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Lui G, Minnar CM, Soon-Shiong P, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Exploiting an Interleukin-15 Heterodimeric Agonist (N803) for Effective Immunotherapy of Solid Malignancies. Cells 2023; 12:1611. [PMID: 37371081 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying effective immunotherapies for solid tumors remains challenging despite the significant clinical responses observed in subsets of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a promising cytokine for the treatment of cancer as it stimulates NK and CD8+ lymphocytes. However, unfavorable pharmacokinetics and safety concerns render recombinant IL-15 (rIL-15) a less attractive modality. These shortcomings were addressed by the clinical development of heterodimeric IL-15 agonists, including N803. In preclinical tumor models, N803 elicited significant Th1 immune activation and tumor suppressive effects, primarily mediated by NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In addition, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated N803 to be safe for the treatment of cancer patients. The combination of N803 with the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab demonstrated encouraging clinical responses in nivolumab-naïve and nivolumab-refractory patients with non-small cell lung cancer. In a recent Phase II/III clinical study, most Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-refractory bladder cancer patients treated with N803 plus BCG experienced durable complete responses. Currently, N803 is being evaluated preclinically and clinically in combination with various agents, including chemotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and other immuno-oncology agents. This report will review the mechanism(s) of action of N803 and how it relates to the preclinical and clinical studies of N803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Lui
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine M Minnar
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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2
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Inflammation in Urological Malignancies: The Silent Killer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24010866. [PMID: 36614308 PMCID: PMC9821648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010866] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies have investigated the role of inflammation in promoting tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Neoplastic as well as surrounding stromal and inflammatory cells engage in well-orchestrated reciprocal interactions to establish an inflammatory tumor microenvironment. The tumor-associated inflammatory tissue is highly plastic, capable of continuously modifying its phenotypic and functional characteristics. Accumulating evidence suggests that chronic inflammation plays a critical role in the development of urological cancers. Here, we review the origins of inflammation in urothelial, prostatic, renal, testicular, and penile cancers, focusing on the mechanisms that drive tumor initiation, growth, progression, and metastasis. We also discuss how tumor-associated inflammatory tissue may be a diagnostic marker of clinically significant tumor progression risk and the target for future anti-cancer therapies.
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3
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Yu M, Yang W, Yue W, Chen Y. Targeted Cancer Immunotherapy: Nanoformulation Engineering and Clinical Translation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2204335. [PMID: 36257824 PMCID: PMC9762307 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid growth of advanced nanoengineering strategies, there are great implications for therapeutic immunostimulators formulated in nanomaterials to combat cancer. It is crucial to direct immunostimulators to the right tissue and specific immune cells at the right time, thereby orchestrating the desired, potent, and durable immune response against cancer. The flexibility of nanoformulations in size, topology, softness, and multifunctionality allows precise regulation of nano-immunological activities for enhanced therapeutic effect. To grasp the modulation of immune response, research efforts are needed to understand the interactions of immune cells at lymph organs and tumor tissues, where the nanoformulations guide the immunostimulators to function on tissue specific subsets of immune cells. In this review, recent advanced nanoformulations targeting specific subset of immune cells, such as dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, monocytes, macrophages, and natural killer (NK) cells are summarized and discussed, and clinical development of nano-paradigms for targeted cancer immunotherapy is highlighted. Here the focus is on the targeting nanoformulations that can passively or actively target certain immune cells by overcoming the physiobiological barriers, instead of directly injecting into tissues. The opportunities and remaining obstacles for the clinical translation of immune cell targeting nanoformulations in cancer therapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meihua Yu
- Materdicine LabSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444P. R. China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of UrologyXinhua HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiaotong University1665 Kongjiang RoadShanghai200092P. R. China
| | - Wenwen Yue
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and TreatmentDepartment of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Tenth People's HospitalUltrasound Research and Education InstituteTongji University Cancer CenterTongji University School of MedicineShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine LabSchool of Life SciencesShanghai UniversityShanghai200444P. R. China
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4
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Ward K, Kitchen MO, Mathias SJ, Khanim FL, Bryan RT. Novel intravesical therapeutics in the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: Horizon scanning. Front Surg 2022; 9:912438. [PMID: 35959122 PMCID: PMC9360612 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.912438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a common and heterogeneous disease; many patients develop recurrent or progress to muscle-invasive disease. Intravesical drug therapy is a pillar in the current management of NMIBC; notwithstanding, Mitomycin C (MMC) and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) have numerous limitations including international supply issues, and local and systemic toxicity. Here we review novel intravesical therapeutic options and drug delivery devices with potential for clinical use in the treatment of NMIBC. Methods PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Library searches were undertaken. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, single-arm clinical trials and national/international conference proceedings were included. Results Novel intravesical drugs, including chemotherapeutic agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and gene therapies, have demonstrated varying efficacy in the treatment of NMIBC. Current evidence for the majority of treatments is mostly limited to single-arm trials in patients with recurrent NMIBC. Various novel methods of drug delivery have also been investigated, with encouraging preliminary results supporting the intravesical delivery of hyperthermic MMC and MMC hydrogel formulations. Conclusions Novel therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems will be important in the future intravesical management of NMIBC. As our understanding of the molecular diversity of NMIBC develops, molecular subtyping will become fundamental in the personalisation of intravesical treatments. Further randomised studies are urgently required to investigate the efficacy of novel intravesical treatments and novel regimens, in comparison to current standards-of-care, particularly in the context of international BCG shortages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Ward
- The Bladder Cancer Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mark O Kitchen
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
| | - Suresh-Jay Mathias
- New Cross Hospital, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
| | - Farhat L Khanim
- The Bladder Cancer Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard T Bryan
- The Bladder Cancer Research Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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5
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Abd El-Salam MA, Smith CEP, Pan CX. Insights on recent innovations in bladder cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cytopathol 2022; 130:667-683. [PMID: 35653623 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bladder carcinoma is the most common genitourinary cancer, with a high prevalence and global incidence. In addition to early detection by cytology, the management of bladder cancer has recently advanced, not only by improvements in conventional treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy, but also through the introduction of immunotherapeutic strategies. The number of approved immunotherapeutic agents has dramatically increased, with various preclinical and clinical applications in cancer drug discovery. Some bladder cancer immunotherapies include immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy, cytokine-based therapy, bispecific antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. This review provides an overview of some of the innovative immunotherapeutic agents approved and in development that can potentially be used in the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Abd El-Salam
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) Barcelona, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology International Coastal Road, Gamasa, Egypt
| | - Claire E P Smith
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chong-Xian Pan
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Valenza C, Antonarelli G, Giugliano F, Aurilio G, Verri E, Briganti A, Curigliano G, Necchi A. Emerging treatment landscape of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:717-734. [PMID: 35634893 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2082869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) accounts for 70-75% of all bladder cancers and is a heterogeneous disease characterized by a wide spectrum of recurrences and progression. Adjuvant treatment for intermediate- and high-risk NMIBC is mainly represented by Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG). However, 20%-40% of patients develop disease recurrences or persistence following BCG treatment and are classified as "BCG unresponsive' (BCGu), thus representing a therapeutic challenge due to their worse prognosis and unavailability of effective intravesical treatments. AREAS COVERED We provide an overview of completed and ongoing clinical trials assessing the role of innovative immunological and target agents in patients with BCGu and BCG naive (BCGn) NMIBCs. New treatment options are emerging, demonstrating promising clinical activity, namely, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, oportuzumab monatox, nadofaragene firadenovec, and N-803. EXPERT OPINION The increasing number of newer therapeutic agents for patients with NMIBC poses challenges regarding the choice of the most suited treatment option for each patient and the best treatment sequence, given their diverse mechanisms of action and varying degrees of activity. Tailored treatment approaches are advocated, based on a deeper comprehension of disease features, available therapies, patient's characteristics, and consequently, on the identification and validation of prognostic and predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Valenza
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,(DIPO), University of MilanDepartment of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Antonarelli
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,(DIPO), University of MilanDepartment of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Giugliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,(DIPO), University of MilanDepartment of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Aurilio
- Division of Urogenital and Head and Neck Tumours, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Verri
- Division of Urogenital and Head and Neck Tumours, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Briganti
- San Raffaele Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital and Scientific InstituteUniversity Vita-Salute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,(DIPO), University of MilanDepartment of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Necchi
- San Raffaele Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital and Scientific InstituteUniversity Vita-Salute, Milan, Italy
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New Developments in T Cell Immunometabolism and Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040708. [PMID: 35203357 PMCID: PMC8870179 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite rapid advances in the field of immunotherapy, the elimination of established tumors has not been achieved. Many promising new treatments such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) fall short, primarily due to the loss of T cell effector function or the failure of long-term T cell persistence. With the availability of new tools and advancements in technology, our understanding of metabolic processes has increased enormously in the last decade. Redundancy in metabolic pathways and overlapping targets that could address the plasticity and heterogenous phenotypes of various T cell subsets have illuminated the need for understanding immunometabolism in the context of multiple disease states, including cancer immunology. Herein, we discuss the developing field of T cell immunometabolism and its crucial relevance to improving immunotherapeutic approaches. This in-depth review details the metabolic pathways and preferences of the antitumor immune system and the state of various metabolism-targeting therapeutic approaches.
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Eilender BM, Katims AB, Pfail JL, Sfakianos J. Evolving Treatment in Non-muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer. Urol Oncol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-89891-5_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Briukhovetska D, Dörr J, Endres S, Libby P, Dinarello CA, Kobold S. Interleukins in cancer: from biology to therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:481-499. [PMID: 34083781 PMCID: PMC8173513 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 285] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukins and associated cytokines serve as the means of communication for innate and adaptive immune cells as well as non-immune cells and tissues. Thus, interleukins have a critical role in cancer development, progression and control. Interleukins can nurture an environment enabling and favouring cancer growth while simultaneously being essential for a productive tumour-directed immune response. These properties of interleukins can be exploited to improve immunotherapies to promote effectiveness as well as to limit side effects. This Review aims to unravel some of these complex interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Briukhovetska
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Janina Dörr
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Endres
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Peter Libby
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Munich, Germany.
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), Neuherberg, Germany.
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Hoteit M, Oneissi Z, Reda R, Wakim F, Zaidan A, Farran M, Abi-Khalil E, El-Sibai M. Cancer immunotherapy: A comprehensive appraisal of its modes of application. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:655. [PMID: 34386077 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have reached their therapeutic potential, leaving a gap for developing more effective cancer therapeutics. Cancer cells evade the immune system using various mechanisms of immune tolerance, underlying the potential impact of immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Immunotherapy includes several approaches such as activating the immune system in a cytokine-dependent manner, manipulating the feedback mechanisms involved in the immune response, enhancing the immune response via lymphocyte expansion and using cancer vaccines to elicit long-lasting, robust responses. These techniques can be used as monotherapies or combination therapies. The present review describes the immune-based mechanisms involved in tumor cell proliferation and maintenance and the rationale underlying various treatment methods. In addition, the present review provides insight into the potential of immunotherapy used alone or in combination with various types of therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Hoteit
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Zeina Oneissi
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Ranim Reda
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Fadi Wakim
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Amar Zaidan
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mohammad Farran
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Elie Abi-Khalil
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102 2801, Lebanon
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11
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Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: An overview of potential new treatment options. Urol Oncol 2021; 39:642-663. [PMID: 34167873 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIM This review article summarizes the current clinical practice guidelines around disease definitions and risk stratifications, and the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Recently completed and ongoing clinical trials of novel and investigational therapies in Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-naïve, BCG-recurrent, and BCG-unresponsive patient populations are also described, e.g., those involving immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, other chemotherapy regimens, vaccines, and viral- or bacterial-based treatments. Finally, a brief overview of enhanced cystoscopy and drug delivery systems for the diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC is provided. BACKGROUND A global shortage of access to BCG is affecting the management of BCG-naïve and BCG-recurrent/unresponsive NMIBC; hence, there is an urgent need to assist patients and urologists to enhance the treatment of this disease. METHODS Searches of ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, and Google Scholar were conducted. Published guidance and conference proceedings from major congresses were reviewed. CONCLUSION Treatment strategies for NMIBC are generally consistent across guidelines. Several novel therapies have demonstrated promising antitumor activity in clinical trials, including in high-risk or BCG-unresponsive disease. The detection, diagnosis, surveillance, and treatment of NMIBC have also been improved through enhanced disease detection.
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Hugar LA, Gilbert SM, Sexton WJ, Kamat AM, Li R. Immunotherapy in Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) unresponsive nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Curr Opin Urol 2021; 31:160-169. [PMID: 33394766 DOI: 10.1097/mou.0000000000000846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A number of promising therapies for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) unresponsive nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are in the pipeline. In this review, we discuss the history of immunotherapy for the treatment of NMIBC and future developments, focusing on novel intravesical treatments. RECENT FINDINGS The term BCG unresponsive NMIBC encompasses patients with both BCG refractory and BCG relapsing disease. This definition was adopted to standardize inclusion criteria for patients enrolling in clinical trials in this setting. A host of intravesical immuno-oncologic therapies that include gene therapies, oncolytic viruses, cell surface molecule delivered immunotoxins, and cytokine driven agonism of cellular immunity, are in various phases of the drug development pipeline. In addition, pembrolizumab, an immune-checkpoint inhibitor, has recently been approved as a treatment option for BCG unresponsive NMIBC. SUMMARY Patients with BCG unresponsive disease face many difficulties. Although radical cystectomy is the most effective treatment option for these patients, it is associated with significant morbidity, difficult recovery challenges, and refusal by many patients. Cancer immunotherapies may provide bladder sparing options for some patients who develop BCG unresponsive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee A Hugar
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Scott M Gilbert
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Wade J Sexton
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ashish M Kamat
- Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Roger Li
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
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Knudson KM, Hodge JW, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Rationale for IL-15 superagonists in cancer immunotherapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:705-709. [PMID: 32159390 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1738379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Knudson
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
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14
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Abstract
After Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) failure, there is likely a 6- to 24-month window whereby salvage intravesical therapy might allow for preservation of the bladder without disease worsening. Combination intravesical, salvage therapy for nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer represents a promising avenue for treatment in patients unfit or unwilling to undergo cystectomy. BCG with concomitant immune stimulating agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors, combination chemotherapy regimens, such as gemcitabine and docetaxol, and novel agents currently in clinical trials provide hope for a bladder-sparing alternative for patients after BCG failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Brooks
- Department of Urology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael A O'Donnell
- Department of Urology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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15
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Tse J, Singla N, Ghandour R, Lotan Y, Margulis V. Current advances in BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2019; 28:757-770. [PMID: 31412742 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1655730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The current first line therapy for high grade (HG) non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Patients who recur or progress despite BCG are recommended to undergo radical cystectomy or participate in clinical trials. There is an urgent need for alternative therapies in the BCG-unresponsive NMIBC realm. Areas covered: We queried clinicaltrials.gov and pubmed.gov for current and recently completed early clinical trials pertaining to investigational agents used for the treatment of BCG-unresponsive NMIBC. These included intravesical chemotherapy, immunotherapy, vaccines, gene therapy, viruses, and agents used with novel drug delivery methods. In this article, we discuss the treatment guidelines for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and therapeutic approaches under investigation in clinical trials. Expert opinion: The FDA is currently allowing single-arm studies as a pathway for approval in BCG-refractory patients with CIS. Although many agents are currently undergoing testing, none have been approved since Valrubicin. Hopefully, we will identify therapies sufficiently effective and durable to achieve FDA approval. Other considerations in this realm include the use of biomarkers in NMIBC to identify patients who will most likely respond to specific interventions. In addition, as systemic agents such as checkpoint inhibitors, are studied further, a multidisciplinary approach may be needed to treat this subset of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Tse
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Nirmish Singla
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Rashed Ghandour
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Yair Lotan
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
| | - Vitaly Margulis
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA
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Berraondo P, Sanmamed MF, Ochoa MC, Etxeberria I, Aznar MA, Pérez-Gracia JL, Rodríguez-Ruiz ME, Ponz-Sarvise M, Castañón E, Melero I. Cytokines in clinical cancer immunotherapy. Br J Cancer 2019; 120:6-15. [PMID: 30413827 PMCID: PMC6325155 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0328-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 615] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are soluble proteins that mediate cell-to-cell communication. Based on the discovery of the potent anti-tumour activities of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal models, clinical research led to the approval of recombinant interferon-alpha and interleukin-2 for the treatment of several malignancies, even if efficacy was only modest. These early milestones in immunotherapy have been followed by the recent addition to clinical practice of antibodies that inhibit immune checkpoints, as well as chimeric antigen receptor T cells. A renewed interest in the anti-tumour properties of cytokines has led to an exponential increase in the number of clinical trials that explore the safety and efficacy of cytokine-based drugs, not only as single agents, but also in combination with other immunomodulatory drugs. These second-generation drugs under clinical development include known molecules with novel mechanisms of action, new targets, and fusion proteins that increase half-life and target cytokine activity to the tumour microenvironment or to the desired effector immune cells. In addition, the detrimental activity of immunosuppressive cytokines can be blocked by antagonistic antibodies, small molecules, cytokine traps or siRNAs. In this review, we provide an overview of the novel trends in the cytokine immunotherapy field that are yielding therapeutic agents for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Berraondo
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Miguel F Sanmamed
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María C Ochoa
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Etxeberria
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria A Aznar
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
| | - José Luis Pérez-Gracia
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María E Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Castañón
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, Center for Applied Medical Research, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Pamplona, Spain.
- Department of Oncology and immunology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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