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Shebbo S, Binothman N, Darwaish M, Niaz HA, Abdulal RH, Borjac J, Hashem AM, Mahmoud AB. Redefining the battle against colorectal cancer: a comprehensive review of emerging immunotherapies and their clinical efficacy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1350208. [PMID: 38533510 PMCID: PMC10963412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1350208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer globally and presents a significant challenge owing to its high mortality rate and the limitations of traditional treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. While these treatments are foundational, they are often poorly effective owing to tumor resistance. Immunotherapy is a groundbreaking alternative that has recently emerged and offers new hope for success by exploiting the body's own immune system. This article aims to provide an extensive review of clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of various immunotherapies, including CRC vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. We also discuss combining CRC vaccines with monoclonal antibodies, delve into preclinical studies of novel cancer vaccines, and assess the impact of these treatment methods on patient outcomes. This review seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the current state of CRC treatment by evaluating innovative treatments and their potential to redefine the prognosis of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Shebbo
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh, Lebanon
| | - Najat Binothman
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences and Arts, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Darwaish
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Immunology Research Program, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan A. Niaz
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rwaa H. Abdulal
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamilah Borjac
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Debbieh, Lebanon
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- Strategic Research and Innovation Laboratories, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawarah, Saudi Arabia
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2
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Wusiman D, Guo L, Li L, Zhang X, Zhao X, An Z, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Li Z, Ying J, Wei M, Li W, An C. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of PD-L1 and TIM-3 expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective immunohistochemistry study. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:91-100. [PMID: 37464189 PMCID: PMC10776706 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Expression of the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has been controversial and rarely reported. METHODS Surgical specimens of 190 MTC patients who had initial curative-intent surgery were collected. Immunohistochemistry of PD-L1 and TIM-3 was performed using 22C3 pharmDx (Dako, Carpinteria, CA) and anti-TIM-3 (1:500, ab241332, Abcam). Stained slides were scored using a combined positive score (CPS) with a cutoff of ≥ 1. We established correlations between PD-L1 expression, TIM-3 expression, clinicopathological, and survival data. RESULTS 13 cases (13/190, 6.84%) were positive for PD-L1 expression, and 42 cases (42/154, 27.27%) for TIM-3 expression. PD-L1 expression was correlated to TIM-3 expression (P = 0.002), but was not related to overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS). TIM-3 expression was correlated to perineural invasion (P = 0.040). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that lymphovascular invasion (LVI) was independently associated with OS. And tumor size, LVI, and lymph node metastases were significantly associated with PFS. Furthermore, the multivariate logistic analysis showed multifocal status, LVI, pathological T stage and lymph node metastasis were independent risk factors for biochemical recurrence/persistent disease. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that PD-L1 and TIM-3 expression were not frequent in MTC and were not associated with survival prognosis. Our results should be considered when clinical trials of PD-L1 or TIM-3 blockades are implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Wusiman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - L Guo
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - L Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - X Zhang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - X Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Z An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Z Huang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - Z Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - J Ying
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China
| | - M Wei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 518116, Shenzhen, China.
| | - W Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
| | - C An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100021, Beijing, China.
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3
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Komatsuda H, Kono M, Wakisaka R, Sato R, Inoue T, Kumai T, Takahara M. Harnessing Immunity to Treat Advanced Thyroid Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 12:45. [PMID: 38250858 PMCID: PMC10820966 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid cancer (TC) has increased over the past 30 years. Although differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has a good prognosis in most patients undergoing total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine therapy (RAI), 5-10% of patients develop metastasis. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a low survival rate and few effective treatments have been available to date. Recently, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been successfully applied to RAI-resistant or non-responsive TC to suppress the disease. However, TC eventually develops resistance to TKIs. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for TC, the majority of which is considered an immune-hot malignancy. Immune suppression by TC cells and immune-suppressing cells, including tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells, is complex and dynamic. Negative immune checkpoints, cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) suppress antitumor T cells. Basic and translational advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), molecule-targeted therapy, tumor-specific immunotherapy, and their combinations have enabled us to overcome immune suppression and activate antitumor immune cells. This review summarizes current findings regarding the immune microenvironment, immunosuppression, immunological targets, and immunotherapy for TC and highlights the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Komatsuda
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Michihisa Kono
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Risa Wakisaka
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Ryosuke Sato
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Takahiro Inoue
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
| | - Takumi Kumai
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
| | - Miki Takahara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan; (H.K.); (M.K.); (R.W.); (R.S.); (T.I.); (M.T.)
- Department of Innovative Head & Neck Cancer Research and Treatment, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
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Martins RS, Jesus TT, Cardoso L, Soares P, Vinagre J. Personalized Medicine in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Broad Review of Emerging Treatments. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1132. [PMID: 37511745 PMCID: PMC10381735 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) arises from parafollicular cells in the thyroid gland, and although rare, it represents an aggressive type of thyroid cancer. MTC is recognized for its low mutational burden, with point mutations in RET or RAS genes being the most common oncogenic events. MTC can be resistant to cytotoxic chemotherapy, and multitarget kinase inhibitors (MKIs) have been considered a treatment option. They act by inhibiting the activities of specific tyrosine kinase receptors involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors are approved in the treatment of advanced MTC, including vandetanib and cabozantinib. However, due to the significant number of adverse events, debatable efficiency and resistance, there is a need for novel RET-specific TKIs. Newer RET-specific TKIs are expected to overcome previous limitations and improve patient outcomes. Herein, we aim to review MTC signaling pathways, the most recent options for treatment and the applications for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sousa Martins
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto (FCUP), 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tito Teles Jesus
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Cardoso
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departamento de Endocrinologia, Diabetes e Metabolismo do Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Vinagre
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Raza A, Mohsen R, Kanbour A, Zar Gul AR, Philip A, Vijayakumar S, Hydrose S, Prabhu KS, Al-Suwaidi AK, Inchakalody VP, Merhi M, Abo El-Ella DM, Tauro MA, Akbar S, Al-Bozom I, Abualainin W, Al-Abdulla R, Sirriya SA, Hassnad S, Uddin S, Mohamed Ibrahim MI, Al Homsi U, Demime S. Serum immune mediators as novel predictors of response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients with high tissue-PD-L1 expression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1157100. [PMID: 37256148 PMCID: PMC10225547 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1157100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) including anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies, have significantly changed the treatment outcomes with better overall survival, but only 15-40% of the patients respond to ICIs therapy. The search for predictive biomarkers of responses is warranted for better clinical outcomes. We aim here to identify pre-treatment soluble immune molecules as surrogate biomarkers for tissue PD-L1 (TPD-L1) status and as predictors of response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in NSCLC patients. Sera from 31 metastatic NSCLC patients, eligible for anti-PD-1/PD-L1 or combined chemoimmunotherapy, were collected prior to treatment. Analysis of soluble biomarkers with TPD-L1 status showed significant up/down regulation of the immune inhibitory checkpoint markers (sSiglec7, sSiglec9, sULBP4 and sPD-L2) in patients with higher TPD-L1 (TPD-L1 >50%) expression. Moreover, correlation analysis showed significant positive linear correlation of soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) with higher TPD-L1 expression. Interestingly, only responders in the TPD-L1 >50% group showed significant down regulation of the immune inhibitory markers (sPD-L2, sTIMD4, sNectin2 and CEA). When responders vs. non-responders were compared, significant down regulation of other immune inhibitory biomarkers (sCD80, sTIMD4 and CEA) was recorded only in responding patients. In this, the optimal cut-off values of CD80 <91.7 pg/ml and CEA <1614 pg/ml were found to be significantly associated with better progression free survival (PFS). Indeed, multivariate analysis identified the cutoff-value of CEA <1614 pg/ml as an independent predictor of response in our patients. We identified here novel immune inhibitory/stimulatory soluble mediators as potential surrogate/predictive biomarkers for TPD-L1 status, treatment response and PFS in NSCLC patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsheen Raza
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Reyad Mohsen
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aladdin Kanbour
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul Rehman Zar Gul
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anite Philip
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suma Vijayakumar
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shereena Hydrose
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kirti S. Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute (TRI), Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aisha Khamis Al-Suwaidi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Philipose Inchakalody
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina M. Abo El-Ella
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Shayista Akbar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Issam Al-Bozom
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Wafa Abualainin
- Diagnostic Genomic Division , Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rajaa Al-Abdulla
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaza Abu Sirriya
- Diagnostic Genomic Division , Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Suparna Hassnad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad, Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Izham Mohamed Ibrahim
- Clinical Pharmacy and Practice Department, College of Pharmacy, Qatar University (QU) Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ussama Al Homsi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Demime
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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Gubbi S, Vijayvergia N, Yu JQ, Klubo-Gwiezdzinska J, Koch CA. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy in Neuroendocrine Tumors. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:795-812. [PMID: 35878617 PMCID: PMC9731788 DOI: 10.1055/a-1908-7790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) occur in various regions of the body and present with complex clinical and biochemical phenotypes. The molecular underpinnings that give rise to such varied manifestations have not been completely deciphered. The management of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) involves surgery, locoregional therapy, and/or systemic therapy. Several forms of systemic therapy, including platinum-based chemotherapy, temozolomide/capecitabine, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy have been extensively studied and implemented in the treatment of NETs. However, the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy as an option in the management of NETs has only recently garnered attention. Till date, it is not clear whether ICI therapy holds any distinctive advantage in terms of efficacy or safety when compared to other available systemic therapies for NETs. Identifying the characteristics of NETs that would make them (better) respond to ICIs has been challenging. This review provides a summary of the current evidence on the value of ICI therapy in the management of ICIs and discusses the potential areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Gubbi
- Endocrinology, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda,
United States
| | | | - Jian Q Yu
- Nuclear Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United
States
| | - Joanna Klubo-Gwiezdzinska
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Christian A. Koch
- Medicine/Endocrinology, The University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, United States
- Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United
States
- Correspondence Prof. Christian A. Koch, FACP,
MACE Fox Chase Cancer
CenterMedicine, 333 Cottman
AvePhiladelphia19111-2497United
States215 728 2713
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Shin E, Koo JS. Cell Component and Function of Tumor Microenvironment in Thyroid Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012578. [PMID: 36293435 PMCID: PMC9604510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in the endocrine system. Most thyroid cancers have good prognosis, but some of them are resistant to treatment or show aggressive behavior. Like other tumors, thyroid cancers harbor tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) and immune cells. Autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis can occur in the thyroid, and it may be associated with cancer development. TME is involved in tumor progression through various mechanisms: (1) CAF is involved in tumor progression through cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling; and (2) immune cells are involved in tumor progression through cell proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT), and immune suppression. These events are activated by various cytokines, chemokines, and metabolites secreted from cells that comprise TME. This review is focused on how CAF and immune cells, two important cell components of thyroid cancer TME, are involved in tumor progression, and will explore their potential as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ja Seung Koo
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2228-1772; Fax: +82-2-362-0860
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy comprising 1-2% of all thyroid cancers in the United States. Approximately 20% of cases are familial, secondary to a germline RET mutation, while the remaining 80% are sporadic and also harbour a somatic RET mutation in more than half of all cases. Up to 15-20% of patients will present with distant metastatic disease, and retrospective series report a 10-year survival of 10-40% from time of first metastasis. Historically, systemic therapies for metastatic MTC have been limited, and cytotoxic chemotherapy has demonstrated poor objective response rates. However, in the last decade, targeted therapies, particularly multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have demonstrated prolonged progression-free survival in advanced and progressive MTC. Both cabozantinib and vandetanib have been approved as first-line treatment options in many countries; nevertheless, their use is limited by high toxicity rates and dose reductions are often necessary. New generation TKIs, such as selpercatinib or pralsetinib, that exhibit selective activity against RET, have recently been approved as a second-line treatment option, and they exhibit a more favourable side-effect profile. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors may also constitute potential therapeutic options in specific clinical settings. In this review, we aim to present all current therapeutic options available for patients with progressive MTC, as well as new or as yet experimental treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Angelousi
- Unit of Endocrinology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Correspondence should be addressed to A Angelousi or A B Grossman: or
| | - Aimee R Hayes
- Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Eleftherios Chatzellis
- Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism Department, 251 Hellenic Air Force and VA General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregory A Kaltsas
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ashley B Grossman
- Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, ENETS Centre of Excellence, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to A Angelousi or A B Grossman: or
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine malignant tumor originating from parafollicular C-cells producing calcitonin. Most of cases (75%) are sporadic while the remaining (25%) are hereditary. In these latter cases medullary thyroid carcinoma can be associated (multiple endocrine neoplasia type IIA and IIB) or not (familial medullary thyroid carcinoma), with other endocrine diseases such as pheochromocytoma and/or hyperparathyroidism. RET gene point mutation is the main molecular alteration involved in MTC tumorigenesis, both in sporadic and in hereditary cases. Total thyroidectomy with prophylactic/therapeutic central compartment lymph nodes dissection is the initial treatment of choice. Further treatments are needed according to tumor burden and rate of progression. Surgical treatments and local therapies are advocated in the case of single or few local or distant metastasis and slow rate of progression. Conversely, systemic treatments should be initiated in cases with large metastatic and rapidly progressive disease. In this review, we discuss the details of systemic treatments in advanced and metastatic sporadic MTC, focusing on multikinase inhibitors, both those already used in clinical practice and under investigation, and on emerging treatments such as highly selective RET inhibitors and radionuclide therapy.
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Oshiba RT, Touson E, Elsherbini YM, Abdraboh ME. Melatonin: A regulator of the interplay between FoxO1, miR96, and miR215 signaling to diminish the growth, survival, and metastasis of murine adenocarcinoma. Biofactors 2021; 47:740-753. [PMID: 34058789 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin (Mel.), also known as the magic hormone, is a nocturnally secreted hormone orchestrates the clearance of free radicals that have been built up and cumulated during day. This study aims to detect the impact of pineal gland removal on the incidence of tumor development and to assess the signaling pathways via which exogenous melatonin counteract cancer growth. This goal has been achieved by novel approach for pineal destruction using dental micromotor which validated by melatonin downregulation in blood plasma. Mice were injected sub-cutenously with Ehrlich cells to develop solid tumor as a murine model of breast cancer. The increase at tumor markers carcino embryonic antigen, TNFα, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells was over countered by exogenous melatonin supplementation (20 mg/kg) daily for 1 month. The anticancer effects of melatonin were significantly mediated by scavenging H2 O2 and NO and diminishing of lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde. The real-time polymerase chain Rx analyses indicated a significant effect of Melatonin in upregulating the expression of miR215, fork head box protein O1 (foxO1), and downregulation of miR96. Flowcytometric analyses indicated a significant effect of melatonin on induction of cell cycle arrest at G1 phase which was further confirmed by Ki67 downregulation. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated the role of melatonin in upregulating P53-dependent apoptosis and downregulating CD44 signaling for survivin, matrix metallo-protein kinase 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor to inhibit cell survival and metastasis. In conclusion, this study sheds the light on M./P53/miR215/CD44 with an emphasis on M./miR96//foxO1 signaling cascades, as a novel pathway of melatonin signaling in adenocarcinoma to diminish cancer cell growth, survival and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehab T Oshiba
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ehab Touson
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Yasser M Elsherbini
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Mohamed E Abdraboh
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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Di Molfetta S, Dotto A, Fanciulli G, Florio T, Feola T, Colao A, Faggiano A. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: New Weapons Against Medullary Thyroid Cancer? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:667784. [PMID: 33935977 PMCID: PMC8081349 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.667784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm that originates from thyroid C cells. Surgery, with complete resection of the tumor, is the only curative approach. However, in most cases, the tumor recurs at locoregional or metastatic level. In this setting, the management remains challenging. In recent years, the immune checkpoint inhibitors have provided promise for changing the cancer treatment paradigm through the application of new approaches that enhance the body's natural antitumor defenses. The aim of this review is to summarize and discuss available data on efficacy and safety of the Food and Drug Administration-approved immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma. After an extensive search, we found 7 useful data sources (one single-case report, one short article with very preliminary data, five ongoing registered clinical trials). Despite the lack of published evidence regarding the use of immune check point inhibitors, it must be considered that all the ongoing registered clinical trials saw first light in the last three years, thus indicating a growing interest of researchers in this field. Results coming from these trials, and hopefully, in the next future, from additional trials, will help to clarify whether this class of drugs may represent a new weapon in favor of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Di Molfetta
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sergio Di Molfetta,
| | - Andrea Dotto
- Endocrinology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanciulli
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari—Endocrine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Tiziana Feola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology, Neuromed Institute, IRCCS, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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12
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Okafor C, Hogan J, Raygada M, Thomas BJ, Akshintala S, Glod JW, Del Rivero J. Update on Targeted Therapy in Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:708949. [PMID: 34489865 PMCID: PMC8416904 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.708949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor that accounts for 2-4% of all thyroid cancers. All inherited MTC and approximately 50% of sporadic cases are driven by mutations in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. The recent expansion of the armamentarium of RET-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has provided effective options for systemic therapy for patients with metastatic and progressive disease. However, patients that develop resistant disease as well as those with other molecular drivers such as RAS have limited options. An improved understanding of mechanisms of resistance to TKIs as well as identification of novel therapeutic targets is needed to improve outcomes for patients with MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Okafor
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Julie Hogan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Margarita Raygada
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Barbara J. Thomas
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Srivandana Akshintala
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John W. Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Jaydira Del Rivero,
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