1
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Kim EY, Liu M, Giobbie-Hurder A, Bahar F, Khaddour K, Silk AW, Thakuria M. Patterns of initial distant metastases in 151 patients undergoing surveillance for treated Merkel cell carcinoma. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2024; 38:1202-1212. [PMID: 38433521 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is associated with high rates of recurrence and distant metastatic progression. Current guidelines for surveillance imaging are not evidence based. Better characterization of the pattern of distant metastatic spread will better inform surveillance and facilitate earlier detection of metastases. OBJECTIVES This retrospective study aimed to assess potential relationships between primary tumour site and site of initial distant metastasis, time to distant metastasis, overall survival (OS) and MCC-specific death (MSD). METHODS Patients with local or regional (Stage I-III) disease who were treated with curative intent and progressed to Stage IV were included in this study (n = 151). Fisher's exact test was used to assess differences in patterns of initial distant metastases based on primary tumour site. Time to initial distant metastasis was calculated from date of MCC diagnosis. OS and MSD were calculated from date of initial distant metastasis to date of death from any or MCC-related causes, respectively. RESULTS Of 151 patients included in analysis, 89 (58.9%) had a single initial distant metastatic site, and 62 (41.1%) had multiple sites. Patients with upper limb primary tumours were significantly less likely to develop distant lymph node or liver metastases (p = 0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Median time to distant metastasis was 11 months (IQR 6.7-17.9 months). Median OS was 15.3 months, and was shorter for patients with liver (7.0 months, p = 0.0004) or bone metastases (8.9 months, p < 0.0001). Using skin/soft tissue metastasis as a reference group, patients with multiple metastatic sites had significantly higher hazards of MSD (HR = 3.46 univariate, 3.77 multivariate analysis). Time to distant metastasis, OS and MSD did not differ by viral status. CONCLUSION Sites of initial distant metastasis are related to primary tumour sites and survival outcomes. Because patients often have multiple initial metastases, full-body cross-sectional rather than region-specific imaging may facilitate earlier detection of metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Y Kim
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mofei Liu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Furkan Bahar
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karam Khaddour
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ann W Silk
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manisha Thakuria
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Esser E, Grünewald I, Mihailovic N. [Periocular Merkel Cell Carcinoma - an overview of clinical aspects and current therapeutic options]. Laryngorhinootologie 2024; 103:404-412. [PMID: 38128577 DOI: 10.1055/a-2214-5209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive and rapidly expanding malignant skin tumor. It affects the periocular region in approximately 10% of cases. The current treatment recommendation for resectable non-metastatic MCC comprises total surgical excision; however, lymph node or distant metastases are often already present by the time of the diagnosis. Since an immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with avelumab was first approved for MCC in 2016, there has been considerable improvement in mean survival compared to cytostatic therapy; at the same time, there has been a reduction in serious treatment-associated adverse events. Other immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently still in clinical trials, with very promising initial results. Because of the complexity of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, it is essential that MCC patients receive interdisciplinary care in a specialized center including consultation with a tumor review board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Esser
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Munster, Germany
| | - Inga Grünewald
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Natasa Mihailovic
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Klinikum Fulda gAG, Fulda, Germany
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3
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Mohsen ST, Price EL, Chan AW, Hanna TP, Limacher JJ, Nessim C, Shiers JE, Tron V, Wright FC, Drucker AM. Incidence, mortality and survival of Merkel cell carcinoma: a systematic review of population-based studies. Br J Dermatol 2024; 190:811-824. [PMID: 37874770 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that most commonly occurs in ultraviolet-exposed body sites. The epidemiology of MCC in different geographies and populations is not well characterized. OBJECTIVES The objective of this systematic review is to summarize evidence on the incidence, mortality and survival rates of MCC from population-based studies. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception to 6 June 2023. No geographic, age or date exclusions were applied. We included population-based studies of MCC that reported the incidence, survival or mortality rate, and also considered systematic reviews. A data-charting form was created and validated to identify variables to extract. Two reviewers then independently charted the data for each included study with patient characteristics, and estimates of incidence rate, mortality rate, and survival rate and assessed the quality of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence studies, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews. We abstracted age-, sex-, stage- and race-stratified outcomes, and synthesized comparisons between strata narratively and using vote counting. We assessed the certainty of evidence for those comparisons using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Developments and Evaluations framework. RESULTS We identified 11 472 citations, of which 52 studies from 24 countries met our inclusion criteria. Stage I and the head and neck were the most frequently reported stage and location at diagnosis. The incidence of MCC is increasing over time (high certainty), with the highest reported incidences reported in southern hemisphere countries [Australia (2.5 per 100 000); New Zealand (0.96 per 100 000) (high certainty)]. Male patients generally had higher incidence rates compared with female patients (high certainty), although there were some variations over time periods. Survival rates varied, with lower survival and/or higher mortality associated with male sex (moderate certainty), higher stage at diagnosis (moderate-to-high certainty), older age (moderate certainty), and immunosuppression (low-to-moderate certainty). CONCLUSIONS MCC is increasing in incidence and may increase further given the ageing population of many countries. The prognosis of MCC is poor, particularly for male patients, those who are immunosuppressed, and patients diagnosed at higher stages or at an older age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - An-Wen Chan
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine
- Women's College Research Institute and Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON,Canada
| | - Timothy P Hanna
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - James J Limacher
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine
- Women's College Research Institute and Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON,Canada
| | - Carolyn Nessim
- The Ottawa Hospital & Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica E Shiers
- University of Toronto Libraries, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Victor Tron
- University of Toronto & LifeLabs, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Aaron M Drucker
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine
- Women's College Research Institute and Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON,Canada
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4
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Ju S, Rokohl AC, Guo Y, Yao K, Fan W, Heindl LM. Personalized treatment concepts in extraocular cancer. ADVANCES IN OPHTHALMOLOGY PRACTICE AND RESEARCH 2024; 4:69-77. [PMID: 38590555 PMCID: PMC10999489 DOI: 10.1016/j.aopr.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Background The periocular skin is neoplasms-prone to various benign and malignant. Periocular malignancies are more aggressive and challenging to cure and repair than those in other skin areas. In recent decades, immunotherapy has significantly advanced oncology, allowing the autoimmune system to target and destroy malignant cells. Skin malignancies, especially periocular tumors, are particularly sensitive to immunotherapy. This technique has dramatically impacted the successful treatment of challenging tumors. Main text Extraocular cancers, including eyelid (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, merkel cell carcinoma), conjunctival tumors (conjunctival melanoma, ocular surface squamous neoplasia) and other rare tumors, are unique and challenging clinical situations. Several genetic alterations associated with the pathogenesis of these diseases have been identified, and molecular mechanism are essential for the development of the immunotherapy agents, such as Hedgehog pathway inhibitors (vismodegib and sonidegib) for basal cell carcinoma, BRAF/MEK inhibitors (vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and encorafenib) for melanoma, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (Avelumab, pembrolizumab) for Merkel cell carcinoma. Conclusions The optimal treatment for periocular skin cancer depends on the type and size of the tumor and whether it involves orbital and adnexal structures. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy with chemotherapy-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors should be considered based on tumor type, tumor molecular profile, expected response rate, and candidacy for systemic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Ju
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Straße, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexander C. Rokohl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Straße, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yongwei Guo
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Yao
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanlin Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Straße, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ludwig M. Heindl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Kerpener Straße, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Aachen-Bonn-Cologne-Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
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5
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Becker JC, Stang A, Schrama D, Ugurel S. Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Integrating Epidemiology, Immunology, and Therapeutic Updates. Am J Clin Dermatol 2024:10.1007/s40257-024-00858-z. [PMID: 38649621 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-024-00858-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin cancer characterized by neuroendocrine differentiation. Its carcinogenesis is based either on the integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus or on ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis, both of which lead to high immunogenicity either through the expression of viral proteins or neoantigens. Despite this immunogenicity resulting from viral or UV-associated carcinogenesis, it exhibits highly aggressive behavior. However, owing to the rarity of MCC and the lack of epidemiologic registries with detailed clinical data, there is some uncertainty regarding the spontaneous course of the disease. Historically, advanced MCC patients were treated with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy yielding a median response duration of only 3 months. Starting in 2017, four programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint inhibitors-avelumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab (utilized in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings), and retifanlimab-have demonstrated efficacy in treating patients with disseminated MCC on the basis of prospective clinical trials. However, generating clinical evidence for rare cancers, such as MCC, is challenging owing to difficulties in conducting large-scale trials, resulting in small sample sizes and therefore lacking statistical power. Thus, to comprehensively understand the available clinical evidence on various immunotherapy approaches for MCC, we also delve into the epidemiology and immune biology of this cancer. Nevertheless, while randomized studies directly comparing immune checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy in MCC are lacking, immunotherapy shows response rates comparable to those previously reported with chemotherapy but with more enduring responses. Notably, adjuvant nivolumab has proven superiority to the standard-of-care therapy (observation) in the adjuvant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 1, 45141, Essen, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Stang
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Cancer Registry of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany
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Lee WWL, Lim JQ, Tang TPL, Tan D, Koh SM, Puan KJ, Wang LW, Lim J, Tan KP, Chng WJ, Lim ST, Ong CK, Rotzschke O. Counterproductive effects of anti-CD38 and checkpoint inhibitor for the treatment of NK/T cell lymphoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1346178. [PMID: 38680487 PMCID: PMC11045949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1346178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural killer/T cell lymphoma (NKTL) is an aggressive malignancy associated with poor prognosis. This is largely due to limited treatment options, especially for relapsed patients. Immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and anti-CD38 therapies have shown promising but variable clinical efficacies. Combining these therapies has been suggested to enhance efficacy. Methods We conducted a case study on a relapsed NKTL patient treated sequentially with anti-CD38 followed by ICI (anti-PD1) using cytometry analyses. Results and Discussion Our analysis showed an expected depletion of peripheral CD38+ B cells following anti-CD38 treatment. Further analysis indicated that circulating anti-CD38 retained their function for up to 13 weeks post-administration. Anti-PD1 treatment triggered re-activation and upregulation of CD38 on the T cells. Consequently, these anti-PD1-activated T cells were depleted by residual circulating anti-CD38, rendering the ICI treatment ineffective. Finally, a meta-analysis confirmed this counterproductive effect, showing a reduced efficacy in patients undergoing combination therapy. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that sequential anti-CD38 followed by anti-PD1 therapy leads to a counterproductive outcome in NKTL patients. This suggests that the treatment sequence is antithetic and warrants re-evaluation for optimizing cancer immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy W. L. Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jing Quan Lim
- Lymphoma Translational Research Laboratory, Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Oncology-Academic Clinical Programme (ONCO-ACP), Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tiffany P. L. Tang
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daryl Tan
- Clinic for Lymphoma, Myeloma and Blood Disorders, Mount Elizabeth Hospital Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ser Mei Koh
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kia Joo Puan
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Liang Wei Wang
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jackwee Lim
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kim Peng Tan
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Soon Thye Lim
- Director’s Office, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Office of Education, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon Kiat Ong
- Lymphoma Translational Research Laboratory, Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Olaf Rotzschke
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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7
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de Sousa LG, Liu S, Bhosale P, Altan M, Darbonne W, Schulze K, Dervin S, Yun C, Mahvash A, Verma A, Futreal A, Gite S, Cuentas EP, Cho WC, Wistuba I, Yao JC, Woodman SE, Halperin DM, Ferrarotto R. Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in advanced Merkel cell carcinoma: A prospective study. Oral Oncol 2024; 151:106747. [PMID: 38460288 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- L Guimaraes de Sousa
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P Bhosale
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M Altan
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W Darbonne
- Roche/Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - K Schulze
- Roche/Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - S Dervin
- Roche/Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - C Yun
- Roche/Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A Mahvash
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Verma
- Department of Pathology, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - A Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Gite
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E Parra Cuentas
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W C Cho
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - I Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J C Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S E Woodman
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D M Halperin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - R Ferrarotto
- Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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8
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Gikandi A, Chi SN, Yeo KK, O'Neill AF, Shulman DS, DuBois SG, Collins NB. Off-label prescribing of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy at a single pediatric cancer center. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7154. [PMID: 38629258 PMCID: PMC11022150 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have improved outcomes in a variety of adult cancers and are prescribed with increasing frequency across oncology. However, patterns of off-label use of ICI in pediatrics remain unclear. METHODS This is a single-institution, retrospective cohort study evaluating off-label ICI use in pediatric and young adult patients with cancer treated at our institution from 2014 to 2022. Response was based on clinician assessment derived from clinical records. Immune-related adverse events (iRAEs) were classified according to CTCAE v5.0. RESULTS We identified 50 unique patients treated with off-label ICI (28 with solid tumors, 20 with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, 2 with hematologic malignancies). At time of ICI initiation, only five patients (10%) had localized disease, and all but one patient was treated in the relapsed/refractory setting. All patients were treated with the FDA-approved weight-based dosing recommendations. Overall, there was disease control in 21 patients (42%), with best response including one complete response (melanoma), two partial responses (high-grade glioma, CNS nongerminomatous germ cell tumor), and 18 patients with stable disease. Forty-four patients (88%) eventually experienced disease progression. Among 22 patients (44%) experiencing iRAEs, 10 (20%) had a grade ≥3 irAE, 12 (24%) required corticosteroids, and 14 (28%) required ICI discontinuation. irAE occurrence was associated with significantly improved progression-free survival (HR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.68; p = 0.002) and overall survival (HR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.66; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS At our institution, ICI was most commonly prescribed in the relapsed/refractory setting to patients with metastatic disease. The treatment was generally well-tolerated in the pediatric population. The overall response rate was low, and the majority of patients eventually experienced disease progression. A few patients, however, had durable treatment responses. Further studies are needed to identify which pediatric patients are most likely to benefit from ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan N Chi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kee Kiat Yeo
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allison F O'Neill
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David S Shulman
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven G DuBois
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Natalie B Collins
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Tabachnick-Cherny S, Pulliam T, Rodriguez HJ, Fan X, Hippe DS, Jones DC, Moshiri AS, Smythe KS, Kulikauskas RM, Zaba LC, Paulson KG, Nghiem P. Characterization of Immunosuppressive Myeloid Cells in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Correlation with Resistance to PD-1 Pathway Blockade. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:1189-1199. [PMID: 37851052 PMCID: PMC10947966 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly immunogenic skin cancer. Although essentially all MCCs are antigenic through viral antigens or high tumor mutation burden, MCC has a response rate of only approximately 50% to PD-(L)1 blockade suggesting barriers to T-cell responses. Prior studies of MCC immunobiology have focused on CD8 T-cell infiltration and their exhaustion status, while the role of innate immunity, particularly myeloid cells, in MCC remains underexplored. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We utilized single-cell transcriptomics from 9 patients with MCC and multiplex IHC staining of 54 patients' preimmunotherapy tumors, to identify myeloid cells and evaluate association with immunotherapy response. RESULTS Single-cell transcriptomics identified tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) as the dominant myeloid component within MCC tumors. These TAMs express an immunosuppressive gene signature characteristic of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and importantly express several targetable immune checkpoint molecules, including PD-L1 and LILRB receptors, that are not present on tumor cells. Analysis of 54 preimmunotherapy tumor samples showed that a subset of TAMs (CD163+, CD14+, S100A8+) selectively infiltrated tumors that had significant CD8 T cells. Indeed, higher TAM prevalence was associated with resistance to PD-1 blockade. While spatial interactions between TAMs and CD8 T cells were not associated with response, myeloid transcriptomic data showed evidence for cytokine signaling and expression of LILRB receptors, suggesting potential immunosuppressive mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS This study further characterizes TAMs in MCC tumors and provides insights into their possible immunosuppressive mechanism. TAMs may reduce the likelihood of treatment response in MCC by counteracting the benefit of CD8 T-cell infiltration. See related commentary by Silk and Davar, p. 1076.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Pulliam
- Department of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Xinyi Fan
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | | | - Ata S Moshiri
- Department of Dermatology, New York University, New York, New York
| | | | - Rima M Kulikauskas
- Department of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Lisa C Zaba
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kelly G Paulson
- Paul G Allen Research Center, Providence-Swedish Cancer Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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10
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Zhang H, Houadj L, Wu KY, Tran SD. Diagnosing and Managing Uveitis Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:336. [PMID: 38337852 PMCID: PMC10855398 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to provide an understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of uveitis associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). In the wake of these molecules being increasingly employed as a treatment against different cancers, cases of uveitis post-ICI therapy have also been increasingly reported in the literature, warranting an extensive exploration of the clinical presentations, risk factors, and pathophysiological mechanisms of ICI-induced uveitis. This review further provides an understanding of the association between ICIs and uveitis, and assesses the efficacy of current diagnostic tools, underscoring the need for advanced techniques to enable early detection and accurate assessment. Further, it investigates the therapeutic strategies for ICI-related uveitis, weighing the benefits and limitations of existing treatment regimens, and discussing current challenges and emerging therapies in the context of their potential efficacy and side effects. Through an overview of the short-term and long-term outcomes, this article suggests recommendations and emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between ophthalmologists and oncologists. Finally, the review highlights promising avenues for future research and development in the field, potentially informing transformative approaches in the ocular assessment of patients under immunotherapy and the management of uveitis following ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huixin Zhang
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Lysa Houadj
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada;
| | - Kevin Y. Wu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada
| | - Simon D. Tran
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1, Canada
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11
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Addala V, Newell F, Pearson JV, Redwood A, Robinson BW, Creaney J, Waddell N. Computational immunogenomic approaches to predict response to cancer immunotherapies. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:28-46. [PMID: 37907723 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunogenomics is an emerging field that bridges genomics and immunology. The establishment of large-scale genomic collaborative efforts along with the development of new single-cell transcriptomic techniques and multi-omics approaches have enabled characterization of the mutational and transcriptional profiles of many cancer types and helped to identify clinically actionable alterations as well as predictive and prognostic biomarkers. Researchers have developed computational approaches and machine learning algorithms to accurately obtain clinically useful information from genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data from bulk tissue or single cells and explore tumours and their microenvironment. The rapid growth in sequencing and computational approaches has resulted in the unmet need to understand their true potential and limitations in enabling improvements in the management of patients with cancer who are receiving immunotherapies. In this Review, we describe the computational approaches currently available to analyse bulk tissue and single-cell sequencing data from cancer, stromal and immune cells, as well as how best to select the most appropriate tool to address various clinical questions and, ultimately, improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkateswar Addala
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Felicity Newell
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - John V Pearson
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alec Redwood
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bruce W Robinson
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jenette Creaney
- National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Respiratory Health, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Nicola Waddell
- Cancer Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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12
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Zago E, Galluzzo A, Pradella S, Antonuzzo L, Maggi M, Petrone L, Sparano C. Cabozantinib for different endocrine tumours: killing two birds with one stone. A systematic review of the literature. Endocrine 2024; 83:26-40. [PMID: 37851242 PMCID: PMC10805963 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03526-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cabozantinib is an oral multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has been approved in Europe for advanced renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, locally advanced and metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous malignant neuroendocrine tumour that usually presents in sun-exposed skin areas of immunosuppressed patients. Conflicting data exist about cabozantinib for MCC and this TKI is currently under investigation in several onco-endocrine frameworks. METHODS We herein report a case of an 83-year-old man who was diagnosed with MCC during the treatment of an advanced metastatic MTC. The diagnosis of MCC was established based on clinical, histopathologic evaluation and immunohistochemistry. A systematic review of the literature on cabozantinib use for advanced endocrine and neuroendocrine tumours has been performed. RESULTS The patient was initially treated with surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Cabozantinib was therefore started to control both MTC and MCC. After 24 months, no sign of local or metastatic MCC relapse was evidenced. CONCLUSION Promising data on cabozantinib treatment for endocrine and neuroendocrine neoplasms is recently emerging in the literature. In our clinical case, we reported that, besides the good response for the MTC, cabozantinib also seems to effectively control metastatic MCC, along with efficient surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib in MCC patients and in off-label endocrine tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zago
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Galluzzo
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Pradella
- Department of Radiology, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Department of Experimental & Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Petrone
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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13
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Fantini M, Arlen PM, Tsang KY. Potentiation of natural killer cells to overcome cancer resistance to NK cell-based therapy and to enhance antibody-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275904. [PMID: 38077389 PMCID: PMC10704476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cellular components of the innate immune system that can recognize and suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. NK cells can eliminate cancer cells through direct lysis, by secreting perforin and granzymes, or through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). ADCC involves the binding of the Fc gamma receptor IIIa (CD16), present on NK cells, to the constant region of an antibody already bound to cancer cells. Cancer cells use several mechanisms to evade antitumor activity of NK cells, including the accumulation of inhibitory cytokines, recruitment and expansion of immune suppressor cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), modulation of ligands for NK cells receptors. Several strategies have been developed to enhance the antitumor activity of NK cells with the goal of overcoming cancer cells resistance to NK cells. The three main strategies to engineer and boost NK cells cytotoxicity include boosting NK cells with modulatory cytokines, adoptive NK cell therapy, and the employment of engineered NK cells to enhance antibody-based immunotherapy. Although the first two strategies improved the efficacy of NK cell-based therapy, there are still some limitations, including immune-related adverse events, induction of immune-suppressive cells and further cancer resistance to NK cell killing. One strategy to overcome these issues is the combination of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that mediate ADCC and engineered NK cells with potentiated anti-cancer activity. The advantage of using mAbs with ADCC activity is that they can activate NK cells, but also favor the accumulation of immune effector cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Several clinical trials reported that combining engineered NK cells with mAbs with ADCC activity can result in a superior clinical response compared to mAbs alone. Next generation of clinical trials, employing engineered NK cells with mAbs with higher affinity for CD16 expressed on NK cells, will provide more effective and higher-quality treatments to cancer patients.
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14
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Rouvinov K, Mazor G, Kozlener E, Meirovitz A, Shrem NS, Abu Saleh O, Shalata S, Yakobson A, Shalata W. Cemiplimab as First Line Therapy in Advanced Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Real-World Experience. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1623. [PMID: 38003938 PMCID: PMC10672594 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the treatment of cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated significantly greater effectiveness compared to conventional cytotoxic or platinum-based chemotherapies. To assess the efficacy of ICI's in penile squamous cell carcinoma (pSCC) we performed a retrospective observational study. We reviewed electronic medical records of patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), diagnosed between January 2020 and February 2023. Nine patients were screened, of whom three were ineligible for chemotherapy and received immunotherapy, cemiplimab, in a first-line setting. Each of the three immunotherapy-treated patients achieved almost a complete response (CR) after only a few cycles of therapy. The first patient had cerebral arteritis during treatment and received a high-dose steroid treatment with resolution of the symptoms of arteritis. After tapering down the steroids dose, the patient continued cemiplimab without further toxicity. The other two patients did not have any toxic side effects of the treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first real world report of near CR with cemiplimab as a first-line treatment in penile SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Rouvinov
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center and Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Gal Mazor
- Medical School for International Health, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ella Kozlener
- Department of Oncology, Bnei Zion Medical Center, Haifa 31048, Israel
| | - Amichay Meirovitz
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center and Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Noa Shani Shrem
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center and Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Omar Abu Saleh
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Emek Medical Centre, Afula 18341, Israel
| | - Sondos Shalata
- Nutrition Unit, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 22000, Israel
| | - Alexander Yakobson
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center and Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Walid Shalata
- The Legacy Heritage Center & Dr. Larry Norton Institute, Soroka Medical Center and Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
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15
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Luly K, Green JJ, Sunshine JC, Tzeng SY. Biomaterial-Mediated Genetic Reprogramming of Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma Leads to Targeted Cancer Cell Killing In Vitro and In Vivo. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:6438-6450. [PMID: 37797944 PMCID: PMC10646862 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor immunotherapy is a promising anticancer strategy; however, tumor cells may employ resistance mechanisms, including downregulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to avoid immune recognition. Here, we investigate reprogramming nanoparticles (NPs) that deliver immunostimulatory genes to enhance immunotherapy and address defective antigen presentation in skin cancer in vitro and in vivo. We use a modular poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE)-based NP to deliver DNA encoding 4-1BBL, IL-12, and IFNγ to reprogram human Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cells in vitro and mouse melanoma tumors in vivo to drive adaptive antitumor immune responses. Optimized NP formulations delivering 4-1BBL/IL-12 or 4-1BBL/IL-12/IFNγ DNA successfully transfect MCC and melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo, respectively, resulting in IFNγ-driven upregulation of MHC class I and II molecules on cancer cells. These NPs reprogram the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and elicit strong T-cell-driven immune responses, leading to cancer cell killing and T-cell proliferation in vitro and slowing tumor growth and improving survival rates in vivo. Based on expected changes to the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly the importance of IFNγ to the immune response and driving both T-cell function and exhaustion, next-generation NPs codelivering IFNγ were designed. These offered mixed benefits, exchanging improved polyfunctionality for increased T-cell exhaustion and demonstrating higher systemic toxicity in vivo. Further profiling of the immune response with these NPs provides insight into T-cell exhaustion and polyfunctionality induced by different formulations, providing a greater understanding of this immunotherapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn
M Luly
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Translational
Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Translational
Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Institute
for Nanobiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
- Bloomberg∼Kimmel
Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Sidney
Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Departments
of Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, and Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
- Departments
of Materials Science & Engineering and Chemical & Biomolecular
Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Joel C Sunshine
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Departments
of Dermatology and Pathology, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Translational
Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, United States
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16
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Fojnica A, Ljuca K, Akhtar S, Gatalica Z, Vranic S. An Updated Review of the Biomarkers of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5084. [PMID: 37894451 PMCID: PMC10605355 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is primarily a disease of the elderly Caucasian, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) treatment has shown promising results in MCC patients. Although ~34% of MCC patients are expected to exhibit at least one of the predictive biomarkers (PD-L1, high tumor mutational burden/TMB-H/, and microsatellite instability), their clinical significance in MCC is not fully understood. PD-L1 expression has been variably described in MCC, but its predictive value has not been established yet. Our literature survey indicates conflicting results regarding the predictive value of TMB in ICI therapy for MCC. Avelumab therapy has shown promising results in Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-negative MCC patients with TMB-H, while pembrolizumab therapy has shown better response in patients with low TMB. A study evaluating neoadjuvant nivolumab therapy found no significant difference in treatment response between the tumor etiologies and TMB levels. In addition to ICI therapy, other treatments that induce apoptosis, such as milademetan, have demonstrated positive responses in MCPyV-positive MCC, with few somatic mutations and wild-type TP53. This review summarizes current knowledge and discusses emerging and potentially predictive biomarkers for MCC therapy with ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Fojnica
- Institute of Virology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Kenana Ljuca
- Health Center of Sarajevo Canton, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Zoran Gatalica
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73019, USA;
- Reference Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA
| | - Semir Vranic
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
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17
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Pokhrel A, Wu R, Wang JC. Review of Merkel cell carcinoma with solitary pancreatic metastases mimicking primary neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. Clin J Gastroenterol 2023; 16:641-662. [PMID: 37421584 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01821-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) but metastases to the pancreas are very rare. There are only a few cases of isolated metastases of MCC to the pancreas. Because of this rarity, it can be wrongly diagnosed as a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas(pNET), especially the poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) subtype, in which the treatment is vastly different than that of MCC with isolated metastases of the pancreas. METHODS An electronic search of the PubMed and google scholar databases was performed to obtain the literature on MCC with pancreatic metastases, using the following search terms: Merkel cell carcinoma, pancreas, and metastases. Results are limited to the following available article types: case reports and case series. We identified 45 cases of MCC with pancreatic metastases from the PubMed and Google Scholar database search and examined their potential relevance. Only 22 cases with isolated pancreatic metastases were taken for review including one case that we encountered. RESULTS The results from our review of cases of isolated pancreatic metastases of MCC were compared to the characteristics of the poorly differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNEC). We found the following: (a) MCC with isolated pancreatic metastases occurred at an older age than PNEC and with male gender predominance (b) Most of the metastases occurred within 2 years of initial diagnosis of MCC (c) Resection of pancreatic mass was the first line treatment in case of resectable PNECs whereas resection of metastases was infrequently performed in MCC with pancreatic metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akriti Pokhrel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Richard Wu
- Department of Pathology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jen Chin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
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18
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DeCoste RC, Carter MD, Ly TY, Gruchy JR, Nicolela AP, Pasternak S. Merkel cell carcinoma: an update. Hum Pathol 2023; 140:39-52. [PMID: 36898590 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma associated with an adverse prognosis. In recent years, our understanding of MCC biology has markedly progressed. Since the discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus, it has become clear that MCC represents an ontogenetically dichotomous group of neoplasms with overlapping histopathology. Specifically, most MCCs arise secondary to viral oncogenesis, while a smaller subset is the direct result of UV-associated mutations. The distinction of these groups bears relevance in their immunohistochemical and molecular characterization, as well as in disease prognosis. Further recent developments relate to the landmark utilization of immunotherapeutics in MCC, providing optimistic options for the management of this aggressive disease. In this review, we discuss both fundamental and emerging concepts in MCC, with a particular focus on topics of practical relevance to the surgical or dermatopathologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C DeCoste
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada.
| | - Michael D Carter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Thai Yen Ly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Jennette R Gruchy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
| | - Anna P Nicolela
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sylvia Pasternak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, QEII Health Science Centre, Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1V8, Canada
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19
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Khaddour K, Zhou A, Butt O, Huang J, Ansstas G. Case Report: Stereotactic body radiation treatment for immunotherapy escaped oligometastatic progression in cutaneous melanoma and merkel cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1276729. [PMID: 37799464 PMCID: PMC10547860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1276729] [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: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligometastatic progression represents a unique manifestation of tumor immune-escape that can lead to disease progression during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). The diagnosis and further optimal management of oligometastatic progression through ICI remains unclear. Diagnostic challenges include practical limitations due to the anatomical sites of oligometastatic progression, such as the para-aortic region, where traditional tissue biopsy carries high risk, and circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) could aid in diagnosis and disease monitoring as a supplement to surveillance imaging. In this report, we describe two cases of one patient with metastatic melanoma and the other with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) who were treated with ICI and later developed localized resistance due to oligometastatic progression. We further highlight our experience using stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as a salvage approach to treat the oligometastatic progression. In addition, we describe the temporal and dynamic relationship of circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) prior to, during and after SBRT, which highly suggested the diagnosis without obtaining a histological specimen. Our cases highlight a potential role for SBRT in the management of oligometastatic progression. However, large prospective trials are essential to confirm the utility of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Khaddour
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alice Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University in Saint Louis- Division of Medical Oncology, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Omar Butt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University in Saint Louis- Division of Medical Oncology, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jiayi Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - George Ansstas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University in Saint Louis- Division of Medical Oncology, Saint Louis, MO, United States
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20
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Lee Boniao E, Allen RC, Sundar G. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for orbital and periorbital tumors: a major review. Orbit 2023:1-18. [PMID: 37728602 DOI: 10.1080/01676830.2023.2256848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, for patients who are poor candidates for surgery and/or radiotherapy, palliative chemotherapy is often offered but with significant toxic side effects. However, recent advancements in our understanding of tumor biology and molecular genetics have brought new understanding to the molecular pathways of certain tumors and cancers. This has ushered in a new era of precision medicine specific to a tumor or cancer treatment pathway (targeted therapy) or directed to host-tumor responses (immunotherapy). This article will focus on recent updates in the application of available targeted and immunotherapy for managing orbital and periorbital tumors and tumor-like conditions, which include cutaneous basal cell carcinoma, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, solitary fibrous tumor, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, orbital meningioma, neurofibromatosis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, ocular adnexal lymphoma, orbital lymphatic malformation, and adenoid cystic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Lee Boniao
- Orbit & Oculofacial Surgery, Ophthalmic Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Marawi City, Philippines
| | - Richard C Allen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gangadhara Sundar
- Orbit & Oculofacial Surgery, Ophthalmic Oncology, Department of Ophthalmology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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21
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Singh N, McClure EM, Akaike T, Park SY, Huynh ET, Goff PH, Nghiem P. The Evolving Treatment Landscape of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1231-1258. [PMID: 37403007 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) has a high risk of recurrence and requires unique treatment relative to other skin cancers. The patient population is generally older, with comorbidities. Multidisciplinary and personalized care is therefore paramount, based on patient preferences regarding risks and benefits. Positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) is the most sensitive staging modality and reveals clinically occult disease in ~ 16% of patients. Discovery of occult disease spread markedly alters management. Newly diagnosed, localized disease is often managed with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), local excision, primary wound closure, and post-operative radiation therapy (PORT). In contrast, metastatic disease is usually treated systemically with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). However, one or more of these approaches may not be indicated. Criteria for such exceptions and alternative approaches will be discussed. Because MCC recurs in 40% of patients and early detection/treatment of advanced disease is advantageous, close surveillance is recommended. Given that over 90% of initial recurrences arise within 3 years, surveillance frequency can be rapidly decreased after this high-risk period. Patient-specific assessment of risk is important because recurrence risk varies widely (15 to > 80%: Merkelcell.org/recur) depending on baseline patient characteristics and time since treatment. Blood-based surveillance tests are now available (Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) antibodies and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)) with excellent sensitivity that can spare patients from contrast dye, radioactivity, and travel to a cancer imaging facility. If recurrent disease is locoregional, management with surgery and/or RT is typically indicated. ICIs are now the first line for systemic/advanced MCC, with objective response rates (ORRs) exceeding 50%. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is sometimes used for debulking disease or in patients who cannot tolerate ICI. ICI-refractory disease is the major problem faced by this field. Fortunately, numerous promising therapies are on the horizon to address this clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Singh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Erin M McClure
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tomoko Akaike
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Song Y Park
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily T Huynh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter H Goff
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA, USA.
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22
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Cufer T, Kosty MP. ESMO/ASCO Recommendations for a Global Curriculum in Medical Oncology Edition 2023. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2300277. [PMID: 37867478 PMCID: PMC10664856 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and ASCO are publishing a new edition of the ESMO/ASCO Global Curriculum (GC) with contributions from more than 150 authors. The purpose of the GC is to provide recommendations for the training of physicians in medical oncology and to establish a set of educational standards for trainees to qualify as medical oncologists. This edition builds on prior ones in 2004, 2010, and 2016 and incorporates scientific advances and input from an ESMO ASCO survey on GC adoption conducted in 2019, which revealed that GC has been adopted or adapted in as many as two thirds of the countries surveyed. To make GC even more useful and applicable, certain subchapters were rearranged into stand-alone chapters, that is, cancer epidemiology, diagnostics, and research. In line with recent progress in the field of multidisciplinary cancer care new (sub)chapters, such as image-guided therapy, cell-based therapy, and nutritional support, were added. Moreover, this edition includes an entirely new chapter dedicated to cancer control principles, aiming to ensure that medical oncologists are able to identify and implement sustainable and equitable cancer care, tailored to local needs and resources. Besides content renewal, modern didactic principles were introduced. GC content is presented using two chapter templates (cancer-specific and non-cancer-specific), with three didactic points (objectives, key concepts, and skills). The next step is promoting GC as a contemporary and comprehensive document applicable all over the world, particularly due to its capacity to harmonize education in medical oncology and, in so doing, help to reduce global disparities in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Cufer
- Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Michael P. Kosty
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA
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23
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Buchta Rosean C, Leyder EC, Hamilton J, Carter JJ, Galloway DA, Koelle DM, Nghiem P, Heiland T. LAMP1 targeting of the large T antigen of Merkel cell polyomavirus results in potent CD4 T cell responses and tumor inhibition. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1253568. [PMID: 37711623 PMCID: PMC10499392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Most cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and highly aggressive type of neuroendocrine skin cancer, are associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection. MCPyV integrates into the host genome, resulting in expression of oncoproteins including a truncated form of the viral large T antigen (LT) in infected cells. These oncoproteins are an attractive target for a therapeutic cancer vaccine. Methods We designed a cancer vaccine that promotes potent, antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses to MCPyV-LT. To activate antigen-specific CD4 T cells in vivo, we utilized our nucleic acid platform, UNITE™ (UNiversal Intracellular Targeted Expression), which fuses a tumor-associated antigen with lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1). This lysosomal targeting technology results in enhanced antigen presentation and potent antigen-specific T cell responses. LTS220A, encoding a mutated form of MCPyV-LT that diminishes its pro-oncogenic properties, was introduced into the UNITE™ platform. Results Vaccination with LTS220A-UNITE™ DNA vaccine (ITI-3000) induced antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses and a strong humoral response that were sufficient to delay tumor growth of a B16F10 melanoma line expressing LTS220A. This effect was dependent on the CD4 T cells' ability to produce IFNγ. Moreover, ITI-3000 induced a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME), including Th1-type cytokines and significantly enhanced numbers of CD4 and CD8 T cells as well as NK and NKT cells. Additionally, ITI-3000 synergized with an α-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to further slow tumor growth and enhance survival. Conclusions These findings strongly suggest that in pre-clinical studies, DNA vaccination with ITI-3000, using the UNITE™ platform, enhances CD4 T cell responses to MCPyV-LT that result in significant anti-tumor immune responses. These data support the initiation of a first-in-human (FIH) Phase 1 open-label study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of ITI-3000 in patients with polyomavirus-positive MCC (NCT05422781).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joseph J. Carter
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Denise A. Galloway
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - David M. Koelle
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Translational Research, Benaroya Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Teri Heiland
- Immunomic Therapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
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24
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Yiong CS, Lin TP, Lim VY, Toh TB, Yang VS. Biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibition in sarcomas - are we close to clinical implementation? Biomark Res 2023; 11:75. [PMID: 37612756 PMCID: PMC10463641 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00513-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a group of diverse and complex cancers of mesenchymal origin that remains poorly understood. Recent developments in cancer immunotherapy have demonstrated a potential for better outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibition in some sarcomas compared to conventional chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are key agents in cancer immunotherapy, demonstrating improved outcomes in many tumor types. However, most patients with sarcoma do not benefit from treatment, highlighting the need for identification and development of predictive biomarkers for response to ICIs. In this review, we first discuss United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and European Medicines Agency (EMA)-approved biomarkers, as well as the limitations of their use in sarcomas. We then review eight potential predictive biomarkers and rationalize their utility in sarcomas. These include gene expression signatures (GES), circulating neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), TP53 mutation status, B cells, and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). Finally, we discuss the potential for TLS as both a predictive and prognostic biomarker for ICI response in sarcomas to be implemented in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Sern Yiong
- Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Tzu Ping Lin
- Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117544, Singapore
| | - Vivian Yujing Lim
- Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- The Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valerie Shiwen Yang
- Translational Precision Oncology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, 169610, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Oncology Academic Clinical Program, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
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25
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Civantos F, Helmen ZM, Bradley PJ, Coca-Pelaz A, De Bree R, Guntinas-Lichius O, Kowalski LP, López F, Mäkitie AA, Rinaldo A, Robbins KT, Rodrigo JP, Takes RP, Ferlito A. Lymph Node Metastases from Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer of the Head and Neck. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4201. [PMID: 37686478 PMCID: PMC10486745 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) represents the most common malignancy in the world, comprising exceedingly common lesions such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and rare lesions such as Merkel cell carcinoma. Risk factors are widely recognized and include ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, radiation exposure, immunosuppression, and many others. As a whole, survival and functional outcomes are favorable, but each histopathological subtype of NMSC behaves differently. Treatment regimens for the primary site usually include wide surgical excision and neck dissection in cases of clinically involved metastatic lymph nodes. The elective management of draining nodal basins, however, is a contested topic. Nearly all subtypes, excluding BCC, have a significant risk of lymphatic metastases, and have been studied with regard to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and elective neck dissection. To date, no studies have definitively established a true single standard of care, as exists for melanoma, for any of the NMSCs. As a result, the authors have sought to summarize the current literature and identify indications and management options for the management of the cervical lymphatics for each major subtype of NMSC. Further research remains critically necessary in order to develop complete treatment algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Civantos
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (F.C.); (Z.M.H.)
| | - Zachary M. Helmen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (F.C.); (Z.M.H.)
| | - Patrick J. Bradley
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Nottingham University Hospitals, Queens Medical Centre Campus, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Andrés Coca-Pelaz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (A.C.-P.); (F.L.)
| | - Remco De Bree
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Institute of Phoniatry/Pedaudiology, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Luiz P. Kowalski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paolo 01509-900, Brazil
- Head and Neck Surgery Department, University of São Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Fernando López
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (A.C.-P.); (F.L.)
| | - Antti A. Mäkitie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, FI-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland;
| | | | - K. Thomas Robbins
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Juan P. Rodrigo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (A.C.-P.); (F.L.)
| | - Robert P. Takes
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, 35100 Padua, Italy
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26
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Yang JF, Liu W, You J. Characterization of molecular mechanisms driving Merkel cell polyomavirus oncogene transcription and tumorigenic potential. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011598. [PMID: 37647312 PMCID: PMC10468096 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with approximately 80% of cases of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive type of skin cancer. The incidence of MCC has tripled over the past twenty years, but there are currently very few effective targeted treatments. A better understanding of the MCPyV life cycle and its oncogenic mechanisms is needed to unveil novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of MCC. MCPyV infection and oncogenesis are reliant on the expression of the early viral oncoproteins, which drive the viral life cycle and MCPyV+ MCC tumor cell growth. To date, the molecular mechanisms regulating the transcription of the MCPyV oncogenes remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we investigated how MCPyV early transcription is regulated to support viral infection and MCC tumorigenesis. Our studies established the roles of multiple cellular factors in the control of MCPyV gene expression. Inhibitor screening experiments revealed that the histone acetyltransferases p300 and CBP positively regulate MCPyV transcription. Their regulation of viral gene expression occurs through coactivation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which binds to the viral genome to drive MCPyV oncogene expression in a manner that is tightly controlled through a negative feedback loop. Furthermore, we discovered that small molecule inhibitors specifically targeting p300/CBP histone acetyltransferase activity are effective at blocking MCPyV tumor antigen expression and MCPyV+ MCC cell proliferation. Together, our work establishes key cellular factors regulating MCPyV transcription, providing the basis for understanding the largely unknown mechanisms governing MCPyV transcription that defines its infectious host cell tropism, viral life cycle, and oncogenic potential. Our studies also identify a novel therapeutic strategy against MCPyV+ MCC through specific blockage of MCPyV oncogene expression and MCC tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- June F. Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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27
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Thomson DJ, Henson C, Huang SH, McDowell LJ, Mierzwa M, Wilke C, Margalit DN. The Interplay Between Radiation Dose, Volume, and Systemic Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2023; 116:967-971. [PMID: 37453792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David J Thomson
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| | - Christina Henson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Shao Hui Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lachlan J McDowell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michelle Mierzwa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Christopher Wilke
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Danielle N Margalit
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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28
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Banini M, Salvestrini V, Vultaggio A, Perlato M, Mecheri V, Cerbai C, Scotti V, Matucci A, Mangoni M, Livi L, Bonomo P. Desensitization Protocol for Cemiplimab-Related Infusion Reaction in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:6699-6707. [PMID: 37504351 PMCID: PMC10378378 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30070491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The landscape of systemic therapies for advanced non-melanoma skin cancers has been revolutionized by the advent of immunotherapy. Cemiplimab is the only immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) approved by the European Medicine Agency for recurrent/metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Its excellent efficacy outcomes are achieved due to its good tolerability profile. The drug-related hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) is a well-known issue in oncology, but it is rarely reported in respect to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cemiplimab is among the agents with the best infusion tolerability profiles. Clinical practice guidelines in this field are lacking. RESULTS We report on the successful management of a severe infusion reaction induced by Cemiplimab in a patient with cSCC based on a desensitization protocol, which led to adequate treatment delivery and prolonged clinical benefit. A review of the available literature on HSR rates and its management with ICIs, and on drug desensitization (DD) protocols and their efficacy, was conducted to highlight the limited knowledge on this topic and its importance. CONCLUSION Our experience highlights the need for a DD protocol in order to improve the treatment of HSRs, particularly when elicited by an immunotherapy agent, preventing treatment discontinuation and preserving its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Banini
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Viola Salvestrini
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Margherita Perlato
- Immunoallergology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Mecheri
- Immunoallergology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Cecilia Cerbai
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Vieri Scotti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Matucci
- Immunoallergology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Mangoni
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Livi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Bonomo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
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29
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Salemi F, Mortazavizadeh SMR, Zahir ST, Shahrokh S. Near missed diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma in a young immunocompetent woman with a recurrent left-arm mass: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7587. [PMID: 37496880 PMCID: PMC10366346 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine cancer that primarily affects the elderly, Caucasians, and the immunocompromised. We present a rare case of an immunocompetent young Iranian (non-Caucasian) female with a small nodule on her left arm. The lesion was initially misdiagnosed as an infected cyst and was treated with antibiotics for 20 days before being surgically removed. Unfortunately, the lump regrew rapidly 2 weeks later, when she had a biopsy, which revealed stage III MCC. She was then treated with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy after a thorough surgical resection of the tumor. Despite the fact that she was in remission after completing chemotherapy courses, she developed neutropenic fever, sepsis and died from septic shock. This case emphasizes the necessity of early clinical diagnosis of MCC and obtaining a biopsy with histopathologic evaluation of rapidly evolving skin lesions suggestive of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fateme Salemi
- School of MedicineIslamic Azad University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | | | | | - Soroush Shahrokh
- Internal Medicine Residency Program: HCA Houston HealthcareUniversity of Houston College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
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30
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Houben R, Alimova P, Sarma B, Hesbacher S, Schulte C, Sarosi EM, Adam C, Kervarrec T, Schrama D. 4-[(5-Methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]-2H-phenyl-1-phthalazinone Inhibits MCPyV T Antigen Expression in Merkel Cell Carcinoma Independent of Aurora Kinase A. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092542. [PMID: 37174007 PMCID: PMC10177447 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), and MCPyV-positive tumor cells depend on expression of the virus-encoded T antigens (TA). Here, we identify 4-[(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)amino]-2H-phenyl-1-phthalazinone (PHT)-a reported inhibitor of Aurora kinase A-as a compound inhibiting growth of MCC cells by repressing noncoding control region (NCCR)-controlled TA transcription. Surprisingly, we find that TA repression is not caused by inhibition of Aurora kinase A. However, we demonstrate that β-catenin-a transcription factor repressed by active glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-is activated by PHT, suggesting that PHT bears a hitherto unreported inhibitory activity against GSK3, a kinase known to function in promoting TA transcription. Indeed, applying an in vitro kinase assay, we demonstrate that PHT directly targets GSK3. Finally, we demonstrate that PHT exhibits in vivo antitumor activity in an MCC xenograft mouse model, suggesting a potential use in future therapeutic settings for MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Pamela Alimova
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bhavishya Sarma
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Hesbacher
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolin Schulte
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Sarosi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Adam
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, INRA UMR 1282 BIP, 37200 Tours, France
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Wang R, Yang JF, Senay TE, Liu W, You J. Characterization of the Impact of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Induced Interferon Signaling on Viral Infection. J Virol 2023; 97:e0190722. [PMID: 36946735 PMCID: PMC10134799 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01907-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) has been associated with approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive and increasingly incident skin cancer. The link between host innate immunity, viral load control, and carcinogenesis has been established but poorly characterized. We previously established the importance of the STING and NF-κB pathways in the host innate immune response to viral infection. In this study, we further discovered that MCPyV infection of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) induces the expression of type I and III interferons (IFNs), which in turn stimulate robust expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Blocking type I IFN downstream signaling using an IFN-β antibody, JAK inhibitors, and CRISPR knockout of the receptor dramatically repressed MCPyV infection-induced ISG expression but did not significantly restore viral replication activities. These findings suggest that IFN-mediated induction of ISGs in response to MCPyV infection is not crucial to viral control. Instead, we found that type I IFN exerts a more direct effect on MCPyV infection postentry by repressing early viral transcription. We further demonstrated that growth factors normally upregulated in wounded or UV-irradiated human skin can significantly stimulate MCPyV gene expression and replication. Together, these data suggest that in healthy individuals, host antiviral responses, such as IFN production induced by viral activity, may restrict viral propagation to reduce MCPyV burden. Meanwhile, growth factors induced by skin abrasion or UV irradiation may stimulate infected dermal fibroblasts to promote MCPyV propagation. A delicate balance of these mutually antagonizing factors provides a mechanism to support persistent MCPyV infection. IMPORTANCE Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive skin cancer that is particularly lethal to immunocompromised individuals. Though rare, MCC incidence has increased significantly in recent years. There are no lasting and effective treatments for metastatic disease, highlighting the need for additional treatment and prevention strategies. By investigating how the host innate immune system interfaces with Merkel cell polyomavirus, the etiological agent of most of these cancers, our studies identified key factors necessary for viral control, as well as conditions that support viral propagation. These studies provide new insights for understanding how the virus balances the effects of the host immune defenses and of growth factor stimulation to achieve persistent infection. Since virus-positive MCC requires the expression of viral oncogenes to survive, our observation that type I IFN can repress viral oncogene transcription indicates that these cytokines could be explored as a viable therapeutic option for treating patients with virus-positive MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranran Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - June F. Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Taylor E. Senay
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Seong G, D’Angelo SP. New therapeutics for soft tissue sarcomas: Overview of current immunotherapy and future directions of soft tissue sarcomas. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1150765. [PMID: 37007160 PMCID: PMC10052453 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1150765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare and aggressive disease with a 40 to 50% metastasis rate. The limited efficacy of traditional approaches with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy has prompted research in novel immunotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-CTLA-4 and PD-1 therapies in STS have demonstrated histologic-specific responses. Some combinations of immunotherapy with chemotherapy, TKI, and radiation were effective. STS is considered a ‘cold’, non-inflamed tumor. Adoptive cell therapies are actively investigated in STS to enhance immune response. Genetically modified T-cell receptor therapy targeting cancer testis antigens such as NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A4 demonstrated durable responses, especially in synovial sarcoma. Two early HER2-CAR T-cell trials have achieved stable disease in some patients. In the future, CAR-T cell therapies will find more specific targets in STS with a reliable response. Early recognition of T-cell induced cytokine release syndrome is crucial, which can be alleviated by immunosuppression such as steroids. Further understanding of the immune subtypes and biomarkers will promote the advancement of soft tissue sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyuhee Seong
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Sandra P. D’Angelo
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Sandra P. D’Angelo,
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Siqueira SOM, Campos-do-Carmo G, Dos Santos ALS, Martins C, de Melo AC. Merkel cell carcinoma: epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of a rare disease. An Bras Dermatol 2023; 98:277-286. [PMID: 36870886 PMCID: PMC10173065 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2022.09.003] [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: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare skin cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation. The risk factors include sun exposure, advanced age, immunosuppression (such as transplant recipients, patients with lymphoproliferative neoplasms, or patients with HIV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus infection. Clinically, Merkel cell carcinoma appears as a cutaneous or subcutaneous plaque or nodule, but this tumor diagnosis is rarely made clinically. Therefore, histopathology and immunohistochemistry are usually necessary. Primary tumors without evidence of metastases are treated with complete surgical excision and appropriate surgical margins. The presence of occult metastasis in a lymph node is frequent and a sentinel lymph node biopsy should be performed. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy increases local tumor control. Recently, agents that block the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have shown objective and durable tumor regression in patients with advanced solid malignancies. The first anti-PD-L1 antibody used in patients with Merkel cell carcinoma was avelumab, but pembrolizumab and nivolumab have also shown efficacy. This article describes the current state of knowledge of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and staging of Merkel cell carcinoma, as well as new strategies for its systemic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Cícero Martins
- Section of Clinical Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreia Cristina de Melo
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Becker JC, Beer AJ, DeTemple VK, Eigentler T, Flaig MJ, Gambichler T, Grabbe S, Höller U, Klumpp B, Lang S, Pföhler C, Posch C, Prasad V, Schlattmann P, Schneider-Burrus S, Ter-Nedden J, Terheyden P, Thoms K, Vordermark D, Ugurel S. S2k-Leitlinie - Merkelzellkarzinom - Update 2022. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:305-317. [PMID: 36929546 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14930_g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), Deutsches Konsortium für translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort Essen, Klinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg
| | | | - Viola K DeTemple
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie, Allergologie und Phlebologie, Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin
| | - Michael J Flaig
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München
| | - Thilo Gambichler
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum
| | | | | | | | - Stephan Lang
- Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik am Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | - Claudia Pföhler
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar
| | - Christian Posch
- Hautklinik Campus Biederstein, Technische Universität München
| | - Vikas Prasad
- Klinik für Nuklearmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Ulm
| | | | | | | | - Patrick Terheyden
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck
| | - Kai Thoms
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen
| | - Dirk Vordermark
- Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Halle
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen
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Becker JC, Beer AJ, DeTemple VK, Eigentler T, Flaig M, Gambichler T, Grabbe S, Höller U, Klumpp B, Lang S, Pföhler C, Posch C, Prasad V, Schlattmann P, Schneider-Burrus S, Ter-Nedden J, Terheyden P, Thoms K, Vordermark D, Ugurel S. S2k Guideline - Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin) - Update 2022. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2023; 21:305-320. [PMID: 36929552 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC, ICD-O M8247/3) is a rare, malignant, primary skin tumor with epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation. The tumor cells share many morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features with cutaneous Merkel cells. Nevertheless, the cell of origin of MCC is unclear. MCC appears clinically as a reddish to purple spherical tumor with a smooth, shiny surface and a soft to turgid, elastic consistency, usually showing rapid growth. Spontaneous and often complete regressions of the tumor are observed. These likely immunologically-mediated regressions explain the cases in which only lymph node or distant metastases are found at the time of initial diagnosis and why the tumor responds very well to immunomodulatory therapies even at advanced stages. Due to its aggressiveness, the usually given indication for sentinel lymph node biopsy, the indication of adjuvant therapies to be evaluated, as well as the complexity of the necessary diagnostics, clinical management should already be determined by an interdisciplinary tumor board at the time of initial diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), Deutsches Konsortium für translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort Essen, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg
| | - Ambros J Beer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Ulm
| | - Viola K DeTemple
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology and Phlebology, Johannes Wesling Klinikum, Minden
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Berlin
| | - Michael Flaig
- Department and Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, LMU Klinikum Munich
| | - Thilo Gambichler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruhr University Bochum
| | | | | | | | - Stephan Lang
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Medicine, University Hospital Essen
| | - Claudia Pföhler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Saarland, Homburg/Saar
| | - Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology Campus Biederstein, Technical University Munich
| | - Vikas Prasad
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Ulm
| | | | | | - Jan Ter-Nedden
- Professional Association of German Dermatologists, Hamburg
| | - Patrick Terheyden
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck
| | - Kai Thoms
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen
| | | | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen
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36
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Bartley BR, Moore SA, Doan HQ, Rady PL, Tyring SK. Current treatments and emerging therapies of human polyomavirus-associated skin diseases: a comprehensive review. Int J Dermatol 2023; 62:387-396. [PMID: 36577746 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Since Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) was linked as the predominant etiology of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in 2008, three additional human polyomaviruses (HPyV) have been definitively linked to cutaneous diseases-trichodysplasia spinulosa virus (TSPyV) and human polyomavirus 6 and 7 (HPyV6, HPyV7). TSPyV contributes to the development of trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS), and HPyV6/7 is associated closely with the eruption of pruritic and dyskeratotic dermatoses (PDD). Clinically, MCC is treated with surgical excision and radiation with adjuvant chemotherapy, although newer treatment options include immune checkpoint inhibition. These novel immunotherapies hold promise for the treatment of metastatic MCC, but resistance and side effects prevent a significant proportion of patients from realizing their benefits. Based on previous case reports, the standard of care for the less deadly but disfiguring cutaneous disease TS include immunosuppressant (IS) reduction, the use of antivirals such as cidofovir (CDV) or valganciclovir (VGCV), or a combination of these treatments. Similar treatments were attempted for PDD, but oral acitretin was found to be most effective. As MCC, TS, and PDD are rare diseases, further research is required for effective treatments. In this review, we summarize clinical trials, preclinical studies, and case reports that present outcomes and side effects of current and emerging treatments for HPyV-associated cutaneous diseases, offering a comprehensive resource for clinical application and prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke R Bartley
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen A Moore
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hung Q Doan
- Department of Dermatology, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter L Rady
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen K Tyring
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
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Rubatto M, Sciamarrelli N, Borriello S, Pala V, Mastorino L, Tonella L, Ribero S, Quaglino P. Classic and new strategies for the treatment of advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:959289. [PMID: 36844955 PMCID: PMC9947410 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.959289] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are burdened with a dismal prognosis. To improve the survival of these patients, studies on immunotherapy and target therapies in melanoma and NMSCs are rapidly increasing. BRAF and MEK inhibitors improve clinical outcomes, and anti-PD1 therapy demonstrates better results than chemotherapy or anti-CTLA4 therapy in terms of the survival of patients with advanced melanoma. In recent years, the combination therapy of nivolumab plus ipilimumab has gained ground in studies for its survival and response rate benefits in patients with advanced melanoma. In addition, neoadjuvant treatment for stages III and IV melanoma, either as monotherapy or combination therapy, has recently been discussed. Another promising strategy evaluated in recent studies is the triple combination of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and anti-BRAF plus anti-MEK targeted therapy. On the contrary, in advanced and metastatic BCC, successful therapeutic strategies, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, are based on the inhibition of aberrant activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. In these patients, anti-PD-1 therapy with cemiplimab should be reserved as the second-line therapy in case of disease progression or poor response. In patients with locally advanced or metastatic SCC, who are not candidates for surgery or radiotherapy, anti-PD1 agents such as cemiplimab, pembrolizumab, and cosibelimab (CK-301) have shown significant results in terms of response rate. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, such as avelumab, have also been used in Merkel carcinoma, achieving responses in half of the patients with advanced disease. The latest prospect emerging for MCC is the locoregional approach involving the injection of drugs that can stimulate the immune system. Two of the most promising molecules used in combination with immunotherapy are cavrotolimod (a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist) and a Toll-like receptor 7/8 agonist. Another area of study is cellular immunotherapy with natural killer cells stimulated with an IL-15 analog or CD4/CD8 cells stimulated with tumor neoantigens. Neoadjuvant treatment with cemiplimab in CSCCs and nivolumab in MCCs has shown promising results. Despite the successes of these new drugs, the new challenges ahead will be to select patients who will benefit from these treatments based on biomarkers and parameters of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Silvia Borriello
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Pala
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Mastorino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Tonella
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Simone Ribero
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Pietro Quaglino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Dermatologic Clinic, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
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38
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Vivekanandhan S, Bahr D, Kothari A, Ashary MA, Baksh M, Gabriel E. Immunotherapies in rare cancers. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:23. [PMID: 36726126 PMCID: PMC9890725 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems as well as the global economy. Rare cancers comprise a group of about 200 cancers that individually occur at extremely low frequencies. In the United States (US), their frequency is approximately 15 cases per 100,000 people, and it is even lower in Europe with approximately 6 cases per 100,000 people. However, combined their frequency of occurrence is much higher than any singular cancer. Cancer treatment and management has tremendously improved in the last decade, particularly with the administration of immune-based therapies. The four most prevalent immune-based therapies are (1) the use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, (2) macrophage therapy, (3) Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, and (4) neoantigen-based therapies. In our review, we discuss these various aproaches and their implementation in the treatment of a variety of rare cancers. Furthermore, we discuss their limitations and potential strategies to overcome them to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of these approaches. Finally, our article presents the future directions and other additional immune therapies that may be incorporated into the treatment of rare cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Vivekanandhan
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Deborah Bahr
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Ashish Kothari
- grid.413618.90000 0004 1767 6103Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, 249203 India
| | - Mohammed Ali Ashary
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Mizba Baksh
- grid.417467.70000 0004 0443 9942Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32224 USA
| | - Emmanuel Gabriel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Rd, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Spiliopoulou P, Vornicova O, Genta S, Spreafico A. Shaping the Future of Immunotherapy Targets and Biomarkers in Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Cutaneous Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021294. [PMID: 36674809 PMCID: PMC9862040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in treating cutaneous melanoma have resulted in impressive patient survival gains. Refinement of disease staging and accurate patient risk classification have significantly improved our prognostic knowledge and ability to accurately stratify treatment. Undoubtedly, the most important step towards optimizing patient outcomes has been the advent of cancer immunotherapy, in the form of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). Immunotherapy has established its cardinal role in the management of both early and late-stage melanoma. Through leveraging outcomes in melanoma, immunotherapy has also extended its benefit to other types of skin cancers. In this review, we endeavor to summarize the current role of immunotherapy in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, highlight the most pertinent immunotherapy-related molecular biomarkers, and lastly, shed light on future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Spiliopoulou
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Olga Vornicova
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Sofia Genta
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Anna Spreafico
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-946-4501 (ext. 5083)
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Brazel D, Kumar P, Doan H, Pan T, Shen W, Gao L, Moyers JT. Genomic Alterations and Tumor Mutation Burden in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2249674. [PMID: 36602798 PMCID: PMC9856969 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.49674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma with increasing incidence. Cytotoxic chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors provide treatment options in the metastatic setting; however, there are no approved or standard of care targeted therapy treatment options. OBJECTIVE To identify actionable alterations annotated by the OncoKB database therapeutic evidence level in association with tumor mutation burden (TMB). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study using data from the American Association for Cancer Research Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange, a multicenter international cancer consortium database. Patients with MCC were enrolled in participating institutions between 2017 and 2022. Data from version 11.0 of the database were released in January 2022 and analyzed from April to June 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was the percentage of patients with high TMB and OncoKB level 3B and 4 alterations. RESULTS A total of 324 tumor samples from 313 patients with MCC (107 women [34.2%]; 287 White patients [91.7%]; 7 Black patients [2.2%]) were cataloged in the database. The median (range) number of alterations was 4.0 (0.0-178.0), with a mean (SD) of 13.6 (21.2) alterations. Oncogenic alterations represented 20.2% of all alterations (862 of 4259 alterations). Tissue originated from primary tumor in 55.0% of patients (172 patients) vs metastasis in 39.6% (124 patients). TMB-high (≥10 mutations per megabase) was present in 26.2% of cases (82 patients). Next-generation sequencing identified 55 patients (17.6%) with a level 3B variation for a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for use in a biomarker-approved indication or approved drug in another indication. An additional 8.6% of patients (27 patients) had a level 4 variation. Actionable alterations were more common among high TMB cases, with 37 of 82 patients (45.1%) harboring level 3 alterations compared with only 18 of 231 patients (7.8%) with low TMB. The most common level 3B gene variants included PIK3CA (12 patients [3.8%]), BRCA1/2 (13 patients [4.2%]), ATM (7 patients [2.2%]), HRAS (5 patients [1.6%]), and TSC1/2 (6 patients [1.9%]). The most common level 4 variants include PTEN (13 patients [4.1%]), ARID1A (9 patients [2.9%]), NF1 (7 patients [2.2%]), and CDKN2A (7 patients [2.2%]). Copy number alterations and fusions were infrequent. In 61.0% of cases (191 cases), a PanCancer pathway was altered, and 39.9% (125 cases) had alterations in multiple pathways. Commonly altered pathways were RTK-RAS (119 patients [38.0%]), TP53 (103 patients [32.9%]), cell cycle (104 patients [33.2%]), PI3K (99 patients [31.6%]), and NOTCH (93 patients [29.7%]). In addition, oncogenic DNA mismatch repair gene alterations were present in 8.0% of cases (25 patients). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional retrospective study of alterations and TMB in MCC, a minority of patients had potentially actionable alterations. These findings support the investigation of targeted therapies as single agent or in combination with immunotherapy or cytotoxic chemotherapy in selected MCC populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Brazel
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange
| | - Priyanka Kumar
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange
| | - Hung Doan
- Unafilliliated Independent Contractor
| | - Tianyu Pan
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine
| | - Weining Shen
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine
| | - Ling Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Long Beach Veterans Health Administration, Long Beach, California
| | - Justin T. Moyers
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange
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Popa Ilie IR, Georgescu CE. Immunotherapy in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasia. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 113:262-278. [PMID: 34348340 DOI: 10.1159/000518106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence and incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) and of NENs, in general, have been increasing recently. While valuing the considerable progress made in the treatment strategies for GEP-NEN in recent years, patients with advanced, metastasized disease still have a poor prognosis, which calls for urgent novel therapies. The immune system plays a dual role: both host-protecting and "tumor-promoting." Hence, immunotherapy is potentially a powerful weapon to help NEN patients. However, although recent successes with checkpoint inhibitors have shown that enhancing antitumor immunity can be effective, the dynamic nature of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment presents significant hurdles to the broader application of these therapies. Studies led to their approval in NEN of the lung and Merkel cell carcinoma, whereas results in other settings have not been so encouraging. Oncolytic viruses can selectively infect and destroy cancer cells, acting as an in situ cancer vaccine. Moreover, they can remodel the tumor microenvironment toward a T cell-inflamed phenotype. Oncolytic virotherapy has been proposed as an ablative and immunostimulatory treatment strategy for solid tumors that are resistant to checkpoint inhibitors alone. Future efforts should focus on finding the best way to include immunotherapy in the GEP-NEN treatment scenario. In this context, this study aims at providing a comprehensive generalized review of the immune checkpoint blockade and the oncolytic virotherapy use in GEP-NENs that might improve GEP-NEN treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Rada Popa Ilie
- Department of Endocrinology, "Iuliu-Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carmen Emanuela Georgescu
- Department of Endocrinology, "Iuliu-Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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42
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Duarte‐Bateman D, Shen A, Bullock T, Sadeghi P, Escandón JM, Dedkova E, Gastman BR. Best practices in surgical and nonsurgical management of head and neck Merkel cell carcinoma: An update. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:101-112. [PMID: 36367533 PMCID: PMC10098483 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. Controversy exists regarding optimal management of MCC as high-quality randomized studies and clinical trials are limited, and physicians are bound to interpret highly heterogeneous, retrospective literature in their clinical practice. Furthermore, the rising incidence and notably poor prognosis of MCC urges the establishment of best practices for optimal management of the primary tumor and its metastases. Herein, we summarized the relevant evidence and provided an algorithm for decision-making in MCC management based on the latest 2021 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. Additionally, we report current active MCC clinical trials in the United States. The initial management of MCC is dependent upon the pathology of the primary tumor and presence of metastatic disease. Patients with no clinical evidence of regional lymph node involvement generally require sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) while clinically node-positive patients should undergo fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy and full imaging workup. If SLNB or FNA/core biopsy are positive, a multidisciplinary team should be assembled to discuss if additional node dissection or adjuvant therapy is necessary. Wide local excision is optimal for primary tumor management and SLNB remains the preferred staging and predictive tool in MCC. The management of MCC has progressively improved in the last decade, particularly due to the establishment of immunotherapy as a new treatment option in advanced MCC. Ongoing trials and prospective studies are needed to further establish the best practices for MCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Duarte‐Bateman
- Lerner Research InstituteCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Plastic SurgeryCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Alan Shen
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Taylor Bullock
- Department of DermatologyCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Payam Sadeghi
- Department of Plastic SurgeryCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Joseph M. Escandón
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Strong Memorial HospitalUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterRochesterNew YorkUSA
| | - Eliska Dedkova
- Lerner Research InstituteCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Brian R. Gastman
- Lerner Research InstituteCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Plastic SurgeryCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
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43
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Esser E, Grünewald I, Mihailovic N. Periocular Merkel Cell Carcinoma - An Overview of Clinical Aspects and Current Treatment Options. Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023; 240:24-32. [PMID: 36368663 DOI: 10.1055/a-1925-7703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive and rapidly expanding malignant skin tumor. It affects the periocular region in approximately 10% of cases. The current treatment recommendation for resectable non-metastatic MCC comprises total surgical excision; however, lymph node or distant metastases are often already present by the time of the diagnosis. Since an immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy with avelumab was first approved for MCC in 2016, there has been considerable improvement in mean survival compared to cytostatic therapy; at the same time, there has been a reduction in serious treatment-associated adverse events. Other immune checkpoint inhibitors are currently still in clinical trials, with very promising initial results. Because of the complexity of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, it is essential that MCC patients receive interdisciplinary care in a specialized center including consultation with a tumor review board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Esser
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Deutschland
| | - Inga Grünewald
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Deutschland
| | - Natasa Mihailovic
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Deutschland.,Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Klinikum Fulda gAG, Deutschland
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44
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Wang LL, Lin SK, Stull CM, Shin TM, Higgins HW, Giordano CN, McMurray SL, Etzkorn JR, Miller CJ, Walker JL. Cutaneous Oncology in the Immunosuppressed. Dermatol Clin 2023; 41:141-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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45
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Tan S, Day D, Nicholls SJ, Segelov E. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Oncology: Current Uses and Future Directions: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. JACC CardioOncol 2022; 4:579-597. [PMID: 36636451 PMCID: PMC9830229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a major class of immuno-oncology therapeutics that have significantly improved the prognosis of various cancers, both in (neo)adjuvant and metastatic settings. Unlike other conventional therapies, ICIs elicit antitumor effects by enhancing host immune systems to eliminate cancer cells. There are 3 approved ICI classes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: inhibitors targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4, programmed death 1/programmed death-ligand 1, and lymphocyte-activation gene 3, with many more in development. ICIs are commonly associated with distinct toxicities, known as immune-related adverse events, which can arise during treatment or less frequently be of late onset, usually relating to excessive activation of the immune system. Acute cardiovascular immune-related adverse events such as myocarditis are rare; however, data suggesting chronic cardiovascular sequelae are emerging. This review presents the current landscape of ICIs in oncology, with a focus on important aspects relevant to cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Tan
- Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Monash Heart, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia,Address for correspondence: Dr Sean Tan, Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Wellington Road, Victoria 3800, Australia. @_SeanXTan
| | - Daphne Day
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Nicholls
- Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Monash Heart, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eva Segelov
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Department of Oncology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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46
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Bai R, Li W, Cui J. Potential new applications of immunotherapy for neuroendocrine neoplasms: immune landscape, current status and future perspectives. Cancer Biol Med 2022; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0489. [PMID: 36245210 PMCID: PMC9755960 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0489] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a highly heterogeneous class of tumors arising from neuroendocrine cells and peptidergic neurons. After failure of first-line treatment, patients have poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may be a powerful means of increasing therapeutic efficacy for such patients, but ICIs alone have low response rates and short disease control durations in most NENs and may be effective for only a portion of the population. ICIs combined with other immunotherapies, targeted therapies, or cytotoxic drugs have achieved some efficacy in patients with NENs and are worthy of further exploration to assess their benefits to the population. In addition, accumulating experimental and clinical evidence supports that the interaction between neuroendocrine and immune systems is essential to maintain homeostasis, and assessment of this broad neuroendocrine-immune correlation is essential for NEN treatment. In this review, we summarize the immune microenvironment characteristics, advances in immunotherapy, predictive biomarkers of ICI efficacy for NENs, and the effects of common endocrine hormones on the immune system, highlighting possible new application areas for this promising treatment in neglected NENs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rilan Bai
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Wenqian Li
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- Cancer Center, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China,Correspondence to: Jiuwei Cui, E-mail:
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47
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Gubbi S, Vijayvergia N, Yu JQ, Klubo-Gwiezdzinska J, Koch CA. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Neuroendocrine Tumors. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:795-812. [PMID: 35878617 PMCID: PMC9731788 DOI: 10.1055/a-1908-7790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) occur in various regions of the body and present with complex clinical and biochemical phenotypes. The molecular underpinnings that give rise to such varied manifestations have not been completely deciphered. The management of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) involves surgery, locoregional therapy, and/or systemic therapy. Several forms of systemic therapy, including platinum-based chemotherapy, temozolomide/capecitabine, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy have been extensively studied and implemented in the treatment of NETs. However, the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy as an option in the management of NETs has only recently garnered attention. Till date, it is not clear whether ICI therapy holds any distinctive advantage in terms of efficacy or safety when compared to other available systemic therapies for NETs. Identifying the characteristics of NETs that would make them (better) respond to ICIs has been challenging. This review provides a summary of the current evidence on the value of ICI therapy in the management of ICIs and discusses the potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Gubbi
- Endocrinology, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda,
United States
| | | | - Jian Q Yu
- Nuclear Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United
States
| | - Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Christian A. Koch
- Medicine/Endocrinology, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, United States
- Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United
States
- Correspondence Prof. Christian A. Koch, FACP,
MACE Fox Chase Cancer
CenterMedicine, 333 Cottman
AvePhiladelphia19111-2497United
States215 728 2713
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48
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Glutsch V, Schummer P, Kneitz H, Gesierich A, Goebeler M, Klein D, Posch C, Gebhardt C, Haferkamp S, Zimmer L, Becker JC, Leiter U, Weichenthal M, Schadendorf D, Ugurel S, Schilling B. Ipilimumab plus nivolumab in avelumab-refractory Merkel cell carcinoma: a multicenter study of the prospective skin cancer registry ADOREG. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005930. [PMID: 36450381 PMCID: PMC9716995 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, highly aggressive skin cancer with neuroendocrine differentiation. Immune checkpoint inhibition has significantly improved treatment outcomes in metastatic disease with response rates to programmed cell death protein 1/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibition of up to 62%. However, primary and secondary resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition remains a so far unsolved clinical challenge since effective and safe treatment options for these patients are lacking.Fourteen patients with advanced (non-resectable stage III or stage IV, Union international contre le cancer 2017) Merkel cell carcinoma with primary resistance to the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab receiving subsequent therapy (second or later line) with ipilimumab plus nivolumab (IPI/NIVO) were identified in the prospective multicenter skin cancer registry ADOREG. Five of these 14 patients were reported previously and were included in this analysis with additional follow-up. Overall response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and adverse events were analyzed.All 14 patients received avelumab as first-line treatment. Thereof, 12 patients had shown primary resistance with progressive disease in the first tumor assessment, while two patients had initially experienced a short-lived stabilization (stable disease). Six patients had at least one systemic treatment in between avelumab and IPI/NIVO. In total, 7 patients responded to IPI/NIVO (overall response rate 50%), and response was ongoing in 4 responders at last follow-up. After a median follow-up of 18.85 months, median PFS was 5.07 months (95% CI 2.43-not available (NA)), and median OS was not reached. PFS rates at 12 months and 24 months were 42.9% and 26.8 %, respectively. The OS rate at 36 months was 64.3%. Only 3 (21%) patients did not receive all 4 cycles of IPI/NIVO due to immune-related adverse events.In this multicenter evaluation, we observed high response rates, a durable benefit and promising OS rates after treatment with later-line combined IPI/NIVO. In conclusion, our patient cohort supports our prior findings with an encouraging activity of second-line or later-line IPI/NIVO in patients with anti-PD-L1-refractory Merkel cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Glutsch
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Schummer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Kneitz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Anja Gesierich
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Goebeler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Detlef Klein
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Posch
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Vienna Healthcare Group, Wien, Austria,Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Technische Universität München, Munchen, Germany,Faculty of Medicine, Sigmund Freud University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoffer Gebhardt
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Universitatsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Haferkamp
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, Translational Skin Cancer Research, DKTK Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, West German Cancer Center, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Michael Weichenthal
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein—Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Bastian Schilling
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
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49
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Wu Q, Qian W, Sun X, Jiang S. Small-molecule inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and more: FDA-approved novel therapeutic drugs for solid tumors from 1991 to 2021. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:143. [PMID: 36209184 PMCID: PMC9548212 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01362-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has always been a forerunner in drug evaluation and supervision. Over the past 31 years, 1050 drugs (excluding vaccines, cell-based therapies, and gene therapy products) have been approved as new molecular entities (NMEs) or biologics license applications (BLAs). A total of 228 of these 1050 drugs were identified as cancer therapeutics or cancer-related drugs, and 120 of them were classified as therapeutic drugs for solid tumors according to their initial indications. These drugs have evolved from small molecules with broad-spectrum antitumor properties in the early stage to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs) with a more precise targeting effect during the most recent decade. These drugs have extended indications for other malignancies, constituting a cancer treatment system for monotherapy or combined therapy. However, the available targets are still mainly limited to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), restricting the development of antitumor drugs. In this review, these 120 drugs are summarized and classified according to the initial indications, characteristics, or functions. Additionally, RTK-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint-based immunotherapies are also discussed. Our analysis of existing challenges and potential opportunities in drug development may advance solid tumor treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wu
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang China
| | - Shaojie Jiang
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
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50
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Loke ASW, Lambert PF, Spurgeon ME. Current In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Study MCPyV-Associated MCC. Viruses 2022; 14:2204. [PMID: 36298759 PMCID: PMC9607385 DOI: 10.3390/v14102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the only human polyomavirus currently known to cause human cancer. MCPyV is believed to be an etiological factor in at least 80% of cases of the rare but aggressive skin malignancy Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In these MCPyV+ MCC tumors, clonal integration of the viral genome results in the continued expression of two viral proteins: the viral small T antigen (ST) and a truncated form of the viral large T antigen. The oncogenic potential of MCPyV and the functional properties of the viral T antigens that contribute to neoplasia are becoming increasingly well-characterized with the recent development of model systems that recapitulate the biology of MCPyV+ MCC. In this review, we summarize our understanding of MCPyV and its role in MCC, followed by the current state of both in vitro and in vivo model systems used to study MCPyV and its contribution to carcinogenesis. We also highlight the remaining challenges within the field and the major considerations related to the ongoing development of in vitro and in vivo models of MCPyV+ MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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