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Haddox CL, Nathenson MJ, Mazzola E, Lin JR, Baginska J, Nau A, Weirather JL, Choy E, Marino-Enriquez A, Morgan JA, Cote GM, Merriam P, Wagner AJ, Sorger PK, Santagata S, George S. Phase II Study of Eribulin plus Pembrolizumab in Metastatic Soft-tissue Sarcomas: Clinical Outcomes and Biological Correlates. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1281-1292. [PMID: 38236580 PMCID: PMC10982640 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Eribulin modulates the tumor-immune microenvironment via cGAS-STING signaling in preclinical models. This non-randomized phase II trial evaluated the combination of eribulin and pembrolizumab in patients with soft-tissue sarcomas (STS). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients enrolled in one of three cohorts: leiomyosarcoma (LMS), liposarcomas (LPS), or other STS that may benefit from PD-1 inhibitors, including undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS). Eribulin was administered at 1.4 mg/m2 i.v. (days 1 and 8) with fixed-dose pembrolizumab 200 mg i.v. (day 1) of each 21-day cycle, until progression, unacceptable toxicity, or completion of 2 years of treatment. The primary endpoint was the 12-week progression-free survival rate (PFS-12) in each cohort. Secondary endpoints included the objective response rate, median PFS, safety profile, and overall survival (OS). Pretreatment and on-treatment blood specimens were evaluated in patients who achieved durable disease control (DDC) or progression within 12 weeks [early progression (EP)]. Multiplexed immunofluorescence was performed on archival LPS samples from patients with DDC or EP. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients enrolled (LMS, n = 19; LPS, n = 20; UPS/Other, n = 18). The PFS-12 was 36.8% (90% confidence interval: 22.5-60.4) for LMS, 69.6% (54.5-89.0) for LPS, and 52.6% (36.8-75.3) for UPS/Other cohorts. All 3 patients in the UPS/Other cohort with angiosarcoma achieved RECIST responses. Toxicity was manageable. Higher IFNα and IL4 serum levels were associated with clinical benefit. Immune aggregates expressing PD-1 and PD-L1 were observed in a patient that completed 2 years of treatment. CONCLUSIONS The combination of eribulin and pembrolizumab demonstrated promising activity in LPS and angiosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace L. Haddox
- Sarcoma Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael J. Nathenson
- Sarcoma Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emanuele Mazzola
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jia-Ren Lin
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joanna Baginska
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allison Nau
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jason L. Weirather
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edwin Choy
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Jeffrey A. Morgan
- Sarcoma Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gregory M. Cote
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Massachusetts General Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Priscilla Merriam
- Sarcoma Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew J. Wagner
- Sarcoma Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter K. Sorger
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sandro Santagata
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Suzanne George
- Sarcoma Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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2
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Sun CM, Toulmonde M, Spalato-Ceruso M, Peyraud F, Bessede A, Kind M, Cousin S, Buy X, Palussiere J, Bougouin A, Sautès-Fridman C, Fridman HW, Pulido M, Italiano A. Impact of metronomic trabectedin combined with low-dose cyclophosphamide on sarcoma microenvironment and correlation with clinical outcome: results from the TARMIC study. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:37. [PMID: 38374062 PMCID: PMC10875852 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are diverse mesenchymal tumors with few therapeutic options in advanced stages. Trabectedin has global approval for treating STS patients resistant to anthracycline-based regimens. Recent pre-clinical data suggest that trabectedin's antitumor activity extends beyond tumor cells to influencing the tumor microenvironment (TME), especially affecting tumor-associated macrophages and their pro-tumoral functions. We present the phase I/II results evaluating a combination of metronomic trabectedin and low-dose cyclophosphamide on the TME in patients with advanced sarcomas. 50 patients participated: 20 in phase I and 30 in phase II. Changes in the TME were assessed in 28 patients using sequential tumor samples at baseline and day two of the cycle. Treatment notably decreased CD68 + CD163 + macrophages in biopsies from tumor lesions compared to pre-treatment samples in 9 of the 28 patients after 4 weeks. Baseline CD8 + T cell presence increased in 11 of these patients. In summary, up to 57% of patients exhibited a positive immunological response marked by reduced M2 macrophages or increased CD8 + T cells post-treatment. This positive shift in the TME correlated with improved clinical benefit and progression-free survival. This study offers the first prospective evidence of trabectedin's immunological effect in advanced STS patients, highlighting a relationship between TME modulation and patient outcomes.This study was registered with ClinicalTrial.gov, number NCT02406781.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maud Toulmonde
- Department of Medicine, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | - Michèle Kind
- Department of Imaging, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sophie Cousin
- Department of Medicine, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Xavier Buy
- Department of Imaging, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Marina Pulido
- Clinical and Epidemiology Department, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France
| | - Antoine Italiano
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.
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3
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Dalal S, Shan KS, Thaw Dar NN, Hussein A, Ergle A. Role of Immunotherapy in Sarcomas. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1266. [PMID: 38279265 PMCID: PMC10816403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a group of malignancies of mesenchymal origin with a plethora of subtypes. Given the sheer heterogeneity of various subtypes and the rarity of the disease, the management of sarcomas has been challenging, with poor patient outcomes. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have remained the backbone of treatment in patients with sarcoma. The introduction of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of various solid and hematological malignancies. In this review, we discuss the basics of immunotherapy and the immune microenvironment in sarcomas; various modalities of immunotherapy, like immune checkpoint blockade, oncolytic viruses, cancer-targeted antibodies, vaccine therapy; and adoptive cell therapies like CAR T-cell therapy, T-cell therapy, and TCR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Dalal
- Memorial Healthcare, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA; (K.S.S.); (N.N.T.D.); (A.H.); (A.E.)
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4
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Povo-Retana A, Landauro-Vera R, Alvarez-Lucena C, Cascante M, Boscá L. Trabectedin and Lurbinectedin Modulate the Interplay between Cells in the Tumour Microenvironment-Progresses in Their Use in Combined Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2024; 29:331. [PMID: 38257245 PMCID: PMC10820391 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Trabectedin (TRB) and Lurbinectedin (LUR) are alkaloid compounds originally isolated from Ecteinascidia turbinata with proven antitumoral activity. Both molecules are structural analogues that differ on the tetrahydroisoquinoline moiety of the C subunit in TRB, which is replaced by a tetrahydro-β-carboline in LUR. TRB is indicated for patients with relapsed ovarian cancer in combination with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, as well as for advanced soft tissue sarcoma in adults in monotherapy. LUR was approved by the FDA in 2020 to treat metastatic small cell lung cancer. Herein, we systematically summarise the origin and structure of TRB and LUR, as well as the molecular mechanisms that they trigger to induce cell death in tumoral cells and supporting stroma cells of the tumoral microenvironment, and how these compounds regulate immune cell function and fate. Finally, the novel therapeutic venues that are currently under exploration, in combination with a plethora of different immunotherapeutic strategies or specific molecular-targeted inhibitors, are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the usage of immune checkpoint inhibitors, or other bioactive molecules that have shown synergistic effects in terms of tumour regression and ablation. These approaches intend to tackle the complexity of managing cancer patients in the context of precision medicine and the application of tailor-made strategies aiming at the reduction of undesired side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Povo-Retana
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols-Morreale (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (R.L.-V.); (C.A.-L.)
| | - Rodrigo Landauro-Vera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols-Morreale (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (R.L.-V.); (C.A.-L.)
| | - Carlota Alvarez-Lucena
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols-Morreale (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (R.L.-V.); (C.A.-L.)
| | - Marta Cascante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine-Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Material Science and Physical Chemistry, Research Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lisardo Boscá
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols-Morreale (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (R.L.-V.); (C.A.-L.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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5
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Anastasiou M, Kyriazoglou A, Kotsantis I, Economopoulou P, Kyrkasiadou M, Giannopoulou A, Kosmidou A, Smerdi D, Moutafi M, Gavrielatou N, Psyrri A. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in sarcomas: a systematic review. Immunooncol Technol 2023; 20:100407. [PMID: 38192615 PMCID: PMC10772240 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Sarcomas are tumors that originate from mesenchymal cells. The variety of sarcomas' response to chemotherapy and the wide range of prognosis reflect their heterogeneity. In order to improve the rates of response, the research has been orientated toward other forms of therapy, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapy or toward combinations of them. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been the highlight of immunotherapy in the last decade. Although ICIs are already included in the guidelines of different malignancies, their clinical benefit in sarcomas is still under study. Alveolar soft part sarcomas, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas and other subtypes of sarcoma with high presence of tertiary lymphoid structures tend to respond to ICIs, but further investigation is still needed. Furthermore, the search of predictive biomarkers to determine the type of sarcomas that are sensitive to ICIs is still very challenging. This review will focus on the results of clinical trials, which examine the effect of ICIs and their combination with chemotherapy, targeted therapies and other forms of immunotherapy in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Anastasiou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A. Kyriazoglou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - I. Kotsantis
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - P. Economopoulou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - M. Kyrkasiadou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A. Giannopoulou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A. Kosmidou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - D. Smerdi
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - M. Moutafi
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - N. Gavrielatou
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A. Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
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6
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Wilczyński JR, Wilczyński M, Paradowska E. "DEPHENCE" system-a novel regimen of therapy that is urgently needed in the high-grade serous ovarian cancer-a focus on anti-cancer stem cell and anti-tumor microenvironment targeted therapies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1201497. [PMID: 37448521 PMCID: PMC10338102 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1201497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, especially high-grade serous type, is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. The lack of screening programs and the scarcity of symptomatology result in the late diagnosis in about 75% of affected women. Despite very demanding and aggressive surgical treatment, multiple-line chemotherapy regimens and both approved and clinically tested targeted therapies, the overall survival of patients is still unsatisfactory and disappointing. Research studies have recently brought some more understanding of the molecular diversity of the ovarian cancer, its unique intraperitoneal biology, the role of cancer stem cells, and the complexity of tumor microenvironment. There is a growing body of evidence that individualization of the treatment adjusted to the molecular and biochemical signature of the tumor as well as to the medical status of the patient should replace or supplement the foregoing therapy. In this review, we have proposed the principles of the novel regimen of the therapy that we called the "DEPHENCE" system, and we have extensively discussed the results of the studies focused on the ovarian cancer stem cells, other components of cancer metastatic niche, and, finally, clinical trials targeting these two environments. Through this, we have tried to present the evolving landscape of treatment options and put flesh on the experimental approach to attack the high-grade serous ovarian cancer multidirectionally, corresponding to the "DEPHENCE" system postulates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek R Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Miłosz Wilczyński
- Department of Gynecological, Endoscopic and Oncological Surgery, Polish Mother's Health Center-Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Edyta Paradowska
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Lodz, Poland
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7
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Albarrán V, Villamayor ML, Pozas J, Chamorro J, Rosero DI, San Román M, Guerrero P, Pérez de Aguado P, Calvo JC, García de Quevedo C, González C, Vaz MÁ. Current Landscape of Immunotherapy for Advanced Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2287. [PMID: 37190214 PMCID: PMC10136499 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There is substantial heterogeneity between different subtypes of sarcoma regarding their biological behavior and microenvironment, which impacts their responsiveness to immunotherapy. Alveolar soft-part sarcoma, synovial sarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma show higher immunogenicity and better responses to checkpoint inhibitors. Combination strategies adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy and/or tyrosine-kinase inhibitors globally seem superior to single-agent schemes. Therapeutic vaccines and different forms of adoptive cell therapy, mainly engineered TCRs, CAR-T cells and TIL therapy, are emerging as new forms of immunotherapy for advanced solid tumors. Tumor lymphocytic infiltration and other prognostic and predictive biomarkers are under research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Albarrán
- Medical Oncology Department, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, 28034 Madrid, Spain
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8
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Graves L, Jeck WR, Grilley-Olson JE. A League of Its Own? Established and Emerging Therapies in Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:212-228. [PMID: 36729198 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Over the last decade in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) research, the shifting landscape towards more precise subtype classification and the increasing study of novel therapeutic strategies has prompted a need to highlight current knowledge of effective subtype specific therapies. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), formerly known as malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH), is among the most common subtypes of STS arising in the trunk or extremities of adults. Administration of systemic chemotherapy is the primary management in locally advanced and metastatic UPS. While anthracycline-based chemotherapy continues to be standard of care in this setting, outcomes in locally advanced or metastatic UPS remain poor. Recent studies highlight the unique characteristics of UPS that may contribute to its greater sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) compared to other STS subtypes. With the promise of benefit from novel therapies, including ICI or ICI plus chemotherapy, for a subset of patients with UPS comes the need to identify biomarkers predictive of response to therapy. Ongoing and future clinical trials should place strong emphasis on correlative biomarker studies to learn more about the unique biology of UPS and to identify patients for whom ICI-based therapy will be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Graves
- Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Duke University, Hanes House, Room 378, DUMC Box 102382, 315 Trent Drive, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - William R Jeck
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Juneko E Grilley-Olson
- Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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9
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Ovejero-Sánchez M, González-Sarmiento R, Herrero AB. DNA Damage Response Alterations in Ovarian Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:448. [PMID: 36672401 PMCID: PMC9856346 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR), a set of signaling pathways for DNA damage detection and repair, maintains genomic stability when cells are exposed to endogenous or exogenous DNA-damaging agents. Alterations in these pathways are strongly associated with cancer development, including ovarian cancer (OC), the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. In OC, failures in the DDR have been related not only to the onset but also to progression and chemoresistance. It is known that approximately half of the most frequent subtype, high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), exhibit defects in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by homologous recombination (HR), and current evidence indicates that probably all HGSCs harbor a defect in at least one DDR pathway. These defects are not restricted to HGSCs; mutations in ARID1A, which are present in 30% of endometrioid OCs and 50% of clear cell (CC) carcinomas, have also been found to confer deficiencies in DNA repair. Moreover, DDR alterations have been described in a variable percentage of the different OC subtypes. Here, we overview the main DNA repair pathways involved in the maintenance of genome stability and their deregulation in OC. We also recapitulate the preclinical and clinical data supporting the potential of targeting the DDR to fight the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ovejero-Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer (IBMCC), University of Salamanca-Spanish National Research Council, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rogelio González-Sarmiento
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer (IBMCC), University of Salamanca-Spanish National Research Council, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Herrero
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Cancer (IBMCC), University of Salamanca-Spanish National Research Council, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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10
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Pilavaki P, Panagi M, Arifi S, Jones RL, Stylianopoulos T, Constantinidou A. Exploring the landscape of immunotherapy approaches in sarcomas. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1069963. [PMID: 36686827 PMCID: PMC9853527 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1069963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas comprise a heterogenous group of malignancies, of more than 100 different entities, arising from mesenchymal tissue, and accounting for 1% of adult malignancies. Surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy constitute the therapeutic armamentarium against sarcomas, with surgical excision and conventional chemotherapy, remaining the mainstay of treatment for local and advanced disease, respectively. The prognosis for patients with metastatic disease is dismal and novel therapeutic approaches are urgently required to improve survival outcomes. Immunotherapy, is a rapidly evolving field in oncology, which has been successfully applied in multiple cancers to date. Immunomodulating antibodies, adoptive cellular therapy, cancer vaccines, and cytokines have been tested in patients with different types of sarcomas through clinical trials, pilot studies, retrospective and prospective studies. The results of these studies regarding the efficacy of different types of immunotherapies in sarcomas are conflicting, and the application of immunotherapy in daily clinical practice remains limited. Additional clinical studies are ongoing in an effort to delineate the role of immunotherapy in patients with specific sarcoma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pampina Pilavaki
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus,Medical Oncology, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Samia Arifi
- Medical Oncology Department, Hassan II University Hospital/Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fez, Morocco
| | - Robin L. Jones
- Sarcoma Unit, Royal Marsden National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, London, United Kingdom,Sarcoma Clinical Trial Unit, Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus,*Correspondence: Anastasia Constantinidou, ; Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos,
| | - Anastasia Constantinidou
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus,Medical Oncology, Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center, Nicosia, Cyprus,Cyprus Cancer Research Institute, Nicosia, Cyprus,*Correspondence: Anastasia Constantinidou, ; Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos,
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11
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Assi T, Cesne AL. Trabectedin and immune checkpoint inhibitors: a blissful combination or another failure in soft tissue sarcomas? Immunotherapy 2023; 15:5-8. [PMID: 36628569 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2022-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Assi
- Division of International Patients Care, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- Division of International Patients Care, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
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12
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Lynch MM, Alexiev BA, Schroeder BA, Pollack SM. Combinations of Chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Sarcoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:1861-1876. [PMID: 36380108 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-01036-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT While no PD-1 inhibitor has been FDA approved for use in sarcoma or proven efficacious in a randomized trial, the use of single agent PD-1 inhibitors is standard-of-care and recommended by the NCCN guidelines in certain specific subtypes and situations. Even while the role of immunotherapy is still being defined in sarcoma, there is rising interest in combinations of PD-1 inhibitors with standard-of-care treatments, especially chemotherapy. Recently, several early phase trials have suggested potential benefits for chemotherapy in combination with PD-1 inhibitors. Although some physicians are already combining PD-1 inhibitors and chemotherapy for sarcoma off-label in the community, we believe more data is necessary. We support further evaluation of these combinations in well-designed clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan M Lynch
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Borislav A Alexiev
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brett A Schroeder
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Seth M Pollack
- Department of Medicine (Hematology and Oncology), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior St. #3-115, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Xu T, Liu Z, Huang L, Jing J, Liu X. Modulating the tumor immune microenvironment with nanoparticles: A sword for improving the efficiency of ovarian cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057850. [PMID: 36532066 PMCID: PMC9751906 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With encouraging antitumor effects, immunotherapy represented by immune checkpoint blockade has developed into a mainstream cancer therapeutic modality. However, only a minority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients could benefit from immunotherapy. The main reason is that most OC harbor a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Emerging studies suggest that M2 tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), T regulatory cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are enriched in OC. Thus, reversing the suppressive TIME is considered an ideal candidate for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy. Nanoparticles encapsulating immunoregulatory agents can regulate immunocytes and improve the TIME to boost the antitumor immune response. In addition, some nanoparticle-mediated photodynamic and photothermal therapy can directly kill tumor cells and induce tumor immunogenic cell death to activate antigen-presenting cells and promote T cell infiltration. These advantages make nanoparticles promising candidates for modulating the TIME and improving OC immunotherapy. In this review, we analyzed the composition and function of the TIME in OC and summarized the current clinical progress of OC immunotherapy. Then, we expounded on the promising advances in nanomaterial-mediated immunotherapy for modulating the TIME in OC. Finally, we discussed the obstacles and challenges in the clinical translation of this novel combination treatment regimen. We believe this resourceful strategy will open the door to effective immunotherapy of OC and benefit numerous patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jing Jing
- *Correspondence: Xiaowei Liu, ; Jing Jing,
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14
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Tian Z, Yao W. PD-1/L1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy in the treatment of sarcomas. Front Immunol 2022; 13:898255. [PMID: 36072581 PMCID: PMC9441887 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.898255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent clinical need for new therapeutic regimens for the effective treatment of advanced sarcomas. Accumulating evidence suggests that programmed death receptor-1/programmed death protein ligand-1 (PD-1/L1) inhibitors have synergistic effects with chemotherapy and have been approved for treatment of lung cancer, gastroesophageal cancer, and breast cancer. In this review, we reviewed the synergistic mechanism of PD-1/L1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy in the treatment of cancers, and the application of this combined regimen in several cancers, followed by a summary of the current evidence on the application of this combined regimen in the treatment of sarcomas as well as the main clinical trials currently underway. Based on the findings of this review, we believe that this combined approach will play an important role in the treatment of some subtypes of sarcomas in the future.
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Digklia A, Coukos G, Homicsko K. Trabectedin and Durvalumab Combination Is Feasible and Active in Relapsing Ovarian Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1745-1747. [PMID: 35176150 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-4592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The combination of chemotherapy and immune therapies still promises to synergize for prolonged tumor control. However, the quest for optimal combinations tailored for tumor histology remains ongoing. A recent study provides evidence on the feasibility of the trabectedin/durvalumab combination and reports on interesting preliminary efficacy. See related article by Toulmonde et al., p. 1765.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Digklia
- Department of Oncology, Medical Oncology Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - George Coukos
- University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Oncology, Immuno-oncology Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Krisztian Homicsko
- University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Oncology, Immuno-oncology Service, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Center for Personalized Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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16
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Allavena P, Belgiovine C, Digifico E, Frapolli R, D'Incalci M. Effects of the Anti-Tumor Agents Trabectedin and Lurbinectedin on Immune Cells of the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:851790. [PMID: 35299737 PMCID: PMC8921639 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.851790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune cells in the tumor micro-environment (TME) establish a complex relationship with cancer cells and may strongly influence disease progression and response to therapy. It is well established that myeloid cells infiltrating tumor tissues favor cancer progression. Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) are abundantly present at the TME and actively promote cancer cell proliferation and distant spreading, as well as contribute to an immune-suppressive milieu. Active research of the last decade has provided novel therapeutic approaches aimed at depleting TAMs and/or at reprogramming their functional activities. We reported some years ago that the registered anti-tumor agent trabectedin and its analogue lurbinectedin have numerous mechanisms of action that also involve direct effects on immune cells, opening up new interesting points of view. Trabectedin and lurbinectedin share the unique feature of being able to simultaneously kill cancer cells and to affect several features of the TME, most notably by inducing the rapid and selective apoptosis of monocytes and macrophages, and by inhibiting the transcription of several inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, depletion of TAMs alleviates the immunosuppressive milieu and rescues T cell functional activities, thus enhancing the anti-tumor response to immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors. In view of the growing interest in tumor-infiltrating immune cells, the availability of antineoplastic compounds showing immunomodulatory effects on innate and adaptive immunity deserves particular attention in the oncology field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Allavena
- Department Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Belgiovine
- Department Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Digifico
- Department Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Frapolli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio D'Incalci
- Department Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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