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Lopedote P, Kittai AS, Danilov A. Utilizing risk factors to guide treatment decisions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:977-987. [PMID: 39223949 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2398483] [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: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the era of chemo-immunotherapy, high-risk factors unequivocally predicted inferior outcomes for patients with CLL. The widespread adoption of BTK inhibitors has challenged the practical implications of such testing, as many patients have improved outcomes despite the presence of high-risk features. The impact of adverse prognostic factors, such as unmutated IGHV, on survival has been ameliorated by continuous treatment with BTK inhibitors, but not by finite-duration therapy with venetoclax-based combinations. Furthermore, TP53 abnormalities continue to be associated with worse outcomes in the era of novel agents. New treatment modalities, such as pirtobrutinib, lisocabtagene maraleucel, and ongoing studies combining BTK inhibitors with venetoclax, raise new questions on the significance of prognostic factors of survival for patients with CLL. AREAS COVERED Herein, we summarized the available literature on patients with CLL harboring high-risk biomarkers, with a focus on data from key clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Testing for prognostic biomarkers will remain relevant to identify patients who may have increased benefit from novel therapeutic strategies, such as combination therapies and novel agents. Patients with high-risk disease should be encouraged to participate in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Lopedote
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Adam S Kittai
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexey Danilov
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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Grégoire C, Coutinho de Oliveira B, Caimi PF, Caers J, Melenhorst JJ. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for haematological malignancies: Insights from fundamental and translational research to bedside practice. Br J Haematol 2024. [PMID: 39262037 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19751] [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: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of lymphoid malignancies, leading to the approval of CD19-CAR T cells for B-cell lymphomas and acute leukaemia, and more recently, B-cell maturation antigen-CAR T cells for multiple myeloma. The long-term follow-up of patients treated in the early clinical trials demonstrates the possibility for long-term remission, suggesting a cure. This is associated with a low incidence of significant long-term side effects and a rapid improvement in the quality of life for responders. In contrast, other types of immunotherapies require prolonged treatments or carry the risk of long-term side effects impairing the quality of life. Despite impressive results, some patients still experience treatment failure or ultimately relapse, underscoring the imperative to improve CAR T-cell therapies and gain a better understanding of their determinants of efficacy to maximize positive outcomes. While the next-generation of CAR T cells will undoubtingly be more potent, there are already opportunities for optimization when utilizing the currently available CAR T cells. This review article aims to summarize the current evidence from clinical, translational and fundamental research, providing clinicians with insights to enhance their understanding and use of CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Grégoire
- Center for ImmunoTherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Clinical Hematology and Laboratory of Hematology (GIGA I3), University Hospital Center of Liège and University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Beatriz Coutinho de Oliveira
- Center for ImmunoTherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Paolo F Caimi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jo Caers
- Department of Clinical Hematology and Laboratory of Hematology (GIGA I3), University Hospital Center of Liège and University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jan Joseph Melenhorst
- Center for ImmunoTherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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3
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Chen D, Zhu Y, Chen Z, Jiang S, He H, Qiang W, Xiang F, Sun X, Du J. A 5-Year Follow-up Clinical Study of the B-cell Maturation Antigen Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy HDS269B in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:3747-3756. [PMID: 38869658 PMCID: PMC11369620 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-0414] [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: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to report the 5-year clinical outcomes of anti-B-cell maturation antigen chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell (HDS269B) therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), including those with poor performance status [Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores 3 to 4], and to identify factors influencing long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-nine patients with RRMM enrolled from 2016 to 2020 received HDS269B (9 × 106 cells/kg) after receiving a conditioning chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. The overall response, long-term outcomes, and safety were assessed, as were their associations with clinical and disease characteristics. RESULTS With a median follow-up of 59.0 months, the overall response rate was 77.55%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 9.5 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.01-13.99] and 20.0 months (95% CI, 11.26-28.74), respectively. The 5-year PFS and OS rates were 21.3% (95% CI, 12.3%-36.7%) and 34.1% (95% CI, 22.7%-51.3%), respectively. Patients with ECOG 0 to 2 had marked longer survival, with a median PFS of 11.0 months and a median OS of 41.8 months. Early minimal residual disease negativity, higher and persistent CAR T-cell expansion, and the absence of extramedullary disease were associated with better survival outcomes. No new CAR T-cell therapy-associated toxicities were observed. Importantly, ECOG scores 0 to 2, prior therapy lines <4, and CAR T-cell persistence at ≥6 months were independently associated with longer OS. CONCLUSIONS HDS269B is effective and safe, especially for patients with ECOG scores 0 to 2. Early CAR T-cell intervention may improve prognosis in patients with RRMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjian Chen
- Department of Hematology, Myeloma & Lymphoma Center, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Myeloma & Lymphoma Center, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Hematology, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Hematology, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Songfu Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Haiyan He
- Department of Hematology, Myeloma & Lymphoma Center, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wanting Qiang
- Department of Hematology, Myeloma & Lymphoma Center, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fang Xiang
- HRAIN Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China.
| | - Xuedong Sun
- HRAIN Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China.
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Hematology, Myeloma & Lymphoma Center, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Derigs P, Schubert ML, Dreger P, Schmitt A, Yousefian S, Haas S, Röthemeier C, Neuber B, Hückelhoven-Krauss A, Brüggemann M, Bernhard H, Kobbe G, Lindemann A, Rummel M, Michels B, Korell F, Ho AD, Müller-Tidow C, Schmitt M. Third-generation anti-CD19 CAR T cells for relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a phase 1/2 study. Leukemia 2024:10.1038/s41375-024-02392-7. [PMID: 39192036 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Third-generation chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CARTs) for relapsed or refractory (r/r) chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may improve efficacy compared to second-generation CARTs due to their enhanced CAR design. We performed the first phase 1/2 investigator-initiated trial evaluating escalating doses of third-generation CARTs (HD-CAR-1) targeting CD19 in patients with r/r CLL and B-cell lymphoma. CLL eligibility criteria were failure to two therapy lines including at least one pathway inhibitor and/or allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Nine heavily pretreated patients received HD-CAR-1 at dose levels ranging from 1 × 106 to 200 × 106 CART/m2. In-house HD-CAR-1 manufacturing was successful for all patients. While neurotoxicity was absent, one case of grade 3 cytokine release syndrome was observed. By day 90, six patients (67%) attained a CR, five of these (83%) with undetectable MRD. With a median follow-up of 27 months, 2-year PFS and OS were 30% and 69%, respectively. HD-CAR-1 products of responders contained significantly more CD4 + T cells compared to non-responders. In non-responders, a strong enrichment of effector memory-like CD8 + T cells with high expression of CD39 and/or CD197 was observed. HD-CAR-1 demonstrated encouraging efficacy and exceptionally low treatment-specific toxicity, presenting new treatment options for patients with r/r CLL. Trial registration: #NCT03676504.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Derigs
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Maria-Luisa Schubert
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Dreger
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anita Schmitt
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Schayan Yousefian
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Haas
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)/National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine (HI-STEM gGmbH), Heidelberg, Germany
- Precision Healthcare University Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Röthemeier
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brigitte Neuber
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angela Hückelhoven-Krauss
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monika Brüggemann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Helga Bernhard
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Klinikum Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Guido Kobbe
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Mathias Rummel
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Birgit Michels
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Korell
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anthony D Ho
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)/National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)/National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Schmitt
- Internal Medicine V, Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)/National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
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Montagna E, de Campos NSP, Porto VA, da Silva GCP, Suarez ER. CD19 CAR T cells for B cell malignancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on clinical impacts of CAR structural domains, manufacturing conditions, cellular product, doses, patient's age, and tumor types. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:1037. [PMID: 39174908 PMCID: PMC11340198 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12651-6] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T cells are one of the most remarkable cellular therapies for managing B cell malignancies. However, long-term disease-free survival is still a challenge to overcome. Here, we evaluated the influence of different hinge, transmembrane (TM), and costimulatory CAR domains, as well as manufacturing conditions, cellular product type, doses, patient's age, and tumor types on the clinical outcomes of patients with B cell cancers treated with CD19 CAR T cells. The primary outcome was defined as the best complete response (BCR), and the secondary outcomes were the best objective response (BOR) and 12-month overall survival (OS). The covariates considered were the type of hinge, TM, and costimulatory domains in the CAR, CAR T cell manufacturing conditions, cell population transduced with the CAR, the number of CAR T cell infusions, amount of CAR T cells injected/Kg, CD19 CAR type (name), tumor type, and age. Fifty-six studies (3493 patients) were included in the systematic review and 46 (3421 patients) in the meta-analysis. The overall BCR rate was 56%, with 60% OS and 75% BOR. Younger patients displayed remarkably higher BCR prevalence without differences in OS. The presence of CD28 in the CAR's hinge, TM, and costimulatory domains improved all outcomes evaluated. Doses from one to 4.9 million cells/kg resulted in better clinical outcomes. Our data also suggest that regardless of whether patients have had high objective responses, they might have survival benefits from CD19 CAR T therapy. This meta-analysis is a critical hypothesis-generating instrument, capturing effects in the CD19 CAR T cells literature lacking randomized clinical trials and large observational studies.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Age Factors
- Antigens, CD19/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Leukemia, B-Cell/therapy
- Leukemia, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, B-Cell/mortality
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/immunology
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/therapy
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/mortality
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Montagna
- Centro Universitário FMABC, Santo André, 09060-870, SP, Brazil
| | - Najla Santos Pacheco de Campos
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, 09210-580, SP, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil
| | - Victoria Alves Porto
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, 09210-580, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Eloah Rabello Suarez
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, 09210-580, SP, Brazil.
- Graduate Program in Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 04023-062, SP, Brazil.
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6
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Minichmayr IK, Dreesen E, Centanni M, Wang Z, Hoffert Y, Friberg LE, Wicha SG. Model-informed precision dosing: State of the art and future perspectives. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024:115421. [PMID: 39159868 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115421] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) stands as a significant development in personalized medicine to tailor drug dosing to individual patient characteristics. MIPD moves beyond traditional therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) by integrating mathematical predictions of dosing, and considering patient-specific factors (patient characteristics, drug measurements) as well as different sources of variability. For this purpose, rigorous model qualification is required for the application of MIPD in patients. This review delves into new methods in model selection and validation, also highlighting the role of machine learning in improving MIPD, the utilization of biosensors for real-time monitoring, as well as the potential of models integrating biomarkers for efficacy or toxicity for precision dosing. The clinical evidence of TDM and MIPD is discussed for various medical fields including infection medicine, oncology, transplant medicine, and inflammatory bowel diseases, thereby underscoring the role of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and specific biomarkers. Further research, particularly randomized clinical trials, is warranted to corroborate the value of MIPD in enhancing patient outcomes and advancing personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- I K Minichmayr
- Dept. of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - E Dreesen
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M Centanni
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Z Wang
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Y Hoffert
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L E Friberg
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - S G Wicha
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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7
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Patwardhan PP, Franz J, Agha M, Rea B. Persistent cytopenias after anti-BCMA CAR T-cell therapy are associated with reduced hematopoietic activity in posttreatment bone marrows. Am J Clin Pathol 2024:aqae083. [PMID: 39031946 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqae083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We attempt to analyze bone marrow findings and correlation with cytopenia(s) after anti-B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell infusion in this study. METHODS Relevant clinicopathologic data, including complete blood counts, neutrophil counts, relevant therapy history, and pre- and posttherapy bone marrow evaluations, were studied in 12 patients who received anti-BCMA CAR T-cell therapy. RESULTS Bone marrow findings after CAR T-cell therapy were available in 6 of 12 cases, 3 of which showed markedly hypocellular marrow with either markedly reduced or essentially absent hematopoiesis. One case showed a hypocellular marrow with trilineage hematopoiesis, while the remaining 2 cases showed persistent involvement by plasma cell myeloma. Reticulin stains did not reveal significant fibrosis. Ten patients had anemia, and 8 patients had leukopenia and thrombocytopenia at day 90 posttherapy. Long-term follow-up showed persistent disease in 10 of 12 cases. CONCLUSIONS Prolonged cytopenias occur in most patients after BCMA CAR T-cell therapy with bone marrow evaluations demonstrating associated marked hypocellularity with minimal or no hematopoiesis without an increase in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Franz
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, US
| | - Mounzer Agha
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, US
| | - Bryan Rea
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, US
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8
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Qureshi Z, Altaf F, Jamil A, Siddique R. Optimization Strategies in CAR T-cell Therapy: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Cytopenia, HLH/MAS, and Other Adverse Events. Am J Clin Oncol 2024:00000421-990000000-00204. [PMID: 38907604 DOI: 10.1097/coc.0000000000001124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has emerged as a transformative treatment for various hematological malignancies. Still, its remarkable efficacy is accompanied by unique adverse events that must be carefully managed. This comprehensive literature review evaluates the safety profile of CAR T-cell therapy, focusing on cytopenia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), and other potential complications. Cytopenia, characterized by reduced blood cell counts, affects a significant proportion of patients, with rates of anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia reaching up to 60%, 70%, and 80%, respectively. Risk factors include high tumor burden, prior chemotherapy, and bone marrow involvement. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurs in 13% to 77% of patients and is linked to the cytokine storm induced by CAR T cells, target antigen expression, and preexisting immune dysregulation. Other notable adverse events discussed are cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity, and infections. Understanding the mechanisms, risk factors, and management strategies for these adverse events is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and unlocking the full potential of this revolutionary therapy. The review highlights the need for continued research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based approaches to enhance the safety and efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaheer Qureshi
- Department of Medicine, The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, Bridgeport, CT
| | - Faryal Altaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/BronxCare Health System, New York
| | - Abdur Jamil
- Department of Medicine, Samaritan Medical Centre
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Schlegel LS, Werbrouck C, Boettcher M, Schlegel P. Universal CAR 2.0 to overcome current limitations in CAR therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383894. [PMID: 38962014 PMCID: PMC11219820 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383894] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has effectively complemented the treatment of advanced relapsed and refractory hematological cancers. The remarkable achievements of CD19- and BCMA-CAR T therapies have raised high expectations within the fields of hematology and oncology. These groundbreaking successes are propelling a collective aspiration to extend the reach of CAR therapies beyond B-lineage malignancies. Advanced CAR technologies have created a momentum to surmount the limitations of conventional CAR concepts. Most importantly, innovations that enable combinatorial targeting to address target antigen heterogeneity, using versatile adapter CAR concepts in conjunction with recent transformative next-generation CAR design, offer the promise to overcome both the bottleneck associated with CAR manufacturing and patient-individualized treatment regimens. In this comprehensive review, we delineate the fundamental prerequisites, navigate through pivotal challenges, and elucidate strategic approaches, all aimed at paving the way for the future establishment of multitargeted immunotherapies using universal CAR technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Sophie Schlegel
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Coralie Werbrouck
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael Boettcher
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrick Schlegel
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Westmead Children’s Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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10
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Zhou D, Zhu X, Xiao Y. Advances in research on factors affecting chimeric antigen receptor T-cell efficacy. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7375. [PMID: 38864474 PMCID: PMC11167615 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7375] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is becoming an effective technique for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies. After analyzing patients with tumor progression and sustained remission after CAR-T cell therapy, many factors were found to be associated with the efficacy of CAR-T therapy. This paper reviews the factors affecting the effect of CAR-T such as tumor characteristics, tumor microenvironment and immune function of patients, CAR-T cell structure, construction method and in vivo expansion values, lymphodepletion chemotherapy, and previous treatment, and provides a preliminary outlook on the corresponding therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delian Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
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11
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Soltantabar P, Sharma S, Wang D, Lon HK, Czibere A, Hickmann A, Elmeliegy M. Impact of Treatment Modality and Route of Administration on Cytokine Release Syndrome in Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma: A Meta-Analysis. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 115:1258-1268. [PMID: 38459622 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3223] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting immunotherapies (e.g., chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs)) have achieved remarkable clinical responses in patients with relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Their use is accompanied by exaggerated immune responses related to T-cell activation and cytokine elevations leading to cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in some patients, which can be potentially life-threatening. However, systematic evaluation of the risk of CRS with BCMA-targeting BsAb and CAR-T therapies, and comparisons across different routes of BsAb administration (intravenous (i.v.) vs. subcutaneous (s.c.)) have not previously been conducted. This study utilized a meta-analysis approach to compare the CRS profile in BCMA-targeting CAR-T vs. BsAb immunotherapies administered either i.v. or s.c. in patients with RRMM. A total of 36 studies including 1,560 patients with RRMM treated with BCMA-targeting CAR-T and BsAb therapies were included in the analysis. The current analysis suggests that compared with BsAbs, CAR-T therapies were associated with higher CRS incidences (88% vs. 59%), higher rates of grade ≥ 3 CRS (7% vs. 2%), longer CRS duration (5 vs. 2 days), and more prevalent tocilizumab use (44% vs. 25%). The proportion of CRS grade ≥ 3 may also be lower (0% vs. 4%) for BsAb therapies administered via the s.c. (3 studies, n = 311) vs. i.v. (5 studies, n = 338) route. This meta-analysis suggests that different types of BCMA-targeting immunotherapies and administration routes could result in a range of CRS incidence and severity that should be considered while evaluating the benefit-risk profiles of these therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooneh Soltantabar
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sheena Sharma
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Diane Wang
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Hoi-Kei Lon
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Akos Czibere
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Anne Hickmann
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mohamed Elmeliegy
- Oncology Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, California, USA
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12
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Borogovac A, Siddiqi T. Advancing CAR T-cell therapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: exploring resistance mechanisms and the innovative strategies to overcome them. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2024; 7:18. [PMID: 38835348 PMCID: PMC11149098 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has ushered in substantial advancements in the management of various B-cell malignancies. However, its integration into chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treatment has been challenging, attributed largely to the development of very effective chemo-free alternatives. Additionally, CAR T-cell responses in CLL have not been as high as in other B-cell lymphomas or leukemias. However, a critical void exists in therapeutic options for patients with high-risk diseases who are resistant to the current CLL therapies, underscoring the urgency for adoptive immunotherapies in these patients. The diminished CAR T-cell efficacy within CLL can be traced to factors such as compromised T-cell fitness due to persistent antigenic stimulation inherent to CLL. Resistance mechanisms encompass tumor-related factors like antigen escape, CAR T-cell-intrinsic factors like T-cell exhaustion, and a suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). New strategies to combat CAR T-cell resistance include the concurrent administration of therapies that augment CAR T-cell endurance and function, as well as the engineering of novel CAR T-cells targeting different antigens. Moreover, the concept of "armored" CAR T-cells, armed with transgenic modulators to modify both CAR T-cell function and the tumor milieu, is gaining traction. Beyond this, the development of readily available, allogeneic CAR T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells presents a promising countermeasure to innate T-cell defects in CLL patients. In this review, we explore the role of CAR T-cell therapy in CLL, the intricate tapestry of resistance mechanisms, and the pioneering methods studied to overcome resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Borogovac
- City of Hope, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
| | - Tanya Siddiqi
- City of Hope, Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
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13
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Testa U, Pelosi E, Castelli G, Fresa A, Laurenti L. CAR-T Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2024; 16:e2024045. [PMID: 38882451 PMCID: PMC11178044 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2024.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment outcomes of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have considerably improved with the introduction of targeted therapies based on Bruton kinase inhibitors (BTKIs), venetoclax, and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. However, despite these consistent improvements, patients who become resistant to these agents have poor outcomes and need new and more efficacious therapeutic strategies. Among these new treatments, a potentially curative approach consists of the use of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, which achieved remarkable success in various B-cell malignancies, including B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHLs) and B-acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). However, although CAR-T cells were initially used for the treatment of CLL, their efficacy in CLL patients was lower than in other B-cell malignancies. This review analyses possible mechanisms of these failures, highlighting some recent developments that could offer the perspective of the incorporation of CAR-T cells in treatment protocols for relapsed/refractory CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Alberto Fresa
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy. Sezione Di Ematologia. Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Radiologiche Ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Laurenti
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy. Sezione Di Ematologia. Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Radiologiche Ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
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14
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Hadiloo K, Taremi S, Safa SH, Amidifar S, Esmaeilzadeh A. The new era of immunological treatment, last updated and future consideration of CAR T cell-based drugs. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107158. [PMID: 38599467 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107158] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer treatment is one of the fundamental challenges in clinical setting, especially in relapsed/refractory malignancies. The novel immunotherapy-based treatments bring new hope in cancer therapy and achieve various treatment successes. One of the distinguished ways of cancer immunotherapy is adoptive cell therapy, which utilizes genetically modified immune cells against cancer cells. Between different methods in ACT, the chimeric antigen receptor T cells have more investigation and introduced a promising way to treat cancer patients. This technology progressed until it introduced six US Food and Drug Administration-approved CAR T cell-based drugs. These drugs act against hematological malignancies appropriately and achieve exciting results, so they have been utilized widely in cell therapy clinics. In this review, we introduce all CAR T cells-approved drugs based on their last data and investigate them from all aspects of pharmacology, side effects, and compressional. Also, the efficacy of drugs, pre- and post-treatment steps, and expected side effects are introduced, and the challenges and new solutions in CAR T cell therapy are in the last speech.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Hadiloo
- Department of immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, the Islamic Republic of Iran; School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Siavash Taremi
- Department of immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, the Islamic Republic of Iran; School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Salar Hozhabri Safa
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Sima Amidifar
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, the Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, the Islamic Republic of Iran; Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
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15
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Borogovac A, Siddiqi T. Transforming CLL management with immunotherapy: Investigating the potential of CAR T-cells and bispecific antibodies. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:119-130. [PMID: 38290860 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.01.001] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and bispecific antibodies or T-cell engagers, have revolutionized the treatment landscape for various B-cell malignancies, including B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia and many non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Despite their significant impact on these malignancies, their application in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) management is still largely under investigation. Although the initial success of CD19-directed CAR T-cell therapy was observed in 3 multiply relapsed CLL patients, with 2 of them surviving over 10 years without relapse, recent CAR T-cell therapy trials in CLL have shown reduced response rates compared to their efficacy in other B-cell malignancies. One of the challenges with using immunotherapy in CLL is the compromised T-cell fitness from persistent CLL-related antigenic stimulation, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). These challenges underscore a critical gap in therapeutic options for CLL patients intolerant or resistant to current therapies, emphasizing the imperative role of effective immunotherapy. Encouragingly, innovative strategies are emerging to overcome these challenges. These include integrating synergistic agents like ibrutinib to enhance CAR T-cell function and persistence and engineering newer CAR T-cell constructs targeting diverse antigens or employing dual-targeting approaches. Bispecific antibodies are an exciting "off-the-shelf" prospect for these patients, with their investigation in CLL currently entering the realm of clinical trials. Additionally, the development of allogeneic CAR T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells from healthy donors presents a promising solution to address the diminished T-cell fitness observed in CLL patients. This comprehensive review delves into the latest insights regarding the role of immunotherapy in CLL, the complex landscape of resistance mechanisms, and a spectrum of innovative approaches to surmount therapeutic challenges.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Antibodies, Bispecific/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Bispecific/immunology
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Immunotherapy/methods
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Borogovac
- City of Hope, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA.
| | - Tanya Siddiqi
- City of Hope, Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, Irvine, CA
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16
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Jin Y, Wu H, Liu J, Cho WC, Song G. Application and progress of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in B-cell lymphoma: a narrative review. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:1584-1595. [PMID: 38617522 PMCID: PMC11009809 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-1146] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objective Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated 9 (Cas9) gene editing and CRISPR/Cas9 screening libraries are hot topics, and have high application values in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases, and the improvement of prognosis. The major treatment of B-cell lymphoma is chemotherapy combined with biological therapy. Due to the individual specificity and the emergence of drug resistance, the therapeutic efficacy varies. The objective of this article is to explore potential targets to enhance therapeutic effects, optimize treatment plans, and improve the prognosis of patients with B-cell lymphoma. Methods We undertook a comprehensive, narrative review of the latest literature to define the current application and progress of CRISPR/Cas9 in B-cell lymphoma. Key Content and Findings The concepts of CRISPR/Cas9, the mechanism of gene editing, and the procedures of CRISPR/Cas9 screening libraries are investigated for candidate genes. We mainly focus on application and progress of CRISPR/Cas9 in B-cell lymphoma and screen out some genes, signaling pathways, and cytokines, which may become potential targets for clinical treatment. Conclusions CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has great promise in the treatment of B-cell lymphoma. This article reviews some genes, signaling pathways, and cytokines related to the progression and prognosis of B-cell lymphoma to provide a strong theoretical basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jin
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Haiyi Wu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jianzhao Liu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guoqi Song
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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17
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Levstek L, Janžič L, Ihan A, Kopitar AN. Biomarkers for prediction of CAR T therapy outcomes: current and future perspectives. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1378944. [PMID: 38558801 PMCID: PMC10979304 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1378944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy holds enormous potential for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Despite its benefits, it is still used as a second line of therapy, mainly because of its severe side effects and patient unresponsiveness. Numerous researchers worldwide have attempted to identify effective predictive biomarkers for early prediction of treatment outcomes and adverse effects in CAR T cell therapy, albeit so far only with limited success. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of predictive biomarkers. Although existing predictive metrics correlate to some extent with treatment outcomes, they fail to encapsulate the complexity of the immune system dynamics. The aim of this review is to identify six major groups of predictive biomarkers and propose their use in developing improved and efficient prediction models. These groups include changes in mitochondrial dynamics, endothelial activation, central nervous system impairment, immune system markers, extracellular vesicles, and the inhibitory tumor microenvironment. A comprehensive understanding of the multiple factors that influence therapeutic efficacy has the potential to significantly improve the course of CAR T cell therapy and patient care, thereby making this advanced immunotherapy more appealing and the course of therapy more convenient and favorable for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andreja Nataša Kopitar
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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18
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Amatya C, Weissler KA, Fellowes V, Lam N, Cutmore LC, Natrakul DA, Highfill SL, Kochenderfer JN. Optimization of anti-CD19 CAR T cell production for treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101212. [PMID: 38455264 PMCID: PMC10918271 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101212] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
T cells expressing anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have activity against chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but complete response rates range from 18% to 29%, so improvement is needed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CLL patients often contain high levels of CLL cells that can interfere with CAR T cell production, and T cells from CLL patients are prone to exhaustion and other functional defects. We previously developed an anti-CD19 CAR designated Hu19-CD828Z. Hu19-CD828Z has a binding domain derived from a fully human antibody and a CD28 costimulatory domain. We aimed to develop an optimized process for producing Hu19-CD828Z-expressing T cells (Hu19-CAR T) from PBMC of CLL patients. We determined that supplementing Hu19-CAR-T cultures with interleukin (IL)-7 + IL-15 had advantages over using IL-2, including greater accumulation of Hu19-CAR T cells during in vitro proliferation assays. We determined that positive selection with anti-CD4 and anti-CD8 magnetic beads was the optimal method of T cell purification because this method resulted in high T cell purity. We determined that anti-CD3/CD28 paramagnetic beads were the optimal T cell activation reagent. Finally, we developed a current good manufacturing practices-compliant clinical-scale protocol for producing Hu19-CAR T from PBMC of CLL patients. These Hu19-CAR T exhibited a full range of in vitro functions and eliminated leukemia from mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Amatya
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Surgery Branch Bethesda, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine A. Weissler
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Surgery Branch Bethesda, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Vicki Fellowes
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Norris Lam
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Surgery Branch Bethesda, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lauren C. Cutmore
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Surgery Branch Bethesda, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Danielle A. Natrakul
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Surgery Branch Bethesda, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Steven L. Highfill
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James N. Kochenderfer
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Surgery Branch Bethesda, Bethesda, MD, USA
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19
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Marin D, Li Y, Basar R, Rafei H, Daher M, Dou J, Mohanty V, Dede M, Nieto Y, Uprety N, Acharya S, Liu E, Wilson J, Banerjee P, Macapinlac HA, Ganesh C, Thall PF, Bassett R, Ammari M, Rao S, Cao K, Shanley M, Kaplan M, Hosing C, Kebriaei P, Nastoupil LJ, Flowers CR, Moseley SM, Lin P, Ang S, Popat UR, Qazilbash MH, Champlin RE, Chen K, Shpall EJ, Rezvani K. Safety, efficacy and determinants of response of allogeneic CD19-specific CAR-NK cells in CD19 + B cell tumors: a phase 1/2 trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:772-784. [PMID: 38238616 PMCID: PMC10957466 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02785-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-immune cell therapies that are safe, effective and affordable. We conducted a phase 1/2 trial of cord blood-derived natural killer (NK) cells expressing anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor and interleukin-15 (CAR19/IL-15) in 37 patients with CD19+ B cell malignancies. The primary objectives were safety and efficacy, defined as day 30 overall response (OR). Secondary objectives included day 100 response, progression-free survival, overall survival and CAR19/IL-15 NK cell persistence. No notable toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity or graft-versus-host disease were observed. The day 30 and day 100 OR rates were 48.6% for both. The 1-year overall survival and progression-free survival were 68% and 32%, respectively. Patients who achieved OR had higher levels and longer persistence of CAR-NK cells. Receiving CAR-NK cells from a cord blood unit (CBU) with nucleated red blood cells ≤ 8 × 107 and a collection-to-cryopreservation time ≤ 24 h was the most significant predictor for superior outcome. NK cells from these optimal CBUs were highly functional and enriched in effector-related genes. In contrast, NK cells from suboptimal CBUs had upregulation of inflammation, hypoxia and cellular stress programs. Finally, using multiple mouse models, we confirmed the superior antitumor activity of CAR/IL-15 NK cells from optimal CBUs in vivo. These findings uncover new features of CAR-NK cell biology and underscore the importance of donor selection for allogeneic cell therapies. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03056339 .
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Affiliation(s)
- David Marin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rafet Basar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jinzhuang Dou
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vakul Mohanty
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Merve Dede
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yago Nieto
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nadima Uprety
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sunil Acharya
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Enli Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wilson
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pinaki Banerjee
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Homer A Macapinlac
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christina Ganesh
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter F Thall
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roland Bassett
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mariam Ammari
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sheetal Rao
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kai Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mayra Shanley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mecit Kaplan
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chitra Hosing
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Partow Kebriaei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Loretta J Nastoupil
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher R Flowers
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sadie Mae Moseley
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul Lin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonny Ang
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Uday R Popat
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Muzaffar H Qazilbash
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard E Champlin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ken Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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20
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Bennett R, Seymour JF. Update on the management of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood Cancer J 2024; 14:33. [PMID: 38378673 PMCID: PMC10879527 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-024-01001-1] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) predominantly affects older adults, characterized by a relapsing and remitting pattern with sequential treatments available for many patients. Identification of progressive/relapsed CLL should prompt close monitoring and early discussion about the next therapies when treatment indications are present. The intervening period represents an opportunity to optimize patient health, including establishing adequate vaccination and surveillance for second primary malignancies, and treating non-CLL-related comorbidities which may impact well-being and CLL therapy. We now see patients with relapsed/refractory (RR) CLL in the clinic who have been previously treated with chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) and/or one or more novel therapies. Continuous covalent inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (cBTKi) and fixed-duration venetoclax (Ven)-anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) are preferred over CIT given the survival advantages associated with these therapies, although have never been evaluated head-to-head. While both classes are effective for RR CLL, potential side effects and the logistics of administration differ. Few randomized data demonstrate the sequential use of cBTKi and fixed-duration Ven-anti-CD20 mAb; however, they may be used in either sequence. Newer non-covalent BTKi, active against BTK C481 resistance mutations emerging with continuous cBTKi exposure, and novel approaches such as BTK degraders, bispecific antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies demonstrate impressive efficacy. In this review of RR CLL we explore relevant investigations, consideration of broader CLL- and non-CLL-related health needs, and evidence for efficacy and safety of B-cell receptor inhibitors and Ven, including available data to support drug sequencing or switching. We describe novel approaches to RR CLL, including rechallenging with fixed-duration therapies, allogeneic stem cell transplant indications in the novel therapy era, and highlight early data supporting the use of T-cell directing therapies and novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory Bennett
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - John F Seymour
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
- University of Melbourne, Grattan St, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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21
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Liao YM, Hsu SH, Chiou SS. Harnessing the Transcriptional Signatures of CAR-T-Cells and Leukemia/Lymphoma Using Single-Cell Sequencing Technologies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2416. [PMID: 38397092 PMCID: PMC10889174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042416] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell therapy has greatly improved outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory hematological malignancies. However, challenges such as treatment resistance, relapse, and severe toxicity still hinder its widespread clinical application. Traditional transcriptome analysis has provided limited insights into the complex transcriptional landscape of both leukemia cells and engineered CAR-T-cells, as well as their interactions within the tumor microenvironment. However, with the advent of single-cell sequencing techniques, a paradigm shift has occurred, providing robust tools to unravel the complexities of these factors. These techniques enable an unbiased analysis of cellular heterogeneity and molecular patterns. These insights are invaluable for precise receptor design, guiding gene-based T-cell modification, and optimizing manufacturing conditions. Consequently, this review utilizes modern single-cell sequencing techniques to clarify the transcriptional intricacies of leukemia cells and CAR-Ts. The aim of this manuscript is to discuss the potential mechanisms that contribute to the clinical failures of CAR-T immunotherapy. We examine the biological characteristics of CAR-Ts, the mechanisms that govern clinical responses, and the intricacies of adverse events. By exploring these aspects, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of CAR-T therapy, which will ultimately lead to improved clinical outcomes and broader therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mei Liao
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center of Applied Genomics, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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22
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Märkl F, Schultheiß C, Ali M, Chen SS, Zintchenko M, Egli L, Mietz J, Chijioke O, Paschold L, Spajic S, Holtermann A, Dörr J, Stock S, Zingg A, Läubli H, Piseddu I, Anz D, Minden MDV, Zhang T, Nerreter T, Hudecek M, Minguet S, Chiorazzi N, Kobold S, Binder M. Mutation-specific CAR T cells as precision therapy for IGLV3-21 R110 expressing high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Nat Commun 2024; 15:993. [PMID: 38307904 PMCID: PMC10837166 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45378-w] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of precision cell therapy targeting tumor-specific mutations is appealing but requires surface-exposed neoepitopes, which is a rarity in cancer. B cell receptors (BCR) of mature lymphoid malignancies are exceptional in that they harbor tumor-specific-stereotyped sequences in the form of point mutations that drive self-engagement of the BCR and autologous signaling. Here, we use a BCR light chain neoepitope defined by a characteristic point mutation (IGLV3-21R110) for selective targeting of a poor-risk subset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. We develop murine and humanized CAR constructs expressed in T cells from healthy donors and CLL patients that eradicate IGLV3-21R110 expressing cell lines and primary CLL cells, but neither cells expressing the non-pathogenic IGLV3-21G110 light chain nor polyclonal healthy B cells. In vivo experiments confirm epitope-selective cytolysis in xenograft models in female mice using engrafted IGLV3-21R110 expressing cell lines or primary CLL cells. We further demonstrate in two humanized mouse models lack of cytotoxicity towards human B cells. These data provide the basis for advanced approaches of resistance-preventive and biomarker-guided cellular targeting of functionally relevant lymphoma driver mutations sparing normal B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Märkl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Schultheiß
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Murtaza Ali
- Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Shih-Shih Chen
- Karches Center for Oncology Research, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | | | - Lukas Egli
- Cellular Immunotherapy, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliane Mietz
- Cellular Immunotherapy, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Obinna Chijioke
- Cellular Immunotherapy, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Paschold
- Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sebastijan Spajic
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Holtermann
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Janina Dörr
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophia Stock
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Zingg
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ignazio Piseddu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - David Anz
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Tianjiao Zhang
- Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Nerreter
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Susana Minguet
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center of Chronic Immunodeficiency CCI, University Clinics and Medical Faculty, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicholas Chiorazzi
- Karches Center for Oncology Research, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Munich, Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Mascha Binder
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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23
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Zygmunciak P, Robak T, Puła B. Treatment of Double-Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia-An Unmet Clinical Need. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1589. [PMID: 38338868 PMCID: PMC10855898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031589] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen significant improvement in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) management. Targeting B-cell lymphoma (BCL-2) and Bruton's kinase (BTK) have become the main strategies to restrain CLL activity. These agents are generally well tolerated, but the discontinuation of these therapies happens due to resistance, adverse effects, and Richter's transformation. A growing population of patients who have previously used both BTK inhibitors and BCL2 suffer from the constriction of the following regimens. This review explores the resistance mechanisms for both ibrutinib and venetoclax. Moreover, we present innovative approaches evaluated for treating double-refractory CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Zygmunciak
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Z.); (B.P.)
| | - Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-510 Lodz, Poland
- Department of General Hematology, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, 93-510 Lodz, Poland
| | - Bartosz Puła
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland; (P.Z.); (B.P.)
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24
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Rangel Rivera GO, Dwyer CJ, Knochelmann HM, Smith AS, Aksoy BA, Cole AC, Wyatt MM, Kumaresan S, Thaxton JE, Lesinski GB, Paulos CM. Progressively Enhancing Stemness of Adoptively Transferred T Cells with PI3Kδ Blockade Improves Metabolism and Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Res 2024; 84:69-83. [PMID: 37801615 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0801] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Generating stem-like memory T cells (TSCM) is a potential strategy to improve adoptive immunotherapy. Elucidating optimal ways to modulate signaling pathways that enrich TSCM properties could identify approaches to achieve this goal. We discovered herein that blocking the PI3Kδ pathway pharmaceutically to varying degrees can generate T cells with increasingly heightened stemness properties, based on the progressive enrichment of the transcription factors Tcf1 and Lef1. T cells with enhanced stemness features exhibited metabolic plasticity, marked by improved mitochondrial function and glucose uptake after tumor recognition. Conversely, T cells with low or medium stemness were less metabolically dynamic, vulnerable to antigen-induced cell death, and expressed more inhibitory checkpoint receptors. Only T-cell receptor-specific or chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-specific T cells with high stemness persisted in vivo and mounted protective immunity to tumors. Likewise, the strongest level of PI3Kδ blockade in vitro generated human tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and CAR T cells with elevated stemness properties, in turn bolstering their capacity to regress human solid tumors. The stemness level of T cells in vitro was important, ultimately impacting their efficacy in mice bearing three distinct solid tumors. Lef1 and Tcf1 sustained antitumor protection by donor high CD8+ TSCM or CD4+ Th17SCM, as deletion of either one compromised the therapeutic efficacy. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of strategic modulation of PI3Kδ signaling in T cells to induce stemness and lasting protective responses to solid tumors. SIGNIFICANCE Elevating T-cell stemness by progressively blocking PI3Kδ signaling during ex vivo manufacturing of adoptive cell therapies alters metabolic and functional properties to enhance antitumor immunity dependent on Tcf1 and Lef1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo O Rangel Rivera
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Connor J Dwyer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Hannah M Knochelmann
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Aubrey S Smith
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Bülent Arman Aksoy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Anna C Cole
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Megan M Wyatt
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Soundharya Kumaresan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica E Thaxton
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Immunotherapy Program, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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25
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Molica S, Tam C, Allsup D, Polliack A. Targeting TP53 disruption in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Current strategies and future directions. Hematol Oncol 2024; 42:e3238. [PMID: 37937506 DOI: 10.1002/hon.3238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
In the modern era of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) targeted therapy, the loss of p53 function due to genetic abnormalities remains a significant challenge. This is because even targeted agents, which are currently the mainstay of treatment for CLL, do not directly target p53 or restore its disrupted pathway. Consequently, resistance to therapy and unfavorable clinical outcomes often accompany these p53-related abnormalities. An essential goal of future clinical research should be to address the ostensibly "undruggable" p53 pathway. Currently, multiple therapeutic approaches are being explored to tackle TP53 dysfunction and improve outcomes in high-risk CLL. These approaches include the use of oncoprotein murine double minute 2 inhibitors, small-molecule p53 reactivators, exportin 1 (XPO1) inhibitors, and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and Rad3-related (ATR) inhibitors. Combinations of these p53-targeting strategies, along with established novel therapies such as B-cell receptor or B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) inhibitors, may shape the future of therapeutic trials in this challenging-to-treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Molica
- Queens Centre for Oncology and Haematology, Castle Hill Hospital, Hull University NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | | | - David Allsup
- Centre of Biomedicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Aaron Polliack
- Department of Hematology, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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26
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Khan AN, Asija S, Pendhari J, Purwar R. CAR-T cell therapy in hematological malignancies: Where are we now and where are we heading for? Eur J Haematol 2024; 112:6-18. [PMID: 37545253 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) therapy has emerged as a revolutionary new pillar in cancer care, particularly in relapsed/refractory (r/r) B-cell malignancies. Following impressive clinical outcomes in hematological malignancies, the FDA-approved six CAR-T cell products for indications such as lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. Despite the numerous advantages of CAR-T cell treatment, several challenges exist that interfere with its therapeutic efficacy. Serious adverse effects connected with the treatment continue to be a major concern. In addition, poor persistence of therapeutics and antigen escape frequently result in tumor relapse. Exorbitant treatment cost further remains a significant barrier to its effective implementation, limiting its accessibility. This review presents progress of CAR-T research, the key obstacles that hamper promising outcomes for patients with hematological malignancies, and a few strategies to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalia N Khan
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Sweety Asija
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Juber Pendhari
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul Purwar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
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27
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Shah PS, Jacobson CA. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells in Indolent Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2023; 37:1077-1088. [PMID: 37659889 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of several hematological malignancies. Although the initial benefit was mainly observed in aggressive leukemias and lymphomas, recent data have resulted in the approval of multiple CAR-T therapies in indolent lymphomas, with ongoing research showing great promise for further improvements and therapeutic optimizations. In this article, we review the published data and approved therapies for CAR-T cell therapy for indolent lymphomas focusing on mantle cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma while describing the work in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and future strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth S Shah
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03750, USA
| | - Caron A Jacobson
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-5450, USA.
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28
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Pérez Del Río E, Román Alonso M, Rius I, Santos F, Castellote-Borrell M, Veciana J, Ratera I, Arribas J, Guasch J. Three-dimensional cell culture of chimeric antigen receptor T cells originated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells towards cellular therapies. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:1293-1299. [PMID: 37737764 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.08.003] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS With the objective of improving the ex vivo production of therapeutic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, we explored the addition of three-dimensional (3D) polystyrene scaffolds to standard suspension cell cultures. METHODS We aimed to mimic the structural support given by the lymph nodes during in vivo lymphocyte expansion. RESULTS We observed an increase in cell proliferation compared with standard suspension systems as well as an enhanced cytotoxicity toward cancer cells. Moreover, we directly obtained the CAR T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, thus minimizing the ex vivo manipulation of the therapeutic cells and opening the way to synergies among different cell populations. CONCLUSIONS We propose the use of commercially available 3D polystyrene systems to improve the current immune cell cultures and resulting cell products for emerging cellular (immuno)therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Pérez Del Río
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Macarena Román Alonso
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Rius
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabião Santos
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miquel Castellote-Borrell
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain; Dynamic Biomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group (ICMAB-CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jaume Veciana
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Imma Ratera
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Judith Guasch
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Madrid, Spain; Dynamic Biomaterials for Cancer Immunotherapy, Max Planck Partner Group (ICMAB-CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain.
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29
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Ruella M, Korell F, Porazzi P, Maus MV. Mechanisms of resistance to chimeric antigen receptor-T cells in haematological malignancies. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:976-995. [PMID: 37907724 PMCID: PMC10965011 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have recently emerged as a powerful therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with chemotherapy-refractory or relapsed blood cancers, including acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Nevertheless, resistance to CAR-T cell therapies occurs in most patients. In this Review, we summarize the resistance mechanisms to CAR-T cell immunotherapy by analysing CAR-T cell dysfunction, intrinsic tumour resistance and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment. We discuss current research strategies to overcome multiple resistance mechanisms, including optimization of the CAR design, improvement of in vivo T cell function and persistence, modulation of the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment and synergistic combination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Ruella
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Felix Korell
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrizia Porazzi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcela V Maus
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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30
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Vitale C, Griggio V, Perutelli F, Coscia M. CAR-modified Cellular Therapies in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Is the Uphill Road Getting Less Steep? Hemasphere 2023; 7:e988. [PMID: 38044959 PMCID: PMC10691795 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has been more challenging for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) compared to other settings. One of the main reasons is the CLL-associated state of immune dysfunction that specifically involves patient-derived T cells. Here, we provide an overview of the clinical results obtained with CAR T-cell therapy in CLL, describing the identified immunologic reasons for the inferior efficacy. Novel CAR T-cell formulations, such as lisocabtagene maraleucel, administered alone or in combination with the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib, are currently under investigation. These approaches are based on the rationale that improving the quality of the T-cell source and of the CAR T-cell product may deliver a more functional therapeutic weapon. Further strategies to boost the efficacy of CAR T cells should rely not only on the production of CAR T cells with an improved cellular composition but also on additional changes. Such alterations could include (1) the coadministration of immunomodulatory agents capable of counteracting CLL-related immunological alterations, (2) the design of improved CAR constructs (such as third- and fourth-generation CARs), (3) the incorporation into the manufacturing process of immunomodulatory compounds overcoming the T-cell defects, and (4) the use of allogeneic CAR T cells or alternative CAR-modified cellular vectors. These strategies may allow to develop more effective CAR-modified cellular therapies capable of counteracting the more aggressive and still incurable forms of CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candida Vitale
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Griggio
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Perutelli
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Coscia
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy
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Pessach I, Nagler A. Leukapheresis for CAR-T cell production and therapy. Transfus Apher Sci 2023; 62:103828. [PMID: 37838564 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2023.103828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is an effective, individualized immunotherapy, and novel treatment for hematologic malignancies. Six commercial CAR-T cell products are currently approved for lymphatic malignancies and multiple myeloma. In addition, an increasing number of clinical centres produce CAR-T cells on-site, which enable the administration of CAR-T cells on site. The CAR-T cell products are either fresh or cryopreserved. Manufacturing CAR-T cells is a complicated process that begins with leukapheresis to obtain T cells from the patient's peripheral blood. An optimal leukapheresis product is crucial step for a successful CAR-T cell therapy; therefore, it is imperative to understand the factors that may affect the quality or T cells. The leukapheresis for CAR-T cell production is well tolerated and safe for both paediatric and adult patients and CAR-Τ cell therapy presents high clinical response rate in many studies. CAR-T cell therapy is under continuous improvement, and it has transformed into an almost standard procedure in clinical haematology and stem cell transplantation facilities that provide both autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantations. In patients suffering from advanced haematological malignancies, CAR-T cell therapy shows incredible antitumor efficacy. Even after a single infusion of autologous CD19-targeting CAR-T cells in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), long lasting remission is observed, and a fraction of the patients are being cured. Future novel constructs are being developed with better T cell persistence and better expansion. New next-generation CAR-T cells are currently designed to avoid toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Pessach
- Hematology Department, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Arnon Nagler
- Hematology Division, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Israel.
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Zhang M, Long X, Xiao Y, Jin J, Chen C, Meng J, Liu W, Liu A, Chen L. Assessment and predictive ability of the absolute neutrophil count in peripheral blood for in vivo CAR T cells expansion and CRS. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007790. [PMID: 38016717 PMCID: PMC10685953 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007790] [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: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is an advanced and effective immunotherapy for relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies. High expansion of CAR T cells in vivo and durable antitumor activity indicate a persistent therapeutic response. However, this treatment is linked to a high frequency of adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which affects its efficacy and can even be life-threatening. At present, a variety of markers associated with clinical response and treatment toxicity after CAR T cells infusion have been reported. Although these biomarkers can act as effective indicators reflecting CAR T cells expansion as well as CRS, they fail to predict the expansion rate of CAR T cells. Hence, further investigation is urgent to find a new biomarker to fill this void. METHODS We analyzed the association between the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and CAR expansion and CRS in 45 patients with B-cell malignancies from two clinical trials. We proposed that ANC could be a practical biomarker for CAR T cells expansion and CRS, and conducted a feasibility analysis on its predictive ability. RESULTS In this study, 17 B-cell hematological malignancy patients with anti-B-cell maturation antigen CAR-treated and 28 with CAR19/22 T-cell-treated were enrolled and divided into an ANC-absence group and an ANC-presence group. The results showed that ANC absence correlated positively with CAR expansion and the expansion rate. The ANC can be used as a predictive marker for CAR T cells expansion. Moreover, the patients with ANC absence experienced a more severe CRS, and ANC performed a predictive ability for CRS. In addition, the peak serum concentration of several cytokines involved in CRS was higher in patients with ANC absence. CONCLUSION Thus, we suggest ANC as an evaluative and predictive biomarker for CAR expansion and CRS during CAR T cell therapy, which can help to maximize clinical efficacy, reduce treatment-related toxicity and prolong survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaolu Long
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jin Jin
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Department of Hematology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Caixia Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiao Meng
- Department of Hematology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wanying Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Aichun Liu
- Department of Hematology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Liting Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Mc Laughlin AM, Milligan PA, Yee C, Bergstrand M. Model-informed drug development of autologous CAR-T cell therapy: Strategies to optimize CAR-T cell exposure leveraging cell kinetic/dynamic modeling. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:1577-1590. [PMID: 37448343 PMCID: PMC10681459 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autologous Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) cell therapy has been highly successful in the treatment of aggressive hematological malignancies and is also being evaluated for the treatment of solid tumors as well as other therapeutic areas. A challenge, however, is that up to 60% of patients do not sustain a long-term response. Low CAR-T cell exposure has been suggested as an underlying factor for a poor prognosis. CAR-T cell therapy is a novel therapeutic modality with unique kinetic and dynamic properties. Importantly, "clear" dose-exposure relationships do not seem to exist for any of the currently approved CAR-T cell products. In other words, dose increases have not led to a commensurate increase in the measurable in vivo frequency of transferred CAR-T cells. Therefore, alternative approaches beyond dose titration are needed to optimize CAR-T cell exposure. In this paper, we provide examples of actionable variables - design elements in CAR-T cell discovery, development, and clinical practice, which can be modified to optimize autologous CAR-T cell exposure. Most of these actionable variables can be assessed throughout the various stages of discovery and development as part of a well-informed research and development program. Model-informed drug development approaches can enable such study and program design choices from discovery through to clinical practice and can be an important contributor to cell therapy effectiveness and efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cassian Yee
- Department of Melanoma Medical OncologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
- Department of ImmunologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexasUSA
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Makos OL, D'Angelo CR. The shifting roles and toxicities of cellular therapies in B-cell malignancies. Transpl Infect Dis 2023; 25 Suppl 1:e14145. [PMID: 37676749 DOI: 10.1111/tid.14145] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Cellular therapies provide a curative-intent option for patients with relapsedand refractory lymphomas. Current options including high dose chemotherapyfollowed by autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or CD19 chimericantigen receptor T-cell (CART) therapy. The indication varies according to lymphoma sub-type and line oftherapy. The sequencing of these therapies and their use in second-line orlater settings to manage these diseases is undergoing significant changes, withCD19 CAR T becoming a preferred option for relapsed aggressive B-cell lymphoma.The mechanism of both therapies causes significant yet distinctlymphodepletion, infectious, and inflammatory toxicities. The resulting patternand timing of immune reconstitution helps guide risk-mitigating strategies,revaccination, and infectious prophylaxis. In this review, we discuss theindication, efficacy, toxicity and immune reconstitution of autologoushematopoietic stem cell transplantation and CAR T therapy for use in thetreatment of lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia L Makos
- Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christopher R D'Angelo
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Agarwal S, Aznar MA, Rech AJ, Good CR, Kuramitsu S, Da T, Gohil M, Chen L, Hong SJA, Ravikumar P, Rennels AK, Salas-Mckee J, Kong W, Ruella M, Davis MM, Plesa G, Fraietta JA, Porter DL, Young RM, June CH. Deletion of the inhibitory co-receptor CTLA-4 enhances and invigorates chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Immunity 2023; 56:2388-2407.e9. [PMID: 37776850 PMCID: PMC10591801 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy targeting CD19 has achieved tremendous success treating B cell malignancies; however, some patients fail to respond due to poor autologous T cell fitness. To improve response rates, we investigated whether disruption of the co-inhibitory receptors CTLA4 or PD-1 could restore CART function. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of CTLA4 in preclinical models of leukemia and myeloma improved CAR T cell proliferation and anti-tumor efficacy. Importantly, this effect was specific to CTLA4 and not seen upon deletion of CTLA4 and/or PDCD1 in CAR T cells. Mechanistically, CTLA4 deficiency permitted unopposed CD28 signaling and maintenance of CAR expression on the T cell surface under conditions of high antigen load. In clinical studies, deletion of CTLA4 rescued the function of T cells from patients with leukemia that previously failed CAR T cell treatment. Thus, selective deletion of CTLA4 reinvigorates dysfunctional chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patient T cells, providing a strategy for increasing patient responses to CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangya Agarwal
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - M Angela Aznar
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andrew J Rech
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Charly R Good
- Department Cell and Developmental Biology, Penn Institute of Epigenetics, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shunichiro Kuramitsu
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tong Da
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mercy Gohil
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Linhui Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Seok-Jae Albert Hong
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pranali Ravikumar
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Austin K Rennels
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - January Salas-Mckee
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Weimin Kong
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marco Ruella
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Parker Institute of Cancer immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Lymphoma Program, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Megan M Davis
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gabriela Plesa
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joseph A Fraietta
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Parker Institute of Cancer immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David L Porter
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Regina M Young
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Parker Institute of Cancer immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Carl H June
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Parker Institute of Cancer immunotherapy at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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36
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Katz OB, Yehudai-Ofir D, Zuckerman T. Cellular Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Have We Advanced in the Last Decade? Acta Haematol 2023; 147:99-112. [PMID: 37812926 DOI: 10.1159/000534341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous B-cell malignancy, affecting mainly older adults. Despite the recent introduction of multiple targeted agents, CLL remains an incurable disease. Cellular therapy is a promptly evolving area that has developed over the last decades from such standard of care as hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to the novel treatment modalities employing genetically engineered immune cells. SUMMARY Tailoring the proper treatment for each patient is warranted and should take into account the disease biology, patient characteristics, and the available treatment modalities. Nowadays, the most broadly applied cellular therapies for CLL management are HCT and chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells. However, CAR-T cell therapy is currently not yet approved in CLL, and the appropriate sequencing for the administration of these agents remains to be clarified. KEY MESSAGES The current review will discuss various available cellular treatment options, their advances and limitations, as well as the optimal timing for the employment of such therapies in CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofrat Beyar Katz
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dana Yehudai-Ofir
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tsila Zuckerman
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There have been significant advances in the treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) over the past two decades. However, the intention of treatment remains control of the disease and delay of progression rather than a cure which remains largely elusive. Considering that CLL is mostly seen in older patients, there are multiple factors that play a role in the selection of CLL beyond the frontline treatment. Here, we review the concept of relapsed CLL, factors that predispose to relapse, and therapeutic options available to this patient population. We also review investigational therapies and provide a framework for selection of therapies in this setting. RECENT FINDINGS Targeted therapies with continuous BTK inhibitors (BTKi) or fixed duration venetoclax plus anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy have established superiority over chemoimmunotherapy in relapsed CLL and have become the preferred standard of care treatment. The second-generation more selective BTK inhibitors (acalabrutinib and zanubrutinib) have shown improved safety profile compared to ibrutinib. However, resistance to the covalent BTK inhibitors may emerge and is commonly associated with mutations in BTK or other downstream enzymes. The novel non-covalent BTK inhibitors such as pirtobrutinib (Loxo-305) and nemtabrutinib (ARQ 531) are showing promising activities for relapsed CLL refractory to prior covalent BTKi. Other novel therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy have also shown significant activities for relapsed and refractory CLL. Measurable residual disease (MRD) assessment has a growing importance in venetoclax-based limited-duration therapy and there is mounting evidence that MRD negativity improves outcomes. However, it remains to be seen if this will become an established clinically significant endpoint. Further, the optimal sequence of various treatment options remains to be determined. Patients with relapsed CLL now have more options for the treatment of the disease. The choice of therapy is best individualized especially in the absence of direct comparisons of targeted therapies, and the coming years will bring more data on the best sequence of use of the therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwatobi Odetola
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 805, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Shuo Ma
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North Saint Clair Street, Suite 805, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Simon F, Bohn JP. Next-Generation Sequencing-Optimal Sequencing of Therapies in Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Curr Oncol Rep 2023; 25:1181-1189. [PMID: 37682487 PMCID: PMC10556156 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-023-01454-w] [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] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This research paper aims to provide an overview of evidence-based sequencing of therapies in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the era of targeted drugs. RECENT FINDINGS In the absence of data from randomized clinical trials comparing novel agents head-to-head, growing evidence suggests that patients with late relapse (> 2 years) after fixed-duration therapies benefit from identical retreatment, whereas a class switch is favorable in those with short-lived remissions or progressive disease on continuous drug intake. Treatment of patients previously exposed to both covalent inhibitors of BTK and BCL2 remains an unmet medical need. Novel drugs, in particular noncovalent BTKI, show promising efficacy in this difficult-to-treat subgroup in early clinical trials. The optimal sequencing of therapies in CLL requires consideration of individual patient factors and disease characteristics. Double-refractory disease continuous to pose a clinical challenge with a focus on participation in clinical trials whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Simon
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center of Integrated Oncology Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf, German CLL Study Group, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jan-Paul Bohn
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Dagar G, Gupta A, Masoodi T, Nisar S, Merhi M, Hashem S, Chauhan R, Dagar M, Mirza S, Bagga P, Kumar R, Akil ASAS, Macha MA, Haris M, Uddin S, Singh M, Bhat AA. Harnessing the potential of CAR-T cell therapy: progress, challenges, and future directions in hematological and solid tumor treatments. J Transl Med 2023; 21:449. [PMID: 37420216 PMCID: PMC10327392 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04292-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional cancer treatments use nonspecific drugs and monoclonal antibodies to target tumor cells. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, however, leverages the immune system's T-cells to recognize and attack tumor cells. T-cells are isolated from patients and modified to target tumor-associated antigens. CAR-T therapy has achieved FDA approval for treating blood cancers like B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, large B-cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma by targeting CD-19 and B-cell maturation antigens. Bi-specific chimeric antigen receptors may contribute to mitigating tumor antigen escape, but their efficacy could be limited in cases where certain tumor cells do not express the targeted antigens. Despite success in blood cancers, CAR-T technology faces challenges in solid tumors, including lack of reliable tumor-associated antigens, hypoxic cores, immunosuppressive tumor environments, enhanced reactive oxygen species, and decreased T-cell infiltration. To overcome these challenges, current research aims to identify reliable tumor-associated antigens and develop cost-effective, tumor microenvironment-specific CAR-T cells. This review covers the evolution of CAR-T therapy against various tumors, including hematological and solid tumors, highlights challenges faced by CAR-T cell therapy, and suggests strategies to overcome these obstacles, such as utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and artificial intelligence to optimize clinical-grade CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjan Dagar
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab.), Dr. BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ashna Gupta
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab.), Dr. BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabah Nisar
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ravi Chauhan
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab.), Dr. BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Manisha Dagar
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sameer Mirza
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Puneet Bagga
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, 182320, India
| | - Ammira S Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab.), Dr. BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
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Zhou J, Zong XP, Zhang Y, Geng HZ, Li CX. [CAR-T cell combined with PD-1 inhibitor in the treatment of high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia with Richter's transformation: two cases report and literature review]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2023; 44:427-430. [PMID: 37550195 PMCID: PMC10440618 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Zhou
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - X P Zong
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - H Z Geng
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - C X Li
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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Huang S, Wang X, Wang Y, Wang Y, Fang C, Wang Y, Chen S, Chen R, Lei T, Zhang Y, Xu X, Li Y. Deciphering and advancing CAR T-cell therapy with single-cell sequencing technologies. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:80. [PMID: 37149643 PMCID: PMC10163813 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01783-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has made remarkable progress in cancer immunotherapy, but several challenges with unclear mechanisms hinder its wide clinical application. Single-cell sequencing technologies, with the powerful unbiased analysis of cellular heterogeneity and molecular patterns at unprecedented resolution, have greatly advanced our understanding of immunology and oncology. In this review, we summarize the recent applications of single-cell sequencing technologies in CAR T-cell therapy, including the biological characteristics, the latest mechanisms of clinical response and adverse events, promising strategies that contribute to the development of CAR T-cell therapy and CAR target selection. Generally, we propose a multi-omics research mode to guide potential future research on CAR T-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengkang Huang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajing Wang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenglong Fang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yazhuo Wang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sifei Chen
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Runkai Chen
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Lei
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinjie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
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Faeq MH, Al-Haideri M, Mohammad TAM, Gharebakhshi F, Marofi F, Tahmasebi S, Modaresahmadi S. CAR-modified immune cells as a rapidly evolving approach in the context of cancer immunotherapies. Med Oncol 2023; 40:155. [PMID: 37083979 PMCID: PMC10119530 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02019-4] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, one of the main challenges clinicians face is malignancies. Through the progression of technology in recent years, tumor nature and tumor microenvironment (TME) can be better understood. Because of immune system involvement in tumorigenesis and immune cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment, clinicians encounter significant challenges in patient treatment and normal function recovery. The tumor microenvironment can stop the development of tumor antigen-specific helper and cytotoxic T cells in the tumor invasion process. Tumors stimulate the production of proinflammatory and immunosuppressive factors and cells that inhibit immune responses. Despite the more successful outcomes, the current cancer therapeutic approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, have not been effective enough for tumor eradication. Hence, developing new treatment strategies such as monoclonal antibodies, adaptive cell therapies, cancer vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, and cytokines helps improve cancer treatment. Among adoptive cell therapies, the interaction between the immune system and malignancies and using molecular biology led to the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. CAR-modified immune cells are one of the modern cancer therapeutic methods with encouraging outcomes in most hematological and solid cancers. The current study aimed to discuss the structure, formation, subtypes, and application of CAR immune cells in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Hikmat Faeq
- Student of General Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maysoon Al-Haideri
- Department of Physiotherapy, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Talar Ahmad Merza Mohammad
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Farshad Gharebakhshi
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faroogh Marofi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shadan Modaresahmadi
- Department of Immunology and Biotechnology, Texas Tech University Health Siences Center, Abilene, TX, USA
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43
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Cappell KM, Kochenderfer JN. Long-term outcomes following CAR T cell therapy: what we know so far. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:359-371. [PMID: 37055515 PMCID: PMC10100620 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00754-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 259.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) are engineered fusion proteins designed to target T cells to antigens expressed on cancer cells. CAR T cells are now an established treatment for patients with relapsed and/or refractory B cell lymphomas, B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and multiple myeloma. At the time of this writing, over a decade of follow-up data are available from the initial patients who received CD19-targeted CAR T cells for B cell malignancies. Data on the outcomes of patients who received B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeted CAR T cells for multiple myeloma are more limited owing to the more recent development of these constructs. In this Review, we summarize long-term follow-up data on efficacy and toxicities from patients treated with CAR T cells targeting CD19 or BCMA. Overall, the data demonstrate that CD19-targeted CAR T cells can induce prolonged remissions in patients with B cell malignancies, often with minimal long-term toxicities, and are probably curative for a subset of patients. By contrast, remissions induced by BCMA-targeted CAR T cells are typically more short-lived but also generally have only limited long-term toxicities. We discuss factors associated with long-term remissions, including the depth of initial response, malignancy characteristics predictive of response, peak circulating CAR levels and the role of lymphodepleting chemotherapy. We also discuss ongoing investigational strategies designed to improve the length of remission following CAR T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Cappell
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James N Kochenderfer
- Surgery Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Kim-Hoehamer YI, Riberdy JM, Zheng F, Park JJ, Shang N, Métais JY, Lockey T, Willis C, Akel S, Moore J, Meagher MM, Velasquez MP, Triplett BM, Talleur AC, Gottschalk S, Zhou S. Development of a cGMP-compliant process to manufacture donor-derived, CD45RA-depleted memory CD19-CAR T cells. Gene Ther 2023; 30:222-231. [PMID: 34997202 PMCID: PMC10286828 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00307-0] [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: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting the CD19 antigen have demonstrated a high complete response rate in relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. However, autologous CAR T cell therapy is not an option for all patients. Here we optimized conditions for clinical-grade manufacturing of allogeneic CD19-CAR T cells using CD45RA-depleted donor memory T cells (Tm) for a planned clinical trial. Tm were activated using the MACS GMP T Cell TransAct reagent and transduced in the presence of LentiBOOST with a clinical-grade lentiviral vector that encodes a 2nd generation CD19-CAR with a 41BB.zeta endodomain. Transduced T cells were transferred to a G-Rex cell culture device for expansion and harvested on day 7 or 8 for cryopreservation. The resulting CD19-CAR(Mem) T cells expanded on average 34.2-fold, and mean CAR expression was 45.5%. The majority of T cells were CD4+ and had a central memory or effector memory phenotype, and retained viral specificity. CD19-CAR(Mem) T cells recognized and killed CD19-positive target cells in vitro and had potent antitumor activity in an ALL xenograft model. Thus we have successfully developed a current good manufacturing practice-compliant process to manufacture donor-derived CD19-CAR(Mem) T cells. Our manufacturing process could be readily adapted for CAR(Mem) T cells targeting other antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-In Kim-Hoehamer
- Experimental Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Janice M Riberdy
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Fei Zheng
- Experimental Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jeoungeun J Park
- Experimental Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Na Shang
- Experimental Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jean-Yves Métais
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Timothy Lockey
- Therapeutics Production and Quality, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | | | - Salem Akel
- Human Applications Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jennifer Moore
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Michael M Meagher
- Therapeutics Production and Quality, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - M Paulina Velasquez
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Brandon M Triplett
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Aimee C Talleur
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Experimental Cellular Therapeutics Laboratory, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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Cellular Therapies in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Richter’s Transformation: Recent Developments in Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells, Natural Killer Cells, and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061838. [PMID: 36980726 PMCID: PMC10046903 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular therapies can be viewed as both the newest and oldest techniques for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Richter’s transformation (RT). On one hand, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) has been available for decades, though its use is diminishing with the increasing availability of effective novel targeted agents, especially in CLL. Among newer techniques, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) have demonstrated astounding efficacy in several hematologic malignancies, leading to FDA approval and use in clinical practice. However, though CLL is the earliest disease type for which CAR-T were studied, development has been slower and has yet to lead to regulatory approval. Owing partially to its rarity but also due to the aggressive behavior of RT, CAR-T in RT have only been minimally explored. Here, we will focus on the applications of cellular therapies in CLL and RT, specifically reviewing more recent data related to alloHSCT in the novel-agent era and CAR-T cell development in CLL/RT, focusing on safety and efficacy successes and limitations. We will review strategies to improve upon CAR-T efficacy and discuss ongoing trials utilizing CAR-T in CLL/RT, as well as emerging technologies, such as allogeneic CAR-T and natural killer CAR (CAR NK) cells.
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Rangel Rivera GO, Dwyer CJ, Knochelmann HM, Smith AS, Aksoy A, Cole AC, Wyatt MM, Thaxton JE, Lesinski GB, Paulos CM. The degree of T cell stemness differentially impacts the potency of adoptive cancer immunotherapy in a Lef-1 and Tcf-1 dependent manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.08.531589. [PMID: 36945574 PMCID: PMC10028919 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.08.531589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Generating stem memory T cells (T SCM ) is a key goal for improving cancer immunotherapy. Yet, the optimal way to modulate signaling pathways that enrich T SCM properties remains elusive. Here, we discovered that the degree to which the PI3Kδ pathway is blocked pharmaceutically can generate T cells with differential levels of stemness properties. This observation was based on the progressive enrichment of transcriptional factors of stemness (Tcf-1 and Lef-1). Additional investigation revealed that T cells with high stemness features had enhanced metabolic plasticity, marked by heightened mitochondrial function and glucose uptake. Conversely, T cells with low or medium features of stemness expressed more inhibitory checkpoint receptors (Tim-3, CD39) and were vulnerable to antigen-induced cell death. Only TCR-antigen specific T cells with high stemness persisted following adoptive transfer in vivo and mounted protective immunity to melanoma tumors. Likewise, the strongest level of PI3Kδ blockade in vitro generated human tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and CAR T cells with heightened stemness properties, in turn bolstering their capacity to regress human mesothelioma tumors. We find that the level of stemness T cells possess in vitro differentially impacts their potency upon transfer in three tumor models. Mechanistically, both Lef-1 and Tcf-1 sustain anti-tumor protection by high T SCM , as deletion of either one compromised cellular therapy. Collectively, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of carefully modulating PI3Kδ signaling in T cells to confer high stemness and mediate protective responses to solid tumors.
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Zhao Z, Grégoire C, Oliveira B, Chung K, Melenhorst JJ. Challenges and opportunities of CAR T cell therapies for CLL. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:25-33. [PMID: 37080707 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies have transformed the treatment landscape of blood cancers. These engineered receptors which endow T cells with antibody-like target cell recognition combined with the typical T cell target cell lysis abilities. Introduced into the clinic in the 2010s, CAR T-cells have shown efficacy in chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but a majority of patients do not achieve sustained remission. Here we discuss the current treatment landscape in CLL using small molecules and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, the niche CAR T-cells filled in this context, and what we have learned from biomarker and mechanistic studies. Several product parameters and improvements are introduced as examples of how the bedside-to-bench is translated into improved CAR T-cells for CLL. We hope to convey to our readers the crucial role translational medicine plays in transforming the treatment outcomes for patients with CLL and how this line of research is an essential component of modern medicine.
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Frigault M, Rotte A, Ansari A, Gliner B, Heery C, Shah B. Dose fractionation of CAR-T cells. A systematic review of clinical outcomes. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:11. [PMID: 36627710 PMCID: PMC9830795 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02540-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cells are widely recognized for their potential to successfully treat hematologic cancers and provide durable response. However, severe adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity are concerning. Our goal is to assess CAR-T cell clinical trial publications to address the question of whether administration of CAR-T cells as dose fractions reduces toxicity without adversely affecting efficacy. Systematic literature review of studies published between January 2010 and May 2022 was performed on PubMed and Embase to search clinical studies that evaluated CAR-T cells for hematologic cancers. Studies published in English were considered. Studies in children (age < 18), solid tumors, bispecific CAR-T cells, and CAR-T cell cocktails were excluded. Data was extracted from the studies that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Review identified a total of 18 studies that used dose fractionation. Six studies used 2-day dosing schemes and 12 studies used 3-day schemes to administer CAR-T cells. Three studies had both single dose and fractionated dose cohorts. Lower incidence of Grade ≥ 3 CRS and neurotoxicity was seen in fractionated dose cohorts in 2 studies, whereas 1 study reported no difference between single and fractionated dose cohorts. Dose fractionation was mainly recommended for high tumor burden patients. Efficacy of CAR-T cells in fractionated dose was comparable to single dose regimen within the same or historical trial of the same agent in all the studies. The findings suggest that administering dose fractions of CAR-T cells over 2-3 days instead of single dose infusion may mitigate the toxicity of CAR-T cell therapy including CRS and neurotoxicity, especially in patients with high tumor burden. However, controlled studies are likely needed to confirm the benefits of dose fractionation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Frigault
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Rotte A, Frigault MJ, Ansari A, Gliner B, Heery C, Shah B. Dose-response correlation for CAR-T cells: a systematic review of clinical studies. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005678. [PMID: 36549782 PMCID: PMC9791395 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to successfully treat hematological cancers is widely recognized. Multiple CAR-T cell therapies are currently under clinical development, with most in early stage, during which dose selection is a key goal. The objective of this review is to address the question of dose-dependent effects on response and/or toxicity from available CAR-T cell clinical trial data. For that purpose, systematic literature review of studies published between January 2010 and May 2022 was performed on PubMed and Embase to search clinical studies that evaluated CAR-T cells for hematological cancers. Studies published in English were considered. Studies in children (age <18 years), solid tumors, bispecific CAR-T cells and CAR-T cell cocktails were excluded. As a result, a total of 74 studies met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-nine studies tested multiple dose levels of CAR-T cells with at least >1 patient at each dose level. Thirteen studies observed dose-related increase in disease response and 23 studies observed dose-related increase in toxicity across a median of three dose levels. Optimal clinical efficacy was seen at doses 50-100 million cells for anti-CD19 CAR-T cells and >100 million cells for anti-BCMA CAR-T cells in majority of studies. The findings suggest, for a given construct, there exists a dose at which a threshold of optimal efficacy occurs. Dose escalation may reveal increasing objective response rates (ORRs) until that threshold is reached. However, when ORR starts to plateau despite increasing dose, further dose escalation is unlikely to result in improved ORR but is likely to result in higher incidence and/or severity of mechanistically related adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Rotte
- Department of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Arcellx Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Matthew J Frigault
- Department of Cellular Immunotherapy, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayub Ansari
- Department of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Arcellx Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Brad Gliner
- Department of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Arcellx Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Christopher Heery
- Department of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, Arcellx Inc, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Bijal Shah
- Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Xia Y, Zhang J, Li J, Zhang L, Li J, Fan L, Chen L. Cytopenias following anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy: a systematic analysis for contributing factors. Ann Med 2022; 54:2951-2965. [PMID: 36382675 PMCID: PMC9673810 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2136748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytopenia is one of the most common adverse events following the CAR-T cell infusion, affecting the quality of life and potentially leading to life-threatening bleeding and infection. This study aimed to systematically review the cytopenias following anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy and further analyse the contributing factors. METHODS Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane were systematically searched on 8 May 2022. A random-effect meta-analysis was used to estimate the incidence of cytopenia, and subgroup analyses were applied to explore heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 68 studies involving 2950 patients were included in this study. The overall incidence of all grade anaemia, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, leukopoenia, lymphocytopenia and febrile neutropenia was 65%, 55%, 78%, 62%, 70% and 27%, respectively, and the corresponding cytopenias of grade 3 or worse were 33%, 31%, 61%, 45%, 46%, and 21%, respectively. Subgroup analysis showed increased incidence of cytopenias in subgroups with lower median age, proportion of males (<65%) and proportion of bridging therapy (<80%) and in the subgroup with a median line of prior therapy ≥3. In terms of disease and therapeutic target, cytopenias were more frequent in ALL patients and in dual-target CAR-T therapies (targeting CD19 in combination with other targets). Furthermore, CAR-T products manufactured by lentiviral vectors and those with the costimulatory domain of CD28 were more likely to cause haematological toxicity. No significant differences were observed in cytopenia between patients treated with CAR-T products with murine and humanized scFv. CONCLUSION In conclusion, neutropenia is the most frequent cytopenia after CAR-T therapy, both in all grades or grade ≥3. The incidence of cytopenias following CAR-T therapy is influenced by the age, sex, disease and number of prior therapy lines of the patients, as well as the target and costimulatory domain of CAR-T cells, and viral vectors used for manufacturing.KEY MESSAGESNeutropenia is the most frequent cytopenia after CAR-T therapy.The clinical characteristics of the patients, the design of CAR-T cells and the protocol of CAR-T treatment can influence the occurrence of cytopenias following the CAR-T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Xia
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jue Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lina Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianyong Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
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