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D'Aniello A, Del Bene A, Mottola S, Mazzarella V, Cutolo R, Campagna E, Di Maro S, Messere A. The bright side of chemistry: Exploring synthetic peptide-based anticancer vaccines. J Pept Sci 2024:e3596. [PMID: 38571326 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3596] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The present review focuses on synthetic peptide-based vaccine strategies in the context of anticancer intervention, paying attention to critical aspects such as peptide epitope selection, adjuvant integration, and nuanced classification of synthetic peptide cancer vaccines. Within this discussion, we delve into the diverse array of synthetic peptide-based anticancer vaccines, each derived from tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), including melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1 (Melan-A or MART-1), mucin 1 (MUC1), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), tumor protein 53 (p53), human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), survivin, folate receptor (FR), cancer-testis antigen 1 (NY-ESO-1), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). We also describe the synthetic peptide-based vaccines developed for cancers triggered by oncovirus, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Additionally, the potential synergy of peptide-based vaccines with common therapeutics in cancer was considered. The last part of our discussion deals with the realm of the peptide-based vaccines delivery, highlighting its role in translating the most promising candidates into effective clinical strategies. Although this discussion does not cover all the ongoing peptide vaccine investigations, it aims at offering valuable insights into the chemical modifications and the structural complexities of anticancer peptide-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia D'Aniello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Del Bene
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Salvatore Mottola
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mazzarella
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Roberto Cutolo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Erica Campagna
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
- Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Messere
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
- Interuniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), Naples, Italy
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2
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Hawly J, Murcar MG, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Issa ME. Glioblastoma stem cell metabolism and immunity. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10183-w. [PMID: 38530545 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10183-w] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Despite enormous efforts being invested in the development of novel therapies for brain malignancies, there remains a dire need for effective treatments, particularly for pediatric glioblastomas. Their poor prognosis has been attributed to the fact that conventional therapies target tumoral cells, but not glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are characterized by self-renewal, tumorigenicity, poor differentiation, and resistance to therapy. These characteristics represent the fundamental tools needed to recapitulate the tumor and result in a relapse. The mechanisms by which GSCs alter metabolic cues and escape elimination by immune cells are discussed in this article, along with potential strategies to harness effector immune cells against GSCs. As cellular immunotherapy is making significant advances in a variety of cancers, leveraging this underexplored reservoir may result in significant improvements in the treatment options for brain malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hawly
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Dekouaneh, Lebanon
| | - Micaela G Murcar
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Mark E Issa
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
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3
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Hamilton AM, Walens A, Van Alsten SC, Olsson LT, Nsonwu-Farley J, Gao X, Kirk EL, Perou CM, Carey LA, Troester MA, Abdou Y. BIRC5 expression by race, age and clinical factors in breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:50. [PMID: 38515208 PMCID: PMC10956264 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-024-01792-y] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Survivin/BIRC5 is a proliferation marker that is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer and an attractive therapeutic target. However, BIRC5 has not been well studied among racially diverse populations where aggressive breast cancers are prevalent. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We studied BIRC5 expression in association with clinical and demographic variables and as a predictor of recurrence in 2174 participants in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study (CBCS), a population-based study that oversampled Black (n = 1113) and younger (< 50 years; n = 1137) participants with breast cancer. For comparison, similar analyses were conducted in The Cancer Genome Atlas [TCGA N = 1094, Black (n = 183), younger (n = 295)]. BIRC5 was evaluated as a continuous and categorical variable (highest quartile vs. lower three quartiles). RESULTS Univariate, continuous BIRC5 expression was higher in breast tumors from Black women relative to non-Black women in both estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-negative tumors and in analyses stratified by stage (i.e., within Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III/IV tumors). Within CBCS and TCGA, BIRC5-high was associated with young age (< 50 years) and Black race, as well as hormone receptor-negative tumors, non-Luminal A PAM50 subtypes, advanced stage, and larger tumors (> 2 cm). Relative to BIRC5-low, BIRC5-high tumors were associated with poor 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) among ER-positive tumors, both in unadjusted models [HR (95% CI): 2.7 (1.6, 4.6)] and after adjustment for age and stage [Adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.87 (1.07, 3.25)]. However, this relationship was not observed among ER-negative tumors [Crude HR (95% CI): 0.7 (0.39, 1.2); Adjusted HR (95% CI): 0.67 (0.37, 1.2)]. CONCLUSION Black and younger women with breast cancer have a higher burden of BIRC5-high tumors than older and non-Black women. Emerging anti-survivin treatment strategies may be an important future direction for equitable breast cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina M Hamilton
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Andrea Walens
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sarah C Van Alsten
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Linnea T Olsson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Joseph Nsonwu-Farley
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Xiaohua Gao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Erin L Kirk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Charles M Perou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Lisa A Carey
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Genetics, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Melissa A Troester
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yara Abdou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 101 Manning Drive, CB# 7305, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
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4
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Kotecha R, Odia Y, Khosla AA, Ahluwalia MS. Key Clinical Principles in the Management of Glioblastoma. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:180-189. [PMID: 36638331 DOI: 10.1200/op.22.00476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in the adult population and leads to considerable morbidity and mortality. It has a dismal prognosis with average survival of 15-18 months, and the current standard-of-care treatment paradigm includes maximal surgical resection and postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy and maintenance chemotherapy, with consideration of Tumor Treating Fields. There is a major emphasis to enroll patients onto ongoing clinical trials to further improve treatment outcomes, given the aggressive nature of the disease course and poor patient survival. Recent research efforts have focused on radiotherapy dose intensification, regulation of the tumor microenvironment, and exploration of immunotherapeutic approaches to overcome the barriers to treatment. This review article outlines the current evidence-based management principles as well as reviews recent clinical trial data and ongoing clinical studies evaluating novel therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupesh Kotecha
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL.,Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Yazmin Odia
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL.,Division of Neuro-Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL
| | - Atulya A Khosla
- Department of Medical Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL
| | - Manmeet S Ahluwalia
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL.,Department of Medical Oncology, Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida, Miami, FL
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5
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Deng Z, Yang H, Tian Y, Liu Z, Sun F, Yang P. An OX40L mRNA vaccine inhibits the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:975408. [PMID: 36313716 PMCID: PMC9606466 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.975408] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA cancer vaccines show therapeutic potential for malignant tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We optimized and synthesized stable mRNA encoding costimulator Oxford 40 ligand (OX40L). For systemic delivery, OX40L mRNAs were loaded into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The expression and costimulatory effects of OX40L were investigated in vitro. OX40L was expressed on the cell surface and costimulated T cells. In vivo, intratumoral injection of LNPs encapsulating OX40L mRNAs significantly reduced tumor growth and increased the survival of mice bearing H22 tumors. Importantly, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly increased in the OX40L mRNA group in vivo. Taken together, our findings provide a promising clinical strategy for immunotherapy for HCC using mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoya Deng
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China,Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuying Tian
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zherui Liu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,Peking University 302 Clinical Medical School, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Penghui Yang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China,Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Penghui Yang,
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6
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Hu W, Liu H, Li Z, Liu J, Chen L. Impact of molecular and clinical variables on survival outcome with immunotherapy for glioblastoma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1476-1491. [PMID: 35822692 PMCID: PMC9437230 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13915] [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: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given that only a subset of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) responds to immuno-oncology, this study aimed to assess the impact of multiple factors on GBM immunotherapy prognosis and investigate the potential predictors. METHODS A quantitative meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effects model. Several potential factors were also reviewed qualitatively. RESULTS A total of 39 clinical trials were included after screening 1317 papers. Patients with O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation [hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival (OS) = 2.30, p < 0.0001; HR for progression-free survival (PFS) = 2.10, p < 0.0001], gross total resection (HR for OS = 0.70, p = 0.02; HR for PFS = 0.56, p = 0.004), and no baseline steroid use (HR for OS = 0.52, p = 0.0002; HR for PFS = 0.61, p = 0.02) had a relatively significant favorable OS and PFS following immunotherapy. Patients with a Karnofsky Performance Status score < 80 (HR = 1.73, p = 0.0007) and undergoing two prior relapses (HR = 2.08, p = 0.003) were associated with worse OS. Age, gender, tumor programmed death-ligand 1 expression, and history of chemotherapy were not associated with survival outcomes. Notably, immunotherapy significantly improved the OS among patients undergoing two prior recurrences (HR = 0.40, p = 0.008) but not among patients in any other subgroups, as opposed to non-immunotherapy. CONCLUSION Several factors were associated with prognostic outcomes of GBM patients receiving immunotherapy; multiple recurrences might be a candidate predictor. More marker-driven prospective studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Hu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jialin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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7
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Immunotherapy for Neuro-oncology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1342:233-258. [PMID: 34972967 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-79308-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of treatment of many solid and hematological malignancies and is at the forefront of cancer breakthroughs. Several circumstances unique to the central nervous system (CNS) such as limited space for an inflammatory response, difficulties with repeated sampling, corticosteroid use for management of cerebral edema, and immunosuppressive mechanisms within the tumor and brain parenchyma have posed challenges in clinical development of immunotherapy for intracranial tumors. Nonetheless, the success of immunotherapy in brain metastases (BMs) from solid cancers such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) proves that the CNS is not an immune-privileged organ and is capable of initiating and regulating immune responses that lead to tumor control. However, the development of immunotherapeutics for the most malignant primary brain tumor, glioblastoma (GBM), has been challenging due to systemic and profound tumor-mediated immunosuppression unique to GBM, intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, and lack of stably expressed clonal antigens. Here, we review recent advances in the field of immunotherapy for neuro-oncology with a focus on BM, GBM, and rare CNS cancers.
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8
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Hwang EI, Sayour EJ, Flores CT, Grant G, Wechsler-Reya R, Hoang-Minh LB, Kieran MW, Salcido J, Prins RM, Figg JW, Platten M, Candelario KM, Hale PG, Blatt JE, Governale LS, Okada H, Mitchell DA, Pollack IF. The current landscape of immunotherapy for pediatric brain tumors. NATURE CANCER 2022; 3:11-24. [PMID: 35121998 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-021-00319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric central nervous system tumors are the most common solid malignancies in childhood, and aggressive therapy often leads to long-term sequelae in survivors, making these tumors challenging to treat. Immunotherapy has revolutionized prospects for many cancer types in adults, but the intrinsic complexity of treating pediatric patients and the scarcity of clinical studies of children to inform effective approaches have hampered the development of effective immunotherapies in pediatric settings. Here, we review recent advances and ongoing challenges in pediatric brain cancer immunotherapy, as well as considerations for efficient clinical translation of efficacious immunotherapies into pediatric settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene I Hwang
- Division of Oncology, Brain Tumor Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Elias J Sayour
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Catherine T Flores
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gerald Grant
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Robert Wechsler-Reya
- Tumor Initiation & Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lan B Hoang-Minh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Robert M Prins
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John W Figg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael Platten
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, MCTN, Heidelberg University and CCU Brain Tumor Immunology, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kate M Candelario
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paul G Hale
- Children's Brain Trust, Coral Springs, FL, USA
| | - Jason E Blatt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lance S Governale
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Duane A Mitchell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Preston A. Wells, Jr. Center for Brain Tumor Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ian F Pollack
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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9
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Tay BQ, Wright Q, Ladwa R, Perry C, Leggatt G, Simpson F, Wells JW, Panizza BJ, Frazer IH, Cruz JLG. Evolution of Cancer Vaccines-Challenges, Achievements, and Future Directions. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050535. [PMID: 34065557 PMCID: PMC8160852 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of cancer vaccines has been intensively pursued over the past 50 years with modest success. However, recent advancements in the fields of genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and immunology have renewed interest in these immunotherapies and allowed the development of promising cancer vaccine candidates. Numerous clinical trials testing the response evoked by tumour antigens, differing in origin and nature, have shed light on the desirable target characteristics capable of inducing strong tumour-specific non-toxic responses with increased potential to bring clinical benefit to patients. Novel delivery methods, ranging from a patient’s autologous dendritic cells to liposome nanoparticles, have exponentially increased the abundance and exposure of the antigenic payloads. Furthermore, growing knowledge of the mechanisms by which tumours evade the immune response has led to new approaches to reverse these roadblocks and to re-invigorate previously suppressed anti-tumour surveillance. The use of new drugs in combination with antigen-based therapies is highly targeted and may represent the future of cancer vaccines. In this review, we address the main antigens and delivery methods used to develop cancer vaccines, their clinical outcomes, and the new directions that the vaccine immunotherapy field is taking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ban Qi Tay
- Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (B.Q.T.); (Q.W.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (J.W.W.); (I.H.F.)
| | - Quentin Wright
- Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (B.Q.T.); (Q.W.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (J.W.W.); (I.H.F.)
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (C.P.); (B.J.P.)
| | - Christopher Perry
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (C.P.); (B.J.P.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Graham Leggatt
- Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (B.Q.T.); (Q.W.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (J.W.W.); (I.H.F.)
| | - Fiona Simpson
- Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (B.Q.T.); (Q.W.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (J.W.W.); (I.H.F.)
| | - James W. Wells
- Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (B.Q.T.); (Q.W.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (J.W.W.); (I.H.F.)
| | - Benedict J. Panizza
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; (C.P.); (B.J.P.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Ian H. Frazer
- Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (B.Q.T.); (Q.W.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (J.W.W.); (I.H.F.)
| | - Jazmina L. G. Cruz
- Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia; (B.Q.T.); (Q.W.); (G.L.); (F.S.); (J.W.W.); (I.H.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-0478912737
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10
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Oronsky B, Reid TR, Oronsky A, Sandhu N, Knox SJ. A Review of Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2021; 10:574012. [PMID: 33614476 PMCID: PMC7892469 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.574012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is an aggressive and inevitably recurrent primary intra-axial brain tumor with a dismal prognosis. The current mainstay of treatment involves maximally safe surgical resection followed by radiotherapy over a 6-week period with concomitant temozolomide chemotherapy followed by temozolomide maintenance. This review provides a summary of the epidemiological, clinical, histologic and genetic characteristics of newly diagnosed disease as well as the current standard of care and potential future therapeutic prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Oronsky
- Department of Clinical Research, EpicentRx, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tony R. Reid
- Department of Medical Oncology, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Arnold Oronsky
- Department of Clinical Research, InterWest Partners, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Navjot Sandhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Susan J. Knox
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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11
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Jin K, Mao C, Chen L, Wang L, Liu Y, Yuan J. Adenosinergic Pathway: A Hope in the Immunotherapy of Glioblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E229. [PMID: 33435205 PMCID: PMC7826839 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors comprise different types of malignancies, most of which are originated from glial cells. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor with a poor response to conventional therapies and dismal survival rates (15 months) despite multimodal therapies. The development of immunotherapeutic strategies seems to be necessary to enhance the overall survival of GBM patients. So far, the immunotherapies applied in GBM had promising results in the primary phases of clinical trials but failed to continue their beneficial effects in later phases. GBM-microenvironment (GME) is a heterogenic and rigorously immunosuppressive milieu wrapping by an impenetrable blood-brain barrier. Hence, in-depth knowledge about the dominant immunosuppressive mechanisms in the GME could foster GBM immunotherapy. Recently, the adenosinergic pathway (AP) is found to be a major player in the suppression of antitumor immune responses in the GME. Tumor cells evolve to metabolize pro-inflammatory ATP to anti-inflammatory adenosine. Adenosine can suppress immune responses through the signaling of adenosine receptors on immune cells. The preclinical results targeting AP in GBM showed promising results in reinvigorating antitumor responses, overriding chemoresistance, and increasing survival. We reviewed the current GBM immunotherapies and elaborated on the role of AP in the immunopathogenesis, treatment, and even prognosis of GBM. We suggest that future clinical studies should consider this pathway in their combination therapies along with other immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketao Jin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 365, Renmin Eastern Road, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China; (C.M.); (L.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Chunsen Mao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 365, Renmin Eastern Road, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China; (C.M.); (L.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 365, Renmin Eastern Road, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China; (C.M.); (L.C.); (Y.L.)
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China;
| | - Lude Wang
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 365, Renmin Eastern Road, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuyao Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 365, Renmin Eastern Road, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China; (C.M.); (L.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jianlie Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 365, Renmin Eastern Road, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
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12
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Jou J, Harrington KJ, Zocca MB, Ehrnrooth E, Cohen EEW. The Changing Landscape of Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines-Novel Platforms and Neoantigen Identification. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 27:689-703. [PMID: 33122346 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic cancer vaccines, an exciting development in cancer immunotherapy, share the goal of creating and amplifying tumor-specific T-cell responses, but significant obstacles still remain to their success. Here, we briefly outline the principles underlying cancer vaccine therapy with a focus on novel vaccine platforms and antigens, underscoring the renewed optimism. Numerous strategies have been investigated to overcome immunosuppressive mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and counteract tumor escape, including improving antigen selection, refining delivery platforms, and use of combination therapies. Several new cancer vaccine platforms and antigen targets are under development. In an effort to amplify tumor-specific T-cell responses, a heterologous prime-boost antigen delivery strategy is increasingly used for virus-based vaccines. Viruses have also been engineered to express targeted antigens and immunomodulatory molecules simultaneously, to favorably modify the TME. Nanoparticle systems have shown promise as delivery vectors for cancer vaccines in preclinical research. T-win is another platform targeting both tumor cells and the TME, using peptide-based vaccines that engage and activate T cells to target immunoregulatory molecules expressed on immunosuppressive and malignant cells. With the availability of next-generation sequencing, algorithms for neoantigen selection are emerging, and several bioinformatic platforms are available to select therapeutically relevant neoantigen targets for developing personalized therapies. However, more research is needed before the use of neoepitope prediction and personalized immunotherapy becomes commonplace. Taken together, the field of therapeutic cancer vaccines is fast evolving, with the promise of potential synergy with existing immunotherapies for long-term cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Jou
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California
| | - Kevin J Harrington
- The Institute of Cancer Research/Royal Marsden National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ezra E W Cohen
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, California.
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, and the available treatment options are limited. This article reviews the recent preclinical and clinical investigations that seek to expand the repertoire of effective medical and radiotherapy options for GBM. RECENT FINDINGS Recent phase III trials evaluating checkpoint inhibition did not result in significant survival benefit. Select vaccine strategies have yielded promising results in early phase clinical studies and warrant further validation. Various targeted therapies are being explored but have yet to see breakthrough results. In addition, novel radiotherapy approaches are in development to maximize safe dose delivery. A multitude of preclinical and clinical studies in GBM explore promising immunotherapies, targeted agents, and novel radiation modalities. Recent phase III trial failures have once more highlighted the profound tumor heterogeneity and diverse resistance mechanisms of glioblastoma. This calls for the development of biomarker-driven and personalized treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa K Liu
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erik P Sulman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, 240 E. 38th Street, 19th floor, New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Patrick Y Wen
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sylvia C Kurz
- Brain and Spine Tumor Center, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Health, 240 E. 38th Street, 19th floor, New York, NY, 10019, USA. .,Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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14
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Li F, Aljahdali I, Ling X. Cancer therapeutics using survivin BIRC5 as a target: what can we do after over two decades of study? JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:368. [PMID: 31439015 PMCID: PMC6704566 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1362-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Survivin (also named BIRC5) is a well-known cancer therapeutic target. Since its discovery more than two decades ago, the use of survivin as a target for cancer therapeutics has remained a central goal of survivin studies in the cancer field. Many studies have provided intriguing insight into survivin's functional role in cancers, thus providing promise for survivin as a cancer therapeutic target. Despite this, moving survivin-targeting agents into and through the clinic remains a challenge. In order to address this challenge, we may need to rethink current strategies in order to develop a new mindset for targeting survivin. In this Review, we will first summarize the current survivin mechanistic studies, and then review the status of survivin cancer therapeutics, which is classified into five categories: (i) survivin-partner protein interaction inhibitors, (ii) survivin homodimerization inhibitors, (iii) survivin gene transcription inhibitors, (iv) survivin mRNA inhibitors and (v) survivin immunotherapy. We will then provide our opinions on cancer therapeutics using survivin as a target, with the goal of stimulating discussion that might facilitate translational research for discovering improved strategies and/or more effective anticancer agents that target survivin for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengzhi Li
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York, 14263, USA. .,Developmental Therapeutics Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York, 14263, USA.
| | - Ieman Aljahdali
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York, 14263, USA.,Department of Cellular & Molecular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York, 14263, USA
| | - Xiang Ling
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, New York, 14263, USA.,Canget BioTekpharma LLC, Buffalo, New York, USA
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