1
|
Jiang Q, Huang J, Zhang B, Li X, Chen X, Cui B, Li S, Guo G. Efficacy and Safety of Anti-PD1/PDL1 in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:801909. [PMID: 35309350 PMCID: PMC8924050 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.801909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand (anti-PD1/PDL1) have been proposed as a promising therapeutic option for advanced biliary tract cancer (aBTC). Given the scarce quantitative analyses of anti-PD1/PDL1 in aBTC, we thus did a meta-analysis to assess the benefits and risks of this emerging treatment strategy in patients with aBTC. Methods PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and meeting resources were searched for relevant studies. The main endpoints were median progression-free survival (mPFS), median overall survival (mOS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), any-grade adverse events (AEs), and grade 3-4 AEs. Results Twenty-eight studies with 1,338 participants were included. The best curative effect was found in the anti-PD1/PDL1 combined with anti-CTLA4 and chemotherapy group (mPFS: 12.4 months; mOS: 16.0 months; ORR: 45.1%; DCR: 95.0%), followed by the anti-PD1/PDL1 plus chemotherapy group (mPFS: 8.2 months; mOS: 14.8 months; ORR: 36.3%; DCR: 84.6%), the anti-PD1/PDL1 plus antiangiogenesis group (mPFS: 4.9 months; mOS: 10.2 months; ORR: 17.5%; DCR: 68.7%), the anti-PD1/PDL1 plus anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (anti-CTLA4) group (mPFS: 2.9 months; mOS: 8.3 months; ORR: 9.9%; DCR: 36.8%), and the anti-PD1/PDL1 monotherapy group (mPFS: 2.5 months; mOS: 7.6 months; ORR: 6.8%; DCR: 34.7%). Compared with anti-PD1-containing regimens, anti-PDL1-containing regimens achieved preferable mPFS (11.1 vs. 3.8 months), mOS (12.2 vs. 9.8 months), and ORR (23.7% vs. 17.4%), despite a similar DCR (61.1% vs. 61.3%). The mPFS, mOS, ORR, and DCR were 10.6 months, 15.8 months, 42.3%, and 88.6% of first-line anti-PD1/PDL1 and 3.0 months, 9.1 months, 11.6%, and 51.1% of second-line therapy or beyond, respectively. There were 80.6% and 34.0% of the patients suffering any-grade AEs and grade 3-4 AEs. Anti-PD1/PDL1 monotherapy might be considered as a safer alternative than combination regimens. Meanwhile, obvious toxicities in the first-line setting could not be neglected. Conclusions Anti-PD1/PDL1 showed encouraging efficacy and acceptable safety profile in aBTC and, thus, could be an alternative treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jiang
- VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xujia Li
- VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiuxing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bokang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guifang Guo
- VIP Department, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gutiérrez-Larrañaga M, González-López E, Roa-Bautista A, Rodrigues PM, Díaz-González Á, Banales JM, López-Hoyos M, Santos-Laso A, Crespo J. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: The Emerging Cornerstone in Cholangiocarcinoma Therapy? Liver Cancer 2021; 10:545-560. [PMID: 34950178 PMCID: PMC8647071 DOI: 10.1159/000518104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) encompasses a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors with dismal prognosis and increasing incidence worldwide. Both late diagnosis due to the lack of early symptoms and the refractory nature of these tumors seriously compromise patients' welfare and outcomes. SUMMARY During the last decade, immunotherapy and, more specifically, modulation of immune checkpoints-mediated signaling pathways have been under the spotlight in the field of oncology, emerging as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of several cancers, including CCA. Generally, high expression levels of immune checkpoints in patients with CCA have been associated with worse clinical outcomes, particularly with shorter overall survival and relapse-free survival. Thus, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which mainly constitute different monoclonal antibodies, have been developed in order to hamper the immune checkpoint-mediated pathways. Interestingly, chemotherapy may increase the expression of immune checkpoints, while other therapeutic approaches such as ablative and targeted therapies may enhance their antitumor activity. In this sense, several clinical trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of ICIs for CCA, both as a monotherapy and in combination with other ICIs or loco-regional and systemic therapies. Additionally, many other clinical trials are currently ongoing and results are eagerly awaited. Here, we summarize the key aspects of immune checkpoint molecules as prognostic factors and therapeutic targets in CCA, highlighting the most recent advances in the field and future research directions. KEY MESSAGES (1) Effective therapeutic approaches for CCA are urgently needed. (2) Expression levels of immune checkpoints in patients with CCA have been proposed to be related with clinical outcomes. (3) Combination of different ICIs may outperform the efficacy of ICI monotherapy for CCA treatment. (4) Recent studies point toward the combination of ICIs and other common therapies, especially chemotherapy, as a promising strategy for treatment of CCA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Gutiérrez-Larrañaga
- Department of Immunology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Elena González-López
- Department of Immunology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Adriel Roa-Bautista
- Department of Immunology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Pedro M. Rodrigues
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain,National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Díaz-González
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Jesus M. Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain,National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid, Spain,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marcos López-Hoyos
- Department of Immunology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| | - Alvaro Santos-Laso
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain,*Alvaro Santos-Laso,
| | - Javier Crespo
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Madrid, Spain,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Heumann T, Azad N. Next-generation immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: navigating pathways of immune resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:837-862. [PMID: 34591243 PMCID: PMC9804001 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09981-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
To date, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has proven largely ineffective in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. A combination of low tumor antigenicity, deficits in immune activation along with an exclusive and suppressive tumor microenvironment result in resistance to host defensives. However, a deepening understanding of these immune escape and suppressive mechanisms has led to the discovery of novel molecular targets and treatment strategies that may hold the key to a long-awaited therapeutic breakthrough. In this review, we describe the tumor-intrinsic and microenvironmental barriers to modern immunotherapy, examine novel immune-based and targeted modalities, summarize relevant pre-clinical findings and human experience, and, finally, discuss novel synergistic approaches to overcome immune-resistance in pancreatic cancer. Beyond checkpoint inhibition, immune agonists and anti-tumor vaccines represent promising strategies to stimulate host response via activation and expansion of anti-tumor immune effectors. Off-the-shelf natural killer cell therapies may offer an effective method for bypassing downregulated tumor antigen presentation. In parallel with this, sophisticated targeting of crosstalk between tumor and tumor-associated immune cells may lead to enhanced immune infiltration and survival of anti-tumor lymphocytes. A future multimodal treatment strategy involving immune priming/activation, tumor microenvironment reprogramming, and immune checkpoint blockade may help transform pancreatic cancer into an immunogenic tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thatcher Heumann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nilofer Azad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sutherland M, Ahmed O, Zaidi A, Ahmed S. Current progress in systemic therapy for biliary tract cancers. JOURNAL OF HEPATO-BILIARY-PANCREATIC SCIENCES 2021; 29:1094-1107. [PMID: 33735541 DOI: 10.1002/jhbp.939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are heterogeneous cancers that include cancers of the bile duct and gallbladder. Although they are relatively uncommon, most patients with BTC are diagnosed at advanced-stage disease with high mortality rates. Recently, systemic therapy options for patients with BTC have evolved. This paper reviews recent advancements in systemic therapy and the results of key clinical trials in BTC. METHODS A literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar was performed using keywords related to BTC and systemic therapy. Studies that were presented in major international cancer research conferences were also included. RESULTS The evidence shows that adjuvant capecitabine has been associated with a lower relapse rate in early-stage BTC. In unselected patients with advanced BTC, combination chemotherapy is a standard treatment option. However, with a better understanding of the molecular profile of BTC, there has been a shift toward targeted agents in BTC that have shown promising responses. The evolving data also support the evolving role of immunotherapy in patients with deficient DNA mismatch repair or PD-L1-positive BTC. DISCUSSION Systemic treatment options for BTC have improved. The future identification of new targets, novel compounds, and predictive markers is a key step toward the use of personalized medicine in BTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Osama Ahmed
- Saskatoon Cancer Center, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Adnan Zaidi
- Saskatoon Cancer Center, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Shahid Ahmed
- Saskatoon Cancer Center, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dennison L, Mohan AA, Yarchoan M. Tumor and Systemic Immunomodulatory Effects of MEK Inhibition. Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:23. [PMID: 33547983 PMCID: PMC8028056 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-020-01008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) is an integral component of the RAS signaling pathway, one of the most frequently mutated pathways in cancer biology. MEK inhibitors were initially developed to directly target oncogenic signaling, but are recognized to have pleiotropic effects on both tumor cells and lymphocytes. Here, we review the preclinical and clinical evidence that MEK inhibition is immunomodulatory and discuss the potential rationale for combining MEK inhibitors with systemic immunotherapies. RECENT FINDINGS MEK inhibition may modulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) through direct effects on both tumor cells and immune cells. Despite encouraging evidence that MEK inhibition can reprogram the tumor microenvironment (TME) and augment anti-tumor immunity regardless of KRAS/BRAF status, recent clinical outcome studies combining MEK inhibition with systemic immunotherapy have yielded mixed results. The combination of MEK inhibitors plus systemic immunotherapies has been tolerable, but has thus far failed to demonstrate clear evidence of synergistic clinical activity. These results underscore the need to understand the appropriate therapeutic context for this combination. MEK inhibitors have the potential to inhibit oncogenic signaling and reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment, representing an attractive therapy to combine with systemic immunotherapies. Ongoing preclinical and clinical studies will further clarify the immunomodulatory effects of MEK inhibitors to inform the design of rational therapeutic combinations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Dennison
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Aditya A Mohan
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fostea RM, Fontana E, Torga G, Arkenau HT. Recent Progress in the Systemic Treatment of Advanced/Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2599. [PMID: 32932925 PMCID: PMC7565778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) comprise of a heterogeneous group of cancers arising in the biliary tract (intrahepatic or iCCA, perihilar or pCCA and distal or dCCA; the latter are known under the collective term of eCCA), each subtype having its own particularities in carcinogenesis, management and prognosis. The increasing incidence in recent decades, limited treatment options and high mortality rates, even in the early stages, have led to an imperious need for more in-depth understanding and development of tailored treatments for this type of aggressive tumour. The wide use of molecular profiling has increased the understanding of biology and identified key molecular drivers, for example, IDH1 mutations or FGFR2 fusions for iCCA, or BRAF mutations in eCCA. Most recently, the FDA approved pemigatinib, an FGFR inhibitor and ivosidenib, an IDH1 inhibitor, but even though progress has been made to better understand the mechanisms of tumorigenesis, genetic make-up, and tumour resistance to standard chemotherapy and targeted therapies, cholangiocarcinomas still represent an important challenge in the daily clinical practice of oncology. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent progress in the systemic treatment of advanced/metastatic CCAs with a focus on targeted drugs and their biomarkers currently evaluated in early-phase clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Maria Fostea
- Drug Development Unit, Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK, 93 Harley Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AD, UK; (R.M.F.); (E.F.); (G.T.)
| | - Elisa Fontana
- Drug Development Unit, Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK, 93 Harley Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AD, UK; (R.M.F.); (E.F.); (G.T.)
| | - Gonzalo Torga
- Drug Development Unit, Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK, 93 Harley Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AD, UK; (R.M.F.); (E.F.); (G.T.)
| | - Hendrik-Tobias Arkenau
- Drug Development Unit, Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK, 93 Harley Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AD, UK; (R.M.F.); (E.F.); (G.T.)
- Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| |
Collapse
|