergency Service (ZAE), Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Lorenz Balcar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Liver Cancer (HCC) Study Group Vienna, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander B. Philipp
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - David Hsiehchen
- Department of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX, USA
| | - Marino Venerito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-Von Guericke University Hospital, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Sinner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-Von Guericke University Hospital, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonio D'Alessio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy,Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Claudia A.M. Fulgenzi
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK,Department of Medical Oncology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Italy
| | - David J. Pinato
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK,Division of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Markus Peck-Radosavljevic
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology (IMuG), Including Centralized Emergency Service (ZAE), Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Jean-François Dufour
- Hepatology-Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas E. Kremer
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Hospital Zurich and University Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Department of Medicine 1, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Department of Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX, USA
| | - Enrico N. De Toni
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano (Milan), Italy,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele (Milan), Italy
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Liver Cancer (HCC) Study Group Vienna, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria,Corresponding author. Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel.: +43 1 40400 47440, fax: +43 1 40400 47350.
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Toyoda H, Johnson PJ. The ALBI score: From liver function in patients with HCC to a general measure of liver function. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100557. [PMID: 36124124 PMCID: PMC9482109 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The (albumin-bilirubin) ‘ALBI’ score is an index of ‘liver function’ that was recently developed to assess prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, irrespective of the degree of underlying liver fibrosis. Other measures of liver function, such as model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and Child-Pugh score, which were introduced for specific clinical scenarios, have seen their use extended to other areas of hepatology. In the case of ALBI, its application has been increasingly extended to chronic liver disease in general and in some instances to non-liver diseases where it has proven remarkably accurate in terms of prognosis. With respect to chronic liver disease, numerous publications have shown that ALBI is highly prognostic in patients with all types and stages of chronic liver disease. Outside of liver disease, ALBI has been reported as being of prognostic value in conditions ranging from chronic heart failure to brain tumours. Whilst in several of these reports, explanations for the relationship of liver function to a clinical condition have been proposed, it has to be acknowledged that the specificity of ALBI for liver function has not been clearly demonstrated. Nonetheless, and similar to the MELD and Child-Pugh scores, the lack of any mechanistic basis for ALBI’s clinical utility does not preclude it from being clinically useful in certain situations. Why albumin and bilirubin levels, or a combination thereof, are prognostic in so many different diseases should be studied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Philip J Johnson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Kaakour D, Hagopian G, Lee S, Lee FC. Durable Responses in Patients With Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma on Sequential Dual-agent Immunotherapy After Progressing on Single-agent Immunotherapy. Am J Clin Oncol 2022; 45:410-414. [PMID: 36102355 PMCID: PMC9508973 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000000941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Biliary tract tumors have a poor prognosis despite advancements in targeted therapies. More recent studies have started to investigate the use of combination immunotherapy in advanced biliary cancers. However, currently, there are no clinical trials investigating the use of dual-agent immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab as a sequential treatment after patients have progressed on single-agent immunotherapy. In this case series, we discussed 3 patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma who have an objective response to dual-agent immunotherapy with ipilimumab and nivolumab after having disease progression on pembrolizumab and multiple other failed lines of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case series, including 3 patients treated at the University of California, Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, was completed. RESULTS Although none of the 3 patients had microsatellite instability or high tumor-mutation burden and were not necessarily predicted to have a response to dual-agent immunotherapy, all 3 patients had an objective radiographic and/or tumor-marker response to a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab. CONCLUSIONS This case series serves as proof of the concept that sequential immunotherapy can be beneficial after progression on single-agent immunotherapy for patients with advanced cholangiocarcinoma. This study can also serve as the foundation to build further tests on the true effectiveness and ideal duration of sequential therapy with dual immunotherapy agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fa Chyi Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine. Irvine, CA
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Xiong J, Wang QQ. Mechanisms and strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance in hepatobiliary malignancies. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:430-439. [PMID: 35907687 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Unprecedented advances have been achieved in hepatobiliary cancer treatment with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, the efficacy of ICB in patients with hepatobiliary malignancies is still limited. Resistance to immunotherapies is often orchestrated by complicated tumor-host-microenvironment interactions but could also occur after initial efficacy, mostly when only partial responses are obtained. Clarification of cancer-resistance mechanisms will be beneficial to provide the rationale for the administration of personalized drugs. Here, we review the factors related to resistance to immune-targeted therapies in hepatobiliary malignancies and discuss the potential strategies for overcoming resistance and future directions of immunotherapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xiong
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; The Key Laboratory for Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qing-Qing Wang
- Institute of Immunology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; The Key Laboratory for Immunity and Inflammatory Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Therapeutic targets and biomarkers of tumor immunotherapy: response versus non-response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:331. [PMID: 36123348 PMCID: PMC9485144 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers are highly complex diseases that are characterized by not only the overgrowth of malignant cells but also an altered immune response. The inhibition and reprogramming of the immune system play critical roles in tumor initiation and progression. Immunotherapy aims to reactivate antitumor immune cells and overcome the immune escape mechanisms of tumors. Represented by immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell transfer, tumor immunotherapy has seen tremendous success in the clinic, with the capability to induce long-term regression of some tumors that are refractory to all other treatments. Among them, immune checkpoint blocking therapy, represented by PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (nivolumab) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (ipilimumab), has shown encouraging therapeutic effects in the treatment of various malignant tumors, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and melanoma. In addition, with the advent of CAR-T, CAR-M and other novel immunotherapy methods, immunotherapy has entered a new era. At present, evidence indicates that the combination of multiple immunotherapy methods may be one way to improve the therapeutic effect. However, the overall clinical response rate of tumor immunotherapy still needs improvement, which warrants the development of novel therapeutic designs as well as the discovery of biomarkers that can guide the prescription of these agents. Learning from the past success and failure of both clinical and basic research is critical for the rational design of studies in the future. In this article, we describe the efforts to manipulate the immune system against cancer and discuss different targets and cell types that can be exploited to promote the antitumor immune response.
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50
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Cano-Garrido O, Serna N, Unzueta U, Parladé E, Mangues R, Villaverde A, Vázquez E. Protein scaffolds in human clinics. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 61:108032. [PMID: 36089254 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.108032] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental clinical areas such as drug delivery and regenerative medicine require biocompatible materials as mechanically stable scaffolds or as nanoscale drug carriers. Among the wide set of emerging biomaterials, polypeptides offer enticing properties over alternative polymers, including full biocompatibility, biodegradability, precise interactivity, structural stability and conformational and functional versatility, all of them tunable by conventional protein engineering. However, proteins from non-human sources elicit immunotoxicities that might bottleneck further development and narrow their clinical applicability. In this context, selecting human proteins or developing humanized protein versions as building blocks is a strict demand to design non-immunogenic protein materials. We review here the expanding catalogue of human or humanized proteins tailored to execute different levels of scaffolding functions and how they can be engineered as self-assembling materials in form of oligomers, polymers or complex networks. In particular, we emphasize those that are under clinical development, revising their fields of applicability and how they have been adapted to offer, apart from mere mechanical support, highly refined functions and precise molecular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Cano-Garrido
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, 08916 Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Eloi Parladé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Ramón Mangues
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08025 Barcelona, Spain; Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, 08916 Badalona (Barcelona), Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain.
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain; Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès (Barcelona), Spain.
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