1
|
Wood GE, Meyer C, Petitprez F, D'Angelo SP. Immunotherapy in Sarcoma: Current Data and Promising Strategies. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e432234. [PMID: 38781557 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_432234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally sarcomas have been considered immunologically quiet tumours, with low tumour mutational burden (TMB) and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME), consisting of decreased T-cell infiltration and elevated levels of H1F1α, macrophages and neutrophils.1,2 However, research has shown that a subset of sarcomas are immunologically 'hot' with either high TMB, PDL-1 expression, CD8+ T cells or presence of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) demonstrating sensitivity to immunotherapy.3,4 Here, we review the current evidence for immunotherapy use in bone sarcomas (BS) and soft tissue sarcomas (STS), with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and adoptive cellular therapies including engineered T-cell therapies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and cancer vaccines and biomarkers of response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgina E Wood
- University College Hospital of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Naik A, Lattab B, Qasem H, Decock J. Cancer testis antigens: Emerging therapeutic targets leveraging genomic instability in cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200768. [PMID: 38596293 PMCID: PMC10876628 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Cancer care has witnessed remarkable progress in recent decades, with a wide array of targeted therapies and immune-based interventions being added to the traditional treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. However, despite these advancements, the challenge of achieving high tumor specificity while minimizing adverse side effects continues to dictate the benefit-risk balance of cancer therapy, guiding clinical decision making. As such, the targeting of cancer testis antigens (CTAs) offers exciting new opportunities for therapeutic intervention of cancer since they display highly tumor specific expression patterns, natural immunogenicity and play pivotal roles in various biological processes that are critical for tumor cellular fitness. In this review, we delve deeper into how CTAs contribute to the regulation and maintenance of genomic integrity in cancer, and how these mechanisms can be exploited to specifically target and eradicate tumor cells. We review the current clinical trials targeting aforementioned CTAs, highlight promising pre-clinical data and discuss current challenges and future perspectives for future development of CTA-based strategies that exploit tumor genomic instability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adviti Naik
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Boucif Lattab
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hanan Qasem
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Julie Decock
- Cancer Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dalal S, Shan KS, Thaw Dar NN, Hussein A, Ergle A. Role of Immunotherapy in Sarcomas. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1266. [PMID: 38279265 PMCID: PMC10816403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a group of malignancies of mesenchymal origin with a plethora of subtypes. Given the sheer heterogeneity of various subtypes and the rarity of the disease, the management of sarcomas has been challenging, with poor patient outcomes. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have remained the backbone of treatment in patients with sarcoma. The introduction of immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of various solid and hematological malignancies. In this review, we discuss the basics of immunotherapy and the immune microenvironment in sarcomas; various modalities of immunotherapy, like immune checkpoint blockade, oncolytic viruses, cancer-targeted antibodies, vaccine therapy; and adoptive cell therapies like CAR T-cell therapy, T-cell therapy, and TCR therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Dalal
- Memorial Healthcare, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA; (K.S.S.); (N.N.T.D.); (A.H.); (A.E.)
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jumaniyazova E, Lokhonina A, Dzhalilova D, Kosyreva A, Fatkhudinov T. Immune Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment of Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5760. [PMID: 38136307 PMCID: PMC10741982 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a rare heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms characterized by their aggressive course and poor response to treatment. This determines the relevance of research aimed at studying the pathogenesis of STSs. By now, it is known that STSs is characterized by complex relationships between the tumor cells and immune cells of the microenvironment. Dynamic interactions between tumor cells and components of the microenvironment enhance adaptation to changing environmental conditions, which provides the high aggressive potential of STSs and resistance to antitumor therapy. Today, active research is being conducted to find effective antitumor drugs and to evaluate the possibility of using therapy with immune cells of STS. The difficulty in assessing the efficacy of new antitumor options is primarily due to the high heterogeneity of this group of malignant neoplasms. Studying the role of immune cells in the microenvironment in the progression STSs and resistance to antitumor therapies will provide the discovery of new biomarkers of the disease and the prediction of response to immunotherapy. In addition, it will help to initially divide patients into subgroups of good and poor response to immunotherapy, thus avoiding wasting precious time in selecting the appropriate antitumor agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enar Jumaniyazova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
| | - Anastasiya Lokhonina
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 4 Oparina Street, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dzhuliia Dzhalilova
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kosyreva
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| | - Timur Fatkhudinov
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 6 Miklukho-Maklaya Street, 117198 Moscow, Russia (T.F.)
- Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, 3 Tsyurupy Street, 117418 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Blay JY, von Mehren M, Jones RL, Martin-Broto J, Stacchiotti S, Bauer S, Gelderblom H, Orbach D, Hindi N, Dei Tos A, Nathenson M. Synovial sarcoma: characteristics, challenges, and evolving therapeutic strategies. ESMO Open 2023; 8:101618. [PMID: 37625194 PMCID: PMC10470271 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.101618] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare and aggressive disease that accounts for 5%-10% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Although it can occur at any age, it typically affects younger adults and children, with a peak incidence in the fourth decade of life. In >95% of cases, the oncogenic driver is a translocation between chromosomes X and 18 that leads to the formation of the SS18::SSX fusion oncogenes. Early and accurate diagnosis is often a challenge; optimal outcomes are achieved by referral to a specialist center for diagnosis and management by a multidisciplinary team as soon as SS is suspected. Surgery with or without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy can be effective in localized disease, especially in children. However, the prognosis in the advanced stages is poor, with treatment strategies that have relied heavily on traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies. Therefore, there is an unmet need for novel effective management strategies for advanced disease. An improved understanding of disease pathology and its molecular basis has paved the way for novel targeted agents and immunotherapies that are being investigated in clinical trials. This review provides an overview of the epidemiology and characteristics of SS in children and adults, as well as the patient journey from diagnosis to treatment. Current and future management strategies, focusing particularly on the potential of immunotherapies to improve clinical outcomes, are also summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J-Y Blay
- Department of Medicine, Centre Léon Bérard & University Claude Bernard Lyon I & UNICANCER Lyon, France.
| | - M von Mehren
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, USA
| | - R L Jones
- Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - J Martin-Broto
- Medical Oncology Department, Fundación Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid; Department of Oncology, University Hospital General de Villalba, Madrid; Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Fundacion Jimenez Diaz (IIS/FJD; UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - S Stacchiotti
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - S Bauer
- Department of Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - H Gelderblom
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - D Orbach
- SIREDO Oncology Center (Care, Innovation and Research for Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer), Institut Curie, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - N Hindi
- Medical Oncology Department, Fundación Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, Madrid; Department of Oncology, University Hospital General de Villalba, Madrid; Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria Fundacion Jimenez Diaz (IIS/FJD; UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Dei Tos
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua School of Medicine and Department of Integrated Diagnostics, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - M Nathenson
- Oncology Clinical Development, Cell and Gene Therapy, GSK, Waltham, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mody H, Ogasawara K, Zhu X, Miles D, Shastri PN, Gokemeijer J, Liao MZ, Kasichayanula S, Yang TY, Chemuturi N, Gupta S, Jawa V, Upreti VV. Best Practices and Considerations for Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometric Aspects for Optimal Development of CAR-T and TCR-T Cell Therapies: An Industry Perspective. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2023; 114:530-557. [PMID: 37393588 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
With the promise of a potentially "single dose curative" paradigm, CAR-T cell therapies have brought a paradigm shift in the treatment and management of hematological malignancies. Both CAR-T and TCR-T cell therapies have also made great progress toward the successful treatment of solid tumor indications. The field is rapidly evolving with recent advancements including the clinical development of "off-the-shelf" allogeneic CAR-T therapies that can overcome the long and difficult "vein-to-vein" wait time seen with autologous CAR-T therapies. There are unique clinical pharmacology, pharmacometric, bioanalytical, and immunogenicity considerations and challenges in the development of these CAR-T and TCR-T cell therapies. Hence, to help accelerate the development of these life-saving therapies for the patients with cancer, experts in this field came together under the umbrella of International Consortium for Innovation and Quality in Pharmaceutical Development (IQ) to form a joint working group between the Clinical Pharmacology Leadership Group (CPLG) and the Translational and ADME Sciences Leadership Group (TALG). In this white paper, we present the IQ consortium perspective on the best practices and considerations for clinical pharmacology and pharmacometric aspects toward the optimal development of CAR-T and TCR-T cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hardik Mody
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ken Ogasawara
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacometrics, Disposition and Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrence Township, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xu Zhu
- Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dale Miles
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jochem Gokemeijer
- Discovery Biotherapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Z Liao
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Tong-Yuan Yang
- Bioanalytical Discovery and Development Sciences, Janssen R&D, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nagendra Chemuturi
- Clinical Pharmacology, DMPK, Pharmacometrics, Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Swati Gupta
- Development Biological Sciences, Immunology, AbbVie, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Vibha Jawa
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacometrics, Disposition and Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrence Township, New Jersey, USA
| | - Vijay V Upreti
- Clinical Pharmacology, Modeling & Simulation, Amgen, South San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Oberoi S, Crane JN, Haduong JH, Rudzinski ER, Wolden SL, Dasgupta R, Linardic CM, Weiss AR, Venkatramani R. Children's Oncology Group's 2023 blueprint for research: Soft tissue sarcomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023; 70 Suppl 6:e30556. [PMID: 37430436 PMCID: PMC10519430 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, approximately 850-900 children and adolescents each year are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas (STS). STS are divided into rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and non-rhabdomyosarcoma STS (NRSTS). RMS and NRSTS are risk stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories, with 5-year survival rates of approximately 90%, 50%-70%, and 20%, respectively. Recent key achievements from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) STS Committee include the identification of new molecular prognostic factors for RMS, development and validation of a novel risk stratification system for NRSTS, successful completion of a collaborative NRSTS clinical trial with adult oncology consortia, and collaborative development of the INternational Soft Tissue SaRcoma ConsorTium (INSTRuCT). Current COG trials for RMS are prospectively evaluating a new risk stratification system that incorporates molecular findings, de-intensification of therapy for a very low-risk subgroup, and augmented therapy approaches for intermediate- and high-risk RMS. Trials for NRSTS exploring novel targets and local control modalities are in development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Oberoi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jacquelyn N Crane
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Josephine H Haduong
- Division of Oncology, Hyundai Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital Orange County, Orange, California, USA
| | - Erin R. Rudzinski
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA
- Department of Laboratories, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Suzanne L Wolden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Roshni Dasgupta
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Corinne M Linardic
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aaron R Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Main, USA
| | - Rajkumar Venkatramani
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He K, Hong DS, Ke D, Kebriaei P, Wang T, Danesi H, Bertolet G, Leuschner C, Puebla-Osorio N, Voss TA, Lin Q, Norry E, Fracasso PM, Welsh JW. Durable control of metastases in an HLA-A2+ patient with refractory melanoma after low-dose radiotherapy in combination with MAGE-A4 T cell therapy: a case report. Melanoma Res 2023; 33:332-337. [PMID: 37325860 PMCID: PMC10309102 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is no currently approved adoptive cellular therapy for solid tumors. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) can enhance intratumoral T cell infiltration and efficacy. This case report describes a 71-year-old female patient with rectal mucosal melanoma that had developed metastases to liver, lung, mediastinum, axillary nodes, and brain. After systemic therapies had failed, she enrolled in the radiation sub-study of our phase-I clinical trial exploring the safety and efficacy of afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel), genetically engineered T cells with a T cell receptor (TCR) targeting the MAGE-A4 tumor antigen in patients with advanced malignancies (NCT03132922). Prior to the infusion of afami-cel, she received concurrent lymphodepleting chemotherapy and LDRT at 5.6 Gy/4 fractions to the liver. Time to partial response was 10 weeks, and duration of overall response was 18.4 weeks. Although the patient progressed at 28 weeks, the disease was well controlled after high-dose radiotherapy to liver metastases and checkpoint inhibitors. As of the last follow-up, she remains alive over two years after LDRT and afami-cel therapy. This report suggests that afami-cel in combination with LDRT safely enhanced clinical benefit. This provides evidence for further exploring the benefit of LDRT in TCR-T cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kewen He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology
| | | | - Danxia Ke
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics
| | - Partow Kebriaei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Quan Lin
- Adaptimmune, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Landuzzi L, Manara MC, Pazzaglia L, Lollini PL, Scotlandi K. Innovative Breakthroughs for the Treatment of Advanced and Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3887. [PMID: 37568703 PMCID: PMC10416854 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma (SyS) is a rare aggressive soft tissue sarcoma carrying the chromosomal translocation t(X;18), encoding the fusion transcript SS18::SSX. The fusion oncoprotein interacts with both BAF enhancer complexes and polycomb repressor complexes, resulting in genome-wide epigenetic perturbations and a unique altered genetic signature. Over 80% of the patients are initially diagnosed with localized disease and have a 5-year survival rate of 70-80%, but metastatic relapse occurs in 50% of the cases. Advanced, unresectable, or metastatic disease has a 5-year survival rate below 10%, representing a critical issue. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms behind SyS and illustrates current treatments in front line, second line, and beyond settings. We analyze the use of immune check point inhibitors (ICI) in SyS that do not behave as an ICI-sensitive tumor, claiming the need for predictive genetic signatures and tumor immune microenvironment biomarkers. We highlight the clinical translation of innovative technologies, such as proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) protein degraders or adoptive transfer of engineered immune cells. Adoptive cell transfer of engineered T-cell receptor cells targeting selected cancer/testis antigens has shown promising results against metastatic SyS in early clinical trials and further improvements are awaited from refinements involving immune cell engineering and tumor immune microenvironment enhancement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Landuzzi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Maria Cristina Manara
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Laura Pazzaglia
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.M.); (L.P.)
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastasis, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Experimental Oncology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (M.C.M.); (L.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Albarrán V, Villamayor ML, Pozas J, Chamorro J, Rosero DI, San Román M, Guerrero P, Pérez de Aguado P, Calvo JC, García de Quevedo C, González C, Vaz MÁ. Current Landscape of Immunotherapy for Advanced Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2287. [PMID: 37190214 PMCID: PMC10136499 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082287] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
There is substantial heterogeneity between different subtypes of sarcoma regarding their biological behavior and microenvironment, which impacts their responsiveness to immunotherapy. Alveolar soft-part sarcoma, synovial sarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma show higher immunogenicity and better responses to checkpoint inhibitors. Combination strategies adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy and/or tyrosine-kinase inhibitors globally seem superior to single-agent schemes. Therapeutic vaccines and different forms of adoptive cell therapy, mainly engineered TCRs, CAR-T cells and TIL therapy, are emerging as new forms of immunotherapy for advanced solid tumors. Tumor lymphocytic infiltration and other prognostic and predictive biomarkers are under research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Albarrán
- Medical Oncology Department, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Seong G, D’Angelo SP. New therapeutics for soft tissue sarcomas: Overview of current immunotherapy and future directions of soft tissue sarcomas. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1150765. [PMID: 37007160 PMCID: PMC10052453 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1150765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcoma is a rare and aggressive disease with a 40 to 50% metastasis rate. The limited efficacy of traditional approaches with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy has prompted research in novel immunotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-CTLA-4 and PD-1 therapies in STS have demonstrated histologic-specific responses. Some combinations of immunotherapy with chemotherapy, TKI, and radiation were effective. STS is considered a ‘cold’, non-inflamed tumor. Adoptive cell therapies are actively investigated in STS to enhance immune response. Genetically modified T-cell receptor therapy targeting cancer testis antigens such as NY-ESO-1 and MAGE-A4 demonstrated durable responses, especially in synovial sarcoma. Two early HER2-CAR T-cell trials have achieved stable disease in some patients. In the future, CAR-T cell therapies will find more specific targets in STS with a reliable response. Early recognition of T-cell induced cytokine release syndrome is crucial, which can be alleviated by immunosuppression such as steroids. Further understanding of the immune subtypes and biomarkers will promote the advancement of soft tissue sarcoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gyuhee Seong
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Sandra P. D’Angelo
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Sandra P. D’Angelo,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Fazel M, Dufresne A, Vanacker H, Waissi W, Blay JY, Brahmi M. Immunotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Anti-PD1/PDL1 and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061643. [PMID: 36980528 PMCID: PMC10046205 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas gather a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal malignant tumors including more than 150 different subtypes. Most of them represent aggressive tumors with poor prognosis at the advanced stage, despite the better molecular characterization of these tumors and the development of molecular-driven therapeutic strategies. During the last decade, immunotherapy has been developed to treat advanced cancers, mainly thanks to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) such as anti-PD1/PDL1 and later to adoptive immune cell therapies. In this review, we aim to summarize the state of the art of immunotherapy in soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Overall, the clinical trials of ICI that included a wide diversity of STS subtypes reported limited efficacy with some outlying responders. Both emerging biomarkers are of interest in selecting good candidates and in the development of combination therapies. Finally, the recent breakthroughs of innovative adoptive therapies in STS seem highly promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Fazel
- Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Rue Laënnec, 69008 Lyon, France
- Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | | | - Hélène Vanacker
- Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Rue Laënnec, 69008 Lyon, France
- Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Waisse Waissi
- Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Rue Laënnec, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Blay
- Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Rue Laënnec, 69008 Lyon, France
- Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Mehdi Brahmi
- Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Rue Laënnec, 69008 Lyon, France
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Oberoi S, Choy E, Chen YL, Scharschmidt T, Weiss AR. Trimodality Treatment of Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Where Do We Go Now? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:300-326. [PMID: 36877374 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01059-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Extremity soft tissue sarcoma (ESTS) constitutes the majority of patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Patients with localized high-grade ESTS > 5 cm in size carry a substantial risk of developing distant metastasis on follow-up. A neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy approach can enhance local control by facilitating resection of the large and deep locally advanced tumors while trying to address distant spread by treating the micrometastasis for these high-risk ESTS. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy are often used for children with intermediate- or high-risk non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue tumors in North America and Europe. In adults, the cumulative evidence supporting preoperative chemoradiotherapy or adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. However, some studies support a possible benefit of 10% in overall survival (OS) for high-risk localized ESTS, especially for those with a probability of 10-year OS < 60% using validated nomograms. Opponents of neoadjuvant chemotherapy argue that it delays curative surgery, compromises local control, and increases the rate of wound complications and treatment-related mortality; however, the published trials do not support these arguments. Most treatment-related side effects can be managed with adequate supportive care. A coordinated multidisciplinary approach involving sarcoma expertise in surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy is required to achieve better outcomes for ESTS. The next generation of clinical trials will shed light on how comprehensive molecular characterization, targeted agents and/or immunotherapy can be integrated into the upfront trimodality treatment to improve outcomes. To that end, every effort should be made to enroll these patients on clinical trials, when available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Oberoi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Edwin Choy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yen-Lin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Division of Musculoskeletal Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Thomas Scharschmidt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron R Weiss
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Maine Medical Center, 100 Campus Drive, Suite 107 Scarborough, Portland, ME, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Baulu E, Gardet C, Chuvin N, Depil S. TCR-engineered T cell therapy in solid tumors: State of the art and perspectives. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf3700. [PMID: 36791198 PMCID: PMC9931212 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
T cell engineering has changed the landscape of cancer immunotherapy. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells have demonstrated a remarkable efficacy in the treatment of B cell malignancies in hematology. However, their clinical impact on solid tumors has been modest so far. T cells expressing an engineered T cell receptor (TCR-T cells) represent a promising therapeutic alternative. The target repertoire is not limited to membrane proteins, and intrinsic features of TCRs such as high antigen sensitivity and near-to-physiological signaling may improve tumor cell detection and killing while improving T cell persistence. In this review, we present the clinical results obtained with TCR-T cells targeting different tumor antigen families. We detail the different methods that have been developed to identify and optimize a TCR candidate. We also discuss the challenges of TCR-T cell therapies, including toxicity assessment and resistance mechanisms. Last, we share some perspectives and highlight future directions in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estelle Baulu
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- ErVaccine Technologies, Lyon, France
| | - Célia Gardet
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Stéphane Depil
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
- ErVaccine Technologies, Lyon, France
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fierro Pineda JC, Wedekind MF, Glod JW. Immunotherapy approaches for rare pediatric solid tumors: advances and future directions. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:63-74. [PMID: 36420774 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Immunotherapy for pediatric tumors is rapidly evolving. From major successes in pediatric hematologic malignancies, immunotherapy utility increased in the pediatric solid tumor landscape. Numerous pediatric solid tumors are defined as rare with limitations in diagnosis and treatment. This review will describe four major immunotherapies used in pediatrics and discuss results seen in rare pediatric tumors. We will also briefly review the challenges of immunotherapy in solid tumors and opportunities to drive this therapy forward. RECENT FINDINGS Despite rare success employing immunotherapy for pediatric solid tumors, recently there have been several successes in pediatric rare solid tumors. After describing the evolving landscape of rare pediatric tumors, we will demonstrate the successes or disappointments of immunotherapy. We will describe the mechanism of four immunotherapies used in the pediatrics, followed by the published results. Finally, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities for immunotherapies in pediatric rare tumors. SUMMARY Pediatric rare tumors are lacking in treatment options. Despite numerous disappointments utilizing immunotherapies in the more common pediatric solid tumors, there have been several successes within the pediatric rare tumor landscape. Much work is still needed to enhance our understanding and knowledge on utilizing these immunotherapies for pediatric rare solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Fierro Pineda
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary Frances Wedekind
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | - John W Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hiltensperger M, Krackhardt AM. Current and future concepts for the generation and application of genetically engineered CAR-T and TCR-T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1121030. [PMID: 36949949 PMCID: PMC10025359 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1121030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has seen a steep rise of new therapeutic approaches in its immune-oncology pipeline over the last years. This is in great part due to the recent approvals of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies and their remarkable efficacy in certain soluble tumors. A big focus of ACT lies on T cells and how to genetically modify them to target and kill tumor cells. Genetically modified T cells that are currently utilized are either equipped with an engineered CAR or a T cell receptor (TCR) for this purpose. Both strategies have their advantages and limitations. While CAR-T cell therapies are already used in the clinic, these therapies face challenges when it comes to the treatment of solid tumors. New designs of next-generation CAR-T cells might be able to overcome these hurdles. Moreover, CARs are restricted to surface antigens. Genetically engineered TCR-T cells targeting intracellular antigens might provide necessary qualities for the treatment of solid tumors. In this review, we will summarize the major advancements of the CAR-T and TCR-T cell technology. Moreover, we will cover ongoing clinical trials, discuss current challenges, and provide an assessment of future directions within the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hiltensperger
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
| | - Angela M. Krackhardt
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- IIIrd Medical Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Erlangen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael Hiltensperger, ; Angela M. Krackhardt,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hong DS, Van Tine BA, Biswas S, McAlpine C, Johnson ML, Olszanski AJ, Clarke JM, Araujo D, Blumenschein GR, Kebriaei P, Lin Q, Tipping AJ, Sanderson JP, Wang R, Trivedi T, Annareddy T, Bai J, Rafail S, Sun A, Fernandes L, Navenot JM, Bushman FD, Everett JK, Karadeniz D, Broad R, Isabelle M, Naidoo R, Bath N, Betts G, Wolchinsky Z, Batrakou DG, Van Winkle E, Elefant E, Ghobadi A, Cashen A, Grand'Maison A, McCarthy P, Fracasso PM, Norry E, Williams D, Druta M, Liebner DA, Odunsi K, Butler MO. Autologous T cell therapy for MAGE-A4 + solid cancers in HLA-A*02 + patients: a phase 1 trial. Nat Med 2023; 29:104-114. [PMID: 36624315 PMCID: PMC9873554 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-02128-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Affinity-optimized T cell receptors can enhance the potency of adoptive T cell therapy. Afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel) is a human leukocyte antigen-restricted autologous T cell therapy targeting melanoma-associated antigen A4 (MAGE-A4), a cancer/testis antigen expressed at varying levels in multiple solid tumors. We conducted a multicenter, dose-escalation, phase 1 trial in patients with relapsed/refractory metastatic solid tumors expressing MAGE-A4, including synovial sarcoma (SS), ovarian cancer and head and neck cancer ( NCT03132922 ). The primary endpoint was safety, and the secondary efficacy endpoints included overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response. All patients (N = 38, nine tumor types) experienced Grade ≥3 hematologic toxicities; 55% of patients (90% Grade ≤2) experienced cytokine release syndrome. ORR (all partial response) was 24% (9/38), 7/16 (44%) for SS and 2/22 (9%) for all other cancers. Median duration of response was 25.6 weeks (95% confidence interval (CI): 12.286, not reached) and 28.1 weeks (95% CI: 12.286, not reached) overall and for SS, respectively. Exploratory analyses showed that afami-cel infiltrates tumors, has an interferon-γ-driven mechanism of action and triggers adaptive immune responses. In addition, afami-cel has an acceptable benefit-risk profile, with early and durable responses, especially in patients with metastatic SS. Although the small trial size limits conclusions that can be drawn, the results warrant further testing in larger studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Brian A Van Tine
- Section of Medical Oncology, Division of Oncology, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | | | - Melissa L Johnson
- Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, Tennessee Oncology/One Oncology, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Anthony J Olszanski
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Dejka Araujo
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George R Blumenschein
- Department of Thoracic-Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Partow Kebriaei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Quan Lin
- Adaptimmue, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jane Bai
- Adaptimmue, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Amy Sun
- Adaptimmue, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Frederic D Bushman
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John K Everett
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Derin Karadeniz
- Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Armin Ghobadi
- Section of Medical Oncology, Division of Oncology, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Amanda Cashen
- Section of Medical Oncology, Division of Oncology, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Anne Grand'Maison
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Philip McCarthy
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mihaela Druta
- Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - David A Liebner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Division of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marcus O Butler
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cojocaru E, Napolitano A, Fisher C, Huang P, Jones RL, Thway K. What's the latest with investigational drugs for soft tissue sarcoma? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1239-1253. [PMID: 36424693 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2152324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite extensive research undertaken in the past 20-30 years, the treatment for soft tissue sarcoma (STS) has remained largely the same, with anthracycline-based chemotherapy remaining the first choice for treating advanced or metastatic STS. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on newly approved drugs for STS and current research directions, including recent results of late-phase trials in patients with STS. We cover several different histological subtypes, and we discuss the role of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapies for the treatment of synovial and myxoid/round cell (high-grade myxoid) liposarcoma, one of the most promising areas of treatment development to date. We searched clinicaltrials.gov and pubmed.ncbi.nih.gov, as well as recent year proceedings from the annual conferences of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS). EXPERT OPINION Immune-oncology drugs (IOs) show promise in certain subtypes of STS, but it is recognized that PD-1/PD-L1 axis inhibition is not enough on its own. Better trial stratifications based on the molecular categorization of different subtypes of STS are needed, and more evidence suggests that 'one size fits all' treatment is no longer sustainable in this heterogeneous and aggressive group of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cojocaru
- Cancer Genetic Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, 203 Fulham Road, SW3 6JJ, London, UK.,Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, 203 Fulham Road, SW3 6JJ, London, UK
| | - Andrea Napolitano
- Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, 203 Fulham Road, SW3 6JJ, London, UK
| | - Cyril Fisher
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paul Huang
- Protein Networks Team, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, SW7 3RP, London, UK
| | - Robin L Jones
- Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, 203 Fulham Road, SW3 6JJ, London, UK.,Protein Networks Team, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, SW7 3RP, London, UK
| | - Khin Thway
- Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, 203 Fulham Road, SW3 6JJ, London, UK.,Protein Networks Team, Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, SW7 3RP, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Crombé A, Roulleau‐Dugage M, Italiano A. The diagnosis, classification, and treatment of sarcoma in this era of artificial intelligence and immunotherapy. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:1288-1313. [PMID: 36260064 PMCID: PMC9759765 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a group of rare and heterogeneous tumors associated with several challenges, including incorrect or late diagnosis, the lack of clinical expertise, and limited therapeutic options. Digital pathology and radiomics represent transformative technologies that appear promising for improving the accuracy of cancer diagnosis, characterization and monitoring. Herein, we review the potential role of the application of digital pathology and radiomics in managing patients with STS. We have particularly described the main results and the limits of the studies using radiomics to refine diagnosis or predict the outcome of patients with soft-tissue sarcomas. We also discussed the current limitation of implementing radiomics in routine settings. Standard management approaches for STS have not improved since the early 1970s. Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment; nonetheless, immuno-oncology agents have not yet been approved for patients with STS. However, several lines of evidence indicate that immunotherapy may represent an efficient therapeutic strategy for this group of diseases. Thus, we emphasized the remarkable potential of immunotherapy in sarcoma treatment by focusing on recent data regarding the immune landscape of these tumors. We have particularly emphasized the fact that the development of immunotherapy for sarcomas is not an aspect of histology (except for alveolar soft-part sarcoma) but rather that of the tumor microenvironment. Future studies investigating immunotherapy strategies in sarcomas should incorporate at least the presence of tertiary lymphoid structures as a stratification factor in their design, besides including a strong translational program that will allow for a better understanding of the determinants involved in sensitivity and treatment resistance to immune-oncology agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Crombé
- Department of ImagingInstitut BergoniéBordeauxNouvelle‐AquitaineF‐33076France,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of BordeauxBordeauxNouvelle‐AquitaineF‐33000France
| | | | - Antoine Italiano
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of BordeauxBordeauxNouvelle‐AquitaineF‐33000France,Early Phase Trials and Sarcoma UnitInstitut BergoniéBordeauxNouvelle‐AquitaineF‐33076France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Murayama Y, Kasahara Y, Kubo N, Shin C, Imamura M, Oike N, Ariizumi T, Saitoh A, Baba M, Miyazaki T, Suzuki Y, Ling Y, Okuda S, Mihara K, Ogose A, Kawashima H, Imai C. NKp44-based chimeric antigen receptor effectively redirects primary T cells against synovial sarcoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 25:101521. [PMID: 35998437 PMCID: PMC9420389 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell therapies have achieved promising response rates against synovial sarcoma in clinical trials, but their applicability is limited owing to the HLA matching requirement. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) can redirect primary T cells to tumor-associated antigens without requiring HLA matching. However, various obstacles, including the paucity of targetable antigens, must be addressed for synovial sarcoma. Ligands for natural killer (NK) cell-activating receptors are highly expressed by tumor cells. METHODS The surface expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors in synovial sarcoma cell lines was analyzed. We analyzed RNA sequencing data deposited in a public database to evaluate NKp44-ligand expression. Primary T cells retrovirally transduced with CAR targeting NKp44 ligands were evaluated for their functions in synovial sarcoma cells. Alterations induced by various stimuli, including a histone deacetylase inhibitor, a hypomethylating agent, inflammatory cytokines, and ionizing radiation, in the expression levels of NKp44 ligands were investigated. RESULTS Ligands for NKp44 and NKp30 were expressed in all cell lines. NKG2D ligands were barely expressed in a single cell line. None of the cell lines expressed NKp46 ligand. Primary synovial sarcoma cells expressed the mRNA of the truncated isoform of MLL5, a known cellular ligand for NKp44. NKp44-based CAR T cells specifically recognize synovial sarcoma cells, secrete interferon-γ, and exert suppressive effects on tumor cell growth. No stimulus altered the expression of NKp44 ligands. CONCLUSION NKp44-based CAR T cells can redirect primary human T cells to synovial sarcoma cells. CAR-based cell therapies may be an option for treating synovial sarcomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yudai Murayama
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kasahara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Kubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Chansu Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Masaru Imamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Naoki Oike
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takashi Ariizumi
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akihiko Saitoh
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Minori Baba
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Miyazaki
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuko Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan; CURED, Inc., Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yiwei Ling
- Medical AI Center, School of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shujiro Okuda
- Medical AI Center, School of Medicine, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Keichiro Mihara
- International Regenerative Medical Center, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Ogose
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Uonuma Kikan Hospital, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kawashima
- Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Chihaya Imai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Niigata 951-8510, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Moreno Tellez C, Leyfman Y, D'Angelo SP, Wilky BA, Dufresne A. Immunotherapy in Sarcoma: Where Do Things Stand? Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2022; 31:381-397. [PMID: 35715140 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Early experiences with modern immunotherapy have been disappointing in trials of unselected sarcoma subtypes. However, remarkable efficacy has been observed with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in a subset of patients, with the most promising outcomes to date in alveolar soft part sarcoma, cutaneous angiosarcoma, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), and dedifferentiated liposarcoma (dLPS). Adoptive cellular therapies targeting cancer testis antigens have shown promising activity, but only synovial sarcoma (SS) and myxoid/round cell liposarcomas reliably express these targets. The majority of sarcomas are immunologically "cold" with sparse immune infiltration, which may explain the poor response to immunotherapy. Current immunotherapy trials for sarcomas explore combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors to overcome immune evasion and novel targets in adoptive cellular therapies. The role of tertiary lymphoid structures, PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and tumor lymphocytes as biomarkers for response are areas of active investigation. In this review, we highlight prior and ongoing clinical efforts to improve outcomes with immunotherapy and discuss the current state of understanding for biomarkers to select patients most likely to benefit from this approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiam Moreno Tellez
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Mailstop 8117, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Yan Leyfman
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1468 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sandra P D'Angelo
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, 300 East 66th Street, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Breelyn A Wilky
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Mailstop 8117, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Armelle Dufresne
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Leon Berard, 28 rue Laennec, Lyon 69008, France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baldi GG, Gronchi A, Tazzari M, Stacchiotti S. Immunotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma: current evidence and future perspectives in a variegated family of different tumour. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2022; 22:491-503. [PMID: 35412415 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2022.2065986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the last few years steps forward in the knowledge of the biology of soft tissue sarcomas (STS) has led to the development of new therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy. AREAS COVERED This review outlines the recent findings on immunological features and provides a synopsis of the results of clinical trials with different immunotherapy approaches in STS, discussing criticisms and how the efficacy of immunotherapy could be improved. EXPERT OPINION The heterogeneity of STS has limited generalized approaches of immunotherapy in the disease. Clinical decisions should encompass a comprehensive characterization of the tumour microenvironment (TME), marked by intra-histotype diversity. Profiling of immune cells, checkpoint molecules and antigen target/HLA expression is deemed to re-shape the classical histotype classification for a selection of the most appropriate immune-based treatment. In a synergistic view, tumour-directed treatments, designed on the genetic and epigenetic histotype make-up, should be monitored for their immunomodulant effect and applied to ensure or amplify immunotherapy response. In light of the dynamic nature of the TME, this immunomonitoring should be conducted at baseline and during treatment, for improved therapeutic decisions and rational sequence of treatment combination, pursuing an immunological marker approach by histotype guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo G Baldi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital of Prato, Prato, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gronchi
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcella Tazzari
- Immunotherapy, Cell Therapy and Biobank Unit, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Silvia Stacchiotti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dajsakdipon T, Siripoon T, Ngamphaiboon N, Ativitavas T, Dejthevaporn T. Immunotherapy and Biomarkers in Sarcoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:415-438. [PMID: 35262852 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00944-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Sarcoma describes a rare and heterogeneous group of diseases. Current treatment options for metastatic sarcoma are quite limited. Conventional treatments with chemotherapy or anti-angiogenic agents result in a non-durable response and a survival rate of approximately 12 to 18 months. In addition, the benefits of such treatments remain limited in some sarcoma subtypes only. Immunotherapy is an emerging treatment for several cancer types with promising outcomes. Studies at the cellular level have shown a relatively high immunogenicity in some subtypes of sarcoma. It is therefore hypothesized that sarcoma may respond to immunotherapy. However, sarcoma is a heterogeneous disease and differences in terms of immunogenicity exist. A multitude of immune-based treatment approaches for sarcoma have been explored. This includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy. Single-agent immunotherapy has exhibited efficacy against some sarcoma subtypes, including alveolar soft-part sarcoma, angiosarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Combination immunotherapy appears superior to single-agent immunotherapy in terms of response, and several ongoing studies of immunotherapy using single/combination immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination with anti-angiogenesis have begun to report beneficial results. Predictive and prognostic biomarkers are also under active investigations, with particular interest in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or high tumor mutational burden levels. However, the information is still limited and further studies are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanate Dajsakdipon
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Room 620 Queen Sirikit Medical Center, 270 Rama VI Road, Rajthevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Teerada Siripoon
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Room 620 Queen Sirikit Medical Center, 270 Rama VI Road, Rajthevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Nuttapong Ngamphaiboon
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Room 620 Queen Sirikit Medical Center, 270 Rama VI Road, Rajthevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Touch Ativitavas
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Room 620 Queen Sirikit Medical Center, 270 Rama VI Road, Rajthevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Thitiya Dejthevaporn
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Room 620 Queen Sirikit Medical Center, 270 Rama VI Road, Rajthevi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fukaya-Shiba A, Otsuka K, Sasaki H, Shikano M, Wakao R. Identification of Novel Modalities Through Bibliometric Analysis for Timely Development of Regulatory Guidance: A Case Study of T Cell Immunity. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:756870. [PMID: 34708061 PMCID: PMC8544749 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.756870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mission of medicines regulatory agencies is to ensure the timely access of innovative products for patients to improve public health. Thus, regulators should foresee evolving technologies and build expertise prior to reviewing innovative products. Novel modalities and new classes of therapeutics in biological or cell-based products represent a regulatory challenge because of knowledge gaps, as exemplified by the unexpected cytokine release syndrome in the first-in-human clinical trial of the CD28 super-agonist. Meanwhile, recent treatments harnessing T cell co-signaling pathways provide an opportunity for investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically identify and evaluate novel modalities for T cell immunity to assess the need for regulatory guidance. Methods: A PubMed search was carried out using the query, "immun* AND t lymph*" to select publications. Subsequently, a citation network was created, followed by clustering and text mining to identify the modalities and classes of therapeutics under development. Results and Discussion: Analysis of the top 20 clusters revealed research domains characterized by keywords such as immune checkpoint antibody, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, microbiota, exosome, regulatory T cells, unconventional T cells, and vaccines. After reviewing the pharmacological concepts, clinical trial information, and available guidance, we presented a perspective on the future development of guidance for these domains. Conclusion: Bibliometric analyses identified a set of innovative modalities targeted for drug development with which regulatory guidance is going to catch up. This strategy could help in the successful development of upcoming modalities to ensure readiness for clinical application as part of horizon scanning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai Fukaya-Shiba
- Center for Regulatory Science, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouhei Otsuka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Sasaki
- Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mayumi Shikano
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rika Wakao
- Center for Regulatory Science, Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|