1
|
Harada M, Tomisaki I, Shimajiri S, Kuretake K, Harada K, Fujimoto N. Small cell carcinoma of the kidney treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor/tyrosine kinase inhibitor. IJU Case Rep 2023; 6:386-389. [PMID: 37928288 PMCID: PMC10622222 DOI: 10.1002/iju5.12629] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the kidney is extremely rare. Although the majority of patients with advanced renal small cell carcinoma were treated with a combination of cisplatin and etoposide, the efficacy was limited. We report the first case with renal small cell carcinoma who received nivolumab and cabozantinib. Case presentation A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a massive left kidney mass and several bone, lymph nodes, liver, and lung metastases. A left renal mass biopsy made the diagnosis of small cell carcinoma. Nivolumab and cabozantinib were used in combination therapy. The tumors were stable during the treatment for 4 weeks. However, the treatment was halted due to a serious adverse event, immune-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Although immune-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis was resolved with corticosteroids, the patient died 3 months after the initiation of nivolumab and cabozantinib. Conclusion We reported the first case of renal small cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab and cabozantinib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirii Harada
- Department of Urology, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushu CityFukuokaJapan
| | - Ikko Tomisaki
- Department of Urology, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushu CityFukuokaJapan
| | - Shohei Shimajiri
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushu CityFukuokaJapan
| | - Keisuke Kuretake
- Department of Urology, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushu CityFukuokaJapan
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Urology, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushu CityFukuokaJapan
| | - Naohiro Fujimoto
- Department of Urology, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushu CityFukuokaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Patel AJ, Middleton GW. TIGIT-based immunotherapeutics in lung cancer. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2023; 3:ltad009. [PMID: 37325585 PMCID: PMC10266577 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we explore the biology of the TIGIT checkpoint and its potential as a therapeutic target in lung cancer. We briefly review a highly selected set of clinical trials that have reported or are currently recruiting in non-small cell and small cell lung cancer, a disease transformed by the advent of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. We explore the murine data underlying TIGIT blockade and further explore the reliance of effective anti-TIGIT therapy on DNAM-1(CD226)-positive activated effector CD8+ T cells. The synergism with anti-PD-1 therapy is also explored. Future directions in the realm of overcoming resistance to checkpoint blockade and extending the repertoire of other checkpoints are also briefly explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akshay J Patel
- Correspondence: Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Gary W Middleton
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Importance Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive disease that is characterized by rapid growth and the early development of metastases. Patients typically respond to initial chemotherapy but quickly experience relapse, resulting in a poor long-term outcome. Therapeutic innovations that substantially improve survival have historically been limited, and reliable, predictive biomarkers are lacking. Observations This review examines the biologic characteristics of SCLC, the current treatment landscape, and ongoing efforts to identify novel therapeutic targets. Ongoing research has advanced the understanding of molecular categories and the immunologic microenvironment of SCLC, which in turn has helped improve disease classification and staging. Recently, immunotherapy-based regimens have become available for the management of SCLC, with 2 programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 inhibitors approved in combination with chemotherapy for first-line treatment of extensive-stage disease. For second-line treatment, a novel alkylating agent, lurbinectedin, which inhibits oncogenic transcription, has been approved for use in patients with metastatic SCLC. Furthermore, a wide variety of therapies and innovative combination regimens are being continuously evaluated. Potential therapeutic strategies, including aurora kinase A inhibitors, polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase inhibitors, ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related inhibitors, cyclin-dependent kinase 7 inhibitors, delta-like protein 3 agents, antiganglioside agents, CD47 inhibitors, and lysine-specific histone demethylase 1a inhibitors, are also being examined. Conclusions and Relevance Therapeutic optimization of SCLC remains a challenge, but recent trial results and drug approvals are encouraging. Advances in research have revealed critical information regarding biologic characteristics of the disease, which may lead to the identification of vulnerabilities and the development of new therapies. Further research focused on identifying biomarkers and evaluating innovative therapies will be paramount to improving treatment outcomes for patients with SCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Jeffrey Petty
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Luis Paz-Ares
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- H120-CNIO Lung Cancer Unit, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tang N, Li Z, Han X, Zhao C, Guo J, Wang H. Whole-Exome Sequencing Uncovers Specific Genetic Variation Difference Based on Different Modes of Drug Resistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:891938. [PMID: 35847960 PMCID: PMC9280676 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor survival rate of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is mainly related to the condition that patients with SCLC often have good responses to first-line chemotherapy initially, but later on, most of these patients relapse rapidly due to resistance to further treatment. In this study, we attempted to analyze whole-exome sequencing data based on the largest sample size to date, to develop a classifier to predict whether a patient will be chemorefractory or chemosensitive and to explicate the risk of recurrence that affects the prognosis of patients. We showed the different characteristics of somatic mutational signatures, somatic mutation genes, and distinct genome instability between chemorefractory and chemosensitive SCLC patients. Amplified mutations in the chemosensitive group inhibited the regulation of the cell cycle process, transcription factor binding, and B-cell differentiation. Analysis of deletion mutation also suggested that detection of the chromosomal-level variation might influence our treatment decisions. Higher PD-L1 expressions (based on TPS methods) were mostly present among chemosensitive patients (p = 0.026), while there were no differences in PD-L1 expressions (based on CPS methods) and CD8+ TILs between the two groups. According to the model determined by logistic regression, each sample was endowed with a predictive probability value (PV). The samples were divided into a high-risk group (>0.55) and a low-risk group (≤0.55), and the survival analysis showed obvious differences between the two groups. This study provides a reference basis to translate this knowledge into practice, such as formulating personalized treatment plans, which may benefit Chinese patients with SCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | | | - Xiao Han
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Chenglong Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Guo, ; Haiyong Wang,
| | - Haiyong Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Guo, ; Haiyong Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Govindan R, Aggarwal C, Antonia SJ, Davies M, Dubinett SM, Ferris A, Forde PM, Garon EB, Goldberg SB, Hassan R, Hellmann MD, Hirsch FR, Johnson ML, Malik S, Morgensztern D, Neal JW, Patel JD, Rimm DL, Sagorsky S, Schwartz LH, Sepesi B, Herbst RS. Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of lung cancer and mesothelioma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003956. [PMID: 35640927 PMCID: PMC9157337 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has transformed lung cancer care in recent years. In addition to providing durable responses and prolonged survival outcomes for a subset of patients with heavily pretreated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)— either as monotherapy or in combination with other ICIs or chemotherapy—have demonstrated benefits in first-line therapy for advanced disease, the neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings, as well as in additional thoracic malignancies such as small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) and mesothelioma. Challenging questions remain, however, on topics including therapy selection, appropriate biomarker-based identification of patients who may derive benefit, the use of immunotherapy in special populations such as people with autoimmune disorders, and toxicity management. Patient and caregiver education and support for quality of life (QOL) is also important to attain maximal benefit with immunotherapy. To provide guidance to the oncology community on these and other important concerns, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts to develop a clinical practice guideline (CPG). This CPG represents an update to SITC’s 2018 publication on immunotherapy for the treatment of NSCLC, and is expanded to include recommendations on SCLC and mesothelioma. The Expert Panel drew on the published literature as well as their clinical experience to develop recommendations for healthcare professionals on these important aspects of immunotherapeutic treatment for lung cancer and mesothelioma, including diagnostic testing, treatment planning, immune-related adverse events, and patient QOL considerations. The evidence- and consensus-based recommendations in this CPG are intended to give guidance to cancer care providers using immunotherapy to treat patients with lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramaswamy Govindan
- Department of Medicine, Oncology Division, Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Charu Aggarwal
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott J Antonia
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marianne Davies
- Yale School of Nursing, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Steven M Dubinett
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Patrick M Forde
- Upper Aerodigestive Division, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Edward B Garon
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sarah B Goldberg
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Raffit Hassan
- Thoracic and GI Malignancies Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Fred R Hirsch
- Center for Thoracic Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melissa L Johnson
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Tennessee Oncology/One Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Shakun Malik
- Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis, CTEP, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Morgensztern
- Department of Medicine, Oncology Division, Medical Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joel W Neal
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jyoti D Patel
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - David L Rimm
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarah Sagorsky
- Upper Aerodigestive Division, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lawrence H Schwartz
- Department of Radiology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Boris Sepesi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Division of Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Roy S Herbst
- Section of Medical Oncology, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Walia HK, Sharma P, Singh N, Sharma S. Immunotherapy in Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment: a Promising Headway for Future Perspective. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:268-294. [PMID: 35226309 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00949-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Despite advancements in clinical research, both prognosis and treatment for SCLC patients are still in the nascent stage. SCLC is a fatal disease with high tumor mutational burden and is strongly associated with exposure to tobacco. This leads to the development of potential neo-antigens, inhibition of immune responses, and development of paraneoplastic disorders. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are widely accepted treatments for cancer globally, and most recently, immunotherapy has now become the "fourth pillar" of SCLC treatment. Various immune checkpoint pathways regulate the activation of T cells at multiple stages during an immune response. T cell checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD1 (pembrolizumab, nivolumab), anti-PDL1, and anti-CTLA-4 (tremelimumab, ipilimumab) have potential to show anti-cancer activity along with the promise to prolong survival in patients with SCLC. Treatment with the CTLA-4-specific antibodies can restore the immune response by increasing the accumulation and survival of T-cells whereas monoclonal antibodies block either PD-1 or its ligands that prevent downregulation of effector T-cell, which enables the T-cells to mediate the death of tumor cells. Furthermore, monoclonal antibody in combination with chemotherapy has attained quite a focus to enhance the survival of SCLC patients. Apart from this, various immunotherapeutic approaches have been evaluated in the clinical trials for SCLC patients such as TLR9 agonist, anti-CD47, anti-ganglioside therapy, and anti-Notch signaling. The current review focuses on the rationale as well as on the clinical studies of immunotherapy in SCLC along with the clinical end results of certain immunotherapeutic agents and novel therapeutic combinations in SCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harleen Kaur Walia
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India
| | - Parul Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India
| | - Navneet Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Siddharth Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, Punjab, 147004, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Heynemann S, Mitchell P. Developments in systemic therapies for the management of lung cancer. Intern Med J 2021; 51:2012-2020. [PMID: 34939294 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer accounts for approximately 1 in 10 new cancer diagnoses annually and is responsible for the most cancer-associated deaths in Australia. Despite such figures, there is reason for optimism with many practice-changing developments to report for the management of patients with thoracic malignancies over the last few years. We outline such changes, including the emerging role of immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting for patients with localised non-small-cell lung cancer, as well as the established standard of consolidation immunotherapy following definitive chemoradiotherapy for those with locally advanced disease. In the metastatic setting, combination chemotherapy-immunotherapy approaches have become the new paradigm for most patients in the absence of a recognised driver mutation. A range of novel targeted therapies now exist and are Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)-subsidised for targets such as EGFR, ALK and ROS1, with many others, such as KRAS G12C, NTRK, MET, RET and HER2, also with therapies rapidly being developed. Even among patients with small-cell lung cancer, who account for the worst prognoses and until recently have received a chemotherapy regimen that has remained unchanged in over 20 years, there is a new standard-of-care in combination chemotherapy-immunotherapy. Furthermore, immunotherapy and potentially anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents now also play a role in mesothelioma treatment. Last, given recent developments in immunotherapy, targeted therapy and combination approaches in the non-small-cell lung cancer space, there is an increasing recognition of the diversity of lived experience for such patients and need for survivorship programmes to acknowledge such nuances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Heynemann
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul Mitchell
- Department of Medical Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Comparing strategy of immune checkpoint inhibitors plus chemotherapy with chemotherapy alone for small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis based on six RCTs incorporating 2800 participants. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 148:2465-2474. [PMID: 34533625 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The project is designed to compare the clinical efficacy and adverse events resulting from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) plus chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). METHODS PubMed Database and ClinicalTrials.gov were both searched to identify randomized controlled clinical trials for assessing ICIs in all-stage SCLC. After screening in strict accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eligible studies were evaluated in regard to the population, intervention, comparator, outcome as well as study design (PICOS) pattern. Furthermore, primary endpoints of these randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and complete/objective response rate (CRR/ORR). Statistical analyses were realized via Review Manager Version 5.3 Software. RESULTS Compared with the chemotherapy alone group, the ICIs plus chemotherapy group significantly improved with respect to such indicators as OS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.82, 95% CI 0.74-0.90, P < 0.0001), PFS (HR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.74-0.87, P < 0.00001) and ORR (64.7% versus 59.1%). According to the safety analysis, the incidence of treatment-related adverse events (trAEs) at all grades was higher in ICIs plus chemotherapy group (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.20-2.10, P = 0.001), bearing no statistical significance at grade 3 or above (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.99-1.49, P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS The combination of ICIs and chemotherapy witnessed better anti-neoplastic efficacy for SCLC. Moreover, the incidence of trAEs at all grades was elevated in ICIs plus chemotherapy group, with little discrepancy in both groups at grade 3 or above.
Collapse
|
9
|
Reinmuth N, Hoffmann H. [Small Cell Lung Cancer]. Pneumologie 2021; 75:304-318. [PMID: 33873222 DOI: 10.1055/a-0982-0375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive cancer entity and characterized by rapid progression, early distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Only the minority of patients presents with a non-metastatic stage disease where chemo-radiotherapy or - in very selected cases - even surgical resection may be discussed. For most patients, the efficacy of systemic therapy is crucial. However, although most patients respond to platinum doublet chemotherapy, virtually all patients with metastatic disease eventually develop tumor progression for which there are limited treatment options. Recently and for the first time since decades, the systemic approaches have been enriched by the implementation of immunotherapy. Moreover, novel therapeutic approaches such as new cytotoxic agents or further immune modulatory strategies are being tested in clinical studies that might broaden our treatment options in the future even further.
Collapse
|
10
|
Therapeutic Advances in Small Cell Lung Cancer Management. Lung Cancer 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74028-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
11
|
Facchinetti F, Di Maio M, Tiseo M. Adding PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors to Chemotherapy for the First-Line Treatment of Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC): A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092645. [PMID: 32947924 PMCID: PMC7565587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Treatment strategies in advanced, metastatic small cell lung cancer have been recently implemented by the combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the magnitude of survival benefit observed in clinical trials does not reproduce the major improvements observed in non-small cell lung cancer and other malignant diseases. By performing a systematic review and gathering the available data in a meta-analysis, we aim to compare the outcomes of patients treated with standard chemotherapy alone or with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors immunotherapy across clinical trials, in order to sustain treatment decisions. The addition of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors to standard chemotherapy improves all activity and efficacy outcomes, with a manageable safety profile. The benefit in overall survival is more evident if considering long-term analysis, compared to median estimations. Abstract Survival outcomes in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES SCLC) are dismal, with median overall survival (OS) less than 12 months. The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with first-line platinum-etoposide chemotherapy has been recently evaluated in randomized clinical trials. We performed a systematic literature review through PubMed and conference proceedings. Randomized trials evaluating chemotherapy +/− PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs were included in the meta-analysis. Efficacy (OS), activity [progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR)] outcomes and toxicities were analyzed. For selected endpoints, we focused on patients’ subgroups (OS) and on landmark analyses (OS, PFS). Four randomized trials were identified; globally, 1553 patients were randomized to receive chemotherapy +/− PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs. Adding a PD-1/PD-L1 ICI to chemotherapy led to a significant benefit in OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.85, p < 0.00001), PFS [HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.68–0.84, p < 0.00001] and ORR [odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.04–1.57, p = 0.02]. No unexpected toxicity emerged. At 12, 18, 24 months for OS, and at 12, 18 months for PFS, experimental arms retained significant improvement in event-free rates, with absolute gain of approximately 10% compared with standard treatment. Albeit the magnitude of the benefit is less impacting compared to other settings of immunotherapy, the addition of PD-1/PD-L1 ICIs to chemotherapy in ES SCLC provided significant improvements in survival outcomes with the known toxicity profile. Biomarkers predicting which patients are suitable to derive long-term benefits are eagerly awaited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Facchinetti
- Predictive Biomarkers and Novel Therapeutc Strategies in Oncology, Inserm U981, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, at Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, 10128 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Marcello Tiseo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|