1
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Ding K, Mou P, Wang Z, Liu S, Liu J, Lu H, Yu G. The next bastion to be conquered in immunotherapy: microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1298524. [PMID: 38187388 PMCID: PMC10770832 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1298524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise, particularly in developing countries. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has represented a significant advancement in CRC treatment. Deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) or high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) serves as a biomarker for immunotherapy, with dMMR/MSI-H CRC exhibiting significantly better response rates to immunotherapy compared to proficient mismatch repair (pMMR)or microsatellite stable (MSS) CRC. While some progress has been made in the treatment of pMMR/MSS CRC in recent years, it remains a challenging issue in clinical practice. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role not only in the development and progression of CRC but also in determining the response to immunotherapy. Understanding the characteristics of the TME in pMMR/MSS CRC could offer new insights to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the current research progress on the TME characteristics and advancements in immunotherapy for pMMR/MSS CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Mou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - JinPei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gongli Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ganjun Yu
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medicine & National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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2
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Fakih M, Raghav KPS, Chang DZ, Larson T, Cohn AL, Huyck TK, Cosgrove D, Fiorillo JA, Tam R, D'Adamo D, Sharma N, Brennan BJ, Wang YA, Coppieters S, Zebger-Gong H, Weispfenning A, Seidel H, Ploeger BA, Mueller U, Oliveira CSVD, Paulson AS. Regorafenib plus nivolumab in patients with mismatch repair-proficient/microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer: a single-arm, open-label, multicentre phase 2 study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 58:101917. [PMID: 37090438 PMCID: PMC10119887 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibodies plus multikinase inhibitors have shown encouraging activity in several tumour types, including colorectal cancer. This study assessed regorafenib plus nivolumab in patients with microsatellite stable/mismatch repair-proficient metastatic colorectal cancer. Methods This single-arm, open-label, multicentre phase 2 study enrolled adults from 13 sites in the USA with previously treated advanced microsatellite stable/mismatch repair-proficient metastatic colorectal cancer. Eligible patients had known extended RAS and BRAF status, progression or intolerance to no more than two (for extended RAS mutant) or three (for extended RAS wild type) lines of systemic chemotherapy and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1. Regorafenib 80 mg/day was administered orally for 3 weeks on/1 week off (increased to 120 mg/day if 80 mg/day was well tolerated) with intravenous nivolumab 480 mg every 4 weeks. Primary endpoint was objective response rate. Secondary endpoints included safety, overall survival, and progression-free survival. Exploratory endpoints included biomarkers associated with antitumour activity. Patients who received at least one dose of study intervention were included in the efficacy and safety analyses. Tumour assessments were carried out every 8 weeks for the first year, and every 12 weeks thereafter until progressive disease/end of the study, and objective response rate was analysed after all patients had met the criteria for primary completion of five post-baseline scans and either 10-months' follow-up or drop out. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04126733. Findings Between 14 October 2019 and 14 January 2020, 94 patients were enrolled, 70 received treatment. Five patients had a partial response, yielding an objective response rate of 7% (95% CI 2.4-15.9; p = 0.27). All responders had no liver metastases at baseline. Median overall survival (data immature) and progression-free survival were 11.9 months (95% CI 7.0-not evaluable) and 1.8 months (95% CI 1.8-2.4), respectively. Most patients (97%, 68/70) experienced a treatment-related adverse event; 51% were grade 1 or 2, 40% were grade 3, 3% were grade 4, and 3% were grade 5. The most common (≥20%) events were fatigue (26/70), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (19/70), maculopapular rash (17/70), increased blood bilirubin (14/70), and decreased appetite (14/70). Higher baseline expression of tumour biomarkers of immune sensitivity correlated with antitumour activity. Interpretation Further studies are warranted to identify subgroups of patients with clinical characteristics or biomarkers that would benefit most from treatment with regorafenib plus nivolumab. Funding Bayer/Bristol Myers Squibb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan Fakih
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Corresponding author. City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - Kanwal Pratap Singh Raghav
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Tim Larson
- Minnesota Oncology/The US Oncology Network, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | - David Cosgrove
- Division of Medical Oncology, Vancouver Cancer Center, Compass Oncology, Vancouver, WA, USA
| | | | - Rachel Tam
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ying A. Wang
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
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3
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Merhi M, Ahmad F, Taib N, Inchakalody V, Uddin S, Shablak A, Dermime S. The complex network of transcription factors, immune checkpoint inhibitors and stemness features in colorectal cancer: A recent update. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 89:1-17. [PMID: 36621515 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunity is regulated by several mechanisms that include co-stimulatory and/or co-inhibitory molecules known as immune checkpoints expressed by the immune cells. In colorectal cancer (CRC), CTLA-4, LAG3, TIM-3 and PD-1 are the major co-inhibitory checkpoints involved in tumor development and progression. On the other hand, the deregulation of transcription factors and cancer stem cells activity plays a major role in the development of drug resistance and in the spread of metastatic disease in CRC. In this review, we describe how the modulation of such transcription factors affects the response of CRC to therapies. We also focus on the role of cancer stem cells in tumor metastasis and chemoresistance and discuss both preclinical and clinical approaches for targeting stem cells to prevent their tumorigenic effect. Finally, we provide an update on the clinical applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in CRC and discuss the regulatory effects of transcription factors on the expression of the immune inhibitory checkpoints with specific focus on the PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nassiba Taib
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alaaeldin Shablak
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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4
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Li J, Xu X. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Combination Therapy for Colorectal Cancer: An Overview. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:1527-1540. [PMID: 37131870 PMCID: PMC10149070 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s408349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common diseases in the world. Tumor immunotherapy is an innovative cancer treatment that acts by activating the human body's autoimmune system. Immune checkpoint block has been shown to be effective in DNA deficient mismatch repair/microsatellite instability-high CRC. However, the therapeutic effect for proficient mismatch repair/microsatellite stability patients still requires further study and optimization. At present, the main CRC strategy is to combine other therapeutic methods, such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy. Here, we review the current status and the latest progress of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of CRC. At the same time, we consider therapeutic opportunities for transforming cold to hot, as well as perspectives on possible future therapies, which may be in great demand for drug-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuanfu Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xuanfu Xu, Department of Gastroenterology, Shidong Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-021-25066666, Email
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5
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Lote H, Starling N, Pihlak R, Gerlinger M. Advances in immunotherapy for MMR proficient colorectal cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 111:102480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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6
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Zhang W, Zhang Z, Lou S, Li D, Ma Z, Xue L. Efficacy, safety and predictors of combined fruquintinib with programmed death-1 inhibitors for advanced microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer: A retrospective study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:929342. [PMID: 36119532 PMCID: PMC9472213 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.929342] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Research findings have revealed that combining anti-angiogenesis inhibitors with programmed death-1(PD-1) inhibitors can reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and enhance the antitumor immune response. To explore the therapeutic options for breaking immune tolerance in microsatellite stability (MSS) or mismatch repair-proficiency (pMMR) advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), we assessed the efficacy, safety and predictors of the fruquintinib and PD-1 inhibitors combination in patients with MSS/pMMR advanced CRC in a real-world environment. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective study by collecting relevant data on patients with MSS/pMMR advanced CRC who received fruquintinib coupled with PD-1 inhibitors in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between August 2019 and November 2021, focusing on progression-free survival. Results We enrolled 110 eligible patients in this study between August 2019 and November 2021. At the deadline (January 20, 2022), 13 patients had objective responses. The objective response rate was 11.8% (13/110, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.4-18.2), the disease control rate was 70.0% (82/110, 95% CI: 60.9-78.2), and the progression-free survival was 5.4 months (95% CI: 4.0-6.8). Liver metastases (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.594, 95% CI: 0.363-0.973, P<0.05), alkaline phosphatase elevation (ALP>160U/L) (HR: 0.478, 95%CI: 0.241-0.948, P<0.05), fibrinogen elevation (FIB>4g/L) (HR: 0.517, 95% CI: 0.313-0.855, P<0.05), and an increase in the ALP level from the baseline after treatment (HR: 1.673, 95% CI: 1.040-2.690, P<0.05) were negative predictors of the progression-free survival. A total of 101 of 110 patients experienced treatment-related adverse events, including 14 who experienced grade 3 or above treatment-related adverse events, and no treatment-related deaths occurred. Hypertension was the most frequently encountered grade 3 treatment-related adverse event. Conclusion Fruquintinib combined with PD-1 inhibitors has antitumor activity and manageable safety in treating patients with MSS/pMMR advanced CRC. Liver metastases, ALP level and FIB level might be a prediction of the patient response to this therapy.
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7
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Rotundo MS, Bagnardi V, Rotundo M, Comandè M, Zampino MG. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, a novel strategy for targeting metastatic colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Oncol Lett 2022; 23:134. [PMID: 35251353 PMCID: PMC8895448 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13254] [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: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, standard treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) comprises chemotherapy (CT) and/or biological therapy (BT) and/or best supportive care (BSC). The present study performed a meta-analysis on five phase II-III randomized clinical trials, which compared CT/BT/BSC as the control arm with the immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or its ligand (PD-L1) alone or in combination with cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 or mitogen activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors as the experimental arm, to evaluate whether a standard approach could be overcome using the novel target therapy strategy. Pooled hazard ratio (HR) for progression-free survival was 0.95 in favor of the experimental arm [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-1.22; P=0.68]. Heterogeneity was significant: Cochran's Q, 21.0; P=0.0082; I2 index, 76%. Pooled HR for overall survival was 0.88 in favor of the experimental arm (95% CI, 0.75-1.02; P=0.08). Heterogeneity was not significant (Cochran's Q, 6.0; P=0.31; I2 index, 16%). The present meta-analysis demonstrated a trend toward the improvement of survival by PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in mCRC. Further homogeneous studies are necessary to strengthen these results, beyond the known benefits of ICIs in deficient mismatch repair/high microsatellite instability tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Saveria Rotundo
- Complex Operative Unit of Medical Oncology, Uboldo Hospital, Cernusco Sul Naviglio, I-20063 Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bagnardi
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milan-Bicocca, I-20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Miryam Rotundo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine-Medical, Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, I-88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mario Comandè
- Complex Operative Unit of Medical Oncology, Uboldo Hospital, Cernusco Sul Naviglio, I-20063 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Zampino
- Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and Neuroendocrine Tumors, European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, I-20141 Milan, Italy
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8
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Silva Vs, Riechelmann Rp, Mello CA, Felismino T, Taboada R. The Current and Evolving Role of Immunotherapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2022; 22:617-628. [PMID: 35209820 DOI: 10.2174/1568009622666220224110912] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy can be considered a therapeutic revolution in oncology, with great impact on many tumor types, such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. However, in metastatic colorectal cancer, the benefits in terms of prolonged tumor control and high response rate are limited to the rare subgroup of tumors with high mutation burden - mostly tumors that harbor microsatellite instability (MSI) or a deficient mismatch repair system (dMMR), or tumor microsatellite stability and damaging mutations in the exonuclease domains of POLE or POLD. The KEYNOTE-028 uncontrolled phase II trial demonstrated an impressive antitumor activity of pembrolizumab in patients with treatment-refractory Lynch-associated tumors, including colorectal cancer. Nivolumab with or without ipilimumab confirmed the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with previously treated dMMR / MSI metastatic colorectal cancer. The recent KEYNOTE-177 phase III trial demonstrated that pembrolizumab significantly reduced the relative risk of disease progression or death and improved progression-free survival in patients with treatment-naive dMMR / MSI metastatic colorectal cancer in comparison with first-line chemotherapy with or without biologics. Unfortunately, current pharmacological strategies with immunotherapy have not been successful for most patients with microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer. In this review we critically appraise the applicability of immune checkpoint inhibitors in dMMR/MSI metastatic colorectal cancer. We also discuss the recent negative trials of immunotherapy combinations in microsatellite stable tumors and the more mature immunotherapy ongoing studies in the field of advanced colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silva Vs
- Department of Clinical Oncology, AC Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Riechelmann Rp
- Department of Clinical Oncology, AC Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - C A Mello
- Department of Clinical Oncology, AC Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felismino T
- Department of Clinical Oncology, AC Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Taboada R
- Department of Clinical Oncology, AC Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Kim CW, Chon HJ, Kim C. Combination Immunotherapies to Overcome Intrinsic Resistance to Checkpoint Blockade in Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4906. [PMID: 34638390 PMCID: PMC8507875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have shown promising results in the treatment of treating various malignancies, progress has been severely limited in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). ICIs are effective in a fraction of patients with microsatellite instability-high mCRC but have little clinical efficacy in patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) mCRC, which accounts for 95% of mCRC cases. MSS mCRCs are considered to have intrinsic resistance to ICI monotherapy through multiple mechanisms. (1) They are poorly immunogenic because of their low tumor mutation burden; (2) frequent activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway excludes intratumoral CD8+ T cell immunity; (3) the tumor microenvironment is immunosuppressive because of the presence of various immunosuppressive cells, including tumor-associated macrophages and regulatory T cells; and (4) frequent liver metastasis in MSS mCRC may reduce the efficacy of ICIs. To overcome these resistance mechanisms, combination approaches using various agents, including STING agonists, MEK inhibitors, VEGF/R inhibitors, WNT/β-catenin inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, and chemo/radiotherapy, are actively ongoing. Preliminary evidence of the efficacy of some has been shown in early clinical trials. This review summarizes novel combination immunotherapy strategies described in recent preclinical and clinical studies to overcome the limitations of ICI monotherapy in MSS mCRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Woo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World Cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Korea;
| | - Hong Jae Chon
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13496, Korea
| | - Chan Kim
- Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13496, Korea
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10
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Wang F, He MM, Yao YC, Zhao X, Wang ZQ, Jin Y, Luo HY, Li JB, Wang FH, Qiu MZ, Lv ZD, Wang DS, Li YH, Zhang DS, Xu RH. Regorafenib plus toripalimab in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a phase Ib/II clinical trial and gut microbiome analysis. CELL REPORTS MEDICINE 2021; 2:100383. [PMID: 34622226 PMCID: PMC8484502 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This is a phase Ib/II study of regorafenib plus toripalimab for colorectal cancer. The objective response rate (ORR) is 15.2% and the disease control rate is 36.4% in evaluable patients with recommended phase II dose (80 mg regorafenib plus toripalimab). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and the median overall survival are 2.1 months and 15.5 months, respectively. Patients with liver metastases have lower ORR than those without (8.7% versus 30.0%). All patients (3/3) with lung-only metastasis respond, whereas no patients (0/4) with liver-only metastasis respond. 94.9% and 38.5% of patients have grade 1 and grade 3 treatment-related adverse events, respectively. Gut microbiome analysis of the baseline fecal samples shows significantly increased relative abundance and positive detection rate of Fusobacterium in non-responders than responders. Patients with high-abundance Fusobacterium have shorter PFS than those with low abundance (median PFS = 2.0 versus 5.2 months; p = 0.002).
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ming-Ming He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yi-Chen Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Cancer microbiome platform, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Microbiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hui-Yan Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ji-Bin Li
- Department of Clinical Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Feng-Hua Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Miao-Zhen Qiu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhi-Da Lv
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - De-Shen Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yu-Hong Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Research Unit of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510060, China
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11
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Pyo J, Park HJ. Treatment Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3599. [PMID: 34441895 PMCID: PMC8397178 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been reported heterogeneously across clinical trials. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of ICIs in patients with advanced/metastatic CRC. Ovid-Medline was searched to identify clinical trials providing the efficacy outcomes of overall response rate (ORR) or disease control rate (DCR). The pooled ORR and DCR were estimated across all studies and subgroups. Meta-regression was performed to find the influencing factors for treatment efficacy. A total of thirty studies (1870 patients) were eligible. The overall ORR and DCR were 20.1% and 58.5%, respectively, but these results were heterogeneous across studies. Multivariate meta-regression revealed that microsatellite phenotype (odds ratio of MSI-H/dMMR versus MSS/pMMR: 1.67, p < 0.001) and drug regimen (odds ratio of monotherapy versus combination therapy: 1.07, p = 0.019) were the source of heterogeneity and also significantly influenced factors for the efficacy of the treatment. Although the efficacy of ICIs as a first-line therapy was higher than that of ICIs as the second- or more-line therapy (ORR: 51.5% vs. 13.4%, DCR: 85% vs. 49.5%), multivariate regression showed that the line of therapy was not a significant factor for the treatment efficacy. Our study suggests that the microsatellite phenotype and drug regimen, rather than the line of treatment, are the primary factors influencing the treatment response among advanced/metastatic CRC patients treated with an ICI-based regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhee Pyo
- Asan Medical Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea;
| | - Hyo-Jung Park
- Asan Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul 05505, Korea
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12
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Yang Y, Xu L, Wang D, Hui B, Li X, Zhou Y, Chen X, Gu Y. Anti-PD-1 and regorafenib induce severe multisystem adverse events in microsatellite stability metastatic colorectal cancer: a case report. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:1317-1323. [PMID: 34369830 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There exists a dilemma in the treatment of microsatellite stability (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) owing to limited therapeutic options. Based on the promising results of the REGONIVO trial, combination of anti-PD-1 and regorafenib could be applicable for this kind of patients. Here we first report a case of an MSS mCRC patient who received sinitilimab plus regorafenib as third-line treatment and suffered severe multisystem treatment-related adverse events including Grade 3 myocarditis, myositis, myasthenia gravis, dermatitis, hepatitis, etc. Fortunately, all these adverse events have been reversed with administration of corticosteroids. Though evidence of tumor shrinkage was not found, CEA levels markedly decreased. Therefore, anti-PD-1 plus regorafenib might be optional for the MSS mCRC patients which requires special caution in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Yang
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.,The First Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingyan Xu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.,The First Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Danping Wang
- The First Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Oncology, Nantong First People's Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 6 North Road Hai'er Xiang, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bingqing Hui
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.,The First Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.,The First Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yirui Zhou
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.,The First Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanhong Gu
- Department of Oncology & Cancer Rehabilitation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
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13
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Wang C, Sandhu J, Ouyang C, Ye J, Lee PP, Fakih M. Clinical Response to Immunotherapy Targeting Programmed Cell Death Receptor 1/Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer With and Without Liver Metastases. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2118416. [PMID: 34369992 PMCID: PMC8353537 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.18416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer has been historically characterized as resistant to immunotherapy. Recent studies have demonstrated limited clinical activity of programmed cell death receptor 1/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) targeting in MSS metastatic colorectal cancer. The association of metastatic disease in the liver with treatment response has not been fully investigated. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of liver metastases with response to PD-1/PD-L1-targeting therapy in MSS metastatic colorectal cancer. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This single-center retrospective cohort study evaluated clinical responses to PD-1- or PD-L1-targeting therapy, with or without other investigational agents, in patients with MSS metastatic colorectal cancer and disease progression after standard of care therapy from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS), measured from initiation of PD-1/PD-L1-targeting therapy. RESULTS Ninety-five patients with MSS metastatic colorectal cancer were identified (54 men [56.8%]; median age, 55 [interquartile range (IQR), 49-64] years). The overall ORR was 8.4% (8 of 95 patients). Eight of 41 patients without liver metastases achieved an ORR of 19.5%, and no response was observed in 54 patients with liver metastases. The disease control rate was 58.5% (24 of 41) in patients without liver metastasis and 1.9% (1 of 54) in patients with liver metastasis. Patients without liver metastases at the time of PD-1/PD-L1-targeting treatment had a superior median PFS compared with patients with liver metastases (4.0 [IQR, 2.0-7.5] vs 1.5 [IQR, 1.0-2.0] months; P < .001). In addition, median PFS was 5.5 (IQR, 2.0-11.5) months for patients without any prior or current liver involvement at the time of PD-1/PD-L1-targeting treatment initiation. Using a multivariate Cox regression model correcting for Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, primary tumor location, RAS and BRAF status, tumor mutation burden, and metastatic sites, liver metastases was the variable with the most significant association with faster progression after PD-1/PD-L1 treatment inhibition (hazard ratio, 7.00; 95% CI, 3.18-15.42; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Findings of this cohort study suggest that patients with MSS metastatic colorectal cancer and without liver metastases may derive clinical benefits from checkpoint inhibitors, whereas the presence of liver metastases was associated with resistance. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in patients with MSS metastatic colorectal cancer without liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongkai Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Jaideep Sandhu
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
| | - Ching Ouyang
- Center for Informatics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Immuno-oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Peter P. Lee
- Department of Immuno-oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Marwan Fakih
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California
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14
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Wang C, Fakih M. Targeting MSS colorectal cancer with immunotherapy: are we turning the corner? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2021; 21:1347-1357. [PMID: 34030532 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2021.1933940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibition has shown potent antitumor activity in patients with microsatellite instability (MSI) metastatic cancer. Microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer has long been considered resistant to immunotherapy. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an overview of current progress on strategies to overcome the resistance to immunotherapy in MSS colorectal cancer. EXPERT OPINION Emerging evidence suggest that combination of immune modulators such as regorafenib may improve the responsiveness of MSS colorectal cancer to checkpoint blockade. In addition, signs of clinical activity have also been observed in other combination strategies, such as the combination of checkpoint blockade with Stat3 inhibitor, or bispecific T-cell engagers. Nevertheless, predictive biomarkers that can identify patients who may benefit from immunotherapy are key for its implementation in clinical setting. Metastatic disease sites may predict for the response or resistance to checkpoint blockade, with liver metastases emerging as a strong predictive biomarker of lack of benefit from PD-1 targeting, even with combination therapies. Additional efforts are required to study the mechanism of resistance and to develop novel therapeutic strategies to overcome immune resistance. ABBREVIATIONS CEA: carcinoembryonic antigen; CR: complete response; CTLA-4: cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4; DCR: disease control rate; MSI-H: microsatellite instability-high; MSS: Microsatellite stable (MSS); OS: overall survival; PD-1: programmed cell death protein 1; PD-L1: programmed death-ligand receptor 1; PR: partial response; PFS: progression-free survival; SD: stable disease; TMB: tumor mutation burden; VEGFR: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongkai Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Marwan Fakih
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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15
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Nguyen M, Tipping Smith S, Lam M, Liow E, Davies A, Prenen H, Segelov E. An update on the use of immunotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:291-304. [PMID: 33138649 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1845141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy worldwide, with recent trends demonstrating increasing incidence amongst younger patients. Despite multiple treatment options, metastatic disease remains incurable. A new therapeutic strategy to harness the host immune system, specifically with immune checkpoint inhibitors, now has reported results from a number of clinical trials. Areas covered: This review will discuss in detail microsatellite instability (MSI) and other biomarkers for response to immunotherapy, summarize the pivotal clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors in early-stage and metastatic MSI colorectal cancer, explore strategies to induce treatment responses in MSS CRC and highlight the emerging treatments and novel immune-based therapies under investigation. Expert opinion: Immunotherapy is now a standard of care for the proportion of CRC patients with MSI. While overall survival data are still awaited, the promise of profound and durable responses is highly anticipated. The lack of efficacy in MSS CRC is disappointing and strategies to convert these 'cold' tumors are needed. Further elucidation of optimal use of treatment sequences, combinations and novel agents will improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Nguyen
- Medical Oncology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy, Australia
| | | | - Marissa Lam
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Liow
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia
| | - Amy Davies
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia
| | - Hans Prenen
- Oncology Department, University Hospital Antwerp , Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Eva Segelov
- Medical Oncology, Monash Medical Centre , Clayton, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, Monash University , Clayton, Australia
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16
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Ooki A, Shinozaki E, Yamaguchi K. Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer: Current and Future Strategies. J Anus Rectum Colon 2021; 5:11-24. [PMID: 33537496 PMCID: PMC7843143 DOI: 10.23922/jarc.2020-064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in the systemic treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), prognostic outcomes have remained to be poor. Thus, what is needed is an innovative treatment approach. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1) and anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have exhibited a durable response and dominated the treatment of various tumor types. However, in mCRC, the clinical benefit is limited in patients with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR)/high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H), comprising approximately 5% of mCRC cases, and some do not respond to ICI treatment. Thus, further research is needed to identify predictive biomarkers. The most urgent need is developing effective immunotherapy for patients with proficient mismatch repair (pMMR)/microsatellite stable (MSS) cancer, which comprises 95% of mCRC cases. Tumors with the pMMR/MSS phenotype often exhibit a lower tumor mutation burden and fewer tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes than dMMR/MSI-H, leading to immune tolerance and evasion in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, a number of investigative studies aimed at overcoming tumor resistance in current immunotherapy approaches are underway. A better understanding on the complexity and diversity of the immune system's functioning within the tumor microenvironment will increase the potential for developing predictive biomarkers and novel therapeutic strategies to potentiate anti-tumor immunity in patients with mCRC. In this review, we summarize the most recent advances in immunotherapy based on the findings of pivotal clinical trials for patients with mCRC, highlighting potent therapeutic approaches and predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ooki
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiji Shinozaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Hirano H, Takashima A, Hamaguchi T, Shida D, Kanemitsu Y. Current status and perspectives of immune checkpoint inhibitors for colorectal cancer. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2021; 51:10-19. [PMID: 33205813 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyaa200] [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: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, especially immune checkpoint inhibitors, has revolutionized the standard-of-care of multiple types of tumors. For colorectal cancer, the clinical development of immune checkpoint inhibitors is mainly separated according to the status of microsatellite instability or mismatch repair in a tumor. High-level microsatellite instability/deficient mismatch repair metastatic colorectal cancer generally has a tumor microenvironment with infiltration of T cells, associated with a favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, including pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1 inhibitor) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1 inhibitor) with or without ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4 inhibitor), have been integrated into the standard-of-care for high-level microsatellite instability/deficient mismatch repair metastatic colorectal cancer. Conversely, limited T-cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment of microsatellite stable/proficient mismatch repair metastatic colorectal cancer, which constitutes the majority of metastatic colorectal cancer, is assumed to be a major resistant mechanism to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Currently, clinical trials to improve the clinical activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors by immunomodulation are ongoing for metastatic colorectal cancer. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors are under development in neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant setting. Here, we review the existing clinical data with ongoing trials and discuss the future perspectives with a focus on the immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Hirano
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Takashima
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Division, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Dai Shida
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihide Kanemitsu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Cimino SK, Eng C. Up-and-Coming Experimental Drug Options for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. J Exp Pharmacol 2020; 12:475-485. [PMID: 33204182 PMCID: PMC7667584 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s259287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the top causes of cancer and cancer-related deaths worldwide. The prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer is poor and treatment options are limited. Many patients will run out of treatment options before they become medically unfit for therapy. As such, there is a need to expand upon the current understanding of disease biology as well as drug resistance mechanisms in order to create new approaches for therapy. In this review article, we will discuss the mechanistic rationale and clinical data for new drugs and therapeutic combinations under development for metastatic colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Cimino
- Department of Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Cathy Eng
- Department of Medicine: Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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19
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Huang L, Jiang S, Shi Y. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for solid tumors in the past 20 years (2001-2020). J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:143. [PMID: 33109256 PMCID: PMC7590700 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00977-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinases are implicated in tumorigenesis and progression, and have emerged as major targets for drug discovery. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) inhibit corresponding kinases from phosphorylating tyrosine residues of their substrates and then block the activation of downstream signaling pathways. Over the past 20 years, multiple robust and well-tolerated TKIs with single or multiple targets including EGFR, ALK, ROS1, HER2, NTRK, VEGFR, RET, MET, MEK, FGFR, PDGFR, and KIT have been developed, contributing to the realization of precision cancer medicine based on individual patient's genetic alteration features. TKIs have dramatically improved patients' survival and quality of life, and shifted treatment paradigm of various solid tumors. In this article, we summarized the developing history of TKIs for treatment of solid tumors, aiming to provide up-to-date evidence for clinical decision-making and insight for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study On Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Shiyu Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study On Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yuankai Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Study On Anticancer Molecular Targeted Drugs, No. 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
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20
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Song Y, Fu Y, Xie Q, Zhu B, Wang J, Zhang B. Anti-angiogenic Agents in Combination With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Promising Strategy for Cancer Treatment. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1956. [PMID: 32983126 PMCID: PMC7477085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in cancer immunity have promoted a major breakthrough in the field of cancer therapy. This is mainly associated with the successful development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for multiple types of human tumors. Blockade with different ICIs, including programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors, may activate the immune system of the host against malignant cells. However, only a subgroup of patients with cancer would benefit from immune checkpoint blockade. Some patients experience primary resistance to initial immunotherapy, and a majority eventually develop acquired resistance to ICIs. However, the mechanisms involved in the development of drug resistance to immune checkpoint blockade remain unclear. Recent studies supported that combination of ICIs and anti-angiogenic agents could be a promising therapeutic strategy for overcoming the low efficacy of ICIs. Moreover, through their direct anti-cancer effect by inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis, anti-angiogenic drugs reprogram the tumor milieu from an immunosuppressive to an immune permissive microenvironment. Activated immunity by immune checkpoint blockade also facilitates anti-angiogenesis by downregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and alleviating hypoxia condition. Many clinical trials showed an improved anti-cancer efficacy and prolonged survival following the addition of anti-angiogenic agents to ICIs. This review summarizes the current understanding and clinical development of combination therapy with immune checkpoint blockade and anti-angiogenic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Song
- Cancer Center, Hubei Provincial Research Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Fu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang Hospital, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Xiangyang, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Medical Research Centre, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Bicheng Zhang
- Cancer Center, Hubei Provincial Research Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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