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Imtiaz S, Ferdous UT, Nizela A, Hasan A, Shakoor A, Zia AW, Uddin S. Mechanistic study of cancer drug delivery: Current techniques, limitations, and future prospects. Eur J Med Chem 2025; 290:117535. [PMID: 40132495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2025.117535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2025] [Revised: 03/18/2025] [Accepted: 03/19/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025]
Abstract
Cancer drug delivery remains a critical challenge with systemic toxicity, poor drug bioavailability, and a lack of effective targeting. Overcoming these barriers is essential for improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes. This review discusses current drug delivery techniques that reshape cancer therapy by offering precise, controlled-release tailored to tumor-specific features. Innovations in nanotechnology, immunotherapy, and gene therapy enable interventions at molecular and cellular levels. Radiomics and pathomics integrate high-dimensional data to optimize diagnostics and treatment planning. Combination therapy addresses the complexities of tumor heterogeneity by synergizing multiple agents within a single therapeutic framework, while peptide-drug conjugates enhance specificity and potency. Hydrogel-based systems and microneedle arrays offer localized, sustained release, significantly improving therapeutic outcomes. However, clinical translation of these advancements faces significant barriers such as drug resistance, off-target effects, scalability, cost, and ethical concerns. Moreover, regulatory complexities and the economic feasibility of these therapies highlight the need for innovative frameworks to make them accessible globally. Therefore, there is a need for innovation in gene and cell therapy, next-generation drug delivery platforms, and personalized medicine. This review focuses on recent advancements in drug delivery techniques over the past decade, evaluating their limitations and exploring potential future directions for transforming cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiqa Imtiaz
- Department of Bioengineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Umme Tamanna Ferdous
- Center for Biosystems and Machines, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alexis Nizela
- Department of Bioengineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; Center for Membranes and Water Security, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Adnan Shakoor
- Center for Biosystems and Machines, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; Department of Control & Instrumentation Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Wasy Zia
- Institute of Mechanical, Process, and Energy Engineering (IMPEE), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, United Kingdom.
| | - Shihab Uddin
- Department of Bioengineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia; Center for Biosystems and Machines, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia.
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Saberiyan M, Gholami S, Ejlalidiz M, Rezaeian Manshadi M, Noorabadi P, Hamblin MR. The dual role of chaperone-mediated autophagy in the response and resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2025; 210:104700. [PMID: 40086769 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2025.104700] [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: 02/08/2025] [Revised: 03/07/2025] [Accepted: 03/10/2025] [Indexed: 03/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become a revolutionary strategy in oncology, utilizing the host immune system to fight malignancies. Notwithstanding major progress, obstacles such as immune evasion by tumors and the development of resistance still remain. This manuscript examines the function of chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) in cancer biology, focusing on its effects on tumor immunotherapy response and resistance. CMA is a selective degradation mechanism for cytosolic proteins, which is crucial for sustaining cellular homeostasis and regulating immune responses. By degrading specific proteins, CMA can either facilitate tumor progression in stressful conditions, or promote tumor suppression by removing oncogenic factors. This double-edged sword highlights the complexity of CMA in cancer progression and its possible effect on treatment results. Here we clarify the molecular mechanisms by which CMA can regulate the immune response and its possible role as a therapeutic target for improving the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Saberiyan
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sarah Gholami
- Young Researchers and Ellie Club, Babol Branch. Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
| | - Mahsa Ejlalidiz
- Medical Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadsadegh Rezaeian Manshadi
- Clinical Research Development Center, Imam Hossein Educational Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Noorabadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, South Africa.
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Wu Y, Tao Q, Xie J, Liu X, Zhou Y, Wei C, Zhang C, Wang J, Jin Y. Indole-3-carbinol inhibits PD-L1-mediated immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma via suppressing NF-κB p105 Ubiquitination. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 141:156692. [PMID: 40215823 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2025] [Accepted: 03/25/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and immunotherapy has demonstrated significant therapeutic benefit in HCC. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a naturally occurring ingredient of cruciferous vegetables, significantly inhibits the growth of a wide range of tumors. However, its mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. PURPOSE This study aims to verify and explore the immunomodulatory effect of I3C in HCC models, and to investigate the specific role and mechanism by which I3C affects PD-L1 expression through the ubiquitination of NF-κB p105. METHODS In vitro, I3C was treated with HepG2 cells and relevant indicators were analyzed. In vivo, the mouse HCC model was established and the effect of I3C on tumors and immune function was evaluated. Subsequently, the downstream target of I3C was found through target prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. Finally, combined therapy was used to further investigate the effect of I3C on mouse HCC tumors. RESULTS We observed that I3C resulted in decreased programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in HepG2 cells and increased CD8 T cell infiltration in tissues. Subsequently, target prediction and molecular docking demonstrated that I3C was able to efficiently bind to NF-κB p105. In addition, overexpression of NF-κB p105 upregulated PD-L1 expression and almost completely eliminated the inhibitory effect of I3C. Notably, the combination of I3C and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies showed synergistic anti-tumor effects in the mouse HCC model. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that I3C inhibits PD-L1-mediated immune evasion in HCC via suppressing NF-κB p105 ubiquitination. The role of I3C in tumors deserves further investigation and provides the foundation for the future development of novel immunotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Wu
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China
| | - Qing Tao
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China
| | - Jing Xie
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China
| | - Yuanzhi Zhou
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China
| | - Chengyan Wei
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China
| | - Chunwei Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China
| | - Yong Jin
- Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of National Education, Anhui Medical University, 230032, Hefei, PR China.
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Zheng K, Dai L, Zhang S, Zhao Y, Li W, Gao Y, Mang Y, Jiao L, Tang Y, Ran J. Unraveling the Heterogeneity of CD8+ T-Cell Subsets in Liver Cirrhosis: Implications for Disease Progression. Gut Liver 2025; 19:410-426. [PMID: 38623058 PMCID: PMC12070210 DOI: 10.5009/gnl230345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims : Liver cirrhosis involves chronic inflammation and progressive fibrosis. Among various immune cells, CD8+ T cells are considered a major contributor to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the exact molecular pathways governing CD8+ T-cell-mediated effects in cirrhosis remain unclear. Methods : This study analyzed transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data to elucidate CD8+ T-cell heterogeneity and implications in cirrhosis. Results : Weighted gene co-expression analysis of bulk RNA-seq data revealed an association between cirrhosis severity and activated T-cell markers like HLA and chemokine genes. Furthermore, single-cell profiling uncovered eight CD8+ T-cell subtypes, notably, effector memory (Tem) and exhausted (Tex) T cells. Tex cells, defined by PDCD1, LAG3, and CXCL13 expression, were increased in cirrhosis, while Tem cells were decreased. Lineage tracing and differential analysis highlighted CXCL13+ Tex cells as a terminal, exhausted subtype of cells with roles in PD-1 signaling, glycolysis, and T-cell regulation. CXCL13+ Tex cells displayed T-cell exhaustion markers like PDCD1, HAVCR2, TIGIT, and TNFRSF9. Functional analysis implicated potential roles of these cells in immunosuppression. Finally, a CXCL13+ Tex-cell gene signature was found that correlated with cirrhosis severity and poorer prognosis of liver cancer. Conclusions : In summary, this comprehensive study defines specialized CD8+ T-cell subpopulations in cirrhosis, with CXCL13+ Tex cells displaying an exhausted phenotype associated with immune dysregulation and advanced disease. Key genes and pathways regulating these cells present potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kepu Zheng
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Leiyang Dai
- Inspection Department of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Shengning Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yingpeng Zhao
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wang Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuanyi Mang
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lingfeng Jiao
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Jianghua Ran
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunming, The Affiliated Calmette Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Xu M, Ruan TT, Tang H, Fang RF, Sai WL, Xie Q, Yao DF, Yao M. Up-regulated programmed cell death protein-1/its ligand 1 expression promotes metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease malignant progression. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2025; 17:104842. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v17.i5.104842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2025] [Revised: 03/20/2025] [Accepted: 04/01/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
This editorial focuses on the recent article by Yang et al in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, which highlights the role of interlukin-17A in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression by up-regulated programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression. Previous, the high PD-1/PD-L1 level was due to hepatitis virus infection leading to systemic innate immune tolerance and cluster of differentiation 8 + T cells exhaustion, ultimately leading to HCC. Recently, interesting studies have found that the malignant progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic/fatty liver disease (MASLD/MAFLD), that is former nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, was achieved by up-regulated PD-L1 level that was activated the cGAS-STING pathway under lipid accumulation with mitochondrial DNA overflow and up-regulated PD-1/PD-L1 to promote MASLD malignant transformation via immune escape. These data suggested that PD-1 or PD-L1 should be a promising target for preventing or delaying non-viral liver disease malignant progression except of antiviral therapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian-Tian Ruan
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rong-Fei Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Sai
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nantong Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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Gu J, Bao S, Han L, Yu X, Jia Z, Huang C. Prediction of PD-1 Expression and Outcomes of Combined Therapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: an MRI-Based Radiomics Approach. JOURNAL OF IMAGING INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE 2025:10.1007/s10278-024-01381-7. [PMID: 40355688 DOI: 10.1007/s10278-024-01381-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2024] [Revised: 11/28/2024] [Accepted: 12/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2025]
Abstract
This study aims to assess the value of clinical and MRI radiomics features in noninvasively predicting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) expression level and the response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 107 HCC patients (85 in training set and 22 in validation set) with PD-1 positive (n = 41) and negative (n = 66) were enrolled. Radiomics features were extracted from T2-weighted, fat suppression T2-weighted, contrast-enhanced, and diffusion-weighted images. A clinical model was constructed based on independent clinical risk factors (p < 0.05), while a radiomics model was developed utilizing the optimal radiomics signature. A radiomics nomogram model for predicting PD-1 integrated the significant clinical and radiomics features. The performance of nomogram was evaluated with respect to its discrimination and clinical utility and compared with that of clinical and radiomics prediction models. The radiomics nomogram, combining the clinical factors with the Rad-score, had best prediction performance (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.95 in the training set; AUC: 0.86 in the validation set). Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the nomogram exhibited superior accuracy in clinical assessment compared to the other models. The predicted high-risk group of PD-1 had longer overall survival (OS) than the predicted low-risk group after receiving anti-PD-1 therapy combined with TACE. The MRI-based radiomics nomogram performed well for identifying high-risk PD-1 group for combination therapy and may inform personalized treatment decision-making strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiao Gu
- Research Centre of Molecular Medicine, Nantong Health College of Jiangsu Province, Nantong, 226001, The People's Republic of China
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, The People's Republic of China
| | - Shanlei Bao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Lu Han
- Philips Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Philips Healthcare, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongzheng Jia
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, The People's Republic of China.
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Zhou J, Gao M, Zhang S, Guo WW, He W, Zhang M, Chen X, Dongzhi C, Li X, Yuan Y, Ma W. PP1A Modulates the Efficacy of Lenvatinib Plus ICIs Therapy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2025:e2501730. [PMID: 40344394 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202501730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2025] [Revised: 04/09/2025] [Indexed: 05/11/2025]
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by poor prognosis, primarily due to limited therapeutic options and resistance to treatment. Although the combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown promising potential, the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. Here, serine/threonine-specific protein phosphatase (PP1A) is upregulated in Lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells and correlates with poor prognosis. Functional experiments revealed that PP1A promotes HCC progression both in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptomic analysis and ferroptosis metabolite profiling (e.g., ROS, Fe2⁺, lipid-ROS, and GSH) demonstrated that PP1A inhibits Lenvatinib-induced ferroptosis by dephosphorylating Keap1 at site 104. This disruption of the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction enhances the transcription of ferroptosis-related markers and immune checkpoint PD-L1. Notably, single-cell sequencing and co-culture experiments revealed that PP1A knockdown alleviates T cell exhaustion and immune evasion, thereby improving antitumor immunity. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that PP1A knockdown significantly enhances the efficacy of Lenvatinib-ICIs combination therapy. Overall, our findings highlight PP1A as a critical regulator of ferroptosis and antitumor immunity, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker and therapeutic target for improving outcomes in advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitong Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Meng Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Shikun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Wing-Wa Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Wenzhi He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Minghe Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Cairang Dongzhi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Xiaomian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Yufeng Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
| | - Weijie Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
- Clinical Medicine Research Center for Minimally Invasive Procedure of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430071, P. R. China
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Han W, Lv J, Wang M, Wu X, Sun D, Chen W, Wang Y, Zhou W, Yang Y, Bao J, Han Q, Chen X, Guo F, Feng G, Li M, Chen Q. Potential Roles of Serum Exosomal CD155 and its Impact on NK Cell Immunosuppression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Balkan Med J 2025; 42:242-253. [PMID: 40326845 PMCID: PMC12060579 DOI: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-1-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2025] [Accepted: 04/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Targeted therapies directed at tumor immune checkpoint, like programmed death-ligand (PD-L)1/programmed death (PD)-1, have shown remarkable progress. Nevertheless, treatment efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is notably compromised due to the intricate immune microenvironment. Exploring alternative checkpoints beyond PD-L1/PD-1, including those not located on the cell surface, may improve our understanding of their roles in areas like diagnostic potential and immune tolerance in HCC. Aims To explore the roles of serum exosomal CD155 (exo-CD155) in HCC. Study Design Experimental study. Methods We separated and analyzed serum exosomes from HCC patients. We quantified the concentrations of serum soluble CD155 (sCD155) and serum exo-CD155, and examined their association with disease progression, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) presence, and the concentrations of α-fetoprotein fraction L3 (AFP-L3) or alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Additionally, we assessed the diagnostic effect through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the immune suppressive effect on natural killer (NK) cells of exo-CD155. Results This study reveal elevated exo-CD155 levels in all HCC patients, with a significant increase in early-stage patients, exhibiting normal AFP/AFP-L3 or HBsAg-positive status. Exo-CD155 is linked to the progression of HCC and shows significant diagnostic effectiveness for the disease. Furthermore, the incubation of NK-92MI with exosomes derived from HCC patients leads to a substantial reduction in immune function, which can be partially counteracted with an antibody that blocks T cell immune receptor immunoglobulin and ITIM domains, (TIGIT)-blocking antibody. Conclusion These results disclose exo-CD155 shows promise for serving as a biomarker for HCC, especially in early-stage patients or those with normal AFP/AFP-L3 levels. Moreover, serum exosomes from HCC patients suppress NK cell immune functions through the TIGIT/CD155 pathway, contributing to immune tolerance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Han
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Jinrong Lv
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mintuo Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongdong Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Wenwen Chen
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Yuxuan Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Jia Bao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Qingzhen Han
- Center of Clinical Laboratory and Translational Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaopeng Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Feng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
| | - Min Li
- Institute of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Wannan Medical College, Anhui, China
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9
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Ying S, Liu H, Zhang Y, Mei Y. Harnessing Dendritic Cell Function in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Advances in Immunotherapy and Therapeutic Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2025; 13:496. [PMID: 40432108 PMCID: PMC12115466 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines13050496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2025] [Revised: 04/29/2025] [Accepted: 05/01/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Conventional therapies are frequently limited by tumor heterogeneity and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Dendritic cells (DCs), central to orchestrating antitumor immunity, have become key targets for HCC immunotherapy. This review examines the biological functions of DC subsets (cDC1, cDC2, pDC, and moDC) and their roles in initiating and modulating immune responses against HCC. We detail the mechanisms underlying DC impairment within the TME, including suppression by regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Additionally, we discuss novel DC-based therapeutic strategies, such as DC-based vaccines designed to enhance antigen presentation and T cell activation. Combining DC vaccines with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockers, demonstrates synergistic effects that can overcome immune evasion and improve clinical outcomes. Despite progress, challenges related to DC subset heterogeneity, TME complexity, and patient variability require the further optimization and personalization of DC-based therapies. Future research should focus on refining these strategies, leveraging advanced technologies like genomic profiling and artificial intelligence, to maximize therapeutic efficacy and revolutionize HCC treatment. By restoring DC function and reprogramming the TME, DC-based immunotherapy holds immense potential to transform the management of HCC and improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiding Ying
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore;
- NUSMED Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Yongliang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore;
- NUSMED Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Yu Mei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore;
- NUSMED Immunology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Immunology Programme, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
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10
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Isawi IH, Obeidat RM, Alnabulsi S, Al Zoubi R. Identification of Novel HPK1 Hit Inhibitors: From In Silico Design to In Vitro Validation. Int J Mol Sci 2025; 26:4366. [PMID: 40362603 PMCID: PMC12072202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms26094366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2025] [Revised: 04/24/2025] [Accepted: 05/02/2025] [Indexed: 05/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1), a negative regulator of T-cells, B-cells, and dendritic cells, has gained attention in antitumor immunotherapy research over the past decade. No HPK1 inhibitor has yet reached clinical approval, largely due to selectivity and drug-like limitations. Leveraging the available structural insights into HPK1, we conducted a rational hit identification using a structure-based virtual screening of over 600,000 drug-like molecules from ASINEX and OTAVA databases. A series of molecular docking studies, in vitro kinase assays, and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to identify viable HPK1 inhibitor hits. This approach resulted in two promising novel hit scaffolds, 4H-Pyrido[1,2-a] thieno[2,3-d] pyrimidin-4-one (ISR-05) and quinolin-2(1H)-one (ISR-03), neither of which has previously been reported as an HPK1 inhibitor. ISR-05 and ISR-03 exhibited IC50 values of 24.2 ± 5.07 and 43.9 ± 0.134 µM, respectively, in kinase inhibition assays. These hits constitute tractable starting points for future hit-to-lead optimization aimed at developing more effective HPK1 inhibitors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israa H. Isawi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (R.M.O.); (S.A.); (R.A.Z.)
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11
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Tong J, Tan Y, Ouyang W, Chang H. Targeting immune checkpoints in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: toward combination strategies with curative potential. Exp Hematol Oncol 2025; 14:65. [PMID: 40317077 PMCID: PMC12046748 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-025-00636-5] [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: 01/20/2025] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 05/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer characterized by poor immune cell infiltration and a strongly immunosuppressive microenvironment. Traditional treatments have often yielded unsatisfactory outcomes due to the insidious onset of the disease. Encouragingly, the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has significantly transformed the approach to HCC treatment. Moreover, combining ICIs with other therapies or novel materials is considered the most promising opportunity in HCC, with some of these combinations already being evaluated in large-scale clinical trials. Unfortunately, most clinical trials fail to meet their endpoints, and the few successful ones also face challenges. This indicates that the potential of ICIs in HCC treatment remains underutilized, prompting a reevaluation of this promising therapy. Therefore, this article provides a review of the role of immune checkpoints in cancer treatment, the research progress of ICIs and their combination application in the treatment of HCC, aiming to open up avenues for the development of safer and more efficient immune checkpoint-related strategies for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yongci Tan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Wenwen Ouyang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Haocai Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
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12
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Miri H, Rahimzadeh P, Hashemi M, Nabavi N, Aref AR, Daneshi S, Razzaghi A, Abedi M, Tahmasebi S, Farahani N, Taheriazam A. Harnessing immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Principles and emerging promises. Pathol Res Pract 2025; 269:155928. [PMID: 40184729 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2025.155928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2025] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 04/07/2025]
Abstract
HCC is considered as one of the leadin causes of death worldwide, with the ability of resistance towards therapeutics. Immunotherapy, particularly ICIs, have provided siginficant insights towards harnessing the immune system. The present review introduces the concepts and possibilities of immunotherapy for HCC treatment, emphasizing its underlying mechanisms and capacity to enhance patient results, focusing on both pre-clinical and clinical insights. The functions of TME and immune evasion mechanisms typical of HCC would be evaluated along with how contemporary immunotherapeutic approaches are designed to address these challenges. Furthermore, the clinical application of immunotherapy in HCC is discussed, emphasizing recent trial findings demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of drugs. In addition, the problems caused by immune evasion and resistance would be discussed to increase potential of immunotherapy along with combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Miri
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payman Rahimzadeh
- Surgical Research Society (SRS), Students' Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Independent Researcher, Victoria, British Columbia V8V 1P7, Canada
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Department of Vitro Vision, DeepkinetiX, Inc, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Salman Daneshi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Jiroft University Of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Alireza Razzaghi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Maryam Abedi
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Najma Farahani
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Afshin Taheriazam
- Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence Sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Huang H, Lv X, Chen Q, Dong L. Inhibition of NSUN3 suppresses immune escape in non-small cell lung cancer through stabilizing PD-L1 in a 5-methyladenosine dependent way. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2025; 80:100662. [PMID: 40279954 PMCID: PMC12060472 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2025.100662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2025] [Accepted: 04/08/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in 5-methyladenosine (m5C) RNA methyltransferase have been implicated in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. However, the role of NSUN3, a key m5C regulator, in modulating PD-L1 expression and immune evasion in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) remains poorly understood. METHODS NSUN3 expression levels in NSCLC tissues and cell lines were quantified using quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). The impact of NSUN3 expression modulation on lung cancer cell viability and proliferation was assessed through CCK-8 assays and colony formation experiments. To evaluate immune cell interactions, CD8+ T-cells were co-cultured with NSCLC cells, and cytotoxic activity was measured by an LDH cytotoxicity detection kit. The in vivo tumorigenic role of NSUN3 was investigated using subcutaneous tumor xenograft models. Mechanistic insights into NSUN3-PD-L1 interactions were obtained through m5C-RIP, RIP, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS Elevated NSUN3 mRNA levels were observed in NSCLC tissues compared to normal controls. Functional studies demonstrated that NSUN3 knockdown significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation in both A549 and PC9 cell lines. Furthermore, NSUN3 depletion enhanced CD8+ T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity against NSCLC cells and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, NSUN3 inhibition was found to stabilize PD-L1 mRNA, suggesting a regulatory role in immune checkpoint modulation. CONCLUSIONS The present findings establish NSUN3 as an oncogenic driver in NSCLC pathogenesis, functioning through PD-L1 mRNA stabilization. The identification of this NSUN3-PD-L1 regulatory axis provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying immune escape in NSCLC and offers promising directions for developing targeted immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hancong Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qianhua Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aviation General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lixia Dong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, PR China.
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14
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Zhang G, Zhang G, Zhao Y, Wan Y, Jiang B, Wang H. Unveiling the nexus of p53 and PD-L1: insights into immunotherapy resistance mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2025; 15:1410-1435. [PMID: 40371157 PMCID: PMC12070102 DOI: 10.62347/brto3272] [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: 01/26/2025] [Accepted: 03/25/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the predominant form of primary liver cancer worldwide, continues to pose a substantial health challenge with limited treatment options for advanced stages. Despite progress in therapies such as surgery, transplantation, and targeted treatments, prognosis remains bleak for many patients. The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized the landscape of advanced HCC treatment, offering hope for improved outcomes. However, its efficacy is limited, with a modest response rate of approximately 20% as a single-agent therapy, underscoring the urgent need to decipher mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance. Tumor protein 53 gene (TP53), a pivotal tumor suppressor gene, and Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), a crucial immune checkpoint ligand, play central roles in HCC's evasion of immune responses. Understanding how tumor protein 53 (p53) influences PD-L1 expression and immune system interactions is essential for unraveling the complexities of immunotherapy resistance mechanisms. Elucidating these molecular interactions not only enhances our understanding of HCC's underlying mechanisms but also lays the foundation for developing targeted treatments that may improve outcomes for patients with advanced-stage liver cancer. Ultimately, deciphering the nexus of p53 and PD-L1 in immunotherapy resistance promises to advance treatment strategies and outcomes in the challenging landscape of HCC. This review delves into the intricate relationship between p53 and PD-L1 concerning immunotherapy resistance in HCC, offering insights that could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing treatment efficacy and overcoming resistance in advanced stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Gan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Yixuan Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Yunyan Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Huaxiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Provincial Clinical Research Center for Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of MedicineShiyan 442000, Hubei, China
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15
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Liang LW, Luo RH, Huang ZL, Tang LN. Clinical observation of nivolumab combined with cabozantinib in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2025; 17:103631. [PMID: 40235875 PMCID: PMC11995320 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v17.i4.103631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2024] [Revised: 12/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/25/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a particularly serious kind of liver cancer. Liver cancer ranks third in terms of mortality rate worldwide, putting it among the leading causes of deaths from cancer. HCC is the primary kind of liver cancer and makes up the vast majority of cases, accounting for approximately 90% of occurrences. Numerous research have verified this information. the progress of fatty liver, alcohol induced cirrhosis, smoking habits, obesity caused by overweight, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. The treatment strategies for HCC can be divided into two categories: One is curative treatment, including liver transplantation, surgical resection, and ablation therapy or selective arterial radiation embolization, aimed at completely eliminating the lesion; Another type is non curative treatment options, including transarterial chemoembolization and systemic therapy, which focus on controlling disease progression and prolonging patient survival. The majority of HCC patients are found to be in an advanced stage and need systemic therapy. Sorafenib and lenvatinib are frequently used as first-line medications in traditional HCC treatment to slow the disease's progression. For second-line treatment, regorafenib, cabozantinib, or remdesizumab are used to inhibit tumors through different mechanisms and prolong survival. In recent years, with the in-depth exploration of the pathogenesis and progression mechanism of HCC, as well as the rapid progress within the domain of tumor immunotherapy, the treatment prospects for advanced HCC patients have shown a positive transformation. This transformation is reflected in the fact that more and more patients are gradually gaining significant and considerable therapeutic advantages from advanced immunotherapy regimens, bringing unprecedented improvements to their treatment outcomes. In order to enable activated T cells to attack tumor cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors interfere with the inhibitory. AIM To evaluate the effects of nivolumab in combination with cabozantinib on patient tumor markers and immune function, as well as the therapeutic efficacy of this combination in treating advanced HCC, a study was conducted. METHODS In all, 100 patients with advanced HCC who were brought to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023 and who did not match the requirements for surgical resection had their clinical data thoroughly analyzed retrospectively in this study. Among them, half of the patients (50 cases) only received oral cabozantinib as a single treatment regimen (set as the control group), while the other half of the patients (50 cases) received intravenous infusion of nivolumab in addition to oral cabozantinib (set as the observation group). The objective of the probe is to examine the variations in disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR) between two groups; At the same time, changes in the levels of T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and tumor markers, including AFP, GP-73, and AFP-L3, were evaluated; In addition, changes in liver and kidney function indicators and adverse reactions during treatment were also monitored. For patients with advanced HCC, this research also calculated and analyzed the progression free survival of two patient groups throughout the course of a 12-month follow-up to assess the effectiveness and safety of this therapeutic approach. RESULTS Upon comparing baseline information for both groups of subjects before treatment, it was found that no statistically significant alterations had occurred (P > 0.05). After the therapeutic intervention, the observation group and control group's ORR and DCR differed statistically significantly (P < 0.05). The observation group's scores significantly improved. Subsequent examination revealed that the observation group's T lymphocyte subset levels had significantly changed, mostly exhibiting an increase in CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels while CD8+ levels had comparatively dropped. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between these changes and those in the control group. The observation group also showed positive improvements in tumor markers; AFP, GP-73, and AFP-L3 levels were considerably lower in the group under observation than in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). When liver function was assessed, total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase were found to be considerably lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse responses was not statistically significant (P > 0.05), indicating that the incidence of adverse responses did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION When treating advanced HCC, nivolumab and cabozantinib together have the ability to increase T lymphocyte numbers, reduce tumor marker levels, effectively prolong survival time, and have better efficacy than simple control treatment, with good safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Wen Liang
- Infection and Liver Disease Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400000, China
| | - Rong-Hong Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
| | - Li-Na Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China
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16
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Su P, Han Y, Yi J, Hou Y, Xiao Y. Research status and frontiers in liver cancer immunotherapy: a bibliometric perspective on highly cited literature. Front Oncol 2025; 15:1587252. [PMID: 40276056 PMCID: PMC12018336 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1587252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2025] [Accepted: 03/14/2025] [Indexed: 04/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related death in the world. As a breakthrough therapy, immunotherapy had significantly improved the prognosis of patients. However, the current research status and research hotspots in the field of liver cancer immunotherapy still lack systematic review. Based on the bibliometric analysis of highly cited papers, this study intended to reveal the current research status, research hotspots and future research trends in this field. Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the national/regional contributions, authors and institutions cooperation network, keywords clustering and keywords burst analysis of highly cited papers on liver cancer immunotherapy through bibliometrics, so as to clarify the research frontier and development direction, and provide objective data support for future research direction and clinical practice. Methods The highly cited papers on liver cancer immunotherapy from the Web of Science core collection up to February 23, 2025 were retrieved, and 232 studies were included. CiteSpace was used to build a knowledge map, analyze the distribution of years, countries, authors, institutions and cooperation networks, and identify research hotspots and emerging trends through keyword clustering and burst detection. Results The number of highly cited papers continued to increase from 2014 and reached a peak in 2022. China and the United States had the highest number of publications and the centrality of cooperation networks. The author with the highest number of papers was Llovet, Josep M, whose research direction mainly focused on immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy and molecular typing. The author with the highest cooperation network centrality was Duda, Dan G, whose research team focused on tumor microenvironment regulation. Harvard University and the University of Barcelona played an important central role in the institutional collaboration. Keywords analysis showed that immune checkpoint inhibitors, tumor microenvironment and combination therapy were the core of liver cancer immunotherapy. Burst keywords such as cell lung cancer, pembrolizumab, advanced melanoma, blockade, lymphocytes, etc. had revealed the research frontier of liver cancer immunotherapy research. Conclusion The research on liver cancer immunotherapy had made multi-dimensional progress, with China and the United States leading the global cooperation. The main research directions were the combination strategy of immunization, the regulation of tumor microenvironment and the exploration of novel targets. In the future, it is necessary to optimize treatment resistance solutions, integrate interdisciplinary resources, and promote the development of precision and personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Su
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yeqiong Han
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jindong Yi
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Hou
- Department of Pulmonology, Children’s Hospital, National Clinical Research Center For Child Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- International Joint Research Center of Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Technology Equipment & Standards, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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17
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Dong J, Liu M, Li S, Zhang S, Fu P, Liu M, Jin S, Fan C, Fang M, Wu L, Li Z. Adverse reactions associated with SSRIs and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: a disproportionality analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2025; 24:453-460. [PMID: 39714905 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2446426] [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: 11/19/2024] [Revised: 12/13/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 12/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the primary choice for antidepressant therapy in cancer patients with depression. Programmed death-1 and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) play a critical role in immune checkpoint inhibitors. To date, there have been no studies reporting adverse events (AEs) associated with the real-world use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors-SSRIs combination. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study included a comprehensive evaluation of AE cases covered PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors-SSRIs combination (first quarter of 2004 to second quarter of 2024) using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, and compared with the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors or SSRIs alone. RESULTS By extracting a total of 807 reports of related AEs, the combination therapy was associated with a distinct AE profile characterized by an increased incidence of immune-related and systemic disorders, as well as a higher signal for adverse pregnancy and perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS This study represents the largest report to date on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors-SSRIs -related AEs, providing valuable insights into the potential side effects of SSRIs for cancer patients with depression. Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing SSRIs alongside PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and those with significant comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Dong
- School of Medicine, Department of Xiangan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingyue Liu
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Suning Li
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Department of Xiangan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Pengbin Fu
- School of Medicine, Department of Xiangan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mengya Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shasha Jin
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunliang Fan
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhu Fang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Department of Sports Rehabilitation, Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Rehabilitation Clinical Medicine Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
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Pu X, Zhang C, Jin J, Jin Y, Ren J, Zhou S, Patel H, Chen J, Wu B, Chen L, Qian H, Lin T. Phase separation of EEF1E1 promotes tumor stemness via PTEN/AKT-mediated DNA repair in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2025; 613:217508. [PMID: 39884379 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2025.217508] [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: 11/06/2024] [Revised: 01/15/2025] [Accepted: 01/27/2025] [Indexed: 02/01/2025]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the associations of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and tumor stemness in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). LLPS-related genes were extracted from DrLLPS, LLPSDB and PhaSepDB databases. Stemness index (mRNAsi) was calculated based on the data from TCGA and Progenitor Cell Biology Consortium. Through some series of bioinformatics methods, we first found that stemness index mRNAsi was associated with worse survival outcomes, immune infiltration and therapy sensitivity in HCC. G2M checkpoint and DNA repair pathways were significantly activated with high mRNAsi. Totally, 71 differentially expressed LLPS genes in HCC were correlated with mRNAsi, and a mRNAsi-associated LLPS gene signature (KPNA2, EEF1E1 and ATIC) was identified to predict prognosis for HCC patients. mRNAsi-associated LLPS genes contributed to cluster HCC patients into four molecular clusters that markedly differed on survival, immune infiltration and therapy sensitivity. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that EEF1E1 was highly expressed in HepG2 and HCCLM3 cells, and EEF1E1 silencing observably inhibited tumor cell growth, liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers (CD133, EpCAM and SOX2) expression, enhanced DNA damage marker γH2AX expression by activating PTEN/AKT pathway. EEF1E1 could undergo LLPS condensates, and roles of EEF1E1 on tumor cells were partly reversed after inhibiting LLPS using 1, 6-hexanediol. In conclusion, EEF1E1 was identified as a phase separation protein and involves in tumor stemness and DNA damage repair in HCC. EEF1E1 and its LLPS condensate may be novel targets to elaborate the underlying mechanisms of CSCs propagation in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Pu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Chaolei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Junbin Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifeng Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianghao Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Senhao Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Harsh Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, New York, NY 11439, USA
| | - Jingyun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Bicheng Wu
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engieering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Leyi Chen
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Haoran Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
| | - Tianyu Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
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19
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Muhammed TM, Jasim SA, Zwamel AH, Rab SO, Ballal S, Singh A, Nanda A, Ray S, Hjazi A, Yasin HA. T lymphocyte-based immune response and therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: focus on TILs and CAR-T cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2025:10.1007/s00210-025-04035-9. [PMID: 40100377 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-025-04035-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2025] [Accepted: 03/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. The primary therapies for HCC are liver transplantation, hepatic tumor excision, radiofrequency ablation, and molecular-targeted medicines. An unfavorable prognosis marks HCC and has limited pharmacological response in therapeutic studies. The tumor immune microenvironment (TME) imposes significant selection pressure on HCC, resulting in its evolution and recurrence after various treatments. As the principal cellular constituents of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), T cells have shown both anti-tumor and protumor actions in HCC. T cell-mediated immune responses are pivotal in cancer monitoring and elimination. TILs are recognized for their critical involvement in the progression, prognosis, and immunotherapeutic management of HCC. Foxp3 + , CD8 + , CD3 + , and CD4 + T cells are the extensively researched subtypes of TILs. This article examines the functions and processes of several subtypes of TILs in HCC. Emerging T cell-based therapies, including TILs and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, have shown tumor regression in several clinical and preclinical studies. Herein, it also delves into the existing T cell-based immunotherapies in HCC, with emphasis on TILs and CAR-T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thikra Majid Muhammed
- Biology Department, College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Anbar, Anbar, Iraq
| | - Saade Abdalkareem Jasim
- Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, College of Health and Medical Technology, University of Al-Maarif, Anbar, Iraq.
| | - Ahmed Hussein Zwamel
- Department of Medical Analysis, Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
- Department of Medical Analysis, Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Al Diwaniyah, Al Diwaniyah, Iraq
- Department of Medical Analysis, Medical Laboratory Technique College, The Islamic University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Safia Obaidur Rab
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhas Ballal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Sciences, JAIN (Deemed to Be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhayveer Singh
- Centre for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Anima Nanda
- Department of Biomedical, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Subhashree Ray
- Department of Biochemistry, IMS and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan (Deemed to Be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751003, India
| | - Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hatif Abdulrazaq Yasin
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Al-Nisour University College, Nisour Seq. Karkh, Baghdad, Iraq
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20
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Lin Y, Song Y, Zhang Y, Li X, Kan L, Han S. New insights on anti-tumor immunity of CD8 + T cells: cancer stem cells, tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2025; 23:341. [PMID: 40097979 PMCID: PMC11912710 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-025-06291-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2025] [Indexed: 03/19/2025] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in tumor immunotherapy have confirmed the capacity of the immune system to fight several cancers. The effective means of treating cancer involves accelerating the death of tumor cells and improving patient immunity. Dynamic changes in the tumor immune microenvironment alter the actual effects of anti-tumor drug production and may trigger favorable or unfavorable immune responses by modulating tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Notably, CD8+ T cells are one of the primary tumor-infiltrating immune cells that provide anti-tumor response. Tumor cells and tumor stem cells will resist or evade destruction through various mechanisms as CD8+ T cells exert their anti-tumor function. This paper reviews the research on the regulation of tumor development and prognosis by cancer stem cells that directly or indirectly alter the role of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells. We also discuss related immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yifu Song
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yaochuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Siping Central People's Hospital, Siping, Jilin, 136000, China
| | - Liang Kan
- Department of Geriatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Sheng Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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21
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Qu G, Liu K, Xu W, Li D. Integrated analysis and experimental validation reveal the prognostic and immunological features associated with coagulation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2025; 15:8626. [PMID: 40074769 PMCID: PMC11904193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-85491-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Coagulation is intensively related to various tumors, which affects their progression and prognosis. However, research on the impact of coagulation-associated genes (CAGs) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence, prognosis, and immune microenvironment is limited. Consequently, our research aims to uncover how CAGs affect the prognosis and immune microenvironments of HCC. We integrated gene expression data and clinical information from three datasets (GSE14520, GSE76427, and TCGA-LIHC). 281 CAGs were obtained from the coagulation-related pathway (hsa04610). We obtained three CAG patterns through a consensus clustering algorithm. Afterward, differential analyses of prognosis, biological processes, immune infiltration, and functional and pathway enrichment were conducted on the three CAG patterns. We intersected CAGs with differentially expressed genes in GSE76427 and then conducted Cox regression analysis to obtain the prognostic genes in HCC. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 2 (GPD2) was selected for further analyses. TCGA-LIHC samples with different GPD2 expression levels were analyzed for prognosis, DNA methylation, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity. The expression level of GPD2 was verified through quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. The wound-healing and Transwell assays were used to analyze the tumor cell migration and the Matrigel invasion and apoptosis assays were performed to determine cell invasion and apoptosis. Three CAG patterns were obtained through an unsupervised consensus clustering algorithm. CAGclusterA held the best prognosis compared to the other two clusters. The CAGclusterC was characterized by poor prognosis and abundant immune cell infiltration. The TCGA-LIHC dataset, as an internal validation, also yielded similar subtype classifications. Afterward, we identified the GPD2 gene, which significantly affected the prognosis of HCC and was positively correlated with the tumor progression. The upregulation of GPD2 expression was closely related to tumorigenic signatures and immune escape. The qPCR confirmed the upregulation of GPD2 expression in HCC tumor cell lines, compared to normal liver cell lines. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the high expression of GPD2 in HCC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Regulating the expression level of GPD2 can inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis of HCC cells. Our study comprehensively elucidated the coagulation characteristics in HCC and identified a promising oncogenic gene GPD2. Exploring targeted strategies based on coagulation-related characteristics and biomarkers may shed light on HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhen Qu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Weiyu Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Dongming Li
- Department of Gastric and Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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22
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Mishra A, San Valentin EMD, Barcena AJR, Bolinas DKM, Bernardino MR, Canlas G, Ricks KA, Damasco JA, Melancon MP. Antibody-Targeted Bismuth Gadolinium Nanoconjugate for Image-Guided Radiotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2025; 17:15097-15108. [PMID: 40026156 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c21949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2025]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most lethal cancers of the liver, has limited treatment options at advanced stages. Here, bismuth gadolinium (BiGd) nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody (aVEGF) are designed and tested for targeted image-guided radiation therapy against HCC. The BiGd NPs are synthesized using the sol-gel technique, functionalized with silica NPs, and labeled with fluorescent protamine-rhodamine B. For tumor targeting, the NPs are conjugated with aVEGF, and an in vitro study confirms the binding of the aVEGF-BiGd nanoconjugate to McA-RH7777 hepatoma cells. Biocompatibility of the aVEGF-BiGd nanoconjugate is evaluated using McA-RH7777 cells, with no cytotoxicity observed even at 250 μg/mL. Also, aVEGF-BiGd demonstrates in vivo microcomputed tomography contrast enhancement. NPs and/or radiation therapy (RT) is conducted in female BALB/c nude mice with subcutaneously implanted McA-RH7777 cells, and a significant reduction in tumor size is observed in the mice treated with the aVEGF-BiGd nanoconjugate and RT compared to other groups (p < 0.01). The combined effect of nanoconjugate and RT exhibits decreased vascularity, cell proliferation, and increased apoptosis. This study demonstrates the potential of the developed hybrid BiGd nanoconjugate for targeted and image-guided radiotherapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Mishra
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Erin Marie D San Valentin
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Allan John R Barcena
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Dominic Karl M Bolinas
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Marvin R Bernardino
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Gino Canlas
- Department of Chemistry, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
| | - Kaitlin A Ricks
- Department of Chemistry, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas 77710, United States
| | - Jossana A Damasco
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Marites P Melancon
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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23
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Guo R, Rao PG, Liao BZ, Luo X, Yang WW, Lei XH, Ye JM. Melatonin suppresses PD-L1 expression and exerts antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2025; 15:8451. [PMID: 40069331 PMCID: PMC11897332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-93486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, also known as the pineal hormone, is secreted by the pineal gland and primarily regulates circadian rhythms. Additionally, it possesses immunomodulatory properties and anticancer effects. However, its specific mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear, particularly regarding its effect on HCC-mediated immune escape through PD-L1 expression.In this study, in vitro experiments were conducted using Huh7 and HepG2 HCC cells. Melatonin treatment was applied to both cell types to observe changes in malignant phenotypes. Additionally, melatonin-pretreated Huh7 or HepG2 cells were co-cultured with T cells to simulate the tumor microenvironment. The results showed that melatonin inhibited cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as reduced PD-L1 expression in cancer cells, exhibiting similar anti-cancer effects in the co-culture system. In vivo experiments involved establishing ascitic HCC mouse models using H22 cells, followed by subcutaneous tumor models in Balb/c nude and Balb/c wild-type mice. Melatonin inhibited tumor growth and suppressed PD-L1 expression in cancer tissues in both subcutaneous tumor models, and it increased T lymphocyte activity in the spleen of Balb/c wild-type mice. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that melatonin has dual anti-cancer effects in HCC: direct intrinsic anti-cancer activity and enhancement of anti-tumor immunity by reducing PD-L1 expression thereby inhibiting cancer immune escape. Furthermore, a decrease in the expression of the upstream molecule HIF-1α of PD-L1 and an increase in the expression levels of JNK, P38, and their phosphorylated forms were detected. Thus, the mechanism by which melatonin reduces PD-L1 may involve the downregulation of HIF-1α expression or the activation of the MAPK-JNK and MAPK-P38 pathways. This provides new insights and strategies for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, No.23 Qingnian Road, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, China.
| | - Pan-Guo Rao
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | | | - Xin Luo
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wen-Wen Yang
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | | | - Jun-Ming Ye
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China.
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24
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Cheng SL, Wu CH, Tsai YJ, Song JS, Chen HM, Yeh TK, Shen CT, Chiang JC, Lee HM, Huang KW, Chen Y, Qiu JT, Yen YT, Shia KS, Chen Y. CXCR4 antagonist-loaded nanoparticles reprogram the tumor microenvironment and enhance immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Control Release 2025; 379:967-981. [PMID: 39863023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2025.01.066] [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: 10/03/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2025] [Accepted: 01/22/2025] [Indexed: 01/27/2025]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death that has limited treatment options for advanced stages. Although PD-1 inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab have been approved for advanced HCC treatment, their effectiveness is often hampered by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which is due to hypoxia-driven CXCL12/CXCR4 axis activation. In this study, we developed 807-NPs, lipid-coated tannic acid (TA) nanoparticles that encapsulate BPRCX807, a potent CXCR4 antagonist to target HCC. 807-NPs enhance the pharmacokinetics and improve the tumor availability of BPRCX807 without causing systemic toxicity. Our findings show that 807-NPs block the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway, inhibiting Akt and mTOR activation in HCC cells and M2 macrophages and promoting their repolarization toward the antitumor M1 phenotype. In orthotopic murine HCC models, systemic administration of 807-NPs significantly remodeled the immunosuppressive TME by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) toward an immunostimulatory phenotype and promoting cytotoxic T-cell infiltration into tumors. This led to suppressed primary tumor growth and metastasis, while enhancing the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies, including PD-1 blockade and whole-cancer cell vaccines, by promoting T-cell activation. Our work demonstrates the potential of using nanotechnology to deliver CXCR4 antagonists for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Liang Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan; International Intercollegiate PhD Program, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Huang Wu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Jen Tsai
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Shin Song
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Min Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Teng-Kuang Yeh
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Tung Shen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Jou-Chien Chiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Mei Lee
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Wei Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yuling Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - J Timothy Qiu
- International PhD Program in Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Yen
- Institute of Translational Medicine and New Drug Development, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
| | - Kak-Shan Shia
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan.
| | - Yunching Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
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25
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Guo E, Li L, Yang J, Zhou Y, Bai L, Zhu W, Hu Q, Wang H, Liu H. HOXB4/METTL7B cascade mediates malignant phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma through TKT m6A modification. Biol Direct 2025; 20:26. [PMID: 40045399 PMCID: PMC11884015 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-025-00620-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2025] [Indexed: 03/09/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is a fatal malignancy that lacking specific therapies. Homeobox B4 (HOXB4) was negatively correlated with poor prognosis in cancers, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma has not been elucidated. RESULTS We confirmed that HOXB4 was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and lower HOXB4 expression associated with poor prognosis. Gain- and loss-of function experiments were performed to understand the functional consequences. We revealed that HOXB4 overexpression inhibited proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, accompanied with the decrease in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and increase in cell apoptosis. Database analysis showed that HOXB4 was positively correlated with the immune infiltration. PD-L1 expression was decreased in HOXB4 overexpressed hepatocellular carcinoma cells. HOXB4 overexpression was confirmed to inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and promote T cell infiltration in vivo. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification was implicated in the tumorigenesis. RNA-seq analysis showed that HOXB4 overexpression modulated METTL7B expression. With the performance of dual-luciferase reporter, ChIP, and DNA pulldown assays, we revealed that HOXB4 binding to METTL7B promoter and inhibited its mRNA expression. The increased aggressiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the enhanced immune escape, triggered by HOXB4 knockdown, were inhibited via METTL7B downregulation. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assay displayed that METTL7B controlled the mRNA decay of TKT in m6A methylation. METTL7B overexpression increase the expression of TKT, ultimately promoting hepatocellular carcinoma progression and immune evasion. CONCLUSIONS HOXB4 mediated the malignant phenotypes and modulated the immune evasion via METTL7B/TKT axis. The HOXB4/METTL7B cascade and its downstream changes might be novel targets for blocking hepatocellular carcinoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enshuang Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Precision Medicine Center, Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Osteology, Yellow River Central Hospital of the Yellow River Conservancy Commission, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Jiankun Yang
- Experimental Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yongjian Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Lu Bai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Weiwei Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Qiuyue Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Huifen Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
- Precision Medicine Center, Gene Hospital of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Hongqiang Liu
- Department of Emergency, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
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26
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Cao X, Wan S, Wu B, Liu Z, Xu L, Ding Y, Huang H. Antitumor Research Based on Drug Delivery Carriers: Reversing the Polarization of Tumor-Associated Macrophages. Mol Pharm 2025; 22:1174-1197. [PMID: 39868820 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c01277] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
The development of malignant tumors is a complex process that involves the tumor microenvironment (TME). An immunosuppressive TME presents significant challenges to current cancer therapies, serving as a key mechanism through which tumor cells evade immune detection and play a crucial role in tumor progression and metastasis. This impedes the optimal effectiveness of immunotherapeutic approaches, including cytokines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and cancer vaccines. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), a major component of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, exhibit dual functionalities: M1-like TAMs suppress tumorigenesis, while M2-like TAMs promote tumor growth and metastasis. Consequently, the development of various nanocarriers aimed at polarizing M2-like TAMs to M1-like phenotypes through distinct mechanisms has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit tumor immune escape and enhance antitumor responses. This Review covers the origin and types of TAMs, common pathways regulating macrophage polarization, the role of TAMs in tumor progression, and therapeutic strategies targeting TAMs, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding and guidance for future research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shen Wan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bingyu Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Zhikuan Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Lixing Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yu Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Haiqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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Chen P, Li K, Chen J, Hei H, Geng J, Huang N, Lei M, Jia H, Ren J, Jin C. Enhanced effect of radiofrequency ablation on HCC by siRNA-PD-L1-endostatin Co-expression plasmid delivered. Transl Oncol 2025; 53:102319. [PMID: 39938403 PMCID: PMC11869540 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2025.102319] [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: 10/14/2024] [Revised: 01/07/2025] [Accepted: 02/02/2025] [Indexed: 02/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a significant clinical challenge due to high mortality and limited treatment options. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is commonly used but can be limited by tumor recurrence. This study explores the potential of combining RFA with an attenuated Salmonella strain carrying siRNA-PD-L1 and endostatin to enhance HCC treatment. In this study, an H22 subcutaneous tumor mouse model was used, with animals divided into five groups for treatment with a blank control, a blank Salmonella plasmid, RFA alone, siRNA-PD-L1-endostatin, or a combination of RFA and siRNA-PD-L1-endostatin. The combination therapy significantly reduced tumor growth, angiogenesis, and PD-L1/VEGF expression in tumor tissues post-RFA. Additionally, it induced tumor cell apoptosis, inhibited proliferation and migration, and increased the infiltration of T lymphocytes, granzyme B+T cells, and CD86+macrophages within tumors. There was also a notable rise in T and NK cell populations in the spleen. In conclusion, combining RFA with siRNA-PD-L1-endostatin delivered by attenuated Salmonella synergistically enhances anti-tumor effects, boosts the anti-tumor immune response, and improves RFA efficacy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Chen
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Jinwei Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - He Hei
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Geng
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of immune checkpoint drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Nannan Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhengyang county traditional Chinese medicine hospital, Zhumadian, Henan, PR China
| | - Mengyu Lei
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of immune checkpoint drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Huijie Jia
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of immune checkpoint drug for Liver-Intestinal Tumors, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, PR China
| | - Jianzhuang Ren
- Department of Interventional Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Chenwang Jin
- Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; Shaanxi Engineering Research Center of Computational Imaging and Medical Intelligence, 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China.
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Zhao SQ, Chen MJ, Chen F, Gao ZF, Li XP, Hu LY, Cheng HY, Xuan JY, Fei JG, Song ZW. ENTPD8 overexpression enhances anti-PD-L1 therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma via miR-214-5p inhibition. iScience 2025; 28:111819. [PMID: 39995876 PMCID: PMC11849663 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.111819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2024] [Revised: 11/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. In this study, we evaluated the expression of ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 8 (ENTPD8) in HCC tissues and its clinical significance. Immunohistochemistry, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, and single-cell expression analysis revealed reduced ENTPD8 levels in liver cancer compared to adjacent tissues, with ENTPD8 primarily expressed in tumor cells within the tumor tissue. In vitro assays demonstrated that ENTPD8 inhibits HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanistically, ENTPD8 regulates programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression through miR-214-5p modulation. In vivo, ENTPD8 overexpression combined with anti-PD-L1 treatment enhanced therapeutic efficacy in HCC mouse models. These findings suggest that ENTPD8 may serve as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC, offering potential strategies for improving treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-qi Zhao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min-jie Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhao-feng Gao
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-ping Li
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling-yu Hu
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hai-ying Cheng
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin-yan Xuan
- Department of General Practice, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian-guo Fei
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng-wei Song
- Department of Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China
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29
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Liu W, Li C, Fang Y, Cai X, Zhu Y, Ren Q, Zhang R, Zhang M, Gao Y, Han X, Li J, Yin S, Huo Y, Ji L. Clinical characteristics and unique presentations of immune checkpoint inhibitor induced type 1 diabetes in Chinese patients from a single institution. Sci Rep 2025; 15:5339. [PMID: 39948427 PMCID: PMC11825683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-89668-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes (ICI-T1D) is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This retrospective study aimed to characterize the clinical features and glucose patterns of ICI-T1D in Chinese individuals and compare them with those of traditional T1D. Between January 2019 and April 2024, 15 patients diagnosed with ICI-T1D were consecutively enrolled. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data from 7 of these patients were compared with data from 14 traditional T1D patients, matched for age, sex, fasting C-peptide levels, and diabetes duration. Median time from ICI initiation to T1D onset was 16 weeks (IQR, 6-96). Notably, T1D developed in four participants at 144, 112, 108, and 96 weeks after PD-1 treatment, respectively. Three ICI-T1D had pre-existing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Moreover, two had concurrent hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency alongside ICI-T1D. CGM analysis suggested that ICI-T1D exhibited a higher overall coefficient of variation (CV) (36.3 ± 4.8% vs. 28.2 ± 6.5%; p = 0.009), a greater CV during the night (37.4 ± 8.4% vs. 23.4 ± 7.3%; p = 0.001), and an increased standard deviation (SD) during the night (3.3 ± 0.8 mmol/L vs. 2.1 ± 1.1 mmol/L; p = 0.017) compared to those with traditional T1D. The study highlighted diverse clinical presentations of ICI-T1D, including delayed onset and multiple endocrine organs dysfunctions after ICI treatment. Consequently, long-term glucose monitoring and early identification are crucial. Furthermore, the observed greater glucose variability in ICI-T1D emphasizes the critical importance of diabetes education and personalized insulin regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Yayu Fang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Cai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Ren
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxia Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyao Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Sai Yin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongran Huo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Linong Ji
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No. 11, Xizhimen Nan Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Zheng J, Wang S, Xia L, Sun Z, Chan KM, Bernards R, Qin W, Chen J, Xia Q, Jin H. Hepatocellular carcinoma: signaling pathways and therapeutic advances. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2025; 10:35. [PMID: 39915447 PMCID: PMC11802921 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-02075-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 11/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2025] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer represents a major global health concern, with projections indicating that the number of new cases could surpass 1 million annually by 2025. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes around 90% of liver cancer cases and is primarily linked to factors incluidng aflatoxin, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), and metabolic disorders. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage of HCC, which often leads to delays in diagnosis. Therefore, HCC patients usually present with tumors in advanced and incurable stages. Several signaling pathways are dis-regulated in HCC and cause uncontrolled cell propagation, metastasis, and recurrence of HCC. Beyond the frequently altered and therapeutically targeted receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways in HCC, pathways involved in cell differentiation, telomere regulation, epigenetic modification and stress response also provide therapeutic potential. Investigating the key signaling pathways and their inhibitors is pivotal for achieving therapeutic advancements in the management of HCC. At present, the primary therapeutic approaches for advanced HCC are tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), and combination regimens. New trials are investigating combination therapies involving ICIs and TKIs or anti-VEGF (endothelial growth factor) therapies, as well as combinations of two immunotherapy regimens. The outcomes of these trials are expected to revolutionize HCC management across all stages. Here, we provide here a comprehensive review of cellular signaling pathways, their therapeutic potential, evidence derived from late-stage clinical trials in HCC and discuss the concepts underlying earlier clinical trials, biomarker identification, and the development of more effective therapeutics for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Siying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - René Bernards
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Haojie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.
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31
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Wu Y, Liu Y, Wu H, Tong M, Du L, Ren S, Che Y. Advances in Ultrasound-Targeted Microbubble Destruction (UTMD) for Breast Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2025; 20:1425-1442. [PMID: 39925678 PMCID: PMC11804227 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s504363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 02/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women. As a result, various treatments have been developed to combat this disease. Breast cancer treatment varies based on its stage and type of pathology. Among the therapeutic options, ultrasound has been employed to assist in the treatment of breast cancer, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, and, more recently, radiofrequency ablation for early-stage and inoperable patients. One notable advancement is ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD), which is gradually becoming a highly effective and non-invasive anti-tumor modality. This technique can enhance chemical, genetic, immune, and anti-vascular therapies through its physical and biological effects. Specifically, UTMD improves drug transfer efficiency and destroys tumor neovascularization while reducing toxic side effects on the body during tumor treatment. Given these developments, the application of ultrasound-assisted therapy to breast cancer has gained significant attention from research scholars. In this review, we will discuss the development of various therapeutic modalities for breast cancer and, importantly, highlight the application of ultrasound microbubble-targeted disruption techniques in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuxi Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shandong Second Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Shan Dong, Weifang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengying Tong
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linyao Du
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuangsong Ren
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Che
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Liaoning, Dalian, People’s Republic of China
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32
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Guo P, Zhong L, Wang T, Luo W, Zhou A, Cao D. NK cell-based immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Challenges and opportunities. Scand J Immunol 2025; 101:e13433. [PMID: 39934640 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13433] [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: 09/07/2024] [Revised: 12/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/01/2025] [Indexed: 02/13/2025]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most challenging malignancies globally, characterized by significant heterogeneity, late-stage diagnosis, and resistance to treatment. In recent years, the advent of immune-checkpoint blockades (ICBs) and targeted immune cell therapies has marked a substantial advancement in HCC treatment. However, the clinical efficacy of these existing therapies is still limited, highlighting the urgent need for new breakthroughs. Natural killer (NK) cells, a subset of the innate lymphoid cell family, have shown unique advantages in the anti-tumour response. With increasing evidence suggesting the crucial role of dysfunctional NK cells in the pathogenesis and progression of HCC, considerable efforts have been directed toward exploring NK cells as a potential therapeutic target for HCC. In this review, we will provide an overview of the role of NK cells in normal liver immunity and in HCC, followed by a detailed discussion of various NK cell-based immunotherapies and their potential applications in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Guo
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Liyuan Zhong
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Weijia Luo
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Aiqiang Zhou
- Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P.R China
| | - Deliang Cao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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33
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Chen Y, Wang K, Zhang X, Tao D, Shang Y, Wang P, Li Q, Liu Y. Prognostic model development using novel genetic signature associated with adenosine metabolism and immune status for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Physiol Biochem 2025; 81:157-172. [PMID: 39546272 PMCID: PMC11958414 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-024-01061-8] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
The high mortality rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is partly due to advanced diagnosis, emphasizing the need for effective predictive tools in HCC treatment. The aim of this study is to propose a novel prognostic model for HCC based on adenosine metabolizing genes and explore the potential relationship between them. Regression analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes associated with adenosine metabolism in HCC patients using RNA sequencing data obtained from a public database. Adenosine metabolism-related risk score (AMrisk) was derived using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression and verified using another database. Changes in adenosine metabolism in HCC were analyzed using functional enrichment analysis and multiple immune scores. The gene expression levels in patient samples were validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Thirty adenosine metabolism-related differentially expressed genes were identified in HCC, and six genes (ADA, P2RY4, P2RY6, RPIA, SLC6A3, and VEGFA) were used to calculate the AMrisk score; the higher the risk scores, the lower the overall survival. Moreover, immune infiltration activation and immune checkpoints were considerably higher in the high-risk group. Additional in vitro experiments validated the enhanced expression of these six genes in HCC. The established predictive model demonstrated that adenosine metabolism-related genes was significantly associated with prognosis in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
- School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kemei Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingyun Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dongying Tao
- Department of Pediatric, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yulong Shang
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, China.
| | - Qiang Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
- Department of General Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Yansheng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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Miao G, Zhang Z, Wang M, Gu X, Xiang D, Cao H. Berberine in combination with anti-PD-L1 suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis via Erk signaling pathway. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2025; 87:103-112. [PMID: 40109642 PMCID: PMC11918555 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000002746] [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: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from Huang Lian and other herbal medicines. It has been reported to play a crucial role in multiple metabolic diseases and cancers. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-L1) is known as the immune checkpoint; immunotherapy targeting PD1/PD-L1 axis can effectively block its pro-tumor activity. However, the effect of the combined use of BBR and anti-PD-L1 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been reported. Methods Hep-3B and HCCLM3 cells were chosen as the experimental objects. To determine the potential anti-cancer activity of the combination of BBR and anti-PD-L1, we first treated v cells with BBR. The cell viability of Hep-3B and HCCLM3 with BBR treatment was measured by Cell Count Kit 8 assay. Cytometry by time-of-flight was performed to analyze tumor tissues after treatment with BBR and/or anti-PD-L1. Proliferation-, migration-, and invasion-related markers were measured by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results The results showed that BBR significantly inhibited the proliferation of Hep-3B and HCCLM3.The combination treatment of BBR and anti-PD-L1 had a prominent inhibitory effect on HCC tumorigenesis. Cytometry by time-of-flight analysis indicated that BBR affects the immune subsets in the tumors. Besides, BBR and anti-PD-L1 inhibited the migration and invasion of HCC by inactivating the phosphorylation of Erk. Conclusion Our study proposed that the combination treatment of BBR and anti-PD-L1 markedly inhibited the tumorigenesis of HCC by Erk signaling pathway. We hope our research can provide a new strategy for the potential of BBR as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganggang Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Danyang, Affiliated Danyang Hospital of Nantong University, Danyang, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Danyang, Affiliated Danyang Hospital of Nantong University, Danyang, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Meiyan Wang
- Suzhou Industrial Park Institute of Services Outsourcing, Suzhou, China
| | - Xingwei Gu
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Danyang, Affiliated Danyang Hospital of Nantong University, Danyang, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Dongxiao Xiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Lin A, Wang M, Wang Z, Lin J, Lin Z, Lin S, Lu S, Lin H, Tang H, Huang X. Expression and relationship of PD-L1, CD24, and CD47 in hepatitis B virus associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:31530. [PMID: 39732950 PMCID: PMC11682133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-83145-5] [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: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 12/11/2024] [Indexed: 12/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is the new standard treatment for advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, many patients still fail to respond. This study explored the expression and prognosis of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), and cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) in patients with hepatitis B virus-associated HCC (HBV-associated HCC). We analyzed sequencing data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and investigated the expression of PD-L1, CD24, and CD47 in HBV-associated HCC patients by immunohistochemistry and their relationship with prognosis and clinicopathological factors. HCC data from the TCGA database show that PD-L1 was substantially correlated with various immune cells. In 67 patients with HBV-associated HCC, high PD-L1 and CD24 expression levels were related to poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with the staging of HBV-associated HCC (p = 0.011) and Ki67 expression (p = 0.024). Correlation analysis between variables reveals that PD-L1 was significantly positively correlated with CD24 and CD47. High expression of PD-L1 and CD24 are risk factors for poor prognosis in HBV-associated HCC patients following curative resection. PD-L1 is significantly correlated with CD24 and CD47.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Mingxia Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian, China
| | - Zhihui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China
| | - Juan Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Zhihui Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Shaowei Lin
- School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Shiyun Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Hong Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Haijun Tang
- Center for Experimental Research in Clinical Medicine, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Xueping Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou University Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
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Fu YY, Li WM, Cai HQ, Jiao Y. Landscape of transarterial chemoembolization represented interventional therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:3903-3906. [PMID: 39734435 PMCID: PMC11650251 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i12.3903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This article discusses the article written by Tan et al. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the main treatment methods for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are other vascular interventional therapies, including drug-eluting bead TACE, transarterial radioembolization, and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy. TACE combined with anti-angiogenesis therapy may improve tumor control and prolong progression free survival. The combination therapy of TACE and immunotherapy may improve the clinical efficacy of HCC. In future research, more basic and clinical studies are needed to explore the immunogenic intervention therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Yang Fu
- Department of The First Operation Room, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Wen-Mao Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Hong-Qiao Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yan Jiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin Province, China
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Peng J, Ding X, Chen CX, Zhao P, Ding X, Zhang M, Aliper A, Ren F, Lu H, Zhavoronkov A. Discovery of Pyridine-2-Carboxamides Derivatives as Potent and Selective HPK1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:21520-21544. [PMID: 39585942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02421] [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: 11/27/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) has emerged as an attractive target for immunotherapy due to its critical role in T cell activation and proliferation. The major challenge in developing HPK1 inhibitors lies in balancing kinase selectivity, pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, and therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we report a series of pyridine-2-carboxamide analogues demonstrating strong HPK1 inhibitory activity in enzymatic and cellular assays, along with good kinase selectivity. Among these analogues, compound 19 showed good in vitro HPK1 inhibitory activity, excellent kinase selectivity (>637-fold vs GCK-like kinase and >1022-fold vs LCK), and robust in vivo efficacy in the CT26 (tumor growth inhibition (TGI) = 94.3%, 2/6 CRs) and MC38 murine colorectal cancer models (TGI = 83.3%, 1/6 complete response) when administered in combination with anti-PD-1. Compound 19 also demonstrated adequate in vitro ADME and in vivo PK properties, displaying good oral bioavailability across multiple species (F % = 35-63). These findings summarize our compound's favorable safety and efficacy profiles, justifying its testing in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Peng
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ding
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Celia Xiaojing Chen
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Pei Zhao
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiao Ding
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Alex Aliper
- Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi 145748, UAE
| | - Feng Ren
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongfu Lu
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd, Suite 901, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai 201203, China
- Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi 145748, UAE
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Peng K, Zhang X, Li Z, Wang Y, Sun HW, Zhao W, Pan J, Zhang XY, Wu X, Yu X, Wu C, Weng Y, Lin X, Liu D, Zhan M, Xu J, Zheng L, Zhang Y, Lu L. Myeloid response evaluated by noninvasive CT imaging predicts post-surgical survival and immune checkpoint therapy benefits in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1493735. [PMID: 39687612 PMCID: PMC11646988 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1493735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 11/12/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The potential of preoperative CT in the assessment of myeloid immune response and its application in predicting prognosis and immune-checkpoint therapy outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been explored. Methods A total of 165 patients with pathological slides and multi-phase CT images were included to develop a radiomics signature for predicting the imaging-based myeloid response score (iMRS). Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were assessed according to the iMRS risk group and validated in a surgical resection cohort (n = 98). The complementary advantage of iMRS incorporating significant clinicopathologic factors was investigated by the Cox proportional hazards analysis. Additionally, the iMRS in inferring the benefits of immune checkpoint therapy was explored in an immunotherapy cohort (n = 36). Results We showed that AUCs of the optimal radiomics signature for iMRS were 0.941 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.909-0.973] and 0.833 (0.798-0.868) in the training and test cohorts, respectively. High iMRS was associated with poor RFS and OS. The prognostic performance of the Clinical-iMRS nomogram was better than that of a single parameter (p < 0.05), with a 1-, 3-, and 5-year C-index for RFS of 0.729, 0.709, and 0.713 in the training, test, and surgical resection cohorts, respectively. A high iMRS score predicted a higher proportion of objective response (vs. progressive disease or stable disease; odds ratio, 2.311; 95% CI, 1.144-4.672; p = 0.020; AUC, 0.718) in patients treated with anti-PD-1 and PD-L1. Conclusions iMRS may provide a promising method for predicting local myeloid immune responses in HCC patients, inferring postsurgical prognosis, and evaluating benefits of immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangqiang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
- Medical AI Lab, Hebei Provincial Engineering Research Center for AI-Based Cancer Treatment Decision-Making, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhongliang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yongchun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Wei Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
- Department of Management, School of Business, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jielin Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
- Department of Radiology, Zhuhai People’s Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhang
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaoling Wu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangrong Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
- Department of Radiology, Zhuhai People’s Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chong Wu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yulan Weng
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Dingjie Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
- The Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhuhai People’s Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Limin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaojun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College), Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Liang D, Tang J, Sun B, He S, Yang D, Ma H, Yun Y, Zhu Y, Wei W, Chen H, Zhao X. Novel CAR-T cells targeting TRKB for the treatment of solid cancer. Apoptosis 2024; 29:2183-2196. [PMID: 38498249 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01936-7] [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] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is highly effective for treating blood cancers such as B-cell malignancies, however, its effectiveness as an approach to treat solid tumors remains to be further explored. Here, we focused on the development of CAR-T cell therapies targeting tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TRKB), a highly expressed protein that is significantly associated with tumor progression, malignancy, and drug resistance in multiple forms of aggressive solid tumors. To achieve this, we screened brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 4 (NTF4) ligand-based CAR-T cells for their efficiency in targeting the TRKB receptor in the context of solid tumors, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer. We demonstrated that TRKB is overexpressed not only in hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic carcinoma cell lines but also in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Notably, BDNF-CAR T and NTF4-CAR T cells could not only effectively target and kill TRKB-expressing pan-cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner but also effectively kill CSCs. We also performed in vivo studies to show that NTF4-CAR T cells have a better potential to inhibit the tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts in mice, compared with BDNF-CAR T cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that CAR-T targeting TRKB may be a promising approach for developing novel therapies to treat solid cancers.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Animals
- Receptor, trkB/metabolism
- Receptor, trkB/genetics
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/genetics
- Mice
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/therapy
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/immunology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Nerve Growth Factors/metabolism
- Nerve Growth Factors/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/immunology
- Neoplasms/therapy
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Liang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shuai He
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haiyan Ma
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuncang Yun
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenwen Wei
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haiyang Chen
- Laboratory of Metabolism and Aging Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Targeting Therapy & Immunology and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Wang R, Liu Q, You W, Wang H, Chen Y. A transformer-based deep learning survival prediction model and an explainable XGBoost anti-PD-1/PD-L1 outcome prediction model based on the cGAS-STING-centered pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Brief Bioinform 2024; 26:bbae686. [PMID: 39749665 PMCID: PMC11695900 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae686] [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: 09/17/2024] [Revised: 11/13/2024] [Accepted: 12/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest cGAS-STING pathway may play a crucial role in the genesis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), closely associated with classical pathways and tumor immunity. We aimed to develop models predicting survival and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 outcomes centered on the cGAS-STING pathway in HCC. We identified classical pathways highly correlated with cGAS-STING pathway and constructed transformer survival model preserving raw structure of pathways. We also developed explainable XGBoost model for predicting anti-PD-1/PD-L1 outcomes using SHAP algorithm. We trained and validated transformer survival model on pan-cancer cohort and tested it on three independent HCC cohorts. Using 0.5 as threshold across cohorts, we divided each HCC cohort into two groups and calculated P values with log-rank test. TCGA-LIHC: C-index = 0.750, P = 1.52e-11; ICGC-LIRI-JP: C-index = 0.741, P = .00138; GSE144269: C-index = 0.647, P = .0233. We trained and validated [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.777] XGBoost model on immunotherapy datasets and tested it on GSE78220 (AUC = 0.789); we also tested XGBoost model on HCC anti-PD-L1 cohort (AUC = 0.719). Our deep learning model and XGBoost model demonstrate potential in predicting survival risks and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 outcomes in HCC. We deployed these two prediction models to the GitHub repository and provided detailed instructions for their usage: deep learning survival model, https://github.com/mlwalker123/CSP_survival_model; XGBoost immunotherapy model, https://github.com/mlwalker123/CSP_immunotherapy_model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Wang
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
- The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, West Road of the Yellow River, Huai’an 223300, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiumei Liu
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
- The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, West Road of the Yellow River, Huai’an 223300, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wenhua You
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
- The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, West Road of the Yellow River, Huai’an 223300, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Huiyu Wang
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun Chen
- The Affiliated Wuxi People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People’s Hospital, Wuxi Medical Center, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
- The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, West Road of the Yellow River, Huai’an 223300, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu Province, China
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Zuo M, Wei R, Li D, Li W, An C. The AFCRPLITY score for predicting the prognosis of immunotherapy combined with local-regional therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241297080. [PMID: 39563715 PMCID: PMC11574904 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241297080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy combined with intra-arterial therapy (IAT) has shown great potential in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, there are currently no available biomarkers that can predict the prognosis of immune-based combined therapy. OBJECTIVES To establish a scoring method to predict prognosis in uHCC patients undergoing IAT plus immunotherapy. METHODS Between March 2019 and August 2022, uHCC patients undergoing IAT in combination with programmed cell death (ligand) 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1-based immunotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS Among 1046 patients included, 780 patients were enrolled into hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy immunotherapy cohorts (training set: n = 546, one center; external testing set: n = 234, three centers) and 266 patients were treated with trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus immunotherapy were enrolled into TACE immunotherapy cohort (validation set: n = 266). We developed the easy-to-apply alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in immunotherapy (AFCRPLITY) score and investigated the prognostic value of baseline variables on the disease control rate (DCR) and progression-free survival (PFS). HCC patients with low AFCRPLITY scores would have better PFS and DCRs than patients with high AFCRPLITY scores (AFCRPLITY 0: vs AFCRPLITY 1: vs AFCRPLITY 2: vs AFCRPLITY 3: p < 0.001 for PFS, p = 0.001 for DCRs) in the training set, which was confirmed in the external testing set and validation set. The highest level of CD8+ T cells was in the AFCRPLITY score = 0 group than the other two groups. CONCLUSION The AFCRPLITY score is associated with PFS and DCR in uHCC patients receiving IATs plus immunotherapy. This score may be helpful for counseling, but prospective validation is needed. DESIGN A retrospective, multi-institutional study. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study has been retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/, ChiCTR2300075828).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxuan Zuo
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, P.R. China
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Da Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, P.R. China
| | - Wang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chao An
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Guangzhou, P.R. China
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Cheng L, Zhang L, Wang X, Wang Y, Yu J, Li M, Ma Z, Chi-Lui Ho P, Chen X, Wang L, Sethi G, Goh BC. Extracellular vesicles in the HCC microenvironment: Implications for therapy and biomarkers. Pharmacol Res 2024; 209:107419. [PMID: 39284428 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as the sixth most prevalent cancer and the third leading cause of cancer mortality globally. Despite surgical resection being the preferred approach for early-stage HCC, most patients are diagnosed at intermediate to advanced stages, limiting treatment options to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which often yield poor outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), minute lipid-bilayered particles released by diverse cells under various physiological and pathological conditions, are crucial for mediating communication between cells. Mounting evidence indicates that EVs sourced from different cells can profoundly influence the HCC tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby affecting the progression of HCC. Given their immunogenicity and liver-targeting properties, these EVs not only hold promise for HCC treatment but also provide avenues for advancing early diagnostic methods and assessing prognosis. This review not only describes the function of EVs within the HCC tumor microenvironment but also analyzes their therapeutic advantages and explores their significance in various therapeutic approaches for HCC, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, combination therapy, and their role as innovative drug delivery carriers. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of EVs as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Jingzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou 434000, China; The Third Clinical Medical College of Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434000, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Yufei Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Jiahui Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Mengnan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China
| | - Paul Chi-Lui Ho
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, China.
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore.
| | - Gautam Sethi
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
| | - Boon-Cher Goh
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, 119228, Singapore
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Marzi L, Mega A, Turri C, Gitto S, Ferro F, Spizzo G. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Pre-Transplant Hepatocellular Carcinoma Setting: A Glimpse Beyond the Liver. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:11676. [PMID: 39519230 PMCID: PMC11547112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252111676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2024] [Revised: 10/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/27/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Liver transplantation (LT) is the best therapy for most patients with non-metastatic HCC. In recent years, the management of patients with HCC has considerably changed, thanks to the improvement of molecular biology knowledge and the introduction of immunotherapy. To date, systemic therapy is authorized in the Western world only in patients with advanced HCC. However, this therapy could not only stabilize the tumour disease or improve survival but could display excellent response and lead to downstaging of the tumour that finally permits LT. There are increasing reports of patients that have performed LT after pretreatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, due to the intrinsic mechanism of ICIs, graft rejection might be favoured. In addition, chronic adverse effects affecting other organs may also appear after the end of therapy. This review aims to evaluate the readiness and outcomes of LT in patients with advanced HCC who have previously undergone treatment with ICIs. It seeks to identify the challenges, risks, and benefits associated with this conversion therapy. The integration of ICIs into the treatment paradigm for advanced HCC necessitates a nuanced approach to LT. While early evidence supports the feasibility of LT following ICIs therapy, there is an urgent need for standardized guidelines and more extensive longitudinal studies to optimize patient selection, timing, and post-transplant management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Marzi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bolzano Regional Hospital (SABES-ASDAA), 39100 Bolzano-Bozen, Italy; (A.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Andrea Mega
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bolzano Regional Hospital (SABES-ASDAA), 39100 Bolzano-Bozen, Italy; (A.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Chiara Turri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bolzano Regional Hospital (SABES-ASDAA), 39100 Bolzano-Bozen, Italy; (A.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Stefano Gitto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Federica Ferro
- Department of Radiology, Bolzano Regional Hospital (SABES-ASDAA), 39100 Bolzano-Bozen, Italy;
| | - Gilbert Spizzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oncologic Day Hospital, Hospital of Bressanone (SABES-ASDAA), 39042 Bressanone-Brixen, Italy;
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Zhu YB, Qin JY, Zhang TT, Zhang WJ, Ling Q. Reassessment of palliative surgery in conversion therapy of previously unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Two case reports and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:3312-3320. [PMID: 39575295 PMCID: PMC11577388 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i10.3312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have lost the opportunity for direct surgery at the time of diagnosis. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) can partially transform some unresectable HCC and improve the prognosis effectively. However, based on the promising prospects of combined targeted and immunotherapy for the effective treatment of HCC, the positive role of palliative surgery in the conversion treatment of advanced HCC urgently needs further intensive re-assessment. CASE SUMMARY In this study, we describe two successful cases of "conversion therapy for unresectable HCC" achieved mainly by palliative surgery combined with TACE plus immunotherapy and TKIs. A 48-year-old patient with newly diagnosed HCC, presenting with a 6-cm mass in the segment VII/VIII of the right liver with multiple intrahepatic metastases, could not undergo one-stage radical surgical resection. He underwent palliative surgery with radiofrequency of metastatic lesions and the palliative resection of the primary mass, and received subsequent TACE treatments twice in the early postoperative period (2 weeks and 6 weeks), in addition to targeted and immune combination therapy with sintilimab injection and oral lenvatinib. No evidence of recurrence was observed during the 11-month follow-up period after surgery. The other patient was a 47-year-old patient with massive HCC (18 cm × 15 cm × 4.5 cm) in the left liver with severe cirrhosis. The left portal branch was occluded and a tumor thrombus formed, and the tumor partly involved the middle hepatic vein. The patient underwent palliative surgery of left hemihepatectomy (including resection of the middle hepatic vein) for HCC, followed by three TACE procedures and oral TKIs 2 weeks after surgery. Six months later, the re-examination via computed tomography revealed no tumour activity in the remaining right liver, while magnetic resonance imaging revealed slight local tumor enhancement in the caudate lobe of the liver considered, TACE was performed once again, and during the next follow-up of 10 months did not reveal new intrahepatic lesions or distant metastases. CONCLUSION These cases demonstrate that the addition of palliative surgery to conversion therapy in a selected population with a high tumor burden could benefit patients with initially unresectable HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Bo Zhu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Qin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wen-Jin Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, China
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Zhang F, Zhong S, Wei Q, Zhang H, Hu H, Zeng B, Zheng X. Efficacy and Safety of Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy(HAIC) Combined with PD-1 Inhibitors for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Macrovascular Invasion: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matching Analysis. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:1961-1978. [PMID: 39429914 PMCID: PMC11491080 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s483824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the efficacy and safety of HAIC combined with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD1) inhibitors in MVI-positive advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Methods From September 2017 to May 2019, we retrospectively collected the clinical data from three medical centers in China pertaining to patients diagnosed with BCLC C stage HCC with MVI and receiving treatment with a combination of HAIC and PD-1 inhibitors treatment or HAIC alone, and we compared the efficacy of HAIC combined with PD-1 inhibitors and HAIC monotherapy. Propensity score matching(PSM) was utilized to adjust for baseline differences between groups. Survival outcomes and tumor response rate were used to assess survival benefits, while the incidence of adverse events was used to evaluate safety. Results After screening for eligibility, 489 patients diagnosed with HCC and concomitant MVI were enrolled. Of these, 173 patients received treatment combining HAIC with PD-1 inhibitors, while 316 patients underwent HAIC monotherapy. After PSM adjustment, the combination therapy group demonstrate superior survival outcomes. Median overall survival(OS) and progression free survival(PFS) were 31.8 months and 10.8 months, respectively, significantly higher than those in the monotherapy group (OS: 10.0 months; PFS: 6.1 months; both P<0.0001). Moreover, ORR and DCR remained significantly elevated in the combination therapy group (ORR: 44.3% vs 20.4%, P<0.0001; DCR: 89.8% vs 82.0%, P=0.041). Safety profiles indicated no significant differences in adverse event rates between the two treatment groups, encompassing both overall and grade-specific assessments. Conclusion Compared to HAIC alone, the combination of HAIC with PD-1 inhibitors represents a more promising and effective approach for patients with HCC complicated by macrovascular invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengtao Zhang
- Vascular Interventional Surgery, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital(Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Department of Tumor and Vascellum Intervention, DongGuan Tungwah Hospital, DongGuan, Guangdong, 523000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiming Wei
- Department of Interventional Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiming Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honglei Hu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510260, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bicheng Zeng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Zheng
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Zhuhai People’s Hospital(Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, People’s Republic of China
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Rizzo A, Brunetti O, Brandi G. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy: Predictors of Response, Issues, and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:11091. [PMID: 39456872 PMCID: PMC11507510 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252011091] [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: 08/24/2024] [Revised: 10/14/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as durvalumab, tremelimumab, and atezolizumab, have emerged as a significant therapeutic option for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In fact, the efficacy of ICIs as single agents or as part of combination therapies has been demonstrated in practice-changing phase III clinical trials. However, ICIs confront several difficulties, including the lack of predictive biomarkers, primary and secondary drug resistance, and treatment-related side effects. Herein, we provide an overview of current issues and future challenges in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- S.S.D. C.O.r.O. Bed Management Presa in Carico, TDM, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Oronzo Brunetti
- S.S.D. C.O.r.O. Bed Management Presa in Carico, TDM, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti, 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Via Albertoni, 15, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Gong Q, Zhang L, Guo J, Zhao W, Zhou B, Yang C, Jiang N. FBXO family genes promotes hepatocellular carcinoma via ubiquitination of p53. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:458. [PMID: 39397119 PMCID: PMC11471714 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05948-3] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
FBXO protein family plays an essential role in the ubiquitination process acting as E3 ligases, which may contribute to the progression of cancers. However, the molecular functions of FBXOs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the overlapping genes between the FBXOs and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of HCC identified by utilizing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, then, a prognostic model with effective predictive capacity was constructed based on the uni-cox and LASSO regression analyses. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of the FBXO model genes, KEGG analysis was carried out. Drug metabolism-cytochrome P450 and retinol metabolism were revealed as the potential pathway, which Increased the credibility of subsequent drug prediction research. Meanwhile, patients divided by the prognostic model showed a different immune infiltrating status and we also found FBXO model genes may ubiquitinate P53, inducing TP53 more prone to mutations, thereby promoting the occurrence and development of tumors. Consistent with these findings, the result of immunohistochemistry (IHC) validated an elevated expression of these model genes in HCC tissues than in the adjacent tissues. The primary aim of this investigation is to formulate a prognostic model while exploring the underlying mechanisms associated with FBXO genes in HCC. These findings offer initial research perspectives on the involvement of FBXO genes in HCC and contribute to the discovery of dependable biomarkers for the management, prognostication, and early detection of HCC in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingge Gong
- Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - La Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Baoyong Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Changhong Yang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Pathology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Molecular Medicine Diagnostic and Testing Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Liao K, Cheng J, Hu Y, Zhang B, Huang P, Liu J, Zhang W, Hu H, Bai X, Qian Y, Guo D, Ai K, Zhu Y, Huang L. Evaluation of the safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors for immunotherapy in patients with malignant tumors after COVID-19 infection: A single-center cohort study. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e70202. [PMID: 39377592 PMCID: PMC11459677 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.70202] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION An increasing body of evidence suggests a close association between COVID-19 infection and the safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy in cancer patients. However, the available data concerning these impacts remain limited and occasionally contradictory. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of cancer patients who received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy at the same institution from November 2022 to May 2023. After excluding patients with missing information, a total of 224 cases were included. In our study, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that occurred during the hospitalization of patients were included in the analysis. Further analysis of inter-subgroup differences was conducted following a 1:2 propensity score matching. Statistical analyses were performed using the Fisher's exact, chi-squared, and Mann-Whitney U-tests. RESULT The results showed that no statistically significant differences between the two subgroups in the incidence of irAEs, changes in immune function before and after using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, and alterations in hepatic and renal function (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that infection with COVID-19 does not significantly impact the safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cancer patients. Most cancer patients used PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors during COVID-19 infection (asymptomatic or mild infection) did not experience exacerbation of their underlying condition, nor did they exhibit a substantial increase in toxic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Liao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Jinting Cheng
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Yujie Hu
- The 1st Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Beining Zhang
- Queen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Oncology, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Wenyige Zhang
- Queen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Huan Hu
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Xinyi Bai
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Yihui Qian
- The 2nd Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Daixin Guo
- School of Public Health, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Kun Ai
- Queen Mary College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Yuchen Zhu
- The 1st Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Long Huang
- Department of Oncology, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical CollegeNanchang UniversityNanchangChina
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Li RX, Hao Y, Ettel M. Expression of PSMA in Tumor-Associated Vasculature Predicts Poorer Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Is Likely Associated With PD-L1. Int J Surg Pathol 2024; 32:1248-1255. [PMID: 38321782 DOI: 10.1177/10668969241226705] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein recently found to be expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to characterize the expression pattern of PSMA in HCC and its association with clinicopathologic parameters and other biomarkers. METHODS Immunohistochemical studies for PSMA were performed on a previously established tissue microarray of 103 surgically resected HCC. RESULTS Conceivable PSMA expression in ≥5% tumor-associated vasculature (TAV) was considered positive, and was identified in 56 (54.4%) tumors. Eight (7.8%) tumors also showed membranous/cytoplasmic and/or canalicular staining in tumor cells. By chi-square tests, only PSMA-positive TAV was associated with moderate-to-poorly differentiated HCC and the modified higher tumor stage (P < .05). PSMA-positive TAV was not associated with age, sex, or expression of glypican-3, keratin 7, CD3, CD8, HHLA-2, but marginally correlated with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (P = .052). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed PSMA-positive TAV as an independent risk factor for poorer disease-specific survival (P = .008). Co-expression of PD-L1 did not ameliorate the adverse prognostication of PSMA-positive TAV. Membranous/cytoplasmic/canalicular expression of PSMA alone was not prognostically significant. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed that PSMA-positive TAV is a prospective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for HCC. Co-expression of PSMA with PD-L1 may suggest potential crosstalk between the 2 proteins, likely regulating the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena X Li
- High School Intern, Pittsford Mendon High School, Pittsford, NY, USA
| | - Yansheng Hao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mark Ettel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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Rauth S, Malafa M, Ponnusamy MP, Batra SK. Emerging Trends in Gastrointestinal Cancer Targeted Therapies: Harnessing Tumor Microenvironment, Immune Factors, and Metabolomics Insights. Gastroenterology 2024; 167:867-884. [PMID: 38759843 PMCID: PMC11793124 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are the leading cause of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment strategies for patients with GI tumors have focused on oncogenic molecular profiles associated with tumor cells. Recent evidence has demonstrated that the tumor cell functions are modulated by its microenvironment, compromising fibroblasts, extracellular matrices, microbiome, immune cells, and the enteric nervous system. Along with the tumor microenvironment components, alterations in key metabolic pathways have emerged as a hallmark of tumor cells. From these perspectives, this review will highlight the functions of different cellular components of the GI tumor microenvironment and their implications for treatment. Furthermore, we discuss the major metabolic reprogramming in GI tumor cells and how understanding metabolic rewiring could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Finally, we briefly summarize the targeted agents currently being studied in GI cancers. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors during tumor progression is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
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