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Ali FEM, Ibrahim IM, Althagafy HS, Hassanein EHM. Role of immunotherapies and stem cell therapy in the management of liver cancer: A comprehensive review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112011. [PMID: 38581991 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112011] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer (LC) is the sixth most common disease and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality. The WHO predicts that more than 1 million deaths will occur from LC by 2030. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common form of primary LC. Today, the management of LC involves multiple disciplines, and multimodal therapy is typically selected on an individual basis, considering the intricate interactions between the patient's overall health, the stage of the tumor, and the degree of underlying liver disease. Currently, the treatment of cancers, including LC, has undergone a paradigm shift in the last ten years because of immuno-oncology. To treat HCC, immune therapy approaches have been developed to enhance or cause the body's natural immune response to specifically target tumor cells. In this context, immune checkpoint pathway inhibitors, engineered cytokines, adoptive cell therapy, immune cells modified with chimeric antigen receptors, and therapeutic cancer vaccines have advanced to clinical trials and offered new hope to cancer patients. The outcomes of these treatments are encouraging. Additionally, treatment using stem cells is a new approach for restoring deteriorated tissues because of their strong differentiation potential and capacity to release cytokines that encourage cell division and the formation of blood vessels. Although there is no proof that stem cell therapy works for many types of cancer, preclinical research on stem cells has shown promise in treating HCC. This review provides a recent update regarding the impact of immunotherapy and stem cells in HCC and promising outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt; Michael Sayegh, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aqaba University of Technology, Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
| | - Islam M Ibrahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
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2
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Chen P, Wang Y, Zhu X, Huang Y, Chen J, Sun H, Wang Y, Zhao S, You Y, Wu Y, Yang T, Wei T, Duan X, Zhao T, Jia H, Ren J. SiRNA-HIF-1α delivered by attenuated Salmonella enhances the efficacy of Lenvatinib against hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111728. [PMID: 38430801 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111728] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a major challenge in the medical field. Lenvatinib, a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has demonstrated anti-HCC effects by targeting and inhibiting pathways such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1-3 (VEGFR1-3). However, the therapeutic efficacy of Lenvatinib is subject to various influences, with the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor being a pivotal factor. Consequently, altering the hypoxic milieu of the tumor emerges as a viable strategy to augment the efficacy of Lenvatinib. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), synthesized by tumor cells in response to oxygen-deprived conditions, regulates the expression of resistance genes, promotes tumor angiogenesis and cell proliferation, enhances tumor cell invasion, and confers resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Thus, we constructed a self-designed siRNA targeting HIF-1α to suppress its expression and improve the efficacy of Lenvatinib in treating HCC. The therapeutic efficacy of siRNA-HIF-1α in combination with Lenvatinib on HCC were evaluated through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that the recombinant Salmonella delivering siRNA-HIF-1α in combination with Lenvatinib effectively inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. This treatment approach reduced cell proliferation and angiogenesis in HCC tissues while promoting tumor cell apoptosis. Additionally, this combined therapy significantly increased the infiltration of T lymphocytes and M1 macrophages within the tumor microenvironment, as well as elevated the proportion of immune cells in the spleen, thereby potentiating the host's immune response against the tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Chinese Medicine Hospital of Puyang, Puyang, Henan 457001, PR China
| | - Xingshu Zhu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Yujing Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Jinwei Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Shenning Zhao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Yiqing You
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Yufei Wu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Tongguo Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Tian Wei
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Xuhua Duan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China
| | - Tiesuo Zhao
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China
| | - Huijie Jia
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China; Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Immune Checkpoint Drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China.
| | - Jianzhuang Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, PR China.
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Aasarey R, Yadav K, Kashyap BK, Prabha S, Kumar P, Kumar A, Ruokolainen J, Kesari KK. Role of Immunological Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Disease and Associated Pathways. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1801-1816. [PMID: 38093838 PMCID: PMC10714437 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the predominant causes of cancer-related mortality across the globe. It is attributed to obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and infection by the hepatitis virus. Early diagnosis of HCC is essential, and local treatments such as surgical excision and percutaneous ablation are effective. Palliative systemic therapy, primarily with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor Sorafenib, is used in advanced cases. However, the prognosis for advanced HCC remains poor. This Review additionally describes the pathophysiological mechanisms of HCC, which include aberrant molecular signaling, genomic instability, persistent inflammation, and the paradoxical position of the immune system in promoting and suppressing HCC. The paper concludes by discussing the growing body of research on the relationship between mitochondria and HCC, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the progression of HCC. This Review focuses on immunological interactions between different mechanisms of HCC progression, including obesity, viral infection, and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Aasarey
- Department
of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute
of Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Kajal Yadav
- Department
of Biotechnology, All India Institute of
Medical Science, New Delhi-11029, India
| | - Brijendra Kumar Kashyap
- Department
of Biotechnology Engineering, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284128, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarit Prabha
- Department
of Biological Science and Engineering, Maulana
Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal-462003, Madhya Pradesh,India
| | - Pramod Kumar
- Indian
Council of Medical Research, National Institute
of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), l-7, Sector-39, Noida-201301, National Capital Region, India
| | - Anil Kumar
- Department
of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Cheri-Manatu, Karmre, Kanke-835222, Ranchi, India
| | - Janne Ruokolainen
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
| | - Kavindra Kumar Kesari
- Department
of Applied Physics, School of Science, Aalto
University, FI-00076 Espoo, Finland
- Research
and Development Cell, Lovely Professional
University, Phagwara-144411, Punjab, India
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Yadav S. Advanced therapeutics avenues in hepatocellular carcinoma: a novel paradigm. Med Oncol 2023; 40:239. [PMID: 37442842 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of primary liver cancer, and it poses a significant risk to patients health and longevity due to its high morbidity and fatality rates. Surgical ablation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and, most recently, immunotherapy have all been investigated for HCC, but none have yielded the desired outcomes. Several unique nanocarrier drug delivery techniques have been studied for their potential therapeutic implications in the treatment of HCC. Nanoparticle-based imaging could be effective for more accurate HCC diagnosis. Since its inception, nanomedicine has significantly transformed the approach to both the treatment and diagnostics of liver cancer. Nanoparticles (NPs) are being studied as a potential treatment for liver cancer because of their ability to carry small substances, such as treatment with chemotherapy, microRNA, and therapeutic genes. The primary focus of this study is on the most current discoveries and practical uses of nanomedicine-based diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for liver cancer. In this section, we had gone over what we know about metabolic dysfunction in HCC and the treatment options that attempt to fix it by targeting metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we propose a multi-target metabolic strategy as a viable HCC treatment option. Based on the findings given here, the scientists believe that smart nanomaterials have great promise for improving cancer theranostics and opening up new avenues for tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Yadav
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Plot No.2, Sector 17-A, Yamuna Expressway, Gautam Buddhnagar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201310, India.
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5
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Su Y, Xue C, Gu X, Wang W, Sun Y, Zhang R, Li L. Identification of a novel signature based on macrophage-related marker genes to predict prognosis and immunotherapeutic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1176572. [PMID: 37305578 PMCID: PMC10248258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1176572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor-related macrophages (TAMs) have emerged as an essential part of the immune regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Constructing a TAM-related signature is significant for evaluating prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of HCC patients. Methods Informative single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and diverse cell subpopulations were identified by clustering dimension reduction. Moreover, we determined molecular subtypes with the best clustering efficacy by calculating the cumulative distribution function (CDF). The ESTIMATE method, CIBERSORT (cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts) algorithm and publicly available tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) tools were used to characterize the immune landscape and tumor immune escape status. A TAM-related gene risk model was constructed through Cox regression and verified in multiple datasets and dimensions. We also performed functional enrichment analysis to detect potential signaling pathways related to TAM marker genes. Results In total, 10 subpopulations and 165 TAM-related marker genes were obtained from the scRNA-seq dataset (GSE149614). After clustering 3 molecular subtypes based on TAM-related marker genes, we found significantly different prognostic survival and immune signatures among the three subtypes. Subsequently, a 9-gene predictive signature (TPP1, FTL, CXCL8, CD68, ATP6V1F, CSTB, YBX1, LGALS3, and APLP2) was identified as an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. Those patients with high RiskScore had a lower survival rate and benefited less from immunotherapy than those with low RiskScore. Moreover, more samples of the Cluster C subtype were enriched in the high-risk group, with higher tumor immune escape incidence. Conclusions We constructed a TAM-related signature with excellent efficacy for predicting prognostic survival and immunotherapeutic responses in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanshuai Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wankun Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renfang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Pourhamzeh M, Asadian S, Mirzaei H, Minaei A, Shahriari E, Shpichka A, Es HA, Timashev P, Hassan M, Vosough M. Novel antigens for targeted radioimmunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:23-37. [PMID: 35708866 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04483-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth common cancer and forth cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Based on usually advanced stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the time of diagnosis, therapeutic options are limited and, in many cases, not effective, and typically result in the tumor recurrence with a poor prognosis. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) offers a selective internal radiation therapy approach using beta or alpha emitting radionuclides conjugated with tumor-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), or specific selective peptides. When compared to chemotherapy or radiotherapy, radiolabeled mAbs against cancer-associated antigens could provide a high therapeutic and exclusive radiation dose for cancerous cells while decreasing the exposure-induced side effects to healthy tissues. The recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, such as blockade of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has changed the landscape of cancer therapy, and the efficacy of different classes of immunotherapy has been tested in many clinical trials. Taking into account the use of ICIs in the liver tumor microenvironment, combined therapies with different approaches may enhance the outcome in the future clinical studies. With the development of novel immunotherapy treatment options in the recent years, there has been a great deal of information about combining the diverse treatment modalities to boost the effectiveness of immunomodulatory drugs. In this opinion review, we will discuss the recent advancements in RIT. The current status of immunotherapy and internal radiotherapy will be updated, and we will propose novel approaches for the combination of both techniques. Potential target antigens for radioimmunotherapy in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC radioimmunotherapy target antigens are the most specific and commonly accessible antigens on the surface of HCC cells. CTLA-4 ligand and receptor, TAMs, PD-1/PD-L, TIM-3, specific IEXs/TEXs, ROBO1, and cluster of differentiation antigens CD105, CD147 could all be used in HCC radioimmunotherapy. Abbreviations: TAMs, tumor-associated macrophages; CTLA-4, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen-4; PD-1, Programmed cell death protein 1; PD-L, programmed death-ligand1; TIM-3, T-cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin-domain containing protein-3; IEXs, immune cell-derived exosomes; TEXs, tumor-derived exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Pourhamzeh
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Departments of Pathology and Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Samieh Asadian
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Azita Minaei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Elahe Shahriari
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Peter Timashev
- World-Class Research Center "Digital Biodesign and Personalized Healthcare", Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia. .,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia. .,Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Moustapha Hassan
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Lee WC, Cheng CH, Lee CF, Hsu HY, Hsu PY, Wu TJ, Chan KM. Enhancement of dendritic cell immunotherapy by recalling antigens for hepatocellular carcinoma in mice. Immunotherapy 2022; 14:1225-1236. [PMID: 36097695 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2021-0254] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The therapeutic efficacy of dendritic cell (DC)-immunotherapy for large hepatoma in mice is unsatisfactory. Materials & methods: DC-based immunotherapy was used to treat Hepa1-6 tumors measuring 6 ± 1 mm in diameter, enhanced by boosting tumor antigens. Results: CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were contracted and transformed into memory phenotypic cells after DC-based vaccination. When T-cells were re-stimulated, T-cells obtained from mice boosted by tumor antigen injection showed highest proliferation capacity. When mice with large tumors were treated, DC-based vaccination boosted by tumor antigen and an additional DC-infusion yielded curative rates of 50% and 23.1%, respectively. Conclusion: DC vaccination induced effector memory cells. Antigen presentation recalled by DC or tumor antigens increased the curative rate in mice with large tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chen Lee
- Division of Liver & Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Hsien Cheng
- Division of Liver & Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Fang Lee
- Division of Liver & Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ying Hsu
- Division of Liver & Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Yueh Hsu
- Division of Liver & Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Jung Wu
- Division of Liver & Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Ming Chan
- Division of Liver & Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan. Chang-Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Rahman MM, Behl T, Islam MR, Alam MN, Islam MM, Albarrati A, Albratty M, Meraya AM, Bungau SG. Emerging Management Approach for the Adverse Events of Immunotherapy of Cancer. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27123798. [PMID: 35744922 PMCID: PMC9227460 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, which stimulates the body’s immune system, has received a considerable amount of press in recent years because of its powerful benefits. Cancer immunotherapy has shown long-term results in patients with advanced disease that are not seen with traditional chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines like interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon-alpha (IFN), and the cancer vaccine sipuleucel-T have all been licensed and approved by the FDA for the treatment of various cancers. These immunotherapy treatments boost anticancer responses by stimulating the immune system. As a result, they have the potential to cause serious, even fatal, inflammatory and immune-related side effects in one or more organs. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy are two immunotherapy treatments that are increasingly being used to treat cancer. Following their widespread usage in the clinic, a wave of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) impacting virtually every system has raised concerns about their unpredictability and randomness. Despite the fact that the majority of adverse effects are minimal and should be addressed with prudence, the risk of life-threatening complications exists. Although most adverse events are small and should be treated with caution, the risk of life-threatening toxicities should not be underestimated, especially given the subtle and unusual indications that make early detection even more difficult. Treatment for these issues is difficult and necessitates a multidisciplinary approach involving not only oncologists but also other internal medicine doctors to guarantee quick diagnosis and treatment. This study’s purpose is to give a fundamental overview of immunotherapy and cancer-related side effect management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (M.N.A.); (M.M.I.)
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, India
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (S.G.B.)
| | - Md. Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (M.N.A.); (M.M.I.)
| | - Md. Noor Alam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (M.N.A.); (M.M.I.)
| | - Md. Mohaimenul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh; (M.M.R.); (M.R.I.); (M.N.A.); (M.M.I.)
| | - Ali Albarrati
- Rehabilitation Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 12372, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed Albratty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemsitry, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulkarim M. Meraya
- Practice Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45124, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (T.B.); (S.G.B.)
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9
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Wu F, Wei H, Liu G, Zhang Y. Bioinformatics Profiling of Five Immune-Related lncRNAs for a Prognostic Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:667904. [PMID: 34123835 PMCID: PMC8195283 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.667904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common tumors worldwide, has the fifth highest mortality rate, which is increasing every year. At present, many studies have revealed that immunotherapy has an important effect on many malignant tumors. The main purpose of our research was to verify and establish a new immune-related lncRNA model and to explore the potential immune mechanisms. We analysed the pathways and mechanisms of immune-related lncRNAs by bioinformatics analysis, screened key lncRNAs based on Cox regression analysis, and determined the characteristics of the immune-related lncRNAs. On this basis, a predictive model was established. Through a comparison of specificity and sensitivity, we found that the constructed model was superior to the known markers of HCC. Then, the cell types were identified by the relative subgroup (CIBERSORT) algorithm for RNA transcripts. A signature model was eventually constructed, and we proved that it was a survival factor for HCC. Moreover, five kinds of immune cells were significantly positively correlated with the signature. The results indicated that these five kinds of lncRNAs may be related to the immune infiltration of hepatocellular carcinoma. To verify these findings, we selected the top coexpressed lncRNA, AC099850.3, for further study. We found that AC099850.3 could promote the migration and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. RT-PCR experiments found that AC099850.3 could promote the expression of the cell cycle molecules BUB1, CDK1, PLK1, and TTK, and western blotting to prove that the expression of the molecules CD155 and PD-L1 was inhibited in the interference group. In conclusion, we used five kinds of immune-related lncRNAs to construct prognostic signatures to explore the mechanism, which provides a new way to study therapies for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatic-biliary-pancreatic Institute, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hangzhi Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatic-biliary-pancreatic Institute, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guiyuan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatic-biliary-pancreatic Institute, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Youcheng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Hepatic-biliary-pancreatic Institute, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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10
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Marin JJ, Macias RI, Monte MJ, Romero MR, Asensio M, Sanchez-Martin A, Cives-Losada C, Temprano AG, Espinosa-Escudero R, Reviejo M, Bohorquez LH, Briz O. Molecular Bases of Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061663. [PMID: 32585893 PMCID: PMC7352164 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor outcome of patients with non-surgically removable advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most frequent type of primary liver cancer, is mainly due to the high refractoriness of this aggressive tumor to classical chemotherapy. Novel pharmacological approaches based on the use of inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (TKIs), mainly sorafenib and regorafenib, have provided only a modest prolongation of the overall survival in these HCC patients. The present review is an update of the available information regarding our understanding of the molecular bases of mechanisms of chemoresistance (MOC) with a significant impact on the response of HCC to existing pharmacological tools, which include classical chemotherapeutic agents, TKIs and novel immune-sensitizing strategies. Many of the more than one hundred genes involved in seven MOC have been identified as potential biomarkers to predict the failure of treatment, as well as druggable targets to develop novel strategies aimed at increasing the sensitivity of HCC to pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose J.G. Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.J.G.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +34-663182872 (J.J.G.M.); +34-923294674 (O.B.)
| | - Rocio I.R. Macias
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J. Monte
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta R. Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maitane Asensio
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Anabel Sanchez-Martin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Candela Cives-Losada
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Alvaro G. Temprano
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Ricardo Espinosa-Escudero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Maria Reviejo
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Laura H. Bohorquez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
| | - Oscar Briz
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEFARM) Group, University of Salamanca, IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (R.I.R.M.); (M.J.M.); (M.R.R.); (M.A.); (A.S.-M.); (C.C.-L.); (A.G.T.); (R.E.-E.); (M.R.); (L.H.B.)
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.J.G.M.); (O.B.); Tel.: +34-663182872 (J.J.G.M.); +34-923294674 (O.B.)
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11
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Wang J, McGrail DJ, Bhupal PK, Zhang W, Lin KY, Ku YH, Lin T, Wu H, Tsai KC, Li K, Peng CY, Finegold MJ, Lin SY, Tsai RYL. Nucleostemin Modulates Outcomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via a Tumor Adaptive Mechanism to Genomic Stress. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:723-734. [PMID: 32051231 PMCID: PMC7202947 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-19-0777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) are adapted to survive extreme genomic stress conditions imposed by hyperactive DNA replication and genotoxic drug treatment. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, but may involve intensified DNA damage response/repair programs. Here, we investigate a new role of nucleostemin (NS) in allowing HCC to survive its own malignancy, as NS was previously shown to promote liver regeneration via a damage repair mechanism. We first established that a higher NS transcript level correlates with high-HCC grades and poor prognostic signatures, and is an independent predictor of shorter overall and progression-free survival specifically for HCC and kidney cancer but not for others. Immunostaining confirmed that NS is most abundantly expressed in high-grade and metastatic HCCs. Genome-wide analyses revealed that NS is coenriched with MYC target and homologous recombination (HR) repair genes in human HCC samples and functionally intersects with those involved in replication stress response and HR repair in yeasts. In support, NS-high HCCs are more reliant on the replicative/oxidative stress response pathways, whereas NS-low HCCs depend more on the mTOR pathway. Perturbation studies showed NS function in protecting human HCC cells from replication- and drug-induced DNA damage. Notably, NS depletion in HCC cells increases the amounts of physical DNA damage and cytosolic double-stranded DNA, leading to a reactive increase of cytokines and PD-L1. This study shows that NS provides an essential mechanism for HCC to adapt to high genomic stress for oncogenic maintenance and propagation. NS deficiency sensitizes HCC cells to chemotherapy but also triggers tumor immune responses. IMPLICATIONS: HCC employs a novel, nucleostemin (NS)-mediated-mediated adaptive mechanism to survive high genomic stress conditions, a deficiency of which sensitizes HCC cells to chemotherapy but also triggers tumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junying Wang
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel J McGrail
- Department of Systems Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Parnit K Bhupal
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Wen Zhang
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuan-Yu Lin
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Yi-Hsuan Ku
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Tao Lin
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Hongfu Wu
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Kyle C Tsai
- Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Houston, Texas
| | - Kaiyi Li
- Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Milton J Finegold
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Shiaw-Yih Lin
- Department of Systems Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Robert Y L Tsai
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas.
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12
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Kudo M. Scientific Rationale for Combined Immunotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 Antibodies and VEGF Inhibitors in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1089. [PMID: 32349374 PMCID: PMC7281246 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful phase III trial for the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab (the IMbrave150 trial) in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma has recently been reported. This is groundbreaking because nivolumab and pembrolizumab, both programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibodies, have failed to show efficacy as first- and second-line therapeutics, respectively, in phase III clinical trials. Immunotherapy with a combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab resulted in better survival than treatment with sorafenib for the first time since sorafenib was approved in 2007. The high efficacy of the combination of PD-1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies is not only due to their additive effects on tumor growth, but also to their reprogramming of the immunosuppressive microenvironment into an immunostimulatory microenvironment. These results were confirmed in a phase Ib trial that showed significantly longer progression-free survival in the atezolizumab plus bevacizumab group than in patients that received atezolizumab alone. These results demonstrate that immunotherapy with a combination of PD-1/PD-L1 and VEGF inhibitors is effective and may result in a reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment. The results of an ongoing phase III trial of a PD-1 antibody in combination with the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) are highly anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511, Japan
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13
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Kudo M. A New Era in Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab Combination Therapy. Liver Cancer 2020; 9:119-137. [PMID: 32399427 PMCID: PMC7206602 DOI: 10.1159/000505189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- *Masatoshi Kudo, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 337-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511 (Japan),
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14
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Liu X, Wen J, Yi H, Hou X, Yin Y, Ye G, Wu X, Jiang X. Split chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells targeting glypican-3 suppress hepatocellular carcinoma growth with reduced cytokine release. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2020; 12:1758835920910347. [PMID: 32215059 PMCID: PMC7065297 DOI: 10.1177/1758835920910347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Human glypican-3 (hGPC3) is a protein highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but limited in normal tissues, making it an ideal target for immunotherapy. The adoptive transfer of hGPC3-specific chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells for HCC treatment has been conducted in clinical trials. Due to the rigid construction, conventional CAR-T cells have some intrinsic limitations, like uncontrollable overactivation and inducing severe cytokine release syndrome. Methods: We redesigned the hGPC3-specific CAR by splitting the traditional CAR into two parts. By using coculturing assays and a xenograft mouse model, the in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity and cytokine release of the split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells were evaluated against various HCC cell lines and compared with conventional CAR-T cells. Results: In vitro data demonstrated that split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells could recognize and lyse hGPC3+ HepG2 and Huh7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Impressively, split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells produced and released a significantly lower amount of proinflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and GM-CSF, than conventional CAR-T cells. When injected into immunodeficient mice inoculated subcutaneously with HepG2 cells, our split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells could suppress HCC tumor growth, but released significantly lower levels of cytokines than conventional CAR-T cells. Conclusions: We describe here for the first time the use of split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells to treat HCC; split anti-hGPC3 CAR-T cells could suppress tumor growth and reduce cytokine release, and represent a more versatile and safer alternative to conventional CAR-T cells treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyun Wen
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honglei Yi
- Department of Orthopedics, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorui Hou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Yin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guofu Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuedong Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Tonghe Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaotao Jiang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Shatai Road, Guangzhou, 510515, China
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15
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Anwanwan D, Singh SK, Singh S, Saikam V, Singh R. Challenges in liver cancer and possible treatment approaches. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1873:188314. [PMID: 31682895 PMCID: PMC6981221 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.188314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 591] [Impact Index Per Article: 147.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Globally, liver cancer is the most frequent fatal malignancy; in the United States, it ranks fifth. Patients are often diagnosed with liver cancer in advanced stages, contributing to its poor prognosis. Of all liver cancer cases, >90% are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) for which chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the best options for therapy. For liver cancer patients, new treatment options are necessary. Use of natural compounds and/or nanotechnology may provide patients with better outcomes with lower systemic toxicity and fewer side effects. Improved treatments can lead to better prognoses. Finally, in this review, we present some of the problems and current treatment options contributing to the poor outcomes for patients with liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Anwanwan
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA
| | - Shriti Singh
- Department of Kriya Sharir, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP 221 005, India
| | - Varma Saikam
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Rajesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology, Cancer Health Equity Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA.
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16
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Qi X, Schepers E, Avella D, Kimchi ET, Kaifi JT, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Li G. An Oncogenic Hepatocyte-Induced Orthotopic Mouse Model of Hepatocellular Cancer Arising in the Setting of Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31566616 DOI: 10.3791/59368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of a clinically relevant animal model addressing the typical immune characteristics of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has significantly impeded elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. To develop an ideal animal model recapitulating human HCC, immunocompetent male C57BL/6J mice first receive a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection to induce liver fibrosis, then receive histologically-normal oncogenic hepatocytes from young male SV40 T antigen (TAg)-transgenic mice (MTD2) by intra-splenic (ISPL) inoculation. Androgen generated in recipient male mice at puberty initiates TAg expression under control of a liver-specific promoter. As a result, the transferred hepatocytes become cancer cells and form tumor masses in the setting of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. This novel model mimics human HCC initiation and progression in the context of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and reflects the most typical features of human HCC including immune dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Emily Schepers
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Diego Avella
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Jussuf T Kaifi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia;
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri-Columbia; Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia; Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia;
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17
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Minami Y, Kudo M. Adjuvant therapy after radical surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma: still an unmet need. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2019; 8:414-416. [PMID: 31489318 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2019.04.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasunori Minami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, Japan
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18
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Tovoli F, Casadei-Gardini A, Benevento F, Piscaglia F. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A review of potential new drugs based on ongoing clinical studies as of 2019. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:1067-1073. [PMID: 31208929 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the latest years, antineoplastic immunotherapy revolutionised the therapeutic landscape in oncology. First shown to be effective in melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma, immune checkpoint inhibitors are now being tested for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preliminary results have been particularly promising. As a consequence, an increasing number of clinical trials are underway. The role of the immune system in carcinogenesis (with particular reference to tumour escape immune mechanisms), as well as the current immunotherapy trials for HCC in its different clinical scenarios, are the subject of this review. In particular, we aim to provide fresh updates about these novel therapeutic agents which promise to shape the future therapeutic scenario of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tovoli
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Casadei-Gardini
- Unit of Oncology, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Benevento
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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19
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Kudo M. Immuno-Oncology Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Status and Ongoing Trials. Liver Cancer 2019; 8:221-238. [PMID: 31602367 PMCID: PMC6738201 DOI: 10.1159/000501501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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20
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Wu CCH, Kumar R. Hepatitis B reactivation in patients with hepatitis B core antibody positive and surface antigen negative on immunosuppressants. World J Meta-Anal 2019; 7:209-217. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v7.i5.209] [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: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B viral (HBV) reactivation in the immunosuppressed is a significant problem even in patients who have achieved serological clearance due to the persistence of HBV as cccDNA. HBV reactivation will continue to pose a significant healthcare burden given the high prevalence of HBV and increasing use of immunosuppressants. Screening of hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody to Hepatitis B core antigen antibody and HBV DNA levels should be done routinely in all patients planned for significant immunosuppressant use. We aimed to examine the factors affecting reactivation risk. This depended on HBV disease status, the underlying disease requiring immunosuppression, and the specific immunosuppressive regime. While antiviral prophylaxis can prevent reactivation, it increases cost and still has risk of delayed reactivation after stopping antivirals and close follow-up and on-demand treatment is a good alternative for patients at risk of reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Chun-Ho Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169608, Singapore
| | - Rajneesh Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore 169608, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169608, Singapore
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21
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Kudo M. Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Liver Cancer 2019; 8:143-154. [PMID: 31192152 PMCID: PMC6547263 DOI: 10.1159/000500143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- *Prof. Masatoshi Kudo, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohnohigashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511 (Japan), E-Mail
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22
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Qin S, Finn RS, Kudo M, Meyer T, Vogel A, Ducreux M, Macarulla TM, Tomasello G, Boisserie F, Hou J, Li X, Song J, Zhu AX. RATIONALE 301 study: tislelizumab versus sorafenib as first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Future Oncol 2019; 15:1811-1822. [PMID: 30969136 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2019-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a poor prognosis with median life expectancy of approximately 1 year. Overexpression of PD-L1 in tumor cells and PD-1 on tumor-infiltrating T cells has been associated with poorer prognosis, more advanced disease and higher recurrence rates in HCC. Monoclonal antibodies against PD-1 have demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with solid tumors, including HCC. Tislelizumab, an investigational, humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody with high affinity and binding specificity for PD-1, has demonstrated preliminary antitumor activity in HCC. Here we describe a head-to-head Phase III study comparing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of tislelizumab with sorafenib as first-line treatment in unresectable HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shukui Qin
- People's Liberation Army (PLA) 81 Hospital, Nanjing 210016, PR China
| | - Richard S Finn
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Kindai University School of Medicine, Osaka 577-8502, Japan
| | - Tim Meyer
- University College London Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6AG, UK
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Li
- BeiGene Co., Ltd, Beijing 102206, PR China
| | | | - Andrew X Zhu
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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23
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Radiofrequency ablation of liver metastasis: potential impact on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Eur Radiol 2019; 29:5045-5051. [PMID: 30963271 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-019-06189-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a generally accepted alternative therapy for patients with liver metastases, is a minimally invasive approach with a favorable safety profile and a lower rate of major complications. The use of RFA or combined RFA plus resection can produce total tumor clearance in patients with unresectable liver metastases. However, the relatively high rate of local tumor progression has prevented the widespread use of RFA. Furthermore, its efficacy is controversial because there have been no comparisons for its effect on overall survival compared with standard options such as systemic chemotherapy. Meanwhile, immunotherapy has become a major research focus for oncology based on the recent successes reported for immune checkpoint inhibitors for melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, and other cancers. Immune checkpoints negatively regulate T cell function, and inhibition prevents the blockade of the immune system by cancer cells to prevent their destruction. Unfortunately, only some patients (< 25%) respond to immuno-oncology drugs, whereas other patients acquire resistance. However, RFA can induce massive necrotic cell death which might activate immunity and the presentation of cryptic antigens to induce tumor-specific T cell response. Because RFA can induce the rapid release of large amounts of tumor antigens, it can potentially stimulate transient immune responses to much tumor antigens. Combination therapies have induced synergistic enhancement of anticancer immune response in preclinical studies, indicating great promise for the future of oncologic treatment.Key Points • Only some patients respond to immuno-oncology drugs. • RFA causes the release of large amounts of cellular debris, a source of tumor antigens that elicit immune responses against tumors. • Combination RFA for liver metastases and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies might synergistically enhance antitumor immunity.
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24
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Matsuda A, Ishiguro K, Yan IK, Patel T. Extracellular Vesicle-Based Therapeutic Targeting of β-Catenin to Modulate Anticancer Immune Responses in Hepatocellular Cancer. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:525-541. [PMID: 30976743 PMCID: PMC6442691 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although HCC can respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as monoclonal antibodies against programmed death 1 (PD-1), many patients fail to respond or develop secondary resistance. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling can contribute to immune evasion. Mutations in β-catenin are among the most frequent mutations associated with HCC. Thus, our aim was to directly target β-catenin to enhance the therapeutic response to immune checkpoint inhibition. A synthetic transgenic mouse model of experimental HCC induced by tyrosine-protein kinase Met/β-catenin expression and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a therapeutic delivery agent was used to evaluate the efficacy of directly targeting β-catenin on the response to anti-PD-1. These studies showed that (1) oncogenic β-catenin could be therapeutically targeted using a biological nanoparticle-based delivery approach, (2) targeting β-catenin using small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivered within EVs can reduce tumor growth, and (3) the therapeutic response to anti-PD-1 can be enhanced by concomitantly targeting β-catenin using therapeutic EVs. These preclinical studies establish the efficacy of the use of biological nanoparticles as an endogenous delivery vehicle for therapeutic RNA delivery and support the use of therapeutic strategies targeting tumor-intrinsic β-catenin as an adjunct to anti-PD-1-based therapy. Conclusion: Combination therapy with anti-PD-1 and β-catenin siRNA delivered using biological nanoparticles provides an effective strategy for the treatment of HCC. This strategy could be further exploited into targeted approaches for immune potentiation by countering oncogene-mediated resistance to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Matsuda
- Department of Transplantation, Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFL
| | - Kaori Ishiguro
- Department of Transplantation, Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFL
| | - Irene K. Yan
- Department of Transplantation, Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFL
| | - Tushar Patel
- Department of Transplantation, Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicJacksonvilleFL
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25
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De Re V, Tornesello ML, De Zorzi M, Caggiari L, Pezzuto F, Leone P, Racanelli V, Lauletta G, Gragnani L, Buonadonna A, Vaccher E, Zignego AL, Steffan A, Buonaguro FM. Clinical Significance of Polymorphisms in Immune Response Genes in Hepatitis C-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:475. [PMID: 30930876 PMCID: PMC6429030 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Polymorphisms in the immune response genes can contribute to clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection but also mediate liver inflammation and cancer pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the association of polymorphisms in PD-1 (PDCD1), IFNL3 (IL28B), and TLR2 immune related genes in chronic HCV patients with different hepatic and lymphoproliferative HCV-related diseases. Methods: Selected PDCD1, IFNL3, and TLR2 genes were tested by molecular approaches in 450 HCV-positive patients with increasing severity of underlying liver diseases [including chronic infection (CHC), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)], in 238 HCV-positive patients with lymphoproliferative diseases [such as cryoglobulinemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)] and in 94 blood donors (BD). Results: While the rs12979860 IFNL3 T allele was found a good marker associated with HCV-outcome together with the rs111200466 TLR2 del variant, the rs10204525 PD-1.6 A allele was found to have an insignificant role in patients with HCV-related hepatic disorders. Though in Asian patients the combination of IFNL3 and PD-1.6 markers better define the HCV-related outcomes, in our series of Caucasian patients the PD-1.6 A-allele variant was observed very rarely. Conclusion: Differences in the incidence of HCV-related HCC and clinical response between Asians and Europeans may be partially due to the distribution of PD-1.6 genotype that we found divergent between these two populations. On the other hand, we confirmed in this study that the polymorphic variants within IFNL3 and TLR2 immune response genes are significantly associated with HCV-related disease progression in our cohort of Italian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Caggiari
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Francesca Pezzuto
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Lauletta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Gragnani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Department of Oncology, Interdepartmental Hepatology Center MASVE, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Vaccher
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Department of Oncology, Interdepartmental Hepatology Center MASVE, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence, Italy
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
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26
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Kudo M. Targeted and immune therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma: Predictions for 2019 and beyond. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:789-807. [PMID: 30809080 PMCID: PMC6385008 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i7.789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has markedly advanced since the survival benefit of a molecular targeted agent, sorafenib, were demonstrated in the SHARP and Asia Pacific trials in 2007. Treatment options for patients with advanced HCC increased by sorafenib, and long-term survival for patients with advanced stage HCC has become possible to some extent. However, development of a more potent first-line novel molecular targeted agent replacing sorafenib and a potent second-line agent after disease progression on or intolerant to sorafenib has been warranted because sorafenib lacks tumor shrinking/necrotizing effects and induces relatively severe adverse events such as hand foot skin reaction. Many agents in the 1st line and 2nd line setting were attempted to develop between 2007 and 2016, but all of these clinical trials failed. On the other hand, clinical trials of 4 agents (regorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab) succeeded in succession in 2017 and 2018, and their use in clinical practice is possible (regorafenib and lenvatinib) or underway (cabozantinib and ramucirumab). Furthermore, all of 5 clinical trials of combination therapy with transcatheter chemoembolization (TACE) plus a molecular targeted agent failed to date, however, the combination of TACE and sorafenib (TACTICS trials) was reported to be successful and presented at ASCO in 2018. Phase 3 clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors and a combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and molecular targeted agents are also ongoing, which suggests treatment paradigm of HCC in all stages from early, intermediate and advanced stage, is expected to be changed drastically in the very near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
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27
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Morillas RM, López Sisamón D. Reactivación de la hepatitis B asociada a agentes inmunodepresores y a quimioterapia. Historia natural, factores de riesgo y recomendaciones para prevenirla. Med Clin (Barc) 2019; 152:107-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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28
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Kudo M. Combination Cancer Immunotherapy with Molecular Targeted Agents/Anti-CTLA-4 Antibody for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Liver Cancer 2019; 8:1-11. [PMID: 30815391 PMCID: PMC6388565 DOI: 10.1159/000496277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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29
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Nishida N, Kudo M. Liver damage related to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Hepatol Int 2019; 13:248-252. [PMID: 30607787 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-018-9921-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors are becoming one of the key agents of systemic treatment of cancer. The anti-cancer mechanism of this type of agent is totally different from that of conventional therapies; blockade of regulatory receptors and ligand of immune checkpoint molecules arose anti-tumor immunity with durable response. However, owing to its unique action to host immune system, immune checkpoint inhibitors sometimes induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) which has not been observed for conventional chemotherapies. It has been reported that irAEs are manageable by discontinuation of immune checkpoint inhibitors and corticosteroid. However, severe irAEs might lead to the unsuccessful management of cancer treatment. It is conceivable that irAEs during the treatment of immune checkpoint blockade might mimic the autoimmune disease of the specific organ, such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, detail of the pathogenesis of irAEs has not been well estimated. In this review, we specially focused on this important issue and discussed the liver toxicity of this type of agent in the context of comparison of clinical and pathological findings of liver damage related to irAEs and AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohno-higashi, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan.
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2 Ohno-higashi, Osaka-sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
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30
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Jindal A, Thadi A, Shailubhai K. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Etiology and Current and Future Drugs. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2019; 9:221-232. [PMID: 31024205 PMCID: PMC6477125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is swiftly increasing in prevalence globally with a high mortality rate. The progression of HCC in patients is induced with advanced fibrosis, mainly cirrhosis, and hepatitis. The absence of proper preventive or curative treatment methods encouraged extensive research against HCC to develop new therapeutic strategies. The Food and Drug Administration-approved Nexavar (sorafenib) is used in the treatment of patients with unresectable HCC. In 2017, Stivarga (regorafenib) and Opdivo (nivolumab) got approved for patients with HCC after being treated with sorafenib, and in 2018, Lenvima (lenvatinib) got approved for patients with unresectable HCC. But, owing to the rapid drug resistance development and toxicities, these treatment options are not completely satisfactory. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new systemic combination therapies that target different signaling mechanisms, thereby decreasing the prospect of cancer cells developing resistance to treatment. In this review, HCC etiology and new therapeutic strategies that include currently approved drugs and other potential candidates of HCC such as Milciclib, palbociclib, galunisertib, ipafricept, and ramucirumab are evaluated.
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Key Words
- AMP, adenosine monophosphate
- AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase
- ATP, adenosine 5′-triphosphate
- BMF, Bcl2 modifying factor
- BMI, body mass index
- CDK, cyclin-dependent kinase
- CTGF, connective tissue growth factor
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocyte
- CTLA, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EFGR, endothelial growth factor receptor
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- EMT, Epithelial–mesenchymal transition
- ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- GFG, fibroblast growth factor
- HBV, hepatitis B virus
- HBcAg, hepatitis B core antibody
- HBsAg, HBV surface antigen
- HCC, Hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV, hepatitis B virus
- HDV, hepatitis D virus
- HIF, hypoxia-inducible factor
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- IGFR, insulin-like growth factor
- JAK, janus kinase
- MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- NASH, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- NK, natural killer
- NKT, natural killer T cell
- ORR, objective response rate
- OS, overall survival
- PAPSS1, 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate synthase 1
- PD-L1, programmed death ligand1
- PD1, programmed cell death protein 1
- PDGFR, platelet-derived growth factor receptor
- PEDF, pigment epithelium-derived factor
- PFS, progression-free survival
- PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinases
- PTEN, phosphatase and tensin homolog
- PUMA, p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis
- RFA, radiofrequency ablation
- Rb, retinoblastoma protein
- SCF, stem cell factor
- SHP1, src homology 2 domain–containing phosphatase 1
- STAT3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- TACE, transarterial chemoembolization
- TGF 1, transforming growth factor-1
- TK, tyrosine kinase
- TKI, Tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- TRKA, tropomyosin receptor kinase A
- Treg, regulatory T cells
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor
- VEGFR, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor
- bFGF, basic fibroblast growth factor
- combination therapy
- cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors
- hepatocellular carcinoma
- hepatology
- tyrosine kinase inhibitors
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Affiliation(s)
- Aastha Jindal
- Research and Development Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
- Address for correspondence: Aastha Jindal, Research and Development Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
| | - Anusha Thadi
- Research and Development Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Kunwar Shailubhai
- Research and Development Center, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
- Research & Development, Tiziana Lifesciences, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
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31
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Jiang C, Xu R, Li XX, Zhou YF, Xu XY, Yang Y, Wang HY, Zheng XFS. Sorafenib and Carfilzomib Synergistically Inhibit the Proliferation, Survival, and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:2610-2621. [PMID: 30224431 PMCID: PMC9110113 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly human cancers. The 5-year survival rate is very low. Unfortunately, there are few efficacious therapeutic options. Until recently, Sorafenib has been the only available systemic drug for advanced HCC. However, it has very limited survival benefits, and new therapies are urgently needed. In this study, we investigated the anti-HCC activity of carfilzomib, a second-generation, irreversible proteasome inhibitor, as a single agent and in combination with sorafenib. In vitro, we found that carfilzomib has moderate anticancer activity toward liver cancer cells, but strongly enhances the ability of sorafenib to suppress HCC cell growth, proliferation, migration, invasion, and survival. Remarkably, the drug combination exhibits even more potent antitumor activity when tested in animal tumor models. Mechanistically, the combined treatment activates caspase-dependent and endoplasmic reticulum stress/CHOP-mediated apoptotic pathways, and suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the combination of carfilzomib and sorafenib has synergistic antitumor activities against HCC, providing a potential therapeutic strategy to improve the mortality and morbidity of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Xing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu-Feng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - X F Steven Zheng
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
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32
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Kudo M. Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Latest Advances. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10110412. [PMID: 30380773 PMCID: PMC6266463 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10110412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has changed drastically since the introduction of the molecular targeted agent sorafenib in 2007. Although sorafenib expanded the treatment options for extrahepatic spread (EHS) and vascular invasion, making long-term survival of patients with advanced disease achievable to a certain extent, new molecular-targeted agents are being developed as alternatives to sorafenib due to shortcomings such as its low response rate and high toxicity. Every single one of the many drugs developed during the 10-year period from 2007 to 2016 was a failure. However, during the two-year period from 2017 through 2018, four drugs—regorafenib, lenvatinib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab—emerged successfully from clinical trials in quick succession and became available for clinical use. The efficacy of combination therapy with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus sorafenib was also first demonstrated in 2018. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have been applied to HCC treatment and many phase III clinical trials are ongoing, not only on monotherapy with nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and tislelizumab, but also on combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors, programmed death-1 (PD-1) or PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody plus a molecular targeted agent (bevacizumab) or the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) antibody, tremelimumab. These combination therapies have shown higher response rates than PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy alone, suggesting a synergistic effect by combination therapy in early phases; therefore, further results are eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 337-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan.
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33
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Zhao Y, Shuen TWH, Toh TB, Chan XY, Liu M, Tan SY, Fan Y, Yang H, Lyer SG, Bonney GK, Loh E, Chang KTE, Tan TC, Zhai W, Chan JKY, Chow EKH, Chee CE, Lee GH, Dan YY, Chow PKH, Toh HC, Lim SG, Chen Q. Development of a new patient-derived xenograft humanised mouse model to study human-specific tumour microenvironment and immunotherapy. Gut 2018; 67:1845-1854. [PMID: 29602780 PMCID: PMC6145285 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-315201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As the current therapeutic strategies for human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been proven to have limited effectiveness, immunotherapy becomes a compelling way to tackle the disease. We aim to provide humanised mouse (humice) models for the understanding of the interaction between human cancer and immune system, particularly for human-specific drug testing. DESIGN Patient-derived xenograft tumours are established with type I human leucocyte antigen matched human immune system in NOD-scid Il2rg-/- (NSG) mice. The longitudinal changes of the tumour and immune responses as well as the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors are investigated. RESULTS Similar to the clinical outcomes, the human immune system in our model is educated by the tumour and exhibits exhaustion phenotypes such as a significant declination of leucocyte numbers, upregulation of exhaustion markers and decreased the production of human proinflammatory cytokines. Notably, cytotoxic immune cells decreased more rapidly compared with other cell types. Tumour infiltrated T cells have much higher expression of exhaustion markers and lower cytokine production compared with peripheral T cells. In addition, tumour-associated macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells are found to be highly enriched in the tumour microenvironment. Interestingly, the tumour also changes gene expression profiles in response to immune responses by upregulating immune checkpoint ligands. Most importantly, in contrast to the NSG model, our model demonstrates both therapeutic and side effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab and ipilimumab. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides a model for immune-oncology study and a useful parallel-to-human platform for anti-HCC drug testing, especially immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhao
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | | | - Tan Boon Toh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xue Ying Chan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Min Liu
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Sue Yee Tan
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hechuan Yang
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Shridhar Ganpathi Lyer
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Surgery, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Glenn Kunnath Bonney
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Liver Transplantation Surgery, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Eva Loh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
| | - Kenneth Tou En Chang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
| | - Thiam Chye Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
| | - Weiwei Zhai
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Jerry Kok Yen Chan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edward Kai-Hua Chow
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Ean Chee
- Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pierce Kah-Hoe Chow
- Division of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplant Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Rastogi A. Changing role of histopathology in the diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4000-4013. [PMID: 30254404 PMCID: PMC6148422 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i35.4000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and fatal cancer in the world. HCC frequently presents with advanced disease, has a high recurrence rate and limited treatment options, which leads to very poor prognosis. This warrants urgent improvement in the diagnosis and treatment. Liver biopsy plays very important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, but with technical advancements and progression in the field of imaging, clinical guidelines have restricted the role of biopsy to very limited situations. Biopsy also has its own problems of needle tract seeding of tumor, small risk of complications, technical and sampling errors along with interpretative errors. Despite this, tissue analysis is often required because imaging is not always specific, limited expertise and lack of advanced imaging in many centers and limitations of imaging in the diagnosis of small, mixed and other variant forms of HCC. In addition, biopsy confirmation is often required for clinical trials of new drugs and targeted therapies. Tissue biomarkers along with certain morphological features, phenotypes and immune-phenotypes that serve as important prognostic and outcome predictors and as decisive factors for therapy decisions, add to the continuing role of histopathology. Advancements in cancer biology and development of molecular classification of HCC with clinic pathological correlation, lead to discovery of HCC phenotypic surrogates of prognostic and therapeutically significant molecular signatures. Thus tissue characteristics and morphology based correlates of molecular subtypes provide invaluable information for management and prognosis. This review thus focuses on the importance of histopathology and resurgence of role of biopsy in the diagnosis, management and prognostication of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Rastogi
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences, New Delhi 110070, India
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Zhou J, Sun HC, Wang Z, Cong WM, Wang JH, Zeng MS, Yang JM, Bie P, Liu LX, Wen TF, Han GH, Wang MQ, Liu RB, Lu LG, Ren ZG, Chen MS, Zeng ZC, Liang P, Liang CH, Chen M, Yan FH, Wang WP, Ji Y, Cheng WW, Dai CL, Jia WD, Li YM, Li YX, Liang J, Liu TS, Lv GY, Mao YL, Ren WX, Shi HC, Wang WT, Wang XY, Xing BC, Xu JM, Yang JY, Yang YF, Ye SL, Yin ZY, Zhang BH, Zhang SJ, Zhou WP, Zhu JY, Liu R, Shi YH, Xiao YS, Dai Z, Teng GJ, Cai JQ, Wang WL, Dong JH, Li Q, Shen F, Qin SK, Fan J. Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Liver Cancer in China (2017 Edition). Liver Cancer 2018; 7:235-260. [PMID: 30319983 PMCID: PMC6167671 DOI: 10.1159/000488035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 390] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (about 85-90% of primary liver cancer) is particularly prevalent in China because of the high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection. HCC is the fourth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of tumor-related deaths in China. It poses a significant threat to the life and health of Chinese people. SUMMARY This guideline presents official recommendations of the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China on the surveillance, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of HCC occurring in China. The guideline was written by more than 50 experts in the field of HCC in China (including liver surgeons, medical oncologists, hepatologists, interventional radiologists, and diagnostic radiologists) on the basis of recent evidence and expert opinions, balance of benefits and harms, cost-benefit strategies, and other clinical considerations. KEY MESSAGES The guideline presents the Chinese staging system, and recommendations regarding patients with HCC in China to ensure optimum patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Chuan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ming Cong
- Department of Pathology, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Hua Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng-Su Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Mei Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Bie
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lian-Xin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Fu Wen
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guo-Hong Han
- Department of Liver Diseases and Digestive Interventional Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mao-Qiang Wang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Bao Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Li-Gong Lu
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng-Gang Ren
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Shan Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Chong Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liang
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Hong Liang
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Editorial Department of Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery, Chongqing, China
| | - Fu-Hua Yan
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Ping Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Wu Cheng
- Department of integrated treatment, Tumor Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Liu Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Spleenary Surgery, the Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei-Dong Jia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Ming Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ye-Xiong Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Oncology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tian-Shu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Yue Lv
- Department of General Surgery, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Yi-Lei Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, PUMC and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Xin Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hong-Cheng Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Tao Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Cai Xing
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Ming Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Affiliated Hospital Cancer Center, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Yong Yang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye-Fa Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Interventional Radiology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Long Ye
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bo-Heng Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shui-Jun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Ping Zhou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Ye Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Hong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Dai
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gao-Jun Teng
- Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Cai
- Department of Abdominal Surgical Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Hong Dong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital (BTCH), School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Kui Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, PLA Cancer Center, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, China,**Dr. Shu-Kui Qin, Department of Medical Oncology, PLA Cancer Center, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing 210002 (China), E-Mail
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Dr. Jia Fan, Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032 (China), E-Mail
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Kudo M. Proposal of Primary Endpoints for TACE Combination Trials with Systemic Therapy: Lessons Learned from 5 Negative Trials and the Positive TACTICS Trial. Liver Cancer 2018; 7:225-234. [PMID: 30319982 PMCID: PMC6167729 DOI: 10.1159/000492535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- *Masatoshi Kudo, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama 589-8511 (Japan), E-Mail
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Carone C, Olivani A, Dalla Valle R, Manuguerra R, Silini EM, Trenti T, Missale G, Cariani E. Immune Gene Expression Profile in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Surrounding Tissue Predicts Time to Tumor Recurrence. Liver Cancer 2018; 7:277-294. [PMID: 30319985 PMCID: PMC6167723 DOI: 10.1159/000486764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antitumor immune response may play a major role in the clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We characterized the liver immune microenvironment by direct hybridization of RNA extracted from HCC and nontumorous tissues. METHODS RNA was extracted from frozen liver tissue samples of HCC (T; n = 30) and nontumorous tissues (NT; n = 33) obtained from 38 patients. Matched samples were available for 25 patients. The immune gene expression profile was analyzed with the nCounter GX Human Immunology v2 system (NanoString Technologies), which detects the expression levels of 579 immune response-related genes simultaneously. RESULTS Since the immune gene expression profile of T and NT tissues was significantly different, the prognostic relevance of the liver immune microenvironment was evaluated in the T and NT samples separately. Unsupervised clustering detected two main clusters of immune gene expression both in T and in NT liver samples. In both cases, the expression clusters identified groups of patients with a significantly different median time to HCC recurrence (TTR) but similar overall survival. Based on T tissue, two groups with median TTR of 19 and 127 months, respectively, were detected (p < 0.005). Expression of genes related to T-cell activation was associated with longer TTR. The analysis of NT tissue discriminated subsets of patients with median TTR of 22 and 68 months (p < 0.05). In contrast to T tissue, a predominant inflammatory immune environment was associated with shorter TTR. CONCLUSIONS Immune gene expression profiles predictive of TTR could be identified both in HCC and in adjacent cirrhotic tissues. Longer TTR was associated with overexpression in T tissue and downregulation in NT tissue of the immune response and of inflammation-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Carone
- Toxicology and Advanced Diagnostics, Ospedale S. Agostino-Estense, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Olivani
- U.O. Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Manuguerra
- Pathology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Silini
- Pathology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Toxicology and Advanced Diagnostics, Ospedale S. Agostino-Estense, Modena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Missale
- U.O. Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cariani
- Toxicology and Advanced Diagnostics, Ospedale S. Agostino-Estense, Modena, Italy,*Elisabetta Cariani, Toxicology and Advanced Diagnostics, Ospedale S. Agostino-Estense, via Giardini 1355, IT-41126 Modena (Italy), E-Mail
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Interventional therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors: Emerging opportunities for cancer treatment in the era of immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Rev 2018; 74:49-60. [PMID: 30831375 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors-based immunotherapy offers a new effective modality in the treatment of advanced malignancies. Considering the remarkable efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical trials, the FDA has approved a variety of immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of advanced tumors. However, only limited patients with certain cancers can benefit from monotherapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Interventional therapy for cancer can not only destroy the primary tumors, but also regulate the immune system through different mechanisms, which provides a potential possibility for the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and interventional modalities in cancer treatment. This article reviews the possible synergistic mechanisms of interventional therapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors and summarizes the research progress of the combined therapy in cancer treatment.
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Nishida N, Kudo M. Immune checkpoint blockade for the treatment of human hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatol Res 2018; 48:622-634. [PMID: 29734514 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with a high recurrence rate. Currently, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the first-line treatment for cases refractory to conventional therapies. However, the acquisition of somatic mutations can result in TKI resistance. Clinical evidence suggests that acquired immunity contributes to the suppression of tumor recurrence, indicating the potential of induced antitumor immune reaction for the treatment of HCC. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors have become available for the treatment of malignancies. They are effective regardless of the response to prior therapies and a durable effect can be expected, which should be attributed to an adaptive immunity to HCC components. The results of phase I/II trials of nivolumab, an anti-programmed cell death-1 antibody, showed that 20% of patients showed objective response and that nivolumab was effective regardless of prior sorafenib treatment and viral status. Nivolumab received expedited Food and Drug Administration approval in 2017 for the treatment of advanced HCC after failure or intolerance to sorafenib. However, the majority of the patients remain refractory, likely due to the solid immune suppressive status, which involves many stromal cells, humoral mediators, and suppressive checkpoint molecules. Therefore, current clinical trials are focusing on how immunosuppressive conditions in HCC might be overcome using immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with different types of immune checkpoint blockades, TKIs, and other conventional treatments. The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors is rapidly progressing and these inhibitors are likely to be key agents for HCC treatment in the near feature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Nishida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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40
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Xu F, Jin T, Zhu Y, Dai C. Immune checkpoint therapy in liver cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:110. [PMID: 29843754 PMCID: PMC5975687 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoints include stimulatory and inhibitory checkpoint molecules. In recent years, inhibitory checkpoints, including cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), have been identified to suppress anti-tumor immune responses in solid tumors. Novel drugs targeting immune checkpoints have succeeded in cancer treatment. Specific PD-1 blockades were approved for treatment of melanoma in 2014 and for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer in 2015 in the United States, European Union, and Japan. Preclinical and clinical studies show immune checkpoint therapy provides survival benefit for greater numbers of patients with liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma, two main primary liver cancers. The combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 with anti-CTLA-4 antibodies is being evaluated in phase 1, 2 or 3 trials, and the results suggest that an anti-PD-1 antibody combined with locoregional therapy or other molecular targeted agents is an effective treatment strategy for HCC. In addition, studies on activating co-stimulatory receptors to enhance anti-tumor immune responses have increased our understanding regarding this immunotherapy in liver cancer. Epigenetic modulations of checkpoints for improving the tumor microenvironment also expand our knowledge of potential therapeutic targets in improving the tumor microenvironment and restoring immune recognition and immunogenicity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge and recent developments in immune checkpoint-based therapies for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma and attempt to clarify the mechanisms underlying its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China.,Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North Building, P18-8116, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tianqiang Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, RC1-North Building, P18-8116, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, Liaoning, China.
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Rammohan A, Reddy MS, Farouk M, Vargese J, Rela M. Pembrolizumab for metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma following live donor liver transplantation: The silver bullet? Hepatology 2018; 67:1166-1168. [PMID: 29023959 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Rammohan
- The Institute of Liver Disease & Transplantation, Global Hospitals & Health City, Chennai, India
| | - Mettu S Reddy
- The Institute of Liver Disease & Transplantation, Global Hospitals & Health City, Chennai, India
| | - Mohammed Farouk
- The Institute of Liver Disease & Transplantation, Global Hospitals & Health City, Chennai, India
| | - Joy Vargese
- The Institute of Liver Disease & Transplantation, Global Hospitals & Health City, Chennai, India
| | - Mohamed Rela
- The Institute of Liver Disease & Transplantation, Global Hospitals & Health City, Chennai, India.,Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Lee S, Loecher M, Iyer R. Immunomodulation in hepatocellular cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2018; 9:208-219. [PMID: 29564186 PMCID: PMC5848038 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2017.06.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest growing malignancy in the United States in relation to mortality. HCC relies on a complex immunosuppressive network to modify the host immune system and evade destruction. Intrinsic to the liver's function and anatomy, native hepatic and immune cells produce many inhibitory cytokines that promote tolerogenicity and limit immune response. Since the introduction of sorafenib in 2008, no treatment has been able to demonstrate improved survival in patients with advanced HCC post disease progression treated with sorafenib. More recent studies have shown that sorafenib has an immunomodulatory function in addition to inhibition of multiple tyrosine kinases. Clinical trials have aimed to further enhance this immunomodulatory function with other treatments, most promisingly immune checkpoint inhibitors. Additionally, ongoing studies are using combinatorial approaches with immunomodulatory treatment and liver directed therapies such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), and cryoablation. This article will review recent data describing the immunosuppressive network in HCC, recent results of immunotherapies, and combinatorial approaches to treat advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyoung Lee
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
- University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Loecher
- University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Renuka Iyer
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
- University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Reccia I, Sodergren MH, Jayant K, Kurz E, Carneiro A, Spalding D, Pai M, Jiao L, Habib N. The journey of radiofrequency-assisted liver resection. Surg Oncol 2018; 27:A16-A18. [PMID: 29449067 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Reccia
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Mikael H Sodergren
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK.
| | - Kumar Jayant
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Elena Kurz
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Adriano Carneiro
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Duncan Spalding
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Madhava Pai
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Long Jiao
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Nagy Habib
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, UK.
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Okoye IS, Houghton M, Tyrrell L, Barakat K, Elahi S. Coinhibitory Receptor Expression and Immune Checkpoint Blockade: Maintaining a Balance in CD8 + T Cell Responses to Chronic Viral Infections and Cancer. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1215. [PMID: 29033936 PMCID: PMC5626929 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer and chronic viral infections, T cells are exposed to persistent antigen stimulation. This results in expression of multiple inhibitory receptors also called “immune checkpoints” by T cells. Although these inhibitory receptors under normal conditions maintain self-tolerance and prevent immunopathology, their sustained expression deteriorates T cell function: a phenomenon called exhaustion. Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy involve blockade of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 and programmed cell death 1 in order to reverse T cell exhaustion and reinvigorate immunity, which has translated to dramatic clinical remission in many cases of metastatic melanoma and lung cancer. With the paucity of therapeutic vaccines against chronic infections such as HIV, HPV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, such adjunct checkpoint blockade strategies are required including the blockade of other inhibitory receptors such as T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin (Ig) and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domains, T cell Ig and mucin-domain containing-3, lymphocyte activation gene 3, and V-domain Ig-containing suppressor of T cell activation. The nature of different chronic viral infections and cancers is likely to influence the level, composition, and pattern of inhibitory receptors expressed by responding T cells. This will have implications for checkpoint antibody blockade strategies employed for treating tumors and chronic viral infections. Here, we review recent advances that provide a clearer insight into the role of coinhibitory receptor expression in T cell exhaustion and reveal novel antibody-blockade therapeutic targets for chronic viral infections and cancer. Understanding the mechanism of T cell exhaustion in response to chronic virus infections and cancer as well as the nature of restored T cell responses will contribute to further improvement of immune checkpoint blockade strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel S Okoye
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael Houghton
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lorne Tyrrell
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Khaled Barakat
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shokrollah Elahi
- Department of Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Loomba R, Liang TJ. Hepatitis B Reactivation Associated With Immune Suppressive and Biological Modifier Therapies: Current Concepts, Management Strategies, and Future Directions. Gastroenterology 2017; 152:1297-1309. [PMID: 28219691 PMCID: PMC5501983 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B reactivation associated with immune-suppressive and biological therapies is emerging to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with current or prior exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The population at risk for HBV reactivation includes those who either currently are infected with HBV or have had past exposure to HBV. Because curative and eradicative therapy for HBV is not currently available, there is a large reservoir of individuals at risk for HBV reactivation in the general population. HBV reactivation with its potential consequences is particularly a concern when these people are exposed to either cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive or biologic therapies for the management of rheumatologic conditions, malignancies, inflammatory bowel disease, dermatologic conditions, or solid-organ or bone marrow transplantation. With the advent of newer and emerging forms of targeted biologic therapies, it has become important to understand the mechanisms whereby certain therapies are more prone to HBV reactivation. This review provides a comprehensive update on the current concepts, risk factors, molecular mechanisms, prevention, and management of hepatitis B reactivation. In addition, we provide recommendations for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - T. Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Bilgin B, Sendur MAN, Bülent Akıncı M, Şener Dede D, Yalçın B. Targeting the PD-1 pathway: a new hope for gastrointestinal cancers. Curr Med Res Opin 2017; 33:749-759. [PMID: 28055269 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2017.1279132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND VEGF, HER2 and EGFR targeted agents are currently used in gastric, esophageal and colorectal cancers. However, treatment outcomes are still poor in most gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Immune checkpoints are one of the most promising immunotherapy approaches. In this review article, we aim to discuss the efficacy and safety of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in GI cancers, including gastric, esophageal and colorectal cancer in published or reported recent studies. SCOPE A literature search was made from PubMed and ASCO Annual Meeting abstracts by using the following search keywords: "nivolumab", "pembrolizumab", "avelumab", "GI cancers" "anti-PD1 therapy" and "anti-PD-L1 therapy". The last search was on 2 November 2016. The most important limitation of our review is that most of the data on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in GI cancers relies on phase 1 and 2 trials. FINDINGS Currently, there are two anti-PD-1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) and one anti-PDL1 (atezolizumab) agents approved by FDA. After the treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade was shown in melanoma, renal cell cancer and non-squamous lung cancer, trials which evaluate immune checkpoint blockade in GI cancers are ongoing. Early results of trials have been promising and encouraging for patients with advanced stage gastroesophageal cancer. According to early results of published trials, response to anti-PD1/PD-L1 agents appears to be associated with tumor PD-L1 levels. According to two recently published phase 2 trials, the clinical benefits of immune checkpoint blockade with both nivolumab and pembrolizumab were limited in patients with microsatellite instability (MSI) positive advanced colorectal cancer. However, several phase 2/3 trials are still ongoing. CONCLUSION Both pembrolizumab and nivolumab show promising efficacy with acceptable safety data in published trials in GI cancers, especially in refractory MSI positive metastatic colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Bilgin
- a Yıldırım Beyazıt University , Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Mehmet A N Sendur
- a Yıldırım Beyazıt University , Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Muhammed Bülent Akıncı
- a Yıldırım Beyazıt University , Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Didem Şener Dede
- a Yıldırım Beyazıt University , Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Bülent Yalçın
- a Yıldırım Beyazıt University , Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology , Ankara , Turkey
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Liu H, Shen J, Lu K. IL-6 and PD-L1 blockade combination inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cancer development in mouse model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 486:239-244. [PMID: 28254435 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.02.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Limited efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was observed in clinical trials, thus prompting investigation into combination therapy. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has important roles in modeling immune responses in cancers. Here, we hypothesized that IL-6 blockade would enhance antitumor immunity of HCC and synergize with anti-programmed death-1-ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint inhibitor in treating HCC. The sources and immune modulating effects of IL-6 were investigated in HCC models. Combination of anti-IL-6 and anti-PD-L1 was tested in HCC bearing mice. We found that IL-6 is mainly secreted by cancer associated fibroblast (CAFs), but not tumor cells in HCC. High IL-6 expression CAFs could induce strong immunosuppression in HCC microenvironment by recruiting immunosuppressive cells, such as myeloid derived suppressive cells. In addition, high IL-6 expression CAFs also impaired tumor infiltrating T-cell function via upregulating inhibitory immune checkpoints. Using IL-6 blockade could reverse anti-PD-L1 resistance in HCC tumor model. In conclusion, our study indicates that targeted inhibition of IL-6 may enhance the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 in HCC, providing a potential strategy to overcoming anti-PD-L1 resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Liu
- Department of Laparoscopy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Shen
- The First Department of Hepatic Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Lu
- Department of Laparoscopy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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