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Payo-Serafín T, Méndez-Blanco C, Fernández-Palanca P, Martínez-Geijo J, Reviejo M, Ortiz-de-Urbina JJ, González-Gallego J, Marin JJG, Mauriz JL, San-Miguel B. Risk versus Benefit of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024. [PMID: 38803056 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Although the treatment landscape has rapidly evolved over the last years, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers. With recent advances, both immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)-based chemotherapy constitute the standard treatment for advanced HCC. A systematic search of randomized clinical trials employing TKIs was performed in 17 databases, obtaining 25 studies evaluating the prognosis, tumor response, and presence of adverse events (AEs) related to TKIs in HCC. Overall effect sizes were estimated for the hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), either extracted or calculated with the Parmar method, employing STATA 16. Heterogeneity was assessed by Chi-square-based Q-test and inconsistency (I2) statistic; source of heterogeneity by meta-regression and subgroup analysis; and publication bias by funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test. The research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023397263). Meta-analysis revealed a correlation between survival and tumor response parameters and TKI treatment vs. placebo, despite detecting high heterogeneity. Combined TKI treatment showed a significantly better objective response rate (ORR) with no heterogeneity, whereas publication bias was only detected with time to progression (TTP). Few gastrointestinal and neurological disorders were associated with TKI treatment vs. placebo or with combined treatment. However, a higher number of serious AEs were related to TKI treatment vs. sorafenib alone. Results show positive clinical benefits from TKI treatment, supporting the approval and maintenance of TKI-based therapy for advanced HCC, while establishing appropriate strategies to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Payo-Serafín
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Méndez-Blanco
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Fernández-Palanca
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer Martínez-Geijo
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Reviejo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan José Ortiz-de-Urbina
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Pharmacy Service, Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León (CAULE), Hospital of León, León, Spain
| | - Javier González-Gallego
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose J G Marin
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José L Mauriz
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz San-Miguel
- Institute of Biomedicine (IBIOMED), Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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2
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Teufel A, Kudo M, Qian Y, Daza J, Rodriguez I, Reissfelder C, Ridruejo E, Ebert MP. Current Trends and Advancements in the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Dig Dis 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38599204 DOI: 10.1159/000538815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a significant global health burden with a high mortality rate. Over the past 40 years, significant progress has been achieved in the prevention and management of HCC. SUMMARY Hepatitis B vaccination programs, the development of direct acting antiviral drugs for Hepatitis C, and effective surveillance strategies provide a profound basis for the prevention of HCC. Advanced surgery and liver transplantation along with local ablation techniques potentially offer cure for the disease. Also, just recently, the introduction of immunotherapy opened a new chapter in systemic treatment. Finally, the introduction of the BCLC classification system for HCC, clearly defining patient groups and assigning reasonable treatment options, has standardized treatment and become the basis of almost all clinical trials for HCC. With this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of HCC management and also touch on current challenges. KEY MESSAGE A comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effective HCC management. Continued research and clinical trials are imperative to further enhance treatment options and will ultimately reduce the global burden of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Teufel
- Division of Hepatology, Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Healthy Metabolism, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuquan Qian
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jimmy Daza
- Division of Hepatology, Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Healthy Metabolism, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Isaac Rodriguez
- Division of Hepatology, Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Healthy Metabolism, Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Reissfelder
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, Center for Medical Education and Clinical Research, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matthias P Ebert
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Younis MA, Harashima H. Understanding Gene Involvement in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Implications for Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2024; 17:193-213. [PMID: 38737776 PMCID: PMC11088404 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s431346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant type of liver cancers and is one of the deadliest health threats globally. The conventional therapeutic options for HCC are hampered by low efficiency and intolerable side effects. Gene therapy, however, now offers hope for the treatment of many disorders previously considered incurable, and gene therapy is beginning to address many of the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Herein, we summarize the involvement of genes in the pathogenesis and prognosis of HCC, with a special focus on dysregulated signaling pathways, genes involved in immune evasion, and non-coding RNAs as novel two-edged players, which collectively offer potential targets for the gene therapy of HCC. Herein, the opportunities and challenges of HCC gene therapy are discussed. These include innovative therapies such as genome editing and cell therapies. Moreover, advanced gene delivery technologies that recruit nanomedicines for use in gene therapy for HCC are highlighted. Finally, suggestions are offered for improved clinical translation and future directions in this area of endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
- Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory of Innovative Nanomedicine, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
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Cabibbo G, Daniele B, Borzio M, Casadei-Gardini A, Cillo U, Colli A, Conforti M, Dadduzio V, Dionisi F, Farinati F, Gardini I, Giannini EG, Golfieri R, Guido M, Mega A, Cinquini M, Piscaglia F, Rimassa L, Romanini L, Pecorelli A, Sacco R, Scorsetti M, Viganò L, Vitale A, Trevisani F. Multidisciplinary treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in 2023: Italian practice Treatment Guidelines of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF), Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM), Italian Association of Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic Surgery (AICEP), Italian Association of Hospital Gastroenterologists (AIGO), Italian Association of Radiology and Clinical Oncology (AIRO), Italian Society of Pathological Anatomy and Diagnostic Cytology (SIAPeC-IAP), Italian Society of Surgery (SIC), Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE), Italian Society of Medical and Interventional Radiology (SIRM), Italian Organ Transplant Society (SITO), and Association of Patients with Hepatitis and Liver Disease (EpaC) - Part II - Non-surgical treatments. Dig Liver Dis 2024; 56:394-405. [PMID: 38052656 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.10.028] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death. The remarkable improvements in treating HCC achieved in the last years have increased the complexity of its management. Following the need to have updated guidelines on the multidisciplinary treatment management of HCC, the Italian Scientific Societies involved in the management of this cancer have promoted the drafting of a new dedicated document. This document was drawn up according to the GRADE methodology needed to produce guidelines based on evidence. Here is presented the second part of guidelines, focused on the multidisciplinary tumor board of experts and non-surgical treatments of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties PROMISE, University of Palermo, Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "Paolo Giaccone", Palermo, Italy.
| | - Bruno Daniele
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, ASL Napoli 1 Centro, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mauro Borzio
- Centro Diagnostico Italiano (CDI), Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Casadei-Gardini
- Department of Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Umberto Cillo
- General Surgery 2-Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Agostino Colli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Trasfusionale ed Ematologia, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Dadduzio
- Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. A.R.Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta, ASL BT, Italy
| | - Francesco Dionisi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute - Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale-Università di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Ivan Gardini
- EpaC Onlus, Italian Liver Patient Association, Turin, Italy
| | - Edoardo Giovanni Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rita Golfieri
- Alma Mater Studiorum" Bologna University, Bologna, Italy; Radiology Unit Madre Fortunata Toniolo Private Hospital, coordinator of Radiology centers Medipass Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova - Italy
| | - Andrea Mega
- Department of Gastronterology, Regional Hospital Bolzano, Italy
| | - Michela Cinquini
- Oncology Department, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Romanini
- Radiology Unit, Ospedale di Cremona, ASST Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Anna Pecorelli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marta Scorsetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Via Manzoni 56, 20089, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Viganò
- Hepatobiliary Unit, Department of Minimally Invasive General & Oncologic Surgery, Humanitas Gavazzeni University Hospital, Viale M. Gavazzeni 21, 24125 Bergamo, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- General Surgery 2-Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Franco Trevisani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy; Unit of Semeiotics, Liver and Alcohol-Related Diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
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Chen C, Li Z, Xiong X, Yao A, Wang S, Liu X, Liu X, Wang J. Intraperitoneal PD-1 monoclonal antibody for the treatment of advanced primary liver cancer with malignant ascites: a single-arm, single-center, phase Ib trial. ESMO Open 2024; 9:102206. [PMID: 38194882 PMCID: PMC10820330 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced primary liver cancer patients with malignant ascites have a poor prognosis and lack effective treatment plans. This phase Ib study aims to explore the safety and clinical efficacy of intraperitoneal anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients received sintilimab 100 mg intraperitoneally plus best supportive care on days 1, 8, and 15 in three cycles of 4 weeks. The course was repeated every 28 days until intolerable toxicity had developed or disease progression. The primary endpoint was safety, while the secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), ascites control rate (ACR), and overall survival (OS). RESULTS From February 2021 through November 2022, a total of 21 patients (14 hepatocellular carcinoma and 7 cholangiocarcinoma) were enrolled to receive intraperitoneal sintilimab. Twelve patients had adverse events (AEs). The most common grade 3 AEs were fatigue, rash, and abdominal pain. No grade ≥4 AEs occurred in any patients. ORR was only evaluated in 13 patients, including partial response in 4, stable disease in 7, and progressive disease in 2. A reduction in the median maximum diameter of the tumor after treatment was observed; however, there was no statistical significance among patients. The objective remission rate of ascites was 43.75%, and the median OS for all 21 patients was 17.6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study represents the first trial to demonstrate the safety and clinical efficacy of intraperitoneal anti-PD-1 antibody administration. No unexpected safety concerns were identified. A large, multicenter, prospective study is needed to confirm the promising clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Chen
- Department of Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing
| | - Z Li
- Department of Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing
| | - X Xiong
- Department of Hepatology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing
| | - A Yao
- Department of Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing
| | - S Wang
- Department of Research Institute of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing
| | - X Liu
- Department of Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing
| | - X Liu
- Department of Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing.
| | - J Wang
- Department of Hematology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing; Yizheng Hospital of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Group, Yizheng, PR China.
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6
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Bejjani A, Finn RS. Evolution of Systemic Therapy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:73-85. [PMID: 37945146 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.06.003] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The recognition that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rising problem globally dates back decades; however, the development of effective medical treatment for the disease has only led to robust improvements in patient outcomes in the recent past. As knowledge evolves and regimens are proven to be more active, the importance of multidisciplinary management in patients with all stages of HCC will become more important to optimize patient outcomes. Key to optimizing patient outcomes is an understanding of the evolution and current role of these therapies in the HCC landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Bejjani
- Hematology/Oncology, VA Greater Los Angeles Health System, 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 2825 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 200, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.
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7
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Campani C, Vallot A, Ghannouchi H, Allaire M, Evain M, Sultanik P, Sidali S, Blaise L, Thabut D, Nahon P, Seror O, Ganne-Carrié N, Nault JC, Wagner M, Sutter O. Impact of radiological response and pattern of progression in patients with HCC treated by atezolizumab-bevacizumab. Hepatology 2024; 79:49-60. [PMID: 37870270 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We aim to assess the role of radiological response to atezolizumab-bevacizumab in patients with HCC to predict overall survival. APPROACH AND RESULTS We retrospectively included patients with HCC treated by atezolizumab-bevacizumab in 2 tertiary centers. A retrospective blinded analysis was performed by 2 radiologists to assess Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST 1.1) and modified RECIST (mRECIST) criteria at 12 weeks. Imaging response and treatment decisions in the multidisciplinary tumor board at 12 weeks were registered. Among 125 patients, 9.6% and 20.8% had a response, 39.2% and 35.2% had stable disease, and 51.2% and 44% had progression, according to RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST, respectively, with a substantial interobserver agreement (k coefficient=0.79). Metastasis was independently associated with a higher risk of progression. Patients classified as responders did not reach median survival, which was 16.2 and 15.9 months for patients classified as stable and 9.1 and 9.0 months for patients classified as progressors, in RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST criteria, respectively. We observed a wide variability in the identification of progression in the multidisciplinary tumor board in clinical practice compared with the blind evaluation by radiologists mainly due to discrepancy in the evaluation of the increase in size of intrahepatic lesions. The appearance of new extrahepatic lesions or vascular invasion lesions was associated with a worse overall survival ( p =0.032). CONCLUSIONS RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST criteria predict overall survival with more responders identified by mRECIST and the appearance of new extrahepatic lesion or vascular invasion was associated with a poor prognosis. A noticeable discrepancy was observed between patients classified as progressors at reviewing and the decision reached during the multidisciplinary tumor board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Campani
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne University, Inserm, Paris Cité University, "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors" team, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer accredited team, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, University of Firenze, Florence, Italy
| | - Ariane Vallot
- Radiology Department, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Universitary Hospital Pitié Salpêtriére, Paris, France
| | - Haroun Ghannouchi
- Interventional Radiology Department, Avicenne Hospital, Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis Universitary Hospitals, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Manon Allaire
- Hepato-gastroenterology Department, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Pitié Salpêtriére Universitary Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Manon Evain
- Hepato-gastroenterology Department, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Pitié Salpêtriére Universitary Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Sultanik
- Hepato-gastroenterology Department, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Pitié Salpêtriére Universitary Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Sidali
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne University, Inserm, Paris Cité University, "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors" team, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer accredited team, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
- Liver Unit, Paris Cité University, Beaujon Hospital, APHP, DMU DIGEST, Clichy, France
| | - Lorraine Blaise
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis Universitary Hospitals, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Dominique Thabut
- Hepato-gastroenterology Department, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Pitié Salpêtriére Universitary Hospital, Paris, France
- INSERM/UMR_S 938/Sorbonne University, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Paris, France
| | - Pierre Nahon
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne University, Inserm, Paris Cité University, "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors" team, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer accredited team, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis Universitary Hospitals, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Olivier Seror
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne University, Inserm, Paris Cité University, "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors" team, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer accredited team, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
- Interventional Radiology Department, Avicenne Hospital, Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis Universitary Hospitals, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne University, Inserm, Paris Cité University, "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors" team, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer accredited team, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis Universitary Hospitals, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Jean-Charles Nault
- Cordeliers Research Center, Sorbonne University, Inserm, Paris Cité University, "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors" team, Ligue Nationale Contre le Cancer accredited team, Labex OncoImmunology, Paris, France
- Liver Unit, Avicenne Hospital, Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis Universitary Hospitals, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Mathilde Wagner
- Radiology Department, AP-HP, Sorbonne University, Universitary Hospital Pitié Salpêtriére, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Sutter
- Interventional Radiology Department, Avicenne Hospital, Paris-Seine-Saint-Denis Universitary Hospitals, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
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Argentiero A, Delvecchio A, Fasano R, Andriano A, Caradonna IC, Memeo R, Desantis V. The Complexity of the Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Emerging Therapeutic Developments. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7469. [PMID: 38068521 PMCID: PMC10706931 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores various aspects of the HCC TME, including both cellular and non-cellular components, to elucidate their roles in tumor development and progression. Specifically, it highlights the significance of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their contributions to tumor progression, angiogenesis, immune suppression, and therapeutic resistance. Moreover, this review emphasizes the role of immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and regulatory T-cells (Tregs), in shaping the immunosuppressive microenvironment that promotes tumor growth and immune evasion. Furthermore, we also focused only on the non-cellular components of the HCC TME, including the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the role of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Alterations in the composition of ECM and stiffness have been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis, while hypoxia-driven angiogenesis promotes tumor growth and metastatic spread. The molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, including the activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, are also discussed. In addition to elucidating the complex TME of HCC, this review focuses on emerging therapeutic strategies that target the TME. It highlights the potential of second-line treatments, such as regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab, in improving overall survival for advanced HCC patients who have progressed on or were intolerant to first-line therapy. Furthermore, this review explores the implications of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging and classification system in guiding HCC management decisions. The BCLC system, which incorporates tumor stage, liver function, and performance status, provides a framework for treatment stratification and prognosis prediction in HCC patients. The insights gained from this review contribute to the development of novel therapeutic interventions and personalized treatment approaches for HCC patients, ultimately improving clinical outcomes in this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Delvecchio
- Unit of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, “F. Miulli” General Hospital, 70021 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Andriano
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ingrid Catalina Caradonna
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Riccardo Memeo
- Unit of Hepato-Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, “F. Miulli” General Hospital, 70021 Bari, Italy
| | - Vanessa Desantis
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, Pharmacology Section, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
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9
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Requeijo C, Bracchiglione J, Meza N, Acosta-Dighero R, Salazar J, Santero M, Meade AG, Quintana MJ, Rodríguez-Grijalva G, Selva A, Solà I, Urrútia G, Bonfill Cosp X. Anticancer Drugs Compared to No Anticancer Drugs in Patients with Advanced Hepatobiliary Cancer: A Mapping Review and Evidence Gap Map. Clin Epidemiol 2023; 15:1069-1085. [PMID: 38025841 PMCID: PMC10644842 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s431498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite being commonly recommended, the impact of anticancer drugs (ACDs) on patient-important outcomes beyond survival for advanced hepatobiliary cancers (HBCs) may not have been sufficiently assessed. We aim to identify and map the evidence regarding ACDs versus best supportive care (BSC) for advanced HBCs, considering patient-centered outcomes. Methods In this mapping review, we included systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental, and observational studies comparing ACDs (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biological/targeted therapy) versus BSC for advanced HBCs. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (Ovid), Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos, PROSPERO and clinicaltrials.gov for eligible studies. Two reviewers performed the screening and data extraction processes. We developed evidence maps for each type of cancer. Results We included 87 studies (60 for advanced liver cancer and 27 for gallbladder or bile duct cancers). Most of the evidence favored ACDs for survival outcomes, and BSC for toxicity. We identified several evidence gaps for non-survival outcomes, including quality of life or quality of end-of-life care. Discussion Patient-important outcomes beyond survival in advanced HBCs are insufficiently assessed by the available evidence. Future studies need to address these gaps to better inform decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Requeijo
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Bracchiglione
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Studies (CIESAL), Valparaiso University, Viña del Mar, Chile
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicolás Meza
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Studies (CIESAL), Valparaiso University, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Roberto Acosta-Dighero
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Studies (CIESAL), Valparaiso University, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Josefina Salazar
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marilina Santero
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana-G Meade
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Jesús Quintana
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
- Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Selva
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Epidemiology and Cancer Screening, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Parc Taulí Research and Innovation Institute Foundation (I3PT-CERCA), Autonomous University of Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Ivan Solà
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Urrútia
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Bonfill Cosp
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
- Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - On behalf of Appropriateness of Systemic Oncological Treatments for Advanced Cancer (ASTAC) Research Group
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Studies (CIESAL), Valparaiso University, Viña del Mar, Chile
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
- Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Epidemiology and Cancer Screening, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Parc Taulí Research and Innovation Institute Foundation (I3PT-CERCA), Autonomous University of Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
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10
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Coffman-D’Annibale K, Xie C, Hrones DM, Ghabra S, Greten TF, Monge C. The current landscape of therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2023; 44:537-548. [PMID: 37428789 PMCID: PMC10588973 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgad052] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with approximately 830 000 deaths worldwide in 2020, accounting for 8.3% of total deaths from all cancer types (1). This disease disproportionately affects those in countries with low or medium Human Development Index scores in Eastern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, and Northern and Western Africa (2). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, often develops in the background of chronic liver disease, caused by hepatitis B or C virus, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), or other diseases that cause cirrhosis. Prognosis can vary dramatically based on number, size, and location of tumors. Hepatic synthetic dysfunction and performance status (PS) also impact survival. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system best accounts for these variations, providing a reliable prognostic stratification. Therapeutic considerations of this complex disease necessitate a multidisciplinary approach and can range from curative-intent surgical resection, liver transplantation or image-guided ablation to more complex liver-directed therapies like transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and systemic therapy. Recent advances in the understanding of the tumor biology and microenvironment have brought new advances and approvals for systemic therapeutic agents, often utilizing immunotherapy or VEGF-targeted agents to modulate the immune response. This review will discuss the current landscape in the treatments available for early, intermediate, and advanced stage HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley Coffman-D’Annibale
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Changqing Xie
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Donna M Hrones
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shadin Ghabra
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Cancer Institute, NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cecilia Monge
- National Cancer Institute, Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
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11
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Lominadze Z, Shaik MR, Choi D, Zaffar D, Mishra L, Shetty K. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Genetic Classification. Cancer J 2023; 29:249-258. [PMID: 37796642 PMCID: PMC10686192 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000682] [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] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant global burden, with management complicated by its heterogeneity, varying presentation, and relative resistance to therapy. Recent advances in the understanding of the genetic, molecular, and immunological underpinnings of HCC have allowed a detailed classification of these tumors, with resultant implications for diagnosis, prognostication, and selection of appropriate treatments. Through the correlation of genomic features with histopathology and clinical outcomes, we are moving toward a comprehensive and unifying framework to guide our diagnostic and therapeutic approach to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurabi Lominadze
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
| | | | - Dabin Choi
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center
| | - Duha Zaffar
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Midtown Medical Center
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health
| | - Kirti Shetty
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
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12
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Coffin P, He A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Past and Present Challenges and Progress in Molecular Classification and Precision Oncology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13274. [PMID: 37686079 PMCID: PMC10487618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713274] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid tumor malignancies in the world and represents roughly 90% of all primary malignancies of the liver. The most common risk factors for HCC include hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, alcohol, and increasingly, fatty liver. Most HCC is diagnosed at advanced stages, excluding the possibility of curative resection, which leaves systemic therapy as the only treatment option. However, given the extreme mutational diversity and heterogenous nature of HCC, efforts to develop new targeted systemic therapies were largely unsuccessful until recently. HCC pathogenesis is thought to be a multistage process driven by a wide array of nonmutually exclusive driver mutations accompanied by many passenger mutations, with the average tumor possessing approximately 40 genomic aberrations. Over the past two decades, several efforts to categorize HCC prognostically and therapeutically according to different molecular subclassifications with the intent to guide treatment and identify drug targets have emerged, though, no single consensus has been reached. Recent breakthroughs in drug development have greatly expanded treatment options, but the ideal of uniting each patient's unique HCC with a targeted systemic therapy remains elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Coffin
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Lombardi Cancer Center, 3800 Reservoir Rd NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA;
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13
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Gorji L, Brown ZJ, Pawlik TM. Mutational Landscape and Precision Medicine in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4221. [PMID: 37686496 PMCID: PMC10487145 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174221] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth most common malignancy worldwide and exhibits a universal burden as the incidence of the disease continues to rise. In addition to curative-intent therapies such as liver resection and transplantation, locoregional and systemic therapy options also exist. However, existing treatments carry a dismal prognosis, often plagued with high recurrence and mortality. For this reason, understanding the tumor microenvironment and mutational pathophysiology has become the center of investigation for disease control. The use of precision medicine and genetic analysis can supplement current treatment modalities to promote individualized management of HCC. In the search for personalized medicine, tools such as next-generation sequencing have been used to identify unique tumor mutations and improve targeted therapies. Furthermore, investigations are underway for specific HCC biomarkers to augment the diagnosis of malignancy, the prediction of whether the tumor environment is amenable to available therapies, the surveillance of treatment response, the monitoring for disease recurrence, and even the identification of novel therapeutic opportunities. Understanding the mutational landscape and biomarkers of the disease is imperative for tailored management of the malignancy. In this review, we summarize the molecular targets of HCC and discuss the current role of precision medicine in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leva Gorji
- Department of Surgery, Kettering Health Dayton, Dayton, OH 45405, USA;
| | - Zachary J. Brown
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, New York University—Long Island, Mineola, NY 11501, USA;
| | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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14
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Monge C, Maldonado JA, McGlynn KA, Greten TF. Hispanic Individuals are Underrepresented in Phase III Clinical Trials for Advanced Liver Cancer in the United States. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:1223-1235. [PMID: 37533601 PMCID: PMC10390714 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s412446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hispanic individuals comprise the second-largest subpopulation after non-Hispanic White (NHW) individuals in the United States (US). We compared the relative contribution of Hispanic individuals to the ten most common causes of cancer-related deaths and studied enrollment of Hispanic patients in multinational phase III advanced liver cancer trials with the aim to investigate whether racial subpopulations are adequately represented in liver cancer trials. Methods Relative cancer incidence rates in Hispanic individuals, NHW individuals, non-Hispanic black (NHB) individuals, and Asian individuals were obtained from both the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) database. Searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, we identified phase III clinical trials studying advanced liver cancer in the last ten years and collected enrollment for each race and ethnicity. Incidence rates of liver cancer and enrollment rates in phase III trials were compared by race and ethnicity. Results The cancer type with the relatively highest contribution of Hispanic individuals was liver cancer. From 2015 to 2019, 15.1% of liver cancer cases occurred in Hispanic individuals compared to 12.5% in Asian individuals, 11% in NHB individuals, and 7.5% in NHW individuals. In the last ten years, Hispanic individuals made up 1.6% of patients and NHB individuals 1.3% of patients included in phase III multinational liver cancer trials, compared to 31% NHW individuals and 47% Asian individuals. Conclusion Hispanic individuals are disproportionately underrepresented in multinational phase III clinical trials for liver cancer despite having the highest relative incidence rates among the four major racial or ethnic groups in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Monge
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - J Alberto Maldonado
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Betheda, MD, USA
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15
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Yan X, Bai L, Qi P, Lv J, Song X, Zhang L. Potential Effects of Regulating Intestinal Flora on Immunotherapy for Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11387. [PMID: 37511148 PMCID: PMC10380345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal flora plays an important role in the occurrence and development of liver cancer, affecting the efficacy and side effects of conventional antitumor therapy. Recently, immunotherapy for liver cancer has been a palliative treatment for patients with advanced liver cancer lacking surgical indications. Representative drugs include immune checkpoint inhibitors, regulators, tumor vaccines, and cellular immunotherapies. The effects of immunotherapy on liver cancer vary because of the heterogeneity of the tumors. Intestinal flora can affect the efficacy and side effects of immunotherapy for liver cancer by regulating host immunity. Therefore, applying probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, and fecal transplantation to interfere with the intestinal flora is expected to become an important means of assisting immunotherapy for liver cancer. This article reviews publications that discuss the relationship between intestinal flora and immunotherapy for liver cancer and further clarifies the potential relationship between intestinal flora and immunotherapy for liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Yan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Liuhui Bai
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Ping Qi
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jin Lv
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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16
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Singal AG, Kudo M, Bruix J. Breakthroughs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapies. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2135-2149. [PMID: 36813012 PMCID: PMC10293061 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Several breakthroughs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy across tumor stages provide hope to improve its dismal prognosis. Although surgical and local ablative therapies have few significant changes in technique, an improved understanding of tumor biology has facilitated increase numbers of patients who are now eligible to undergo curative-intent procedures. Most notably, acceptable post-transplant outcomes can be achieved in well selected patients whose tumors are downstaged into Milan Criteria. Adjuvant therapy in patients at high risk of recurrence also significantly improves recurrence-free survival after resection or ablation. For patients with liver-localized disease who are not eligible for curative-intent procedures, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was historically the treatment modality of choice, regardless of tumor burden; however, there is now increased recognition of patients who are "TACE unsuitable" and may be better treated with systemic therapy. The greatest evolution in HCC treatment options has occurred with systemic therapy, where several new agents are now available in the first- and second-line setting, including immune checkpoint inhibitor combinations. Objective responses are observed in approximately 30% of patients and median survival is approaching 2 years. The availability of immune checkpoint inhibitors has renewed interest in combination therapies for earlier tumor stages, with several phase III trials ongoing. Considering increasing complexities of HCC care, requiring decisions between therapies delivered by different providers, multidisciplinary care is critical and is associated with improved clinical outcomes. In this review, we detail major breakthroughs in HCC therapy, how these breakthroughs can be applied in clinical practice, and remaining areas in need of further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka Japan.
| | - Jordi Bruix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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17
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Guo H, Zhang S, Zhang B, Shang Y, Liu X, Wang M, Wang H, Fan Y, Tan K. Immunogenic landscape and risk score prediction based on unfolded protein response (UPR)-related molecular subtypes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202324. [PMID: 37457742 PMCID: PMC10348016 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of cancer and causes a significant number of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of HCC are complex, and the heterogeneity of HCC has led to a lack of effective prognostic indicators and drug targets for clinical treatment of HCC. Previous studies have indicated that the unfolded protein response (UPR), a fundamental pathway for maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, is involved in the formation of malignant characteristics such as tumor cell invasiveness and treatment resistance. The aims of our study are to identify new prognostic indicators and provide drug treatment targets for HCC in clinical treatment based on UPR-related genes (URGs). Methods Gene expression profiles and clinical information were downloaded from the TCGA, ICGC and GEO databases. Consensus cluster analysis was performed to classify the molecular subtypes of URGs in HCC patients. Univariate Cox regression and machine learning LASSO algorithm were used to establish a risk prognosis model. Kaplan-Meier and ROC analyses were used to evaluate the clinical prognosis of URGs. TIMER and XCell algorithms were applied to analyze the relationships between URGs and immune cell infiltration. Real time-PCR was performed to analyze the effect of sorafenib on the expression levels of four URGs. Results Most URGs were upregulated in HCC samples. According to the expression pattern of URGs, HCC patients were divided into two independent clusters. Cluster 1 had a higher expression level, worse prognosis, and higher expression of immunosuppressive factors than cluster 2. Patients in cluster 1 were more prone to immune escape during immunotherapy, and were more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs. Four key UPR genes (ATF4, GOSR2, PDIA6 and SRPRB) were established in the prognostic model and HCC patients with high risk score had a worse clinical prognosis. Additionally, patients with high expression of four URGs are more sensitive to sorafenib. Moreover, ATF4 was upregulated, while GOSR2, PDIA6 and SRPRB were downregulated in sorafenib-treated HCC cells. Conclusion The UPR-related prognostic signature containing four URGs exhibits high potential application value and performs well in the evaluation of effects of chemotherapy/immunotherapy and clinical prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yumei Fan
- *Correspondence: Yumei Fan, ; Ke Tan,
| | - Ke Tan
- *Correspondence: Yumei Fan, ; Ke Tan,
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18
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Pinto E, Pelizzaro F, Farinati F, Russo FP. Angiogenesis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Molecular Mechanisms to Systemic Therapies. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1115. [PMID: 37374319 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59061115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy. The hypervascular nature of the majority of HCCs and the peculiar vascular derangement occurring during liver carcinogenesis underscore the importance of angiogenesis in the development and progression of these tumors. Indeed, several angiogenic molecular pathways have been identified as deregulated in HCC. The hypervascular nature and the peculiar vascularization of HCC, as well as deregulated angiogenic pathways, represent major therapeutic targets. To a large extent, intra-arterial locoregional treatments (transarterial-(chemo)embolization) rely on tumor ischemia caused by embolization of tumor feeding arteries, even though this may represent the "primum movens" of tumor recurrence through the activation of neoangiogenesis. Considering systemic therapies, the currently available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sorafenib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and lenvatinib) and monoclonal antibodies (ramucirumab and bevacizumab, in combination with the anti-PD-L1, atezolizumab) primarily target, among others, angiogenic pathways. Considering the importance of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis and treatment of liver cancer, in this paper, we aim to review the role of angiogenesis in HCC, addressing the molecular mechanisms, available antiangiogenic therapies and prognostic biomarkers in patients receiving these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pinto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera di Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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19
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Liu H, Su H, Wang F, Dang Y, Ren Y, Yin S, Lu H, Zhang H, Wu J, Xu Z, Zheng M, Gao J, Cao Y, Xu J, Chen L, Wu X, Ma M, Xu L, Wang F, Chen J, Su C, Wu C, Xie H, Gu J, Xi JJ, Ge B, Fei Y, Chen C. Pharmacological boosting of cGAS activation sensitizes chemotherapy by enhancing antitumor immunity. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112275. [PMID: 36943864 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancing chemosensitivity is one of the largest unmet medical needs in cancer therapy. Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) connects genome instability caused by platinum-based chemotherapeutics to type I interferon (IFN) response. Here, by using a high-throughput small-molecule microarray-based screening of cGAS interacting compounds, we identify brivanib, known as a dual inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and fibroblast growth factor receptor, as a cGAS modulator. Brivanib markedly enhances cGAS-mediated type I IFN response in tumor cells treated with platinum. Mechanistically, brivanib directly targets cGAS and enhances its DNA binding affinity. Importantly, brivanib synergizes with cisplatin in tumor control by boosting CD8+ T cell response in a tumor-intrinsic cGAS-dependent manner, which is further validated by a patient-derived tumor-like cell clusters model. Taken together, our findings identify cGAS as an unprecedented target of brivanib and provide a rationale for the combination of brivanib with platinum-based chemotherapeutics in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Liu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Shanghai HUASHEN Institute of Microbes and Infections, Shanghai 200052, China.
| | - Hang Su
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yifang Dang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Shanghai HUASHEN Institute of Microbes and Infections, Shanghai 200052, China
| | - Yijiu Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shenyi Yin
- College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huinan Lu
- GeneX Health Co. Ltd., Beijing 100195, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra-Precision Optical Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, and the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhu Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mengge Zheng
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiani Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yajuan Cao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Junfang Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Li Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Mingtong Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Long Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jianxia Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunxia Su
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunyan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huikang Xie
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jijie Gu
- WuXi Biologics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai City 201401, China
| | - Jianzhong Jeff Xi
- College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Baoxue Ge
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tuberculosis, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yiyan Fei
- Department of Optical Science and Engineering, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultra-Precision Optical Manufacturing, Key Laboratory of Micro and Nano Photonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Systemic Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Stand and Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061680. [PMID: 36980566 PMCID: PMC10046570 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma often develops in the context of chronic liver disease. It is the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although the mainstay of therapy is surgical resection, most patients are not eligible because of liver dysfunction or tumor extent. Sorafenib was the first tyrosine kinase inhibitor that improved the overall survival of patients who failed to respond to local therapies or had advanced disease, and for many years, it was the only treatment approved for the first-line setting. However, in recent years, trials have demonstrated an improvement in survival with treatments based on immunotherapy and new targeting agents, thereby extending the treatment options. A phase III trial showed that a combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, including atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, improved survival in the first-line setting, and is now considered the new standard of care. Other agents and combinations are being tested, including the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab and tremelimumab plus durvalumab, and they reportedly have clinical benefits. The aim of this manuscript is to review the latest approved therapeutic options in first- and second-line settings for advanced HCC and discuss future perspectives.
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21
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2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:1-120. [PMID: 37384024 PMCID: PMC10202234 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2022.11.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korean Liver Cancer Association (KLCA) and National Cancer Center (NCC) Korea
- Corresponding author: KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee (KPGRC) (Committee Chair: Joong-Won Park) Center for Liver and Pancreatobiliary Cancer, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10408, Korea Tel. +82-31-920-1605, Fax: +82-31-920-1520, E-mail:
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22
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Bracchiglione J, Rodríguez-Grijalva G, Requeijo C, Santero M, Salazar J, Salas-Gama K, Meade AG, Antequera A, Auladell-Rispau A, Quintana MJ, Solà I, Urrútia G, Acosta-Dighero R, Bonfill Cosp X. Systemic Oncological Treatments versus Supportive Care for Patients with Advanced Hepatobiliary Cancers: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030766. [PMID: 36765723 PMCID: PMC9913533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The trade-off between systemic oncological treatments (SOTs) and UPSC in patients with primary advanced hepatobiliary cancers (HBCs) is not clear in terms of patient-centred outcomes beyond survival. This overview aims to assess the effectiveness of SOTs (chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted/biological therapies) versus UPSC in advanced HBCs. METHODS We searched for systematic reviews (SRs) in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Epistemonikos and PROSPERO. Two authors assessed eligibility independently and performed data extraction. We estimated the quality of SRs and the overlap of primary studies, performed de novo meta-analyses and assessed the certainty of evidence for each outcome. RESULTS We included 18 SRs, most of which were of low quality and highly overlapped. For advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, SOTs showed better overall survival (HR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.55-0.77, high certainty for first-line therapy; HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.79-0.92, moderate certainty for second-line therapy) with higher toxicity (RR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.87-1.60, very low certainty for first-line therapy; RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.28-1.96, low certainty for second-line therapy). Survival was also better for SOTs in advanced gallbladder cancer. No outcomes beyond survival and toxicity could be meta-analysed. CONCLUSION SOTs in advanced HBCs tend to improve survival at the expense of greater toxicity. Future research should inform other patient-important outcomes to guide clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Bracchiglione
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Studies (CIESAL), Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 46383, Chile
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerardo Rodríguez-Grijalva
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Requeijo
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Marilina Santero
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefina Salazar
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karla Salas-Gama
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Quality, Process and Innovation Direction, Valld’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana-Gabriela Meade
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Antequera
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Auladell-Rispau
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Jesús Quintana
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Pediatria, d’Obstetrícia i Ginecologia, i Medicina Preventiva i Salut Pública, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivan Solà
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Pediatria, d’Obstetrícia i Ginecologia, i Medicina Preventiva i Salut Pública, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Urrútia
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Pediatria, d’Obstetrícia i Ginecologia, i Medicina Preventiva i Salut Pública, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberto Acosta-Dighero
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Studies (CIESAL), Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 46383, Chile
| | - Xavier Bonfill Cosp
- Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Departament de Pediatria, d’Obstetrícia i Ginecologia, i Medicina Preventiva i Salut Pública, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Kudo M, Finn RS, Qin S, Han KH, Ikeda K, Cheng AL, Vogel A, Tovoli F, Ueshima K, Aikata H, López CL, Pracht M, Meng Z, Daniele B, Park JW, Palmer D, Tamai T, Saito K, Dutcus CE, Lencioni R. Overall survival and objective response in advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A subanalysis of the REFLECT study. J Hepatol 2023; 78:133-141. [PMID: 36341767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Validated surrogate endpoints for overall survival (OS) are important for expediting the clinical study and drug-development processes. Herein, we aimed to validate objective response as an independent predictor of OS in individuals with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving systemic anti-angiogenic therapy. METHODS We investigated the association between objective response (investigator-assessed mRECIST, independent radiologic review [IRR] mRECIST and RECIST v1.1) and OS in REFLECT, a phase III study of lenvatinib vs. sorafenib. We conducted landmark analyses (Simon-Makuch) of OS by objective response at 2, 4, and 6 months after randomization. RESULTS Median OS was 21.6 months (95% CI 18.6-24.5) for responders (investigator-assessed mRECIST) vs. 11.9 months (95% CI 10.7-12.8) for non-responders (hazard ratio [HR] 0.61; 95% CI 0.49-0.76; p <0.001). Objective response by IRR per mRECIST and RECIST v1.1 supported the association with OS (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.51-0.72; p <0.001 and HR 0.50; 95% CI 0.39-0.65; p <0.001, respectively). OS was significantly prolonged for responders vs. non-responders (investigator-assessed mRECIST) at the 2-month (HR 0.61; 95% CI 0.49-0.76; p <0.001), 4-month (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.51-0.80; p <0.001), and 6-month (HR 0.68; 95% CI 0.54-0.86; p <0.001) landmarks. Results were similar when assessed by IRR, with both mRECIST and RECIST v1.1. An exploratory multivariate Cox regression analysis identified objective response by investigator-assessed mRECIST (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.44-0.68; p <0.0001) and IRR-assessed RECIST v1.1 (HR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.38-0.64; p <0.0001) as independent predictors of OS in individuals with unresectable HCC. CONCLUSIONS Objective response was an independent predictor of OS in individuals with unresectable HCC in REFLECT; additional studies are needed to confirm surrogacy. Participants achieving a complete or partial response by mRECIST or RECIST v1.1 had significantly longer survival vs. those with stable/progressive/non-evaluable disease. GOV NUMBER NCT01761266. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS This analysis of data taken from a completed clinical trial (REFLECT) looked for any link between objective response and overall survival time in individuals with unresectable HCC receiving anti-angiogenic treatments. Significantly longer median overall survival was found for responders (21.6 months) vs. non-responders (11.9 months). Overall survival was also significantly longer for responders vs. non-responders (based on objective response status at 2, 4, and 6 months) in the landmark analysis. Our results indicate that objective response is an independent predictor of overall survival in this setting, confirming its validity as a rapid marker of efficacy that can be applied in phase II trials; however, further validation is required to determine is validity for other systemic treatments (e.g. immunotherapies), or as a surrogate of overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.
| | - Richard S Finn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Shukui Qin
- Director of Chinese PLA Cancer Center, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kwang-Hyub Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kenji Ikeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ann-Lii Cheng
- Oncology, Internal and General Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Kazuomi Ueshima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Carlos López López
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL, Santander, Spain
| | - Marc Pracht
- Department of Medical Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Bruno Daniele
- Department of Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera G. Rummo, Benevento, Italy and Ospedale del Mare, Naples, Italy
| | - Joong-Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cancer Center Korea, Goyang-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Daniel Palmer
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Birkenhead, England, UK
| | | | - Kenichi Saito
- Biostatistics and Clinical Research, Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Corina E Dutcus
- Biostatistics and Clinical Research, Eisai Inc., Nutley, NJ, USA
| | - Riccardo Lencioni
- Department of Radiology, Miami Cancer Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Radiology, University of Pisa School of Medicine, Pisa, Italy
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Cai J, Zhang R. Molecular Structure and Supramolecular Architecture of Brivanib: (R)-1-(4-(4-Fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yloxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[2,1-f] [1,2,4]triazin-6-yloxy)propan-2-ol. CRYSTALLOGR REP+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1063774522070045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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25
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2022 KLCA-NCC Korea Practice Guidelines for the Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Korean J Radiol 2022; 23:1126-1240. [PMID: 36447411 PMCID: PMC9747269 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2022.0822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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26
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Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Dimitroulis D, Garmpi A, Psilopatis I, Sarantis P, Koustas E, Kanavidis P, Prevezanos D, Kouraklis G, Karamouzis MV, Marinos G, Kontzoglou K, Antoniou EA. Targeted Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment: A New Era Ahead-A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214117. [PMID: 36430594 PMCID: PMC9698799 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common malignancies and the third cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with surgery being the best prognostic tool. Among the well-known causative factors of HCC are chronic liver virus infections, chronic virus hepatitis B (HBV) and chronic hepatitis virus C (HCV), aflatoxins, tobacco consumption, and non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). There is a need for the development of efficient molecular markers and alternative therapeutic targets of great significance. In this review, we describe the general characteristics of HCC and present a variety of targeted therapies that resulted in progress in HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Damaskos
- Renal Transplantation Unit, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-694-846-7790
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Dimitroulis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Propedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Iason Psilopatis
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt—Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Koustas
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos Kanavidis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Gregory Kouraklis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Michail V. Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Marinos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kontzoglou
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios A. Antoniou
- Nikolaos Christeas Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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27
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Giuffrida P, Celsa C, Antonucci M, Peri M, Grassini MV, Rancatore G, Giacchetto CM, Cannella R, Incorvaia L, Corsini LR, Morana P, La Mantia C, Badalamenti G, Brancatelli G, Cammà C, Cabibbo G. The Evolving Scenario in the Assessment of Radiological Response for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Era of Immunotherapy: Strengths and Weaknesses of Surrogate Endpoints. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2827. [PMID: 36359347 PMCID: PMC9687474 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a challenging malignancy characterised by clinical and biological heterogeneity, independent of the stage. Despite the application of surveillance programs, a substantial proportion of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages when curative treatments are no longer available. The landscape of systemic therapies has been rapidly growing over the last decade, and the advent of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has changed the paradigm of systemic treatments. The coexistence of the tumour with underlying cirrhosis exposes patients with HCC to competing events related to tumour progression and/or hepatic decompensation. Therefore, it is relevant to adopt proper clinical endpoints to assess the extent of treatment benefit. While overall survival (OS) is the most accepted endpoint for phase III randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and drug approval, it is affected by many limitations. To overcome these limits, several clinical and radiological outcomes have been used. For instance, progression-free survival (PFS) is a useful endpoint to evaluate the benefit of sequential treatments, since it is not influenced by post-progression treatments, unlike OS. Moreover, radiological endpoints such as time to progression (TTP) and objective response rate (ORR) are frequently adopted. Nevertheless, the surrogacy between these endpoints and OS in the setting of unresectable HCC (uHCC) remains uncertain. Since most of the surrogate endpoints are radiology-based (e.g., PFS, TTP, ORR), the use of standardised tools is crucial for the evaluation of radiological response. The optimal way to assess the radiological response has been widely debated, and many criteria have been proposed over the years. Furthermore, none of the criteria have been validated for immunotherapy in advanced HCC. The coexistence of the underlying chronic liver disease and the access to several lines of treatments highlight the urgent need to capture early clinical benefit and the need for standardised radiological criteria to assess cancer response when using ICIs in mono- or combination therapies. Here, we review the most commonly used clinical and radiological endpoints for trial design, as well as their surrogacy with OS. We also review the criteria for radiological response to treatments for HCC, analysing the major issues and the potential future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Giuffrida
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Ciro Celsa
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Michela Antonucci
- Section of Radiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Peri
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Grassini
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriele Rancatore
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carmelo Marco Giacchetto
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Roberto Cannella
- Section of Radiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lorena Incorvaia
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Lidia Rita Corsini
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Piera Morana
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudia La Mantia
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Badalamenti
- Department of Surgical, Oncological, and Oral Sciences (Di.Chir.On.S.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Brancatelli
- Section of Radiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Calogero Cammà
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Personeni N, Pressiani T, Zanuso V, Casadei-Gardini A, D’Alessio A, Valgiusti M, Dadduzio V, Bergamo F, Soldà C, Rizzato MD, Giordano L, Santoro A, Rimassa L. Determinants of Treatment Benefit and Post-Treatment Survival for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Enrolled in Second-Line Trials after the Failure of Sorafenib Treatment. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101726. [PMID: 36294865 PMCID: PMC9604940 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101726] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Second-line treatments are standard care for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with preserved liver function who are intolerant of or progress on first-line therapy. However, determinants of treatment benefit and post-treatment survival (PTS) remain unknown. HCC patients previously treated with sorafenib and enrolled in second-line clinical trials were pooled according to the investigational treatment received and the subsequent regulatory approval: approved targeted agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors (AT) or other agents (OT) not subsequently approved. Univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards models established relationships among treatments received, clinical variables, and overall survival (OS) or PTS. For 174 patients (80 AT; 94 OT) analyzed, baseline factors for longer OS in multivariate analysis were second-line AT, absence of both portal vein thrombosis and extrahepatic spread (EHS). Treatment with AT (versus OT) was associated with significantly longer OS among patients with EHS (pinteraction = 0.005) and patients with low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; pinteraction = 0.032). Median PTS was 4.0 months (95% CI 2.8−5.3). At second-line treatment discontinuation, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels <400 ng/dl, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 1, and enrolment onto subsequent trials independently predicted longer PTS. Treatment with AT, PVT, and EHS were prognostic factors for OS, while AFP, ALBI grade and enrolment onto a third-line trial were prognostic for PTS. Presence of EHS and low NLR were predictors of greater OS benefit from AT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Personeni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Zanuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.Z.); (L.R.); Tel.: +39-02-82244573 (V.Z.); +39-02-82244573 (L.R.)
| | - Andrea Casadei-Gardini
- Department of Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio D’Alessio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Martina Valgiusti
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “DinoAmadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Dadduzio
- Oncology 1 Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV, IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Bergamo
- Oncology 1 Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV, IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Caterina Soldà
- Oncology 1 Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV, IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Domenico Rizzato
- Oncology 1 Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV, IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Giordano
- Biostatistic Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.Z.); (L.R.); Tel.: +39-02-82244573 (V.Z.); +39-02-82244573 (L.R.)
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2022 KLCA-NCC Korea practice guidelines for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 28:583-705. [PMID: 36263666 PMCID: PMC9597235 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men in South Korea, where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is high in middle and old age. The current practice guidelines will provide useful and sensible advice for the clinical management of patients with HCC. A total of 49 experts in the fields of hepatology, oncology, surgery, radiology, and radiation oncology from the Korean Liver Cancer Association-National Cancer Center Korea Practice Guideline Revision Committee revised the 2018 Korean guidelines and developed new recommendations that integrate the most up-to-date research findings and expert opinions. These guidelines provide useful information and direction for all clinicians, trainees, and researchers in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Sato R, Moriguchi M, Iwai K, Tsuchiya S, Seko Y, Takahashi A, Kobayashi K, Ogasawara S, Watanabe S, Morimoto N, Kato N, Itoh Y, Aramaki T. Real-world outcomes of molecular targeted agents for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma over 80 years old. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:859-871. [PMID: 35921253 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM There is insufficient evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of molecular targeted agents (MTAs) for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), who are likely to be vulnerable to adverse events (AEs) of therapy. The aim of this study was to compare sorafenib and lenvatinib use in elderly patients with HCC from the viewpoint of overall survival (OS) and rate of AE-induced MTA discontinuation. METHODS This retrospective study included patients with HCC over 80 years old who received first-line molecular targeted therapy (MTT) at four hospitals between June 2009 and September 2019. They were divided into three groups according to the era and type of first-line MTA: E1-Sora (sorafenib, between 2009 and 2016), E2-Sora (sorafenib, between 2017 and 2019), and E2-Len (lenvatinib, between 2017 and 2019). RESULTS The study included 173 patients (E1-Sora, n = 79; E2-Sora, n = 50; E2-Len, n = 44) with a median age of 81.9 years (range, 80-93 years). Median OS was 15.1 months in the entire cohort (E1-Sora, 12.7 months; E2-Sora, 20.5 months; E2-Len, 10.3 months). The rate of treatment discontinuation due to AEs was high in the entire cohort, especially in E1-Sora and E2-Len (49.4% in E1-Sora, 28.0% in E2-Sora, and 54.6% in E2-Len, p = 0.0753). More E2-Sora patients received subsequent MTT than E2-Len patients (E2-Sora, 50%; E2-Len, 28.6%; p = 0.0111). CONCLUSION Both sorafenib and lenvatinib were effective and feasible for elderly patients with HCC. In terms of discontinuation due to AEs and subsequent MTT, sorafenib might be more desirable for elderly patients with HCC over 80 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sato
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Sunto-Gun, Japan
| | - Michihisa Moriguchi
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kenji Iwai
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Sunto-Gun, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tsuchiya
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Sunto-Gun, Japan
| | - Yuya Seko
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aya Takahashi
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiva University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Sadahisa Ogasawara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiva University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shunji Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Naoki Morimoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiva University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshito Itoh
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Aramaki
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Shizuoka Cancer Center, Sunto-Gun, Japan
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Tian XM, Xiang B, Yu YH, Li Q, Zhang ZX, Zhanghuang C, Jin LM, Wang JK, Mi T, Chen ML, Liu F, Wei GH. A novel cuproptosis-related subtypes and gene signature associates with immunophenotype and predicts prognosis accurately in neuroblastoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:999849. [PMID: 36211401 PMCID: PMC9540510 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.999849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most frequent solid tumor in pediatrics, which accounts for roughly 15% of cancer-related mortality in children. NB exhibited genetic, morphologic, and clinical heterogeneity, which limited the efficacy of available therapeutic approaches. Recently, a new term 'cuproptosis' has been used to denote a unique biological process triggered by the action of copper. In this instance, selectively inducing copper death is likely to successfully overcome the limitations of conventional anticancer drugs. However, there is still a gap regarding the role of cuproptosis in cancer, especially in pediatric neuroblastoma. Methods We characterized the specific expression of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in NB samples based on publicly available mRNA expression profile data. Consensus clustering and Lasso-Cox regression analysis were applied for CRGs in three independent cohorts. ESTIMATE and Xcell algorithm was utilized to visualize TME score and immune cell subpopulations' relative abundances. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) score was used to predict tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. To decipher the underlying mechanism, GSVA was applied to explore enriched pathways associated with cuproptosis signature and Connectivity map (CMap) analysis for drug exploration. Finally, qPCR verified the expression levels of risk-genes in NB cell lines. In addition, PDHA1 was screened and further validated by immunofluorescence in human clinical samples and loss-of-function assays. Results We initially classified NB patients according to CRGs and identified two cuproptosis-related subtypes that were associated with prognosis and immunophenotype. After this, a cuproptosis-related prognostic model was constructed and validated by LASSO regression in three independent cohorts. This model can accurately predict prognosis, immune infiltration, and immunotherapy responses. These genes also showed differential expression in various characteristic groups of all three datasets and NB cell lines. Loss-of-function experiments indicated that PDHA1 silencing significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion, in turn, promoted cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptosis of NB cells. Conclusions Taken together, this study may shed light on new research areas for NB patients from the cuproptosis perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Mao Tian
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Xiang
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi-Hang Yu
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhao-Xia Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Chenghao Zhanghuang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Li-Ming Jin
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Kui Wang
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Mi
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei-Lin Chen
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
| | - Guang-Hui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing, China
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Cammarota A, Zanuso V, Pressiani T, Personeni N, Rimassa L. Assessment and Monitoring of Response to Systemic Treatment in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Insights. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1011-1027. [PMID: 36128575 PMCID: PMC9482774 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s268293] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management has become more complex as novel therapies have been proven effective. After sorafenib, the approval of other multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) and immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) has considerably increased the number of systemic therapies available. Therefore, careful assessment and monitoring of response to systemic treatment are essential to identify surrogate endpoints of overall survival (OS) in clinical trials and reliable tools to gauge treatment benefit in clinical practice. Progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) are early informative parameters of efficacy that are not influenced by further lines of therapy. However, none of them has shown sufficient surrogacy to be recommended in place of OS in phase 3 trials. With such a wealth of therapeutic options, the prime intent of tumor assessments is no longer limited to identifying progressive disease to spare ineffective treatments to non-responders. Indeed, the early detection of responders could also help tailor treatment sequencing. Tumor assessment relies on the Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors (RECIST), which are easy to interpret – being based on dimensional principles – but could misread the activity of targeted agents. The HCC-specific modified RECIST (mRECIST), considering both the MKI-induced biological modifications and some of the cirrhosis-induced liver changes, better capture tumor response. Yet, mRECIST could not be considered a standard in advanced HCC. Further prognosticators including progression patterns, baseline and on-treatment liver function deterioration, and baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and AFP response have been extensively evaluated for MKIs. However, limited information is available for patients receiving ICIs and regarding their predictive role. Finally, there is increasing interest in incorporating novel imaging techniques which go beyond sizes and novel serum biomarkers in the advanced HCC framework. Hopefully, multiparametric models grouping dimensional and functional radiological parameters with biochemical markers will most precisely reflect treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Cammarota
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Valentina Zanuso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Nicola Personeni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Pieve Emanuele, Italy.,Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Rozzano, Italy
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Zhang L, Wang C, Lu X, Xu X, Shi T, Chen J. Transcriptome sequencing of hepatocellular carcinoma uncovers multiple types of dysregulated ncRNAs. Front Oncol 2022; 12:927524. [PMID: 36132143 PMCID: PMC9484539 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.927524] [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: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has been broadly performed by previous studies, which facilitate our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HCC formation, progression, and metastasis. However, few studies jointly analyze multiple types of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and micro-RNAs (miRNAs), and further uncover their implications in HCC. In this study, we observed that the circRNA cZRANB1 and lncRNA DUXAP10 were not only significantly upregulated in tumor tissues, but also higher expressed in blood exosomes of HCC as compared with healthy donors. From the analysis of subclass-associated dysregulated ncRNAs, we observed that DLX6-AS1, an antisense RNA of DLX6, and the sense gene DLX6 were highly expressed in S1, a subclass with a more invasive/disseminative phenotype. High correlation between DLX6-AS1 and DLX6 suggested that DLX6-AS1 may function via promoting the transcription of DLX6. Integrative analysis uncovers circRNA–miRNA, lncRNA–miRNA, and competing endogenous RNA networks (ceRNAs). Specifically, cZRANB1, LINC00501, CTD-2008L17.2, and SLC7A11-AS1 may function as ceRNAs that regulate mRNAs by competing the shared miRNAs. Further prognostic analysis demonstrated that the dysregulated ncRNAs had the potential to predict HCC patients’ overall survival. In summary, we identified some novel circRNAs and miRNAs, and dysregulated ncRNAs that could participate in HCC tumorigenesis and progression by inducing transcription of their neighboring genes, increasing their derived miRNAs, or acting as miRNA sponges. Moreover, our systematic analysis provides not only rich data resources for related researchers, but also new insights into the molecular basis of how different ncRNAs coordinately or antagonistically participate in the pathogenesis process of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Fengxian Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jinlian Chen, ; Tieliu Shi, ; Xiao Xu,
| | - Tieliu Shi
- Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jinlian Chen, ; Tieliu Shi, ; Xiao Xu,
| | - Jinlian Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital South Campus of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Fengxian Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jinlian Chen, ; Tieliu Shi, ; Xiao Xu,
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Papaconstantinou D, Tsilimigras DI, Pawlik TM. Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Patterns, Detection, Staging and Treatment. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:947-957. [PMID: 36090786 PMCID: PMC9450909 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s342266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with the incidence of recurrence being as high as 88% even among patients who have undergone curative-intent treatment. Despite improvements in overall survival, recurrence remains a challenge necessitating accurate reappraisal of patient and disease status. To that end, accurate staging of recurrent HCC is a necessity to provide better care for these patients. Risk factors for poor survival after HCC recurrence have been identified and include characteristics of the primary disease, such as tumor multifocality, large size (≥5 cm), macroscopic vascular or microscopic lymphovascular invasion, preoperative a-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, R0 resection, and the presence of impaired liver function. Close surveillance with imaging is warranted following curative-intent therapy, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being the preferred approach to identify small, early recurrent HCCs. Treatment decisions at the time of recurrence involve ruling out extrahepatic disease and identifying candidates for potentially curative-intent repeat treatment options. Patients with recurrent disease are, however, very diverse in terms of tumor morphology and biologic behavior, as well as residual hepatic functional reserve. Patients with preserved liver function may benefit from repeat liver resection or ablation. Patients with recurrence within the Milan criteria may even be candidates for salvage liver transplantation, while multimodality treatment with combination of liver-directed therapies appears to enhance oncologic outcomes for individuals with advanced recurrent disease. A “one-size-fits-all” approach in staging recurrent HCC does not exist. Rather, individualized and evidence-based decision-making is necessary in order to optimize outcomes for patients with recurrent HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Papaconstantinou
- Third Department of Surgery, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Correspondence: Timothy M Pawlik, Department of Surgery, The Urban Meyer III and Shelley Meyer Chair for Cancer Research, The Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, 395 W. 12th Ave., Suite 670, Columbus, OH, USA, Tel +1 614 293 8701, Fax +1 614 293 4063, Email
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Targeted Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Old and New Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164028. [PMID: 36011021 PMCID: PMC9406380 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primitive cancer of the liver, accounting for 90% of all recorded cases. HCC is the third most common cause of cancer-related death, with a 5-year survival rate of just 3%. In terms of the advanced stages, systemic treatments have allowed patients to achieve clinical benefits, although the prognosis remains very poor. In the past few decades, new molecular targeted therapies have been developed and clinically evaluated with interesting results. However, on the basis of the poor prognoses and the meager benefits deriving from the available systemic therapies, research into new treatments is extremely necessary. In this review, we focus on the available systemic therapies for advanced HCC, with a look toward the future. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primitive cancer of the liver, accounting for 90% of all recorded cases. HCC is the third most common cause of cancer-related death, with a 5-year survival rate of just 3%. In the advanced stages, systemic treatments allow doctors to obtain clinical benefits, although the prognosis remains very poor. In the past few decades, new molecular targeted therapies against receptor tyrosine kinases have been developed and clinically evaluated. Sorafenib was the first oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) approved for the treatment of advanced HCC in 2007. Subsequently, other TKIs, including Cabozantinib, Regorafenib, Lenvatinib, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors such as Ramucirumab and VEGF inhibitors such as Bevacizumab have been approved as first- or second-line treatments. More recently, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and VEGF inhibitors (Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab) have been analyzed and approved for the treatment of advanced HCC. On the basis of the poor prognoses and the meager benefits deriving from the available systemic therapies, research into new treatments is extremely necessary. In this review, we focus on the available systemic therapies for advanced HCC, with a look toward the future.
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Adhoute X, De Matharel M, Mineur L, Pénaranda G, Ouizeman D, Toullec C, Tran A, Castellani P, Rollet A, Oules V, Perrier H, Si Ahmed SN, Bourliere M, Anty R. Second-line therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with regorafenib or cabozantinib: Multicenter French clinical experience in real-life after matching. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:1510-1527. [PMID: 36160737 PMCID: PMC9412937 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i8.1510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Starting a second-line systemic treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common situation. The only therapeutic options in France are two broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), regorafenib (REG) and cabozantinib (CBZ), but no comparative real-life studies are available.
AIM To evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) of patients treated with REG or CBZ, we investigated the disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and safety of both drugs. To identify the variables associated with disease progression over time.
METHODS A retrospective multicenter study was performed on the clinical data of patients attending one of three referral centers (Avignon, Marseille, and Nice) between January 2017 and March 2021 using propensity score matching. PFS and OS were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis (MA) of progression risk factors over time was performed in matched-pair groups.
RESULTS Fifty-eight patients 68 (62-74) years old with HCC, Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) B/C (86%), Child-Pugh (CP)-A/B (24%) received REG for 3.4 (1.4-10.5) mo as second-line therapy. Twenty-eight patients 68 (60-73) years, BCLC B/C (75%), CP-A/B (25%) received CBZ for 3.7 (1.8-4.9) mo after first-line treatment with sorafenib [3 (2-4) (CBZ) vs 4 (2.9-11.8) mo (REG), P = 0.0226]. Twenty percent of patients received third-line therapy. After matching, PFS and DCR were not significantly different after a median follow-up of 6.2 (2.7-11.7) mo (REG) vs 5.2 (4-7.2) mo (CBZ), P = 0.6925. There was no difference in grade 3/4 toxicities, dose reductions, or interruptions. The OS of CP-A patients was 8.3 (5.2-24.8) vs 4.9 (1.6-11.7) mo (CP-B), P = 0.0468. The MA of risk factors for progression over time identified C-reactive protein (CRP) > 10 mg/L, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 3, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) > 45 IU as predictive factors.
CONCLUSION This multicenter indirect comparative study found no significant difference in PFS between REG and CBZ as second-line therapy for advanced HCC. Elevated levels of inflammatory markers (CRP and NLR) and AST were associated with non-control of TKIs over time. A 2-mo online progression risk calculation is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Adhoute
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille 13000, France
| | - Marie De Matharel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Universitaire de l’Archet, Nice 06000, France
| | - Laurent Mineur
- Department of Oncology, Institut Sainte-Catherine, Avignon 84000, France
| | | | - Dann Ouizeman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Universitaire de l’Archet, Nice 06000, France
| | - Clemence Toullec
- Department of Oncology, Institut Sainte-Catherine, Avignon 84000, France
| | - Albert Tran
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Universitaire de l’Archet, Nice 06000, France
| | - Paul Castellani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille 13000, France
| | - Armelle Rollet
- Department of Oncology, Institut Sainte-Catherine, Avignon 84000, France
| | - Valérie Oules
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille 13000, France
| | - Hervé Perrier
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille 13000, France
| | - Si Nafa Si Ahmed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille 13000, France
| | - Marc Bourliere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Saint-Joseph, Marseille 13000, France
| | - Rodolphe Anty
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hôpital Universitaire de l’Archet, Nice 06000, France
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Ogasawara S, Koroki K, Kanzaki H, Kobayashi K, Kiyono S, Nakamura M, Kanogawa N, Saito T, Kondo T, Nakagawa R, Nakamoto S, Muroyama R, Chiba T, Kato N. Changes in therapeutic options for hepatocellular carcinoma in Asia. Liver Int 2022; 42:2055-2066. [PMID: 34780081 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is expected to increase, with most cases occurring in Asia. In some parts of Asia, the occurrence of HCC developing from metabolic-related liver disease has markedly increased in recent years, whereas the occurrence of HCC developing from viral-hepatitis-related liver disease has decreased. Advancements in the treatment of HCC over the past few decades has been remarkable, with most treatment strategies to remove or control liver tumours (hepatic resection, local ablation, radiation therapy, transarterial chemoembolisation, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy) primarily developing in Asia. In addition, recent progress in systemic therapies has prolonged the prognosis of advanced HCC. Nowadays, six regimens of systemic therapies have become available in most countries, according to phase III trials (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib and ramucirumab). In a global randomised phase III trial (IMbrave 150 trial), the most effective of the latest drug designs was newly emerged combination immunotherapy (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab), which has shown significantly prolonged overall survival compared with sorafenib, which was the first-line systemic therapy for more than a decade. Now, the treatment dynamics for HCC are undergoing a major transition as a result of two important changes: the replacement of viral-related HCC by metabolic-related HCC and the emergence of combination immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadahisa Ogasawara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Translational Research and Development Center, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keisuke Koroki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kanzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Soichiro Kiyono
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masato Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoya Kanogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomoko Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kondo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryo Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Muroyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Chiba
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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Griffiths CD, Zhang B, Tywonek K, Meyers BM, Serrano PE. Toxicity Profiles of Systemic Therapies for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2222721. [PMID: 35849393 PMCID: PMC9295000 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.22721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The recent development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has made neoadjuvant therapy an attractive option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, surgeons are concerned that adverse effects of neoadjuvant therapy with these agents could lead to delayed or even cancelled surgeries. OBJECTIVE To summarize the current evidence regarding toxicity profiles for tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) among patients with HCC. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from January 1990 and December 2021. STUDY SELECTION Single-group, placebo-controlled, and dual-agent clinical trials comparing TKIs and ICIs in patients with HCC were eligible for inclusion. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Following the Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guideline, 2 reviewers independently extracted data. A random-effects model was used. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with clinically significant liver-related adverse events. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients who experienced clinically relevant (grade 3 or higher) adverse events and significant adverse events (ie, those that were life threatening, required hospitalization, or prolonged disability) as well as the risk ratio (RR) of these complications. RESULTS Overall, 30 studies with 12 921 patients were included. Patients had a mean (range) age of 62 (18-89) years; a mean (SD) 84% (3) were male; a mean (SD) 82% (16) had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C HCC; and a mean (SD) 97% (6) had Childs A cirrhosis. Overall, 21% (95% CI, 16%-26%) of patients receiving TKIs had liver toxic effects compared with 28% (95% CI, 21%-35%) of patients receiving ICIs. Severe adverse events occurred in 46% (95% CI, 40%-51%) of patients receiving TKIs compared with 24% (95% CI, 13%-35%) of patients receiving ICIs. Compared with patients receiving sorafenib, other TKIs were associated with similar rates of liver toxic effects (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.92-1.24) but higher rates of severe adverse events (RR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.44). Comparing ICIs with sorafenib, there were similar rates of liver toxic effects (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.86-1.40) and severe adverse events (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.95-1.50). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this systematic review and meta-analysis, serious adverse events were lower with ICIs than with TKIs, while liver toxic effects were similar. Combination therapy with novel ICIs is an appealing option in trials of neoadjuvant therapy for patients with HCC, requiring evaluation in preoperative trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Betty Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kasia Tywonek
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brandon M. Meyers
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pablo E. Serrano
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Juravinski Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Kudo M. New treatment paradigm with systemic therapy in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Clin Oncol 2022; 27:1110-1119. [PMID: 35527313 PMCID: PMC9209396 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-022-02166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the approval of sorafenib for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in 2007 (in 2009 in Japan), five more regimens have been approved: lenvatinib, and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for first-line treatment, and regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab for second-line treatment, which are currently available for clinical use. The positive results of durvalumab, a programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody, plus tremelimumab, an anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 antibody, were also presented at the 2022 American Society Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium as superior to sorafenib in prolonging the overall survival; this combination is expected to be approved by the end of 2022. These systemic therapies are changing the treatment paradigm not only for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma but also for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. This review focuses on the role of systemic therapy in intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, 377-2, Ohno-Higashi, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan.
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Llovet JM, Singal AG, Villanueva A, Finn RS, Kudo M, Galle PR, Ikeda M, Callies S, McGrath LM, Wang C, Abada P, Widau RC, Gonzalez-Gugel E, Zhu AX. Prognostic and Predictive Factors in Patients with Advanced HCC and Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein Treated with Ramucirumab in Two Randomized Phase III Trials. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2297-2305. [PMID: 35247922 PMCID: PMC9662930 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-4000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ramucirumab is an effective treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) and baseline alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/mL. We aimed to identify prognostic and predictive factors of response to ramucirumab in patients with aHCC with AFP ≥400 ng/mL from the phase III REACH and REACH-2 randomized trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with aHCC, Child-Pugh class A with prior sorafenib treatment were randomized in REACH and REACH-2 (ramucirumab 8 mg/kg or placebo, biweekly). Meta-analysis of individual patient-level data (pooled population) from REACH (AFP ≥400 ng/mL) and REACH-2 was performed. A drug exposure analysis was conducted for those with evaluable pharmacokinetic data. To identify potential prognostic factors for overall survival (OS), multivariate analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. To define predictors of ramucirumab benefit, subgroup-by-treatment interaction terms were evaluated. RESULTS Of 542 patients (316 ramucirumab, 226 placebo) analyzed, eight variables had independent prognostic value associated with poor outcome (geographical region, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score ≥1, AFP >1,000 ng/mL, Child-Pugh >A5, extrahepatic spread, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, high alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase). Ramucirumab survival benefit was present across all subgroups, including patients with very aggressive HCC [above median AFP; HR: 0.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49-0.84] and nonviral aHCC (HR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.40-0.79). While no baseline factor was predictive of a differential OS benefit with ramucirumab, analyses demonstrated an association between high drug exposure, treatment-emergent hypertension (grade ≥3), and increased ramucirumab benefit. CONCLUSIONS Ramucirumab provided a survival benefit irrespective of baseline prognostic covariates, and this benefit was greatest in patients with high ramucirumab drug exposure and/or those with treatment-related hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M. Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institució Catalana d'Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Richard S. Finn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Peter R. Galle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mainz University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Masafumi Ikeda
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Abada
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - Andrew X. Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Jiahui International Cancer Center, Jiahui Health, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Ren SH, Cui ZL, Lang MR, Li Q, Zhang W, Fang F, Wu Q, Cui YL, Li HK, Chen P, Zhang Y, Song T. Efficacy and safety of sequential therapy with sorafenib and regorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a two-center study in China. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:1266-1277. [PMID: 35837206 PMCID: PMC9274072 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regorafenib is a standard 2nd-line treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the efficacy and safety of sequential therapy with sorafenib and regorafenib among advanced HCC patients in China is not clear. METHODS This was a retrospective, two-center, cohort study of advanced HCC patients who received sequential therapy of sorafenib and regorafenib from October 2018 to April 2020 at 2 Chinese institutions. The patients were converted directly to regorafenib after failing to respond to sorafenib monotherapy. The patients underwent evaluations every 4-6 weeks to determine the efficacy and safety of the treatment according to physiological, laboratory, and radiological results. A radiological evaluation using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans was conducted. The outcomes included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS A total of 43 patients received regorafenib as a 2nd-line treatment after sorafenib progression. Of these patients, 26 (60.5%) and 17 (39.5%) were diagnosed with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages B and C, respectively. The median PFS was 11.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.8-16.2] months, and the median OS was 17.0 (95% CI: 12.8-21.2) months. Conversely, the most common toxicities were hand-foot skin reaction (48.8%), diarrhea (32.6%), and hypertension (14%). The most common grade 3-4 toxicities were hypoalbuminemia (4.7%), anemia (4.7%), and thrombocytopenia (4.7%). Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400, alanine transaminase (ALT) ≥60 IU/L, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≥60 IU/L before 2nd-line treatment were associated with PFS in the univariable analyses. The Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis showed that AFP [hazard ratio (HR) =0.225; 95% CI: 0.073-0.688; P=0.009], ALT (HR =0.195; 95% CI: 0.051-0.741; P=0.016), AST (HR =0.209; 95% CI: 0.063-0.697; P=0.011), and presence of extrahepatic metastasis (HR =0.074; 95% CI: 0.009-0.608; P=0.015) before 2nd-line treatment were independently associated with PFS. CONCLUSIONS The sequential therapy of sorafenib and regorafenib is well-tolerated and effective in advanced HCC patients after sorafenib progression based on our two-center real-world data. Patients with good liver function reserve and a high level of AFP before 2nd-line treatment may benefit from sequential treatment. These results still need further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hua Ren
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Zi-Lin Cui
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng-Ran Lang
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Fang
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Wu
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yun-Long Cui
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui-Kai Li
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianqiang Song
- Liver Cancer Center, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
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Machida K, Tahara SM. Immunotherapy and Microbiota for Targeting of Liver Tumor-Initiating Stem-like Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2381. [PMID: 35625986 PMCID: PMC9139909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer contains tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs) that are resistant to therapies. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence has increased twice over the past few decades, while the incidence of other cancer types has trended downward globally. Therefore, an understanding of HCC development and therapy resistance mechanisms is needed for this incurable malignancy. This review article describes links between immunotherapies and microbiota in tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs), which have stem cell characteristics with self-renewal ability and express pluripotency transcription factors such as NANOG, SOX2, and OCT4. This review discusses (1) how immunotherapies fail and (2) how gut dysbiosis inhibits immunotherapy efficacy. Gut dysbiosis promotes resistance to immunotherapies by breaking gut immune tolerance and activating suppressor immune cells. Unfortunately, this leads to incurable recurrence/metastasis development. Personalized medicine approaches targeting these mechanisms of TIC/metastasis-initiating cells are emerging targets for HCC immunotherapy and microbiota modulation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Machida
- Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2011 Zonal Ave., 503C-HMR, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA;
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Falette Puisieux M, Pellat A, Assaf A, Ginestet C, Brezault C, Dhooge M, Soyer P, Coriat R. Therapeutic Management of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Updated Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102357. [PMID: 35625962 PMCID: PMC9139863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually occurs in the setting of liver cirrhosis and more rarely in a healthy liver. Its incidence has increased in the past years, especially in western countries with the rising prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The prognosis of advanced HCC is low. In the first-line setting of advanced HCC, sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was the only validated treatment for many years. In 2020, the combination of atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and bevacizumab showed superiority to sorafenib alone in survival, making it the first-line recommended treatment. Regorafenib and lenvatinib, other multikinase inhibitors, were also validated in the second and first-line settings, respectively. Transarterial chemoembolization can be an alternative treatment for patients with intermediate-stage HCC and preserved liver function, including unresectable multinodular HCC without extrahepatic spread. The current challenge in advanced HCC lies in the selection of a patient for the optimal treatment, taking into account the underlying liver disease and liver function. Indeed, all trial patients present with a Child-Pugh score of A, and the optimal approach for other patients is still unclear. Furthermore, the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab should be considered in the absence of medical contraindication. Many trials testing immune checkpoint inhibitors in association with anti-angiogenic agents are ongoing, and primary results are promising. The landscape in advanced HCC management is undergoing profound change, and many challenges remain for optimal patient management in the years to come. This review aimed to provide an overview of current systemic treatment options for patients with advanced unresectable HCC who are not candidates for liver-directed therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Falette Puisieux
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Unit, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP Centre, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.A.); (C.G.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (R.C.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-1-58-41-19-52
| | - Anna Pellat
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Unit, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP Centre, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.A.); (C.G.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (R.C.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Antoine Assaf
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Unit, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP Centre, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.A.); (C.G.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (R.C.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Claire Ginestet
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Unit, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP Centre, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.A.); (C.G.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (R.C.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Catherine Brezault
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Unit, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP Centre, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.A.); (C.G.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (R.C.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Marion Dhooge
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Unit, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP Centre, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.A.); (C.G.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (R.C.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Philippe Soyer
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France;
- Radiology Department, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP Centre, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Romain Coriat
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Unit, Cochin Hospital, AP-HP Centre, 27 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France; (A.P.); (A.A.); (C.G.); (C.B.); (M.D.); (R.C.)
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France;
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Ma A, Biersack B, Goehringer N, Nitzsche B, Höpfner M. Novel Thienyl-Based Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12050738. [PMID: 35629160 PMCID: PMC9146161 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12050738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
New medical treatments are urgently needed for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, we showed the anticancer effects of novel thiophene-based kinase inhibitors. In this study, we further characterized the antineoplastic effects and modes of action of the two most promising inhibitors, Thio-Iva and Thio-Dam, and compared their effects with the clinically relevant multi-kinase inhibitor, sorafenib, in HCC cells. Crystal violet staining and real-time cell growth monitoring showed pronounced antiproliferative effects in Huh-7 and SNU-449 cells with IC50 values in the (sub-)micromolar range. Long-term incubation experiments revealed the reduced clonogenicity of Thio-Iva and Thio-Dam-treated HCC cells. LDH-release tests excluded cytotoxicity as an unspecific mode of action of the inhibitors, while flow cytometry analysis revealed a dose-dependent and pronounced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and cyclin B1 suppression. Additionally, mitochondria-driven apoptosis was observed through the cytosolic increase of reactive oxygen species, a concomitant PARP cleavage, and caspase-3 induction. Both compounds were found to effectively inhibit the capillary tube formation of endothelial EA.hy926 cells in vitro, pointing towards additional antiangiogenic effects. Antiangiogenic and antineoplastic effects were confirmed in vivo by CAM assays. In summary, the thienyl-acrylonitrile derivatives, Thio-Iva and Thio-Dam, exert significant antineoplastic and antiangiogenic effects in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andi Ma
- Institute of Physiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.); (N.G.); (M.H.)
| | - Bernhard Biersack
- Organic Chemistry 1, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany;
| | - Nils Goehringer
- Institute of Physiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.); (N.G.); (M.H.)
| | - Bianca Nitzsche
- Institute of Physiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.); (N.G.); (M.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Michael Höpfner
- Institute of Physiology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.M.); (N.G.); (M.H.)
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Llovet JM, Pinyol R, Kelley RK, El-Khoueiry A, Reeves HL, Wang XW, Gores GJ, Villanueva A. Molecular pathogenesis and systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:386-401. [PMID: 35484418 PMCID: PMC9060366 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00357-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most prevalent and deadliest cancers. The poor outcome associated with HCC is dramatically changing due to the advent of effective systemic therapies. Here we discuss the molecular pathogenesis of HCC, molecular classes and determinants of heterogeneity. In addition, effective single-agent and combination systemic therapies involving immunotherapies as standard of care are analyzed. Finally, we propose a flowchart of sequential therapies, explore mechanisms of resistance and address the need for predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program (Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine), Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Roser Pinyol
- Liver Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Robin K Kelley
- Helen Diller Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anthony El-Khoueiry
- Keck School of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Helen L Reeves
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute and Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Medical School, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team, Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program (Divisions of Liver Diseases, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine), Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Fan Y, Xue H, Zheng H. Systemic Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Updates and Outlook. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:233-263. [PMID: 35388357 PMCID: PMC8977221 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s358082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged the culprit of cancer-related mortality worldwide with its dismal prognosis climbing. In recent years, ground-breaking progress has been made in systemic therapy for HCC. Targeted therapy based on specific signaling molecules, including sorafenib, lenvatinib, regorafenib, cabozantinib, and ramucirumab, has been widely used for advanced HCC (aHCC). Immunotherapies such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab greatly improve the survival of aHCC patients. More recently, synergistic combination therapy has boosted first-line (atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab) and second-line (ipilimumab in combination with nivolumab) therapeutic modalities for aHCC. This review aims to summarize recent updates of systemic therapy relying on the biological mechanisms of HCC, particularly highlighting the approved agents for aHCC. Adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, as well as a combination with locoregional therapies (LRTs), are also discussed. Additionally, we describe the promising effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as systemic therapy on HCC. In this setting, the challenges and future directions of systemic therapy for HCC are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Fan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110847, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hang Xue
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huachuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Huachuan Zheng, Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, 067000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0314-2279458, Fax +86-0314-2279458, Email
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Wang C, Lv Y, Sha Z, Zhang J, Wu J, Qi Y, Guo Z. Dicer Enhances Bevacizumab-Related Inhibition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Blocking the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathway. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 8:1643-1653. [PMID: 35004391 PMCID: PMC8721026 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s327258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members contribute greatly to the development and angiogenesis of hypervascular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have previously shown that Dicer inhibited HCC growth. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between Dicer and VEGF in HCC. Methods Gain-of-function studies were performed to determine the effect of different treatments on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Expression of VEGF-A in xenograft tumor tissues was analysed using Western blotting, and that of CD31 using immunohistochemical analysis. Results We found that Dicer inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells by suppressing VEGF-A expression. Interestingly, VEGF-A165, which is the most prominent VEGF-A isoform, counteracted Dicer-induced inhibition of HCC cells. In addition, a monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody (bevacizumab) enhanced Dicer-induced inhibition of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Further, immunohistochemical analysis of CD31 indicated bevacizumab and Dicer synergized to reduce tumor microvessel density. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that Dicer enhanced bevacizumab-related inhibition of HCC cell via the VEGF pathway; therefore, Dicer in coordination with bevacizumab may provide another potential approach for HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiju Wang
- Department of Gynaecology Ultrasound, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalei Lv
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyue Sha
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wu
- Animal Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixin Qi
- Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanjun Guo
- Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, People's Republic of China
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An L, Liao H, Yuan K. Efficacy and Safety of Second-line Treatments in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Sorafenib Failure: A Meta-analysis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:868-877. [PMID: 34966650 PMCID: PMC8666373 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In the last decade, several second-line therapies followed by sorafenib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported. But the outcomes were different from each other. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the second-line therapies followed by sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC. METHODS Embase (1974 to October 2019) and Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to October 2019) were searched for randomized clinical trials on second-line therapies followed by sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC. The quality of each study was assessed by the modified Jadad scale. Statistical analysis was carried out by RevMan5.3 software. Efficacy and safety were analyzed. Efficacy included overall survival (OS), disease control rate, time to progression, and progression-free survival. RESULTS Eight studies involving 3,173 patients were eligible. No difference in OS was found between the second-line treatment group and the control group (HR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.74-1.01, p=0.06). Disease control rate (relative risk (RR)=1.36, 95% CI: 1.16-1.60, p=0.0002), time to progression (HR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.51-0.81, p=0.0002) and progression-free survival (HR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.46-0.77, p<0.0001) were significantly improved by the second-line therapies. There was a slight difference in adverse events of any grade (RR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.00-1.14, p=0.03) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS These second-line therapies followed by sorafenib may potentially improve the prognosis in patients with advanced HCC. Compared with other second-line therapies, regorafenib seemed to be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin An
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haotian Liao
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kefei Yuan
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Correspondence to: Kefei Yuan, Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4308-7743. Tel: +86-28-8542-2114, Fax: +86-28-8558-2944, E-mail:
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Kudo M, Montal R, Finn RS, Castet F, Ueshima K, Nishida N, Haber PK, Hu Y, Chiba Y, Schwartz M, Meyer T, Lencioni R, Llovet JM. Objective Response Predicts Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma treated with Systemic Therapies. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:3443-3451. [PMID: 34907081 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Due to the increased number of sequential treatments used for advanced HCC, there is a need for surrogate endpoints of overall survival (OS). We analyze if objective response (OR) is an independent predictor and surrogate endpoint of OS. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in advanced HCC published between 2010 and 2020 was conducted to explore OS surrogacy of OR by RECIST and mRECIST. In parallel, RCTs exploring the impact of OR on OS in a time-dependent multivariate analysis were integrated in a meta-analysis. RESULTS Out of 65 RCTs identified in advanced HCC, we analyzed 34 studies including 14,056 patients that reported OS and OR by either RECIST (n=23), mRECIST (n=5) or both (n=6). When exploring surrogacy, the trial-level correlation between OR odds ratio and OS hazard ratio was R=0.677 by mRECIST and R=0.532 by RECIST. Meta-analysis of five RCT assessing predictors of survival in multivariate analysis found that patients with OR by mRECIST presented a pooled HR for OS of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.27-0.70, p<0.001) compared with non-responders. Responses to atezolizumab-bevacizumab had a greater impact on OS than tyrosine-kinase inhibitor responses. CONCLUSIONS OR-mRECIST is an independent predictor of OS in patients with advanced HCC. Although correlation of OR-mRECIST and OS is better than with OR-RECIST, the level of surrogacy is modest. Thus, it can be used as endpoint in proof-of-concept phase II trials, but the data does not support its use as a primary endpoint of phase III investigations assessing systemic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University School of Medicine
| | - Robert Montal
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova
| | | | - Florian Castet
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)
| | - Kazuomi Ueshima
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Naoshi Nishida
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine
| | | | | | - Yasutaka Chiba
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kinki University School of Medicine
| | | | - Tim Meyer
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London
| | | | - Josep M Llovet
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)-Hospital Clínic, Universitat De Barcelona
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Huang X, Xu L, Ma T, Yin X, Huang Z, Ran Y, Ni Y, Bi X, Che X. Lenvatinib Plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Improve Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study. Front Oncol 2021; 11:751159. [PMID: 34868952 PMCID: PMC8637826 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.751159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nivolumab and pembrolizumab disrupt the programmed cell death-1 immune checkpoint and display promising efficacy and safety results in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the benefits remain limited. The preliminary results of lenvatinib (LEN) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) reveal that the combinations were well-tolerated and encouraging. This study aimed to analyze the safety and efficacy of LEN plus ICIs in a real-world cohort of patients with advanced HCC. Method Between June 4, 2017, and June 30, 2019, 16 patients received LEN plus nivolumab, and 13 patients were treated with LEN plus pembrolizumab, with the confirmed advanced HCC retrospectively analyzed. The clinical parameters, as well as the outcomes, were assessed. Results All the patients had Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer Stage C. LEN with ICIs was used as systemic second-, third-, and fourth-line treatments in seven (24.1%), 14 (48.3%), and eight (27.6%) patients, respectively. At the time of data cutoff, six patients (37.5%) were still receiving LEN with nivolumab, while another six patients (46.2%) were still receiving LEN with pembrolizumab. An objective response was recorded in seven patients (25.9%), while the best overall responses were from one complete response and six partial responses. The 6- and 12-month over survival (OS) rates were 62.6% and 53.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the 6- and 12-month progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 43.5% and 31.8%, respectively. In the subgroup analyses, the 6- and 12-month OS and PFS rates for patients treated with LEN plus nivolumab were 62.5% and 52.1%, respectively, and 43.8% and 30.0%, respectively. The 6- and 12-month OS and PFS rates for patients treated with LEN plus pembrolizumab were 51.3% and 51.3%, respectively, and 49.2% and 49.2%, respectively. A total of 11 (31%) deaths were reported in this study, four of which were attributed to grade 5 adverse events presented as fatal treatment-related hepatitis. Conclusion The combination of LEN and ICIs is a promising new strategy for the treatment of HCC patients. However, high-grade hepatic toxicity was observed and further evaluation of this combination is still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhun Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Teng Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xin Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhangkan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yihong Ran
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Ni
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinyu Bi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Che
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal & Pancreatic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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