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Wu TKH, Hui RWH, Mak LY, Fung J, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Advances in systemic therapies. F1000Res 2024; 13:104. [PMID: 38766497 PMCID: PMC11099512 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.145493.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is traditionally associated with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Sorafenib, a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was introduced in 2007 as a first-in-class systemic agent for advanced HCC. After sorafenib, a range of targeted therapies and immunotherapies have demonstrated survival benefits in the past 5 years, revolutionizing the treatment landscape of advanced HCC. More recently, evidence of novel combinations of systemic agents with distinct mechanisms has emerged. In particular, combination trials on atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and durvalumab plus tremelimumab have shown encouraging efficacy. Hence, international societies have revamped their guidelines to incorporate new recommendations for these novel systemic agents. Aside from treatment in advanced HCC, the indications for systemic therapy are expanding. For example, the combination of systemic therapeutics with locoregional therapy (trans-arterial chemoembolization or stereotactic body radiation therapy) has demonstrated promising early results in downstaging HCC. Recent trials have also explored the role of systemic therapy as neoadjuvant treatment for borderline-resectable HCC or as adjuvant treatment to reduce recurrence risk after curative resection. Despite encouraging results from clinical trials, the real-world efficacy of systemic agents in specific patient subgroups (such as patients with advanced cirrhosis, high bleeding risk, renal impairment, or cardiometabolic diseases) remains uncertain. The effect of liver disease etiology on systemic treatment efficacy warrants further research. With an increased understanding of the pathophysiological pathways and accumulation of clinical data, personalized treatment decisions will be possible, and the field of systemic treatment for HCC will continue to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Kwan-Hung Wu
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Liang Y, Zhong D, Zhang Z, Su Y, Yan S, Lai C, Yao Y, Shi Y, Huang X, Shang J. Impact of preoperative antiviral therapy on the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:291. [PMID: 38438842 PMCID: PMC10913258 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12031-0] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection patients, increasing evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness of expanding the indications and applicable population for antiviral therapy. However, the expanded indication of antiviral therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be further explored. METHODS 196 HBV-related HCC patients who received radical hepatectomy and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) therapy at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital were enrolled in this study. HCC recurrence, overall survival (OS), early virological (VR) and biochemical responses (BR) of patients were compared between different NAs therapy and the use of anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) therapy. RESULTS NAs therapy at different timing of surgery was a strong independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence and overall mortality of HBV-related HCC patients. Furthermore, in HCC patients who received postoperative anti-PD-1 therapy, patients with HBV DNA < 1000 copy/mL had significantly better recurrence-free survival (RFS) and OS than those with HBV DNA ≥ 1000 copy/mL (HR: 7.783; P = 0.002; HR: 6.699; P < 0.001). However, the differences of RFS and OS rates between entecavir group and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate group were not statistically significant. Similar results were also observed in the rates of early VR, BR and combined VR and BR. CONCLUSION Timely and reasonable preoperative NAs therapy showed clinical benefit in improving the prognosis of patients with HBV-related HCC, even in the case of normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level and negative hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg). Furthermore, a possible synergistic effect between antiviral therapy and anti-PD-1 therapy was founded and need further verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Liang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Deyuan Zhong
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Zilong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic and Hernia Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Puai Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430033, China
| | - Yuhao Su
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Su Yan
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Chunyou Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yutong Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Jin Shang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Cell Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China.
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplant Research Institute, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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Zhang Y, Wan W, Shen R, Zhang B, Wang L, Zhang H, Ren X, Cui J, Liu J. Prognostic Factors and Construction of Nomogram Prediction Model of Lung Cancer Patients Using Clinical and Blood Laboratory Parameters. Onco Targets Ther 2024; 17:131-144. [PMID: 38405176 PMCID: PMC10894599 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s444396] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This work aimed to explore the prognostic risk factors of lung cancer (LC) patients and establish a line chart prediction model. Methods A total of 322 LC patients were taken as the study subjects. They were randomly divided into a training set (n = 202) and a validation set (n = 120). Basic information and laboratory indicators were collected, and the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were followed up. Single-factor and cyclooxygenase (COX) multivariate analyses were performed on the training set to construct a Nomogram prediction model, which was validated with 120 patients in the validation set, and Harrell's consistency was analyzed. Results Single-factor analysis revealed significant differences in PFS (P<0.05) between genders, body mass index (BMI), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA), treatment methods, treatment response evaluation, smoking status, presence of pericardial effusion, and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) at 0 and 1-50%. Significant differences in OS (P<0.05) were observed for age, tumor location, treatment methods, White blood cells (WBC), uric acid (UA), CA125, pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP), SCCA, cytokeratin fragment 21 (CYFRA21), and smoking status. COX analysis identified male gender, progressive disease (PD) as treatment response, and SCCA > 1.6 as risk factors for LC PFS. The consistency indices of the line chart models for predicting PFS and OS were 0.782 and 0.772, respectively. Conclusion Male gender, treatment response of PD, and SCCA > 1.6 are independent risk factors affecting the survival of LC patients. The PFS line chart model demonstrates good concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wan
- Department of Oncology, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bohao Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710077, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710069, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Cui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710077, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710100, People’s Republic of China
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Himmelsbach V, Koch C, Trojan J, Finkelmeier F. Systemic Drugs for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: What Do Recent Clinical Trials Reveal About Sequencing and the Emerging Complexities of Clinical Decisions? J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:363-372. [PMID: 38405324 PMCID: PMC10886804 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s443218] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer death in 2015 with increasing incidence between 1990 and 2015. Orthotopic liver transplantation, surgical resection and ablation comprise the only curative therapy options. However, due to the late manifestation of clinical symptoms, many patients present with intermediate or advanced disease, resulting in no curative treatment option being available. Whereas intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually still addressable by transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), advanced-stage HCC is amenable only to pharmacological treatments. Conventional cytotoxic agents failed demonstrating relevant effect on survival also because their use was severely limited by the mostly underlying insufficient liver function. For a decade, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib was the only systemic therapy that proved to have a clinically relevant effect in the treatment of advanced HCC. In recent years, the number of substances for systemic treatment of advanced HCC has increased enormously. In addition to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and antiangiogenic drugs are increasingly being applied. The combination of anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody atezolizumab and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody bevacizumab has become the new standard of care for advanced HCC due to its remarkable response rates. This requires more and more complex clinical decisions regarding tumor therapy. This review aims at summarizing recent developments in systemic therapy, considering data on first- and second-line treatment, use in the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting and combination with locoregional procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Himmelsbach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine Koch
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jörg Trojan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Fabian Finkelmeier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
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Kamrani A, Nasiri H, Hassanzadeh A, Ahmadian Heris J, Mohammadinasab R, Sadeghvand S, Sadeghi M, Valedkarimi Z, Hosseinzadeh R, Shomali N, Akbari M. New immunotherapy approaches for colorectal cancer: focusing on CAR-T cell, BiTE, and oncolytic viruses. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:56. [PMID: 38243252 PMCID: PMC10799490 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of mortality worldwide. There are several potential risk factors responsible for the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer, including age, family history, a history of inflammatory bowel disease, and lifestyle factors such as physical activity and diet. For decades, there has been a vast amount of study on treatment approaches for colorectal cancer, which has led to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, surgery, etc. Considering the high prevalence and incidence rate, scholars believe there is an urgent need for an alternative, more efficacious treatment with fewer adverse effects than the abovementioned treatments. Immunotherapy has emerged as a potential treatment alternative in a few years and has become one of the fastest-evolving therapeutic methods. Immunotherapy works by activating or enhancing the immune system's power to identify and attack cancerous cells. This review summarizes the most crucial new immunotherapy methods under investigation for colorectal cancer treatment, including Immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, BiTEs, Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and Oncolytic virus therapy. Furthermore, this study discusses the application of combination therapy, precision medicine, biomarker discovery, overcoming resistance, and immune-related adverse effects. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Kamrani
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Nasiri
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Ahmadian Heris
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Mohammadinasab
- Department of History of Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Sadeghvand
- Pediatrics Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Sadeghi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Tabriz university of medical science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Valedkarimi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ramin Hosseinzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Li BB, Chen LJ, Lu SL, Lei B, Yu GL, Yu SP. C-reactive protein to albumin ratio predict responses to programmed cell death-1 inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:61-78. [PMID: 38292845 PMCID: PMC10824115 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i1.61] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the years, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors have been routinely used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment and yielded improved survival outcomes. Nonetheless, significant heterogeneity surrounds the outcomes of most studies. Therefore, it is critical to search for biomarkers that predict the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in patients with HCC. AIM To investigate the role of the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) in evaluating the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors for HCC. METHODS The clinical data of 160 patients with HCC treated with PD-1 inhibitors from January 2018 to November 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS The optimal cut-off value for CAR based on progression-free survival (PFS) was determined to be 1.20 using x-tile software. Cox proportional risk model was used to determine the factors affecting prognosis. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.754, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.045-2.944, P = 0.033], CAR (HR = 2.118, 95%CI = 1.057-4.243, P = 0.034) and tumor number (HR = 2.932, 95%CI = 1.246-6.897, P = 0.014) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. CAR (HR = 2.730, 95%CI = 1.502-4.961, P = 0.001), tumor number (HR = 1.584, 95%CI = 1.003-2.500, P = 0.048) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (HR = 1.120, 95%CI = 1.022-1.228, P = 0.015) were independent prognostic factors for PFS. Two nomograms were constructed based on independent prognostic factors. The C-index index and calibration plots confirmed that the nomogram is a reliable risk prediction tool. The ROC curve and decision curve analysis confirmed that the nomogram has a good predictive effect as well as a net clinical benefit. CONCLUSION Overall, we reveal that the CAR is a potential predictor of short- and long-term prognosis in patients with HCC treated with PD-1 inhibitors. If further verified, CAR-based nomogram may increase the number of markers that predict individualized prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Bei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Immunology and Metabolism for Liver Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lei-Jie Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Nanning 410011, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shi-Liu Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Immunology and Metabolism for Liver Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Biao Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Immunology and Metabolism for Liver Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gui-Lin Yu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shui-Ping Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Immunology and Metabolism for Liver Diseases, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Ghelfi J, Macek Jilkova Z, Sengel C, Brusset B, Teyssier Y, Costentin C, Mercey-Ressejac M, Dumolard L, Manceau M, Mathieu E, Bricault I, Decaens T. PD1 and TIM3 Expression is Associated with Very Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Percutaneous Thermal Ablation. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 11:39-50. [PMID: 38223553 PMCID: PMC10787562 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s443134] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Percutaneous thermal ablation (PTA) is a cornerstone in the management of early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR) occurs in the majority of patients after PTA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune signature associated with very early IDR. Patients and Methods Thirty-one patients (26 men, 5 women; mean age:72.4 ± 8.6; age range:57-86 years) who underwent PTA for HCC were included in this study. After PTA for HCC, patients were followed and later divided into two groups: a "very early recurrence" group in case of IDR within 12 months after PTA, and a "prolonged recurrence-free" group in case of no recurrence before 12 months of follow-up. Freshly harvested intratumoral and nontumoral liver tissues and peripheral blood were obtained before PTA and explored by multiparametric flow cytometry. Results The frequency of PD1+CD4+ T cells was higher in the early recurrence group than in the prolonged recurrence-free group in the peripheral blood (24.3%, IQR: 22.3-36.5 vs 14.0%, IQR: 11.5-16.4, p<0.0001), in the nontumoral liver (37.9%, IQR: 36.0-50.0 vs 22.5%, IQR: 18.0-29.9, p=0.0004), and in the tumor (37.6%, IQR: 32.3-39.3 vs 24.0%, IQR: 20.0-30.3, p=0.0137). Similarly, the frequency of TIM+CD8+ T cells was higher in the very early recurrence group in the peripheral blood (p=0.0021), non-tumoral liver (p=0.0012), and tumor (p=0.0239). Conclusion The expression of immune checkpoint molecules, such as PD1 and TIM3 on T cells identified HCC patients at risk of very early IDR after PTA who would likely benefit from adjuvant immunotherapy. Thus, our study contributes to a better understanding of the potential association of PTA with adjuvant immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Ghelfi
- University of Grenoble-Alpes, Saint Martin d’Hères, France
- Department of Radiology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences - INSERM U1209/CNRS UMR 5309/University of Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- University of Grenoble-Alpes, Saint Martin d’Hères, France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences - INSERM U1209/CNRS UMR 5309/University of Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
- Department of Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Christian Sengel
- Department of Radiology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Bleuenn Brusset
- Department of Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Yann Teyssier
- Department of Radiology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Charlotte Costentin
- University of Grenoble-Alpes, Saint Martin d’Hères, France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences - INSERM U1209/CNRS UMR 5309/University of Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
- Department of Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Marion Mercey-Ressejac
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences - INSERM U1209/CNRS UMR 5309/University of Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
- Department of Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Lucile Dumolard
- University of Grenoble-Alpes, Saint Martin d’Hères, France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences - INSERM U1209/CNRS UMR 5309/University of Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Marc Manceau
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Inserm Clinical Research Center, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Eliott Mathieu
- Department of Radiology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Ivan Bricault
- University of Grenoble-Alpes, Saint Martin d’Hères, France
- Department of Radiology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Thomas Decaens
- University of Grenoble-Alpes, Saint Martin d’Hères, France
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences - INSERM U1209/CNRS UMR 5309/University of Grenoble-Alpes, La Tronche, France
- Department of Hepatology and Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Grenoble-Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
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8
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Kong S, Liu Q, Chen Y, Liang B, Zhou Y, Lin J, Xie M, Qiu L. Multifunctional Probe Based on "Chemical Antibody-Aptamer" for Noninvasive Detection of PD-L1 Expression in Cancer. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:255-266. [PMID: 38093483 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00818] [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: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy based on programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) has shown significant development in treating several carcinomas, but not all patients respond to this therapy due to the heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression. The sensitive and accurate quantitative analysis of in vivo PD-L1 expression is critical for treatment decisions and monitoring therapy. In the present study, an aptamer-based dual-modality positron emission tomography/near-infrared fluorescence (PET/NIRF) imaging probe was developed, and its specificity and sensitivity to PD-L1 were assessed in vitro and in vivo. The probe precursor NOTA-Cy5-R1 was prepared by using automated solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. PET/NIRF dual-modality probe [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Cy5-R1 was successfully synthesized and radiolabeled. The binding specificity of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Cy5-R1 to PD-L1 was evaluated by flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging, and cellular uptake in A375-hPD-L1 and A375 cells, and it showed good fluorescence properties and stability in vitro. In vivo PET/NIRF imaging studies illustrated that [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Cy5-R1 can sensitively and specifically bind to PD-L1 positive tumors. Meanwhile, the rapid clearance of probes from nontarget tissues achieved a high signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, changes of PD-L1 expression in NCI-H1299 xenografts treated with cisplatin (CDDP) were sensitivity monitored by [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Cy5-R1 PET imaging, and ex vivo autoradiography and western blot analyses correlated well with the change of PD-L1 expression in vivo. Overall, [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Cy5-R1 showed notable potency as a dual-modality PET/NIRF imaging probe for visualizing tumors and monitoring the dynamic changes of PD-L1 expression, which can help to direct and promote the clinical practice of ICIs therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudong Kong
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Qingzhu Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Yinfei Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Beibei Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Yuxuan Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Jianguo Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Minhao Xie
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
| | - Ling Qiu
- School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, PR China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Wuxi 214063, PR China
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9
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Zhang F, Zhou K, Yuan W, Sun K. Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba Inhibits the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Activation of the PTEN/PD-L1 Axis within the Immune Microenvironment. Nutr Cancer 2023; 76:63-79. [PMID: 37909316 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2023.2276525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated how Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba (BP) was active against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database was employed to determine the active ingredients of BP and potential targets against HCC. Molecular docking analysis verified the binding activity of PTEN with BP ingredients. H22 cells were used to establish an HCC model in male balb/c mice. Immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and real-time quantitative PCR were used to study changes in proliferation, apoptosis, PTEN levels, inflammation, and T-cell differentiation in male balb/c mice. RESULTS The major active ingredients in BP were found to be quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol. Molecular docking demonstrated that these five active BP ingredients formed a stable complex with PTEN. BP exhibited an anti-tumor effect in our HCC mouse model. BP was found to increase the CD8+ and IFN-γ+/CD4+ T cell levels while decreasing the PD-1+/CD8+ T and Treg cell levels in HCC mice. BP up-regulated the IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels but down-regulated the IL-10 levels in HCC mice. After PTEN knockdown, BP-induced effects were abrogated. CONCLUSION BP influenced the immune microenvironment through activation of the PTEN/PD-L1 axis, protecting against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhang
- Department of TCM, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hu'nan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kewei Sun
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hu'nan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
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10
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Ratajczak K, Grel H, Olejnik P, Jakiela S, Stobiecka M. Current progress, strategy, and prospects of PD-1/PDL-1 immune checkpoint biosensing platforms for cancer diagnostics, therapy monitoring, and drug screening. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 240:115644. [PMID: 37660460 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent technological advancements in testing and monitoring instrumentation have greatly contributed to the progress in cancer treatment by surgical, chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic interventions. However, the mortality rate still remains high, calling for the development of new treatment strategies with higher efficacy. Extensive efforts driven in this direction have included broadening of early cancer screening and applying innovative theranostic nanotechnologies. They have been supported by platforms introduced to enable the detection and monitoring of cancer biomarkers, inhibitors, and other agents, able to slow down cancer progression and prevent metastasis. Despite of the well-recognized principles of the immune checkpoint blockade, the efficacy of immunotherapy achieved so far does not meet the well-founded expectations. For a successful cancer treatment, highly sensitive, robust, and inexpensive multiplex biosensors have to be designed to aid in the biomarkers monitoring and in the development of new inhibitors. In this review, we provide an overview of the efforts undertaken to aid in the development and monitoring of anticancer immunotherapy, based on the programmed cell-death immune checkpoint (PD-1/PDL-1) blockade, by designing biosensors for the detection of relevant cancer biomarkers and their inhibitors screening. This review also emphasizes alternative targets made by exosomes carrying PD-L1 overexpressed in cancer cells and passed into the excreted exosomes. Evaluated are also novel targeted drug delivery nanocarriers, providing simultaneous biosensing, thereby contributing to the emerging immune checkpoint cancer therapy. On the basis of the current trends and the emerging technologies, future perspectives of cancer diagnostics and treatment monitoring using biosensing platforms are projected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ratajczak
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), 159 Nowoursynowska Street, 02776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hubert Grel
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), 159 Nowoursynowska Street, 02776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Olejnik
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), 159 Nowoursynowska Street, 02776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Slawomir Jakiela
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), 159 Nowoursynowska Street, 02776, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Stobiecka
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), 159 Nowoursynowska Street, 02776, Warsaw, Poland.
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11
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Lee YR. A multidisciplinary approach with immunotherapies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF LIVER CANCER 2023; 23:316-329. [PMID: 37743048 PMCID: PMC10565553 DOI: 10.17998/jlc.2023.09.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive disease that is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Advanced HCC has limited treatment options and often has a poor prognosis. For the past decade, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been the only treatments approved for advanced HCC that have shown overall survival (OS) benefits; however, but their clinical efficacy has been limited. Recent trials have demonstrated promising advancements in survival outcomes through immunotherapy-based treatments, such as combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with other ICIs, antiangiogenic drugs, and locoregional therapies. The atezolizumab-bevacizumab and durvalumab-tremelimumab (STRIDE) regimen has significantly improved survival rates as a first-line treatment and has become the new standard of care. Therefore, combined treatments for advanced HCC can result in better treatment outcomes owing to their synergistic effects, which requires a multidisciplinary approach. Ongoing studies are examining other therapeutic innovations that can improve disease control and OS rates. Despite improvements in the treatment of advanced HCC, further studies on the optimal treatment selection and sequences, biomarker identification, combination approaches with other therapies, and development of novel immunotherapy agents are required. This review presents the current treatment options and clinical data of the ICI-based combination immunotherapies for advanced HCC from a multidisciplinary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Rim Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
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12
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Kawamura E, Matsubara T, Kawada N. New Era of Immune-Based Therapy in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3993. [PMID: 37568808 PMCID: PMC10417782 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153993] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) accounts for approximately 20% of all biliary tract cancer (BTC) cases and 10-15% of all primary liver cancer cases. Many patients are diagnosed with unresectable BTC, and, even among patients with resectable BTC, the 5-year survival rate is approximately 20%. The BTC incidence rate is high in Southeast and East Asia and has increased worldwide in recent years. Since 2010, cytotoxic chemotherapy, particularly combination gemcitabine + cisplatin (ABC-02 trial), has been the first-line therapy for patients with BTC. In 2022, a multicenter, double-blind, randomized phase 3 trial (TOPAZ-1 trial) examined the addition of programmed death-ligand 1 immunotherapy (durvalumab) to combination gemcitabine + cisplatin for BTC treatment, resulting in significantly improved survival without notable additional toxicity. As a result of this trial, this three-drug combination has become the new standard first-line therapy, leading to notable advances in BTC management for the first time since 2010. The molecular profiling of BTC has continued to drive the development of new targeted therapies for use when first-line therapies fail. Typically, second-line therapy decisions are based on identified genomic alterations in tumor tissue. Mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 1/2/3, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1/2, and neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase A/B/C are relatively frequent in intrahepatic CC, and precision medicines are available that can target associated pathways. In this review, we suggest strategies for systemic pharmacotherapy with a focus on intrahepatic CC, in addition to presenting the results and safety outcomes of clinical trials evaluating immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies in BTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etsushi Kawamura
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Matsubara
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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13
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Zabransky DJ, Danilova L, Leatherman JM, Lopez-Vidal TY, Sanchez J, Charmsaz S, Gross NE, Shin S, Yuan X, Hernandez A, Yang H, Xavier S, Shu D, Saeed A, Munjal K, Kamdar Z, Kagohara LT, Jaffee EM, Yarchoan M, Ho WJ. Profiling of syngeneic mouse HCC tumor models as a framework to understand anti-PD-1 sensitive tumor microenvironments. Hepatology 2023; 77:1566-1579. [PMID: 35941803 PMCID: PMC9905363 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been transformed by the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, most patients with HCC do not benefit from treatment with immunotherapy. There is an urgent need to understand the mechanisms that underlie response or resistance to immunotherapy for patients with HCC. The use of syngeneic mouse models that closely recapitulate the heterogeneity of human HCC will provide opportunities to examine the complex interactions between cancer cells and nonmalignant cells in the tumor microenvironment. APPROACH AND RESULTS We leverage a multifaceted approach that includes imaging mass cytometry and suspension cytometry by time of flight to profile the tumor microenvironments of the Hep53.4, Hepa 1-6, RIL-175, and TIBx (derivative of TIB-75) syngeneic mouse HCC models. The immune tumor microenvironments vary across these four models, and various immunosuppressive pathways exist at baseline in orthotopic liver tumors derived from these models. For instance, TIBx, which is resistant to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy, contains a high proportion of "M2-like" tumor-associated macrophages with the potential to diminish antitumor immunity. Investigation of The Cancer Genome Atlas reveals that the baseline immunologic profiles of Hep53.4, RIL-175, and TIBx are broadly representative of human HCCs; however, Hepa 1-6 does not recapitulate the immune tumor microenvironment of the vast majority of human HCCs. CONCLUSIONS There is a wide diversity in the immune tumor microenvironments in preclinical models and in human HCC, highlighting the need to use multiple syngeneic HCC models to improve the understanding of how to treat HCC through immune modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Zabransky
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - James M. Leatherman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tamara Y. Lopez-Vidal
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jessica Sanchez
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Soren Charmsaz
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicole E. Gross
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah Shin
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xuan Yuan
- Flow/Mass Cytometry Facility, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexei Hernandez
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hongqui Yang
- Flow/Mass Cytometry Facility, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie Xavier
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Shu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ali Saeed
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kabeer Munjal
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zeal Kamdar
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luciane T. Kagohara
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Cancer Convergence Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Won Jin Ho
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Flow/Mass Cytometry Facility, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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14
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Zou Y, Chen Z, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Zheng Z, Wu F, Xu L, Li Q, Lin Y, Shi N, Jin H. Peripheral Th and NK cells are associated with response to lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitor in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Immunol 2023; 249:109290. [PMID: 36931486 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109290] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The value of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations in predicting responses to lenvatinib combination with programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was investigated. Fifteen patients received objective responses (OR) and sixteen patients had non-objective responses (NOR) were analyzed. The counts of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations from patients were measured before treatment, second (at week 3), and third doses (at week 6) of the PD-1 inhibitor administration, and correlated with responses. Helper T (Th) cells and natural killers (NK) cells were more abundant in the OR group and found to be important predictors of OR in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis. These cutoff values of Th and NK cells could help to distinguish OR from NOR cases accurately and provide clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhihong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Zhenrong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanpeng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zehao Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianqun Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Haosheng Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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15
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Yang Y, Chen D, Zhao B, Ren L, Huang R, Feng B, Chen H. The predictive value of PD-L1 expression in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cancer Med 2023; 12:9282-9292. [PMID: 36965092 PMCID: PMC10166972 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Programmed death 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have transformed the treatment landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but consistent responses are not observed in all patients, and prognostic biomarkers to guide treatment decisions are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of PD-L1 expression in advanced HCC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Studies comparing the objective response rate (ORR) and/or disease control rate (DCR) based on the tumor PD-L1 status of HCC were included. RESULTS Eleven studies with 1,330 HCC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) analysis demonstrated a significantly improved ORR in PD-L1-positive patients compared with PD-L1-negative patients (OR, 1.86, 95% CI, 1.35-2.55). Similar results were observed in the anti-PD-1 treatment (p < 0.001) and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy (p < 0.001) subgroups. The pooled ORRs in the PD-L1-positive and PD-L1-negative groups were 26% (95% CI, 20%-32%) and 18% (95% CI, 13%-22%), respectively. For DCR, the pooled OR analysis showed no significant difference between PD-L1-positive patients and PD-L1-negative patients (66% [95% CI, 55%-76%] vs. 69% [95% CI, 62%-76%]; OR, 0.92, 95% CI, 0.59-1.44). The results were consistent across the drug target and combination treatment subgroups. CONCLUSION Positive PD-L1 expression is associated with a better ORR in advanced HCC patients treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1-based therapies. This feature can help to identify HCC patients who will benefit most from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Dongbo Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Bigeng Zhao
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Liying Ren
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Hongsong Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Disease, Beijing, China
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16
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Huang PS, Wang LY, Wang YW, Tsai MM, Lin TK, Liao CJ, Yeh CT, Lin KH. Evaluation and Application of Drug Resistance by Biomarkers in the Clinical Treatment of Liver Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060869. [PMID: 36980210 PMCID: PMC10047572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal cancers in the world, mainly owing to the lack of effective means for early monitoring and treatment. Accordingly, there is considerable research interest in various clinically applicable methods for addressing these unmet needs. At present, the most commonly used biomarker for the early diagnosis of liver cancer is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), but AFP is sensitive to interference from other factors and cannot really be used as the basis for determining liver cancer. Treatment options in addition to liver surgery (resection, transplantation) include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. However, even more expensive targeted drug therapies have a limited impact on the clinical outcome of liver cancer. One of the big reasons is the rapid emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, in addition to finding effective biomarkers for early diagnosis, an important focus of current discussions is on how to effectively adjust and select drug strategies and guidelines for the treatment of liver cancer patients. In this review, we bring this thought process to the drug resistance problem faced by different treatment strategies, approaching it from the perspective of gene expression and molecular biology and the possibility of finding effective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Shuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Wang
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ming Tsai
- Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of General Surgery, New Taipei Municipal Tu Cheng Hospital, New Taipei 236, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Kang Lin
- Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24205, Taiwan;
- Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City 24352, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Liao
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Kwang-Huei Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (C.-J.L.)
- Research Center for Chinese Herbal Medicine, College of Human Ecology, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +886-3-2118263
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Liu Q, Gu L, Qiu J, Qian J. Elevated NDC1 expression predicts poor prognosis and correlates with immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:245-264. [PMID: 36915467 PMCID: PMC10007937 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background NDC1 was identified to be a tumor-promoting factor in non-small cell lung cancer and cervical cancer. However, no report had clarified the relationship between NDC1 and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this paper, we explored the expression and potential functions of NDC1 in HCC for the first time through the rational application of bioinformatics and relevant basic experiments. Methods NDC1-related expression profiles and clinical data of HCC patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, which were verified via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) database. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify NDC1 as an independent factor for HCC prognosis, and NDC1-related signaling pathways were determined by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Furthermore, we deeply probed the potential links of NDC1 to immunity and immune response. Finally, the bioeffects and underlying mechanisms of ectopic NDC1 overexpression and depletion were determined in HepG2 cells by immunoblotting, flow cytometry, Cell-Counting-Kit-8 (CCK-8), and EDU (5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine). Results Up-regulated expression of NDC1 was detected by means of the TCGA database, which was consistent with the results obtained from further qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and the CPTAC database. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis revealed a worse prognosis in HCC patients with high NDC1 expression. Besides, NDC1 was certified to be closely linked to tumor histologic grade, clinical stage and T stage. Moreover, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses defined NDC1 as an independent element for HCC prognosis. NDC1-related signaling pathways, utilizing GSEA analysis, were subsequently found out. What's more, NDC1 expression was detected to be enormously associated with microsatellite instability (MSI), immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint molecules and immune cell pathways. As for immunotherapy, we discovered that different risk groups tended to have different immune checkpoint inhibitor responses, which indicated crucial implication value of NDC1 for HCC immunotherapy. More interestingly, we observed that the overexpression of NDC1 could promote the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Conclusions Our article demonstrated that NDC1 might serve as a valuable predictor in the prognosis and immunotherapy of HCC. NDC1 played an oncogenic role in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China
| | - Liugen Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China
| | - Jianwei Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China
| | - Junbo Qian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong, China
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18
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Wang H, Zhang B, Shang Y, Chen F, Fan Y, Tan K. A novel risk score model based on pyroptosis-related genes for predicting survival and immunogenic landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:1412-1444. [PMID: 36920176 PMCID: PMC10042690 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204544] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer worldwide, with high incidence and mortality. Pyroptosis, a form of inflammatory-regulated cell death, is closely associated with oncogenesis. METHODS Expression profiles of HCC were downloaded from the TCGA database and validated using the ICGC and GEO databases. Consensus clustering analysis was used to determine distinct clusters. The pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) included in the pyroptosis-related signature were selected by univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to estimate the prognostic potential of the model. The characteristics of infiltration of immune cells between different groups of HCC were explored. RESULTS Two independent clusters were identified according to PRG expression. Cluster 2 showed upregulated expression, poor prognosis, increased immune cell infiltration and worse immunotherapy response than cluster 1. A prognostic risk signature consisting of five genes (GSDME, NOD1, PLCG1, NLRP6 and NLRC4) was identified. In the high-risk score group, HCC patients showed decreased survival rates. In particular, multiple clinicopathological characteristics and immune cell infiltration were significantly associated with the risk score. Notably, the 5 PRGs in the risk score have been implicated in carcinogenesis, immunological pathways and drug sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS A prognostic signature comprising five PRGs can be used as a potential prognostic factor for HCC. The PRG-related signature provides an in-depth understanding of the association between pyroptosis and chemotherapy or immunotherapy for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Yanan Shang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Yumei Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, China
| | - Ke Tan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, Hebei, China
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19
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Wang X, Lai Z, Pang Y, Sun Q, Yang W, Wang W. PD-1 blocking strategy for enhancing the anti-tumor effect of CAR T cells targeted CD105. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12688. [PMID: 36685461 PMCID: PMC9849980 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12688] [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: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpos CD105 has become a promising target of immunotherapy development for highly specific expression on the neovascular surface of most types of tumor cells. In previous studies, we constructed a CAR T cell (CD105 CAR T cell) and observed significant antitumor activity. In this study, we optimized the structure of CD105 CAR to increase PD-1 antibody secretion function (CD105 × PD-1 CAR T cells). Methods we tested whether Increased PD-1 antibody secretion with CAR T cells targeted CD105 could promote in vitro proliferation, proinflammatory cytokine production and cytotoxicity,or not. For the in vivo experiments, we constructed a subcutaneously transplanted tumor model and placed it in NOD/SCID mice to verify the anti-tumor effect of this therapy. Results Our data showed that the PD-1 antibody secreted by CD105 × PD-1 CAR T cells could specifically bind to the PD-1 receptor of T cells then blocked the PD-1/PD-L-1 signaling pathway, thus enhancing the activation and proliferation of CAR T cells. After incubation of CD105 × PD-1 CAR T cells with HepG2 as a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line expressing CD105, the results showed that CD105 × PD-1 CAR T cells increased the expression levels of CD69 and CD62L, enhanced the proliferation capacity of CAR T cells, and secreted more IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ than CD105 CAR T cells. Conclusion These data showed that CD105 × PD-1 CAR T cells was specifically killing tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Our findings may therefore provide a promising new strategy for the improvement of CAR T therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Medicine Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Haikou Third People's Hospital, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Zhiheng Lai
- Department of Anorectal, Hainan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Yanyang Pang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Qinghui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Medicine Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, China
| | - Wenli Yang
- Department of Anatomy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China,Corresponding author. Department of Anatomy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563006, China.
| | - Wu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Tropical Medicine Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, China,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Nanobody Research, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China,Corresponding author. Laboratory of Tropical Biomedicine and Biotechnology, School of Tropical Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570100, China.
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20
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Wang L, Wang L, He P. Comprehensive analysis of immune-related gene signature based on ssGSEA algorithms in the prognosis and immune landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:1064432. [PMID: 36568383 PMCID: PMC9780543 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1064432] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with a poor prognosis. This study aimed to distinguish patients with HCC having distinct tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) features and construct an immune-related gene signature (IRGs) to assess prognosis and provide a basis for personalised therapies. Methods: Transcriptomic data of patients with HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. We assessed the immune cell infiltration in each HCC specimen using single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and classified all patients with HCC into high- and low-immune clusters using a hierarchical clustering algorithm. The ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT computational methods were employed to verify the stability and effectiveness of the immune clusters. Subsequently, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the high- and low-immune clusters and the immune-related genes intersected to obtain the immune-related DEGs. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was then employed to screen the optimal genes for the construction of a prognostic predictive signature and to divide patients into high- and low-risk subgroups. The predictive efficacy of the IRGs was further confirmed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves, univariate and multifactorial Cox regression and time-dependent ROC curves in the TCGA and GSE14520 validation cohorts. Furthermore, we developed a nomogram to predict the prognosis. Tumour mutation burden (TMB) was also analysed in the risk groups. Additionally, gene ontology and gene set variation analysis were used for biological function and pathway exploration. Lastly, drug sensitivity analyses were employed to investigate prospective therapeutics in the two risk populations. Results: Immune cluster analysis based on ssGSEA could well distinguish the TIME characteristics of patients with HCC. The stromal score, immune score and ESTIMATE score were all lower in the low-immune cluster. Meanwhile, most of the immune checkpoint-related genes and HLA family genes were overexpressed in the high-immune cluster, suggesting that this cluster could be a beneficial population for immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy. There were 1,617 DEGs between the two immune clusters, of which 414 genes intersected with immune-associated genes. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis revealed 49 DEGs that were associated with survival. Then, 19 DEGs were screened using the LASSO algorithm for IRGs construction and patients were classified into high- and low-risk groups. Both the constructed signature and nomogram had good prognostic predictive efficacy. The signature-based risk score was an independent prognostic predictor in both the TCGA and GSE14520 cohorts. Additionally, there was no significant difference in TMB between the two risk populations. Lastly, the half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of certain chemotherapeutic and targeted therapeutic agents differed between the two risk groups. Conclusion: Our study provides a personalized tool for predicting the prognosis and TIME landscape of HCC and a basis for developing personalised treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Wang
- Chemoradiotherapy Center of Oncology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China,*Correspondence: Liangliang Wang,
| | - Li Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Peihong He
- Beilun Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Ningbo, China
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21
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Li R, Jin C, Zhao W, Liang R, Xiong H. Development of a novel immune-related lncRNA prognostic signature for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:450. [PMID: 36344926 PMCID: PMC9639314 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02540-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common neoplasm and the major cause of cancer-associated death worldwide. The high mortality rate of HCC is mainly attributed to its widespread prevalence and the lack of effective treatment. Immunotherapy as a promising, innovative approach has revolutionised the treatment of solid tumours. However, owing to the heterogeneity and complex tumour microenvironment of HCC, an efficient biomarker for immunotherapy has yet to be identified. We investigated the role of immune-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as prognostic biomarkers in patients with HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Spearman correlation, univariate and multivariate Cox, and lasso regression analyses were utilised to screen lncRNAs associated with prognosis. Four lncRNAs were filtered out to develop an immune-associated lncRNA prognostic signature in TCGA training as well as validation cohorts. Patients with HCC were then categorised into low- and high-risk groups according to the median value of the risk scores to evaluate the ability of the prognostic model between training and validation cohorts. A nomogram (based on risk score and stage) was constructed to appraise the general overall survival (OS) of patients with HCC. Differences in immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment response, gene mutation, and drug sensitivity were observed between the two groups. Thus, the lncRNA prognostic signature can serve as a sensitive prognostic biomarker with potential in individualised immunotherapy for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Chen Jin
- grid.268099.c0000 0001 0348 3990Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Weiheng Zhao
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
| | - Rui Liang
- grid.190737.b0000 0001 0154 0904Biological Engineering Academy, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huihua Xiong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei China
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22
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Pu Z, Liu J, Liu Z, Peng F, Zhu Y, Wang X, He J, Yi P, Hu X, Fan X, Chen J. STING pathway contributes to the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and identification of prognostic gene signatures correlated to tumor microenvironment. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:314. [PMID: 36224658 PMCID: PMC9554977 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant solid tumors worldwide. Recent evidence shows that the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is essential for anti-tumor immunity via inducing the production of downstream inflammatory cytokines. However, its impact on the prognosis and tumor microenvironment of HCC was still limited known. Methods We obtained gene expression profiles of HCC from GEO, TCGA, and ICGC databases, and immune-related genes (IRGs) from the ImmPort database. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to identify independent prognostic factors. Nomogram was established to predict survival probability for individual patients. Kaplan–Meier curve was used to evaluate the survival difference. Afterward, ESTIMATE, TISCH, and TIMER databases were combined to assess the immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, the qPCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were done to evaluate gene expression, and in vitro cell models were built to determine cell migratory ability. Results We found that gene markers of NLRC3, STING1, TBK1, TRIM21, and XRCC6 within STING pathway were independent prognostic factors in HCC patients. Underlying the finding, a predictive nomogram was constructed in TCGA-training cohort and further validated in TCGA-all and ICGC datasets, showing credible performance. Experimentally, up-regulated TBK1 promotes the ability of HCC cell migration. Next, the survival-related immune-related co-expressed gene signatures (IRCGS) (VAV1, RHOA, and ZC3HAV1) were determined in HCC cohorts and their expression was verified in human HCC cells and clinical samples. Furthermore, survival-related IRCGS was associated with the infiltration of various immune cell subtypes in HCC, the transcriptional expression of prominent immune checkpoints, and immunotherapeutic response. Conclusion Collectively, we constructed a novel prognostic nomogram model for predicting the survival probability of individual HCC patients. Moreover, an immune-related prognostic gene signature was determined. Both might function as potential therapeutic targets for HCC treatment in the future. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02734-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangya Pu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Rd, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.,Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jinghua Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - Zelong Liu
- Division of Interventional Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Rd, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 41800, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Rd, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 41800, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Rd, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jiayan He
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Panpan Yi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Rd, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xingwang Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Rd, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Xuegong Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87, Xiangya Rd, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Sharafi F, Hasani SA, Alesaeidi S, Kahrizi MS, Adili A, Ghoreishizadeh S, Shomali N, Tamjidifar R, Aslaminabad R, Akbari M. A comprehensive review about the utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma: an updated review. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:269. [PMID: 35999569 PMCID: PMC9400240 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02682-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
A pharmacological class known as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been developed as a potential treatment option for various malignancies, including HCC. In HCC, ICIs have demonstrated clinically significant advantages as monotherapy or combination therapy. ICIs that target programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1), as well as cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), have made significant advances in cancer treatment. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), several ICIs are being tested in clinical trials, and the area is quickly developing. As immunotherapy-related adverse events (irAEs) linked with ICI therapy expands and gain worldwide access, up-to-date management guidelines become crucial to the safety profile of ICIs. This review aims to describe the evidence for ICIs in treating HCC, emphasizing the use of combination ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Sharafi
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadegh Abaei Hasani
- Cancer Research Center, Department of General Surgery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Alesaeidi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Adili
- Senior Adult Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Department of Oncology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rozita Tamjidifar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
- Department of Stem Cell, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Ramin Aslaminabad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, 35100, Turkey
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Metformin modulate immune fitness in hepatocellular carcinoma: Molecular and cellular approach. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108889. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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25
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Zhang B, Zhao J, Liu B, Shang Y, Chen F, Zhang S, He J, Fan Y, Tan K. Development and Validation of a Novel Ferroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Prognosis and Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:940575. [PMID: 35847985 PMCID: PMC9280137 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.940575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a cancer that is sensitive to ferroptosis, and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for HCC patients. However, the prognostic potential of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) and the effect of ferroptosis on the tumor immune microenvironment in HCC remain largely obscure. Here, we analyzed the expression pattern of FRGs using the TCGA, ICGC and GEO databases. The expression of most FRGs was upregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues. Three independent clusters were determined by consensus clustering analysis based on FRG expression in HCC. Cluster 3 exhibited higher expression, unfavorable prognosis, and higher histological tumor stage and grade than clusters 1 and 2. CIBERSORT analysis indicated different infiltrating levels of various immune cells among the three clusters. Moreover, most immune checkpoint genes were highly expressed in cluster 3. Univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses were performed to develop a five FRG-based prognostic risk model using the TCGA and ICGC datasets. Kaplan–Meier analysis and ROC curves were performed to verify the prognostic potential of the risk model. A nomogram containing independent prognostic factors was further developed. Compared with low-risk patients, high-risk HCC patients exhibited worse overall survival (OS). In addition, this risk model was significantly correlated with the infiltrating levels of six major types of immune cells in HCC. Finally, the relationships between the five FRGs and drug sensitivity were investigated. The present study suggests that the five FRGs could elucidate the molecular mechanisms of HCC and lead to a new direction for the improvement of predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jilong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yanan Shang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Sidi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jiayao He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Handan Central Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yumei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Yumei Fan, ; Ke Tan,
| | - Ke Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Yumei Fan, ; Ke Tan,
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Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts Outcome of PD-L1 Negative and MSS Advanced Cancer Treated with PD-1 Inhibitors. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6743126. [PMID: 35707390 PMCID: PMC9192216 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6743126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), and expression of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) have emerged as predictive biomarkers for responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in several cancer types. However, for patients with negative PD-L1 expression, or microsatellite stability (MSS), some cases may experience favorable response to immunotherapy, and there is currently a lack of good relevant predictors. We tried to introduce several peripheral blood markers for predicting treatment outcome and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in PD-L1 negative and MSS patients. Methods A retrospective study of 142 PD-L1 negative and MSS patients was carried out. The association of peripheral blood markers including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), prognostic nutrition index (PNI), and other factors with clinicopathological characters and prognosis were assessed by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods. Results Lower level of PNI and poor performance status (ECOG score of 2) was correlated with significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and worse outcome of ICIs. The multivariate analysis revealed that PNI (for OS HR = 0.465, 95% CI: 0.236-0.916, p = 0.027; for PFS HR = 0.493, 95% CI: 0.251-0.936, p = 0.031) and ECOG score (for OS HR = 4.601, 95% CI: 2.676-7.910, p < 0.001; for PFS HR = 2.830, 95% CI: 1.707-4.691, p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS. NLR was related to the onset of irAEs. Conclusions Pretreatment level of PNI and NLR, beyond PD-L1 expression and MSS, can improve the predictive accuracy for immunotherapy outcomes and has the potential to expand the candidate pool of patients for treatment with ICIs.
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD. Predictors of response for hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy: is there anything on the horizon? EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2022.2075724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico “Don Tonino Bello,” I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, Bari, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Russell JO, Camargo FD. Hippo signalling in the liver: role in development, regeneration and disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:297-312. [PMID: 35064256 PMCID: PMC9199961 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00571-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway has emerged as a major player in many aspects of liver biology, such as development, cell fate determination, homeostatic function and regeneration from injury. The regulation of Hippo signalling is complex, with activation of the pathway by diverse upstream inputs including signals from cellular adhesion, mechanotransduction and crosstalk with other signalling pathways. Pathological activation of the downstream transcriptional co-activators yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ, encoded by WWTR1), which are negatively regulated by Hippo signalling, has been implicated in multiple aspects of chronic liver disease, such as the development of liver fibrosis and tumorigenesis. Thus, development of pharmacological inhibitors of YAP-TAZ signalling has been an area of great interest. In this Review, we summarize the diverse roles of Hippo signalling in liver biology and highlight areas where outstanding questions remain to be investigated. Greater understanding of the mechanisms of Hippo signalling in liver function should help facilitate the development of novel therapies for the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn O Russell
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fernando D Camargo
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Zhang Z, Liang Y, Zhong D, Dai Z, Shang J, Lai C, Zou H, Yao Y, Feng T, Huang X. Prognostic value of inflammation-immunity-nutrition score in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24336. [PMID: 35312116 PMCID: PMC9102763 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no validated biomarkers that can predict the clinical benefit of immune checkpoint blockers against the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatments in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of inflammation-immunity-nutrition score (IINS) in patients with HCC treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. METHODS A consecutive series of 101 HCC patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors in Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between January 2018 and August 2020 were enrolled in the retrospective study. IINS (0-6) was constructed based on pretreatment high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lymphocyte (LYM), and albumin (ALB). The patients were divided into high and low IINS groups according to IINS values. Prognostic values of each variable were evaluated with univariate and multivariate time-dependent Cox regression analyses. Survival curves were calculated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The prognostic performance of IINS was further compared with that of other traditional prognostic indicators by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the areas under the ROC curve. RESULTS Patients with low IINS had longer overall survival (OS) (HR: 4.711, 95% CI: 1.80-12.37, p = .001) and progression-free survival (HR: 3.411, 95% CI: 1.79-6.51, p < .0001) than those with high IINS. The multivariate analysis identified IINS (HR: 3.746, 95% CI: 1.05-13.38, p = .042) and tumor number (HR: 5.111, 95% CI: 1.075-24.299, p = .04) as independent prognostic factors. According to ROC analysis, IINS (AUC =0.729, 95% CI: 0.597-0.861, p = .002) presented better prognostic performance than other traditional prognostic indicators. The area of the IINS-CA19-9 under the ROC curve (AUC) was higher than that of the IINS or CA19-9 levels for the prediction of OS. CONCLUSION The results suggest that IINS may be an independent prognostic indicator for HCC patients treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. IINS-CA19-9 classification may be more effective in predicting clinical benefit of anti-PD-1 therapy in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Yuxin Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Deyuan Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Zonglin Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Jin Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Chunyou Lai
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Haibo Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Yutong Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Tianhang Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryCell Transplantation CenterSichuan Provincial People's HospitalUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of ChinaChengduChina
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research HospitalChengduChina
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Current Landscape of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14082018. [PMID: 35454923 PMCID: PMC9025403 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14082018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary hepatic malignancy, with increasing incidence over the past several decades. The majority of patients with HCC present with advanced unresectable disease, making treatment options with curative intent limited and survival outlooks dismal. Systemic therapy with sorafenib had been traditionally used, with marginal benefit. Immunotherapy, successfully used to treat other malignant tumors, has recently been shown to be safe and well tolerated and to have promising long-term outcomes in patients with advanced HCC. We herein review the outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) from major clinical trials, summarize predictors of treatment response, and highlight adverse events related to ICI treatment. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver tumor. As a result of advanced disease being often present at diagnosis, only a small percentage of patients are amenable to curative-intent treatment options such as surgical resection and liver transplantation. Systemic therapy consisting of tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as sorafenib had been used for over a decade with limited efficacy. More recently, treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment landscape of various malignant tumors. With this shifting paradigm, recent data have demonstrated encouraging outcomes among patients with HCC. In particular, several trials have investigated the safety and efficacy of various immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) either as monotherapy or in the form of combined treatments. We sought to provide an overview of recent clinical trials among patients with advanced HCC as well as to highlight predictors of response and immune-related adverse events and to review the evidence on perioperative administration of ICI in patients with resectable HCC.
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Rizzo A, Cusmai A, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Palmiotti G. Which role for predictors of response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:333-339. [PMID: 35403533 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2064273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide, still representing an important cause of cancer-related death. Recent years have seen the emergence of novel systemic treatments for HCC patients, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nonetheless, several questions regarding HCC immunotherapy remain unanswered, especially in terms of biochemical predictors of response. AREAS COVERED In the current paper, we will discuss available evidence regarding predictive biomarkers of response to HCC immunotherapy. A literature search was conducted in January 2022 of Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases. EXPERT OPINION The identification of predictive biomarkers represents an unmet need in HCC patients receiving ICIs. The HCC medical community is called to further efforts aimed to elucidate the effective role of PD-L1 expression, TMB, MSI, gut microbiota, and other emerging biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico "Don Tonino Bello," I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Cusmai
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico "Don Tonino Bello," I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Medical Oncology Unit, 'Mons. R. Dimiccoli' Hospital, Barletta (BT), Azienda Sanitaria Locale Barletta, 76121, Italy
| | - Gennaro Palmiotti
- Struttura Semplice Dipartimentale di Oncologia Medica per la Presa in Carico Globale del Paziente Oncologico "Don Tonino Bello," I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Macek Jilkova Z, Ghelfi J, Decaens T. Immunomodulation for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: current challenges. Curr Opin Oncol 2022; 34:155-160. [PMID: 34923550 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The emergence of novel immunotherapies, such as immune-checkpoint inhibitors has changed the landscape of systemic cancer treatment. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, despite initial enthusiasm, the proportion of responders to immune-checkpoint inhibitors remains low. We provide a brief update of this rapidly evolving field, with specific focus on the development in the field of predictive factors and the immunomodulation induced by locoregional therapies. RECENT FINDINGS Even if the immune contexture of HCC before the treatment remains the most promising predictive marker for response to immunotherapies, recent findings show that the cause of HCC may have also a key role. Specific inflammatory mechanisms induced by NASH may result in limited efficacy of immunotherapy compared with viral HCC. Other recent findings showed that percutaneous ablations are responsible for intratumoral immune changes and systemic immune system activation that may help to prevent recurrence when combined with immunotherapies. In case of multifocal HCC, transarterial therapies (TACE and SIRT) may help to turn a cold tumor type to a hot tumor type and could be associated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors to improve outcomes. SUMMARY The future HCC management will focus on patient stratification for specific immunotherapies depending on the signature and cause of HCC and the best combined approaches in which locoregional therapies may play a pivotal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune
| | - Julien Ghelfi
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309
- Service de radiologie, Pôle Imagerie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, La Tronche, France
| | - Thomas Decaens
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Research Center UGA/Inserm U 1209/CNRS 5309
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Pôle Digidune
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The quest for precision oncology with immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2022; 76:262-264. [PMID: 34843751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Di Federico A, Frega G, Palloni A, Tavolari S, Brandi G. Predictive Biomarkers for Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Where Do We Stand? Front Oncol 2022; 11:803133. [PMID: 34976841 PMCID: PMC8718608 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.803133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the sixth most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide, still representing an important cause of cancer-related death. Over the next few years, novel systemic treatment options have emerged. Among these, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely evaluated and are under assessment, as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer agents in treatment-naïve and previously treated patients. In particular, the approval of the PD-L1 inhibitor atezolizumab plus the antiangiogenic agent bevacizumab as front-line treatment for advanced HCC has led to the adoption of this combination in this setting, and the IMbrave 150 phase III trial has established a novel standard of care. However, several questions remain unanswered, including the identification of reliable predictors of response to ICIs in HCC patients. In the current paper, we will provide an updated overview of potentially useful predictive biomarkers of response to immunotherapy in advanced HCC. A literature search was conducted in September 2021 of Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane library and Scopus databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Frega
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Palloni
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Tavolari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Liu H, Hu M, Deng J, Zhao Y, Peng D, Feng Y, Wang L, Chen Y, Qiu L. A Novel Small Cyclic Peptide-Based 68Ga-Radiotracer for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of PD-L1 Expression in Tumors. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:138-147. [PMID: 34910492 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment, programmed death protein 1 and programmed death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathways help tumors escape the immune system. We designed a gallium-68 (68Ga)-labeled small-molecule peptide-targeting PD-L1 and used positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) to detect and dynamically monitor the expression level of PD-L1 in tumors. S-Cyclo(ETSK)-SF-NH2 (SETSKSF) is a cyclic peptide inhibitor comprising seven amino-acid residues. We connected it with the chelating agent DOTA, labeled DOTA-SETSKSF, with the short half-life nuclide Ga-68, and measured the stability of 68Ga-2,2',2″-(10-(2-((S)-1-((3S,6S,9S,18S)-18-((S)-1-((S)-1-amino-1-oxo-3-henylpropan-2-ylamino)-3-hydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylcarbamoyl)-6-((R)-1-hydroxyethyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5,8,12-tetraoxo-1,4,7,13-tetraazacyclooctadecan-9-ylamino)-3-ydroxy-1-oxopropan-2-ylamino)-2-oxoethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triyl)triacetic acid (68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF) in normal saline (NS), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and fetal bovine serum (FBS) in vitro. We conducted the 68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF affinity test, cell-specific uptake experiments, time-combined experiments, western blotting, and laser confocal experiments to confirm the expression and localization of PD-L1 at the cell level and determine the uptake. Biodistribution and imaging experiments were performed using the H1975, B16F10, and A549 tumor models. 68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF was successfully synthesized, and the radiochemical purity was >99% after purification. The in vitro stability of 68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF was >95% in NS, PBS, and FBS at 37 °C after 4 h of incubation. Cell-binding experiments confirmed that 68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF exhibited high uptake in H1975 tumors with high PD-L1 expression and low uptake in A549 tumors with low PD-L1 expression. The clear half-life (T1/2) of 68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF from the blood was 14.48 ± 3.26 min. The percentages of the injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) for H1975 and A549 tumors were 5.29 ± 0.21 and 0.89 ± 0.10 at 1 h after injection, respectively. The H1975 tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-blood ratios were 41.79 ± 5.81 and 4.75 ± 0.19 at 4 h, respectively. Apart from the H1975 tumor, the kidney and the bladder showed high accumulation because 68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF was excreted through the urinary system. PET/CT images showed high accumulation of 68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF in H1975 tumors and low uptake in A549 tumors, which was consistent with the results of biodistribution experiments. 68Ga-DOTA-SETSKSF is convenient to prepare, has high stability, can be used to monitor the expression of PD-L1, and has an extremely high clinical application value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiang Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Hu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Deng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Dengsai Peng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China.,Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, People's Republic of China
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Singh V, Khurana A, Allawadhi P, Banothu AK, Bharani KK, Weiskirchen R. Emerging Role of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Chronic Liver Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:790963. [PMID: 35002724 PMCID: PMC8733625 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.790963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-ligand (L)1, the immune checkpoint inhibitors have emerged as a promising strategy for the treatment of various diseases including chronic liver diseases (CLDs) such as hepatitis, liver injury and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The role of PD-1/PD-L1 has been widely inspected in the treatment of viral hepatitis and HCC. PD-1 is known to play a crucial role in inhibiting immunological responses and stimulates self-tolerance by regulating the T-cell activity. Further, it promotes apoptosis of antigen-specific T-cells while preventing apoptosis of Treg cells. PD-L1 is a trans-membrane protein which is recognized as a co-inhibitory factor of immunological responses. Both, PD-1 and PD-L1 function together to downregulate the proliferation of PD-1 positive cells, suppress the expression of cytokines and stimulate apoptosis. Owing to the importance of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling, this review aims to summarize the potential of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in CLDs along with toxicities associated with them. We have enlisted some of the important roles of PD-1/PD-L1 in CLDs, the clinically approved products and the pipelines of drugs under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishakha Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Amit Khurana
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital,Aachen, Germany
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering (CBME), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, New Delhi, India
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Hyderabad, India
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Warangal, India
| | - Prince Allawadhi
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Roorkee, India
| | - Anil Kumar Banothu
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Hyderabad, India
| | - Kala Kumar Bharani
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science (CVSc), Warangal, India
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital,Aachen, Germany
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Xing R, Gao J, Cui Q, Wang Q. Strategies to Improve the Antitumor Effect of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:783236. [PMID: 34899747 PMCID: PMC8660685 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.783236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most fatal malignancies in the world, is usually diagnosed in advanced stages due to late symptom manifestation with very limited therapeutic options, which leads to ineffective intervention and dismal prognosis. For a decade, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have offered an overall survival (OS) benefit when used in a first-line (sorafenib and lenvatinib) and second-line setting (regorafenib and cabozantinib) in advanced HCC, while long-term response remains unsatisfactory due to the onset of primary or acquired resistance. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapy in the treatment of several solid tumors, such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Moreover, as the occurrence of HCC is associated with immune tolerance and immunosurveillance escape, there is a potent rationale for employing immunotherapy in HCC. However, immunotherapy monotherapy, mainly including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that target checkpoints programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), has a relatively low response rate. Thus, the multi-ICIs or the combination of immunotherapy with other therapies, like antiangiogenic drugs and locoregional therapies, has become a novel strategy to treat HCC. Combining different ICIs may have a synergistical effect attributed to the complementary effects of the two immune checkpoint pathways (CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways). The incorporation of antiangiogenic drugs in ICIs can enhance antitumor immune responses via synergistically regulating the vasculature and the immune microenvironment of tumor. In addition, locoregional treatments can improve antitumor immunity by releasing the neoplasm antigens from killed tumor cells; in turn, this antitumor immune response can be intensified by immunotherapy. Therefore, the combination of locoregional treatments and immunotherapy may achieve greater efficacy through further synergistic effects for advanced HCC. This review aims to summarize the currently reported results and ongoing trials of the ICIs-based combination therapies for HCC to explore the rational combination strategies and further improve the survival of patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xing
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinping Gao
- Department of Oncology, North War Zone General Hospital, Shenyang, China
| | - Qi Cui
- Department of Cold Environmental Medicine, College of High Altitude Military Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Akbari H, Taghizadeh-Hesary F, Bahadori M. Mitochondria determine response to anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) immunotherapy: An evidence-based hypothesis. Mitochondrion 2021; 62:151-158. [PMID: 34890822 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is a promising approach in oncology. However, a significant fraction of patients remain unresponsive. Therefore, it is imperative to clarify the relevant predictive factors. A decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate (c-ATP) level can predispose to cellular dysfunction. ATP is a prerequisite for proper T cell migration and activation. Therefore, a decrease in the c-ATP level impairs T cell function and promotes cancer progression. This article gives an overview of the potential predictive factors of PD-1 blockade. Besides, it highlights the pivotal role of mitochondria in response to anti-PD-1 therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Akbari
- Department of Pathology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Traditional Medicine School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Moslem Bahadori
- Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Xiao J, Zhang Y. AURKB as a Promising Prognostic Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Evol Bioinform Online 2021; 17:11769343211057589. [PMID: 34866894 PMCID: PMC8637395 DOI: 10.1177/11769343211057589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aurora kinases form a family of 3 genes encoding serine/threonine kinases and are involved in the regulation of cell division during the mitosis. This study was designed to investigate the prognostic role of Aurora kinases in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we analyzed the expression, overall survival (OS) data, promoter methylation level, and relationship with immunoinhibitors of Aurora kinases in patients with HCC from GEPIA2, UALCAN, OncoLnc, and TISIDB databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome pathway analysis were performed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. We found that the mRNA expression, stages of HCC, and OS of AURKA and AURKB in HCC tissues were significantly different from control tissues, but there were significant inconsistencies in promoter methylation level and relationship with immunoinhibitors for AURKA and AURKB. None of the above items were significantly different for AURKC. Furthermore, a hub module including AURKA, AURKB, and AURKC was identified within the PPI network constructed with the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plug-in in Cytoscape software. Our results show that AURKB could be a potential biomarker for HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchuan Xiao
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Yingai Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Haikou Hospital of Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, Hainan, China.,School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
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Di Federico A, Rizzo A, Carloni R, De Giglio A, Bruno R, Ricci D, Brandi G. Atezolizumab-bevacizumab plus Y-90 TARE for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: preclinical rationale and ongoing clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:361-369. [PMID: 34798793 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2009455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment algorithm of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has evolved since the introduction of immunotherapy. The IMbrave150 trial set atezolizumab-bevacizumab as a new standard-of-care first-line treatment for unresectable HCC patients. However, for patients with intermediate or advanced stage with portal vein thrombosis but without distant metastases, 90Yttrium transarterial radioembolization (90Y-TARE) is considered the treatment of choice. AREAS COVERED We discuss the main evidence regarding the use of 90Y-TARE in HCC, the recent progress of immunotherapy in this tumor, and the preclinical rationale of combining VEGF blockade with the other two treatment strategies. EXPERT OPINION HCC has an extremely heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment. This may explain the inconsistent outcomes obtained with immune-checkpoint inhibitors. The identification of patients who could benefit most from immunotherapy is crucial; however, reliable markers of response are lacking. Radiation therapy and VEGF inhibition have an established synergism with immunotherapy, mainly linked to enhanced antigen presentation and reduced immunosuppressive immune infiltrate. Combining an immune-checkpoint inhibitor with VEGF blockade and 90Y-TARE might hence overcome primary resistances observed when each of these treatments is administerd alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Di Federico
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Carloni
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea De Giglio
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bruno
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Radiology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Dalia Ricci
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Deng Z, Teng YJ, Zhou Q, Ouyang ZG, Hu YX, Long HP, Hu MJ, Mei S, Lin FX, Dai XJ, Zhang BY, Feng T, Tian XF. Shuyu pills inhibit immune escape and enhance chemosensitization in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1725-1740. [PMID: 34853646 PMCID: PMC8603453 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by dysregulation of the immune microenvironment and the development of chemoresistance. Specifically, expression of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis, an immune checkpoint, may lead to tumour immune escape, resulting in disease progression. The latest research shows that tumour immune escape may be caused by the upregulation of PD-L1 mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and simultaneous inhibition of HIF-1α and PD-L1 has the potential to enhance the host’s antitumour immunity. Moreover, inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis may mitigate tumour chemoresistance. Shuyu pills (SYPs) contain immunity-enhancing and antitumour components, making them a potential HCC treatment.
AIM To investigate the efficacy of SYPs for HCC treatment via simultaneous HIF-1α and PD-L1 inhibition and the mechanism involved.
METHODS A subcutaneous xenograft tumour model was first established in BALB/c nude mice by the subcutaneous injection of 1 × 107 SMMC-7721 cells. Male mice (male, 5 weeks old; n = 24) were then randomly divided into the following four groups (n = 6): Control (0.9% normal saline), SYP (200 mg/kg), SYP + cisplatin (DDP) (200 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg DDP weekly via intraperitoneal injection), and DDP (5 mg/kg cisplatin weekly via intraperitoneal injection). The dose of saline or SYPs for the indicated mouse groups was 0.2 mL/d via intragastric administration. The tumour volumes and body weights of the mice were measured every 2 d. The mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation after 14 d of continuous treatment, and the xenograft tissues were excised and weighed. Western blot assays were used to measure the protein expression of HIF-1α, PD1, PD-L1, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in HCC tumours from mice. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used for real-time quantitative detection of PD-1, PD-L1, and HIF-1α mRNA expression. An immunofluorescence assay was conducted to examine the expression of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.
RESULTS Compared to mice in the control group, those in the SYP and SYP + DDP groups exhibited reduced tumour volumes and tumour weights. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression levels of the oncogene HIF1α and that of the negative immunomodulatory factors PD-1 and PD-L1 were decreased in both the SYP and SYP + DDP groups, with the decrease effects being more prominent in the SYP + DDP group than in the SYP group (HIF-1α protein: Control vs SYP, P = 0.0129; control vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0004; control vs DDP, P = 0.0152, SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0448; HIF-1α mRNA: control vs SYP, P = 0.0009; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; control vs DDP, P = 0.0003, SYP vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0192. PD-1 protein: Control vs SYP, P = 0.0099; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001, SPY vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0009; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P < 0.0001; PD-1 mRNA: control vs SYP, P = 0.0002; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; control vs DDP, P = 0.0003, SPY vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0003; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0002. PD-L1 protein: control vs SYP, P < 0.0001; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; control vs DDP, P < 0.0001, SPY vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0040; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0010; PD-L1 mRNA: Control vs SYP, P < 0.0001; control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; control vs DDP, P < 0.0001, SPY vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0014). Additionally, the quantitative and protein expression levels of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were simultaneously upregulated in the SYP + DDP group, whereas only the expression of CD4+ T cells was upregulated in the SYP group. (CD4+ T cell quantitative: Control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001, SYP vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0005; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0002. CD4+ T cell protein: Control vs SYP, P = 0.0033; Control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; Control vs DDP, P = 0.0021, SYP vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0004; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0006. Quantitative CD8+ T cells: Control vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0013; SYP vs SYP + DDP, P = 0.0347; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P = 0.0043. CD8+ T cell protein: Control vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; SYP vs SYP + DDP, P < 0.0001; SYP + DDP vs DDP, P < 0.0001). Finally, expression of HIF-1α was positively correlated with that of PD-1/PD-L1 and negatively correlated with the expression of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells.
CONCLUSION SYPs inhibit immune escape and enhance chemosensitization in HCC via simultaneous inhibition of HIF-1α and PD-L1, thus inhibiting the growth of subcutaneous xenograft HCC tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Deng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yong-Jie Teng
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhao-Guang Ouyang
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510132, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Xing Hu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hong-Ping Long
- Experiment Center of Medical Innovation, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Mei-Jie Hu
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Si Mei
- Department of Physiology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Feng-Xia Lin
- Department of Cardiology, Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Group, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518133, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xin-Jun Dai
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bo-Yu Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ting Feng
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xue-Fei Tian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Research in Formulas and Zheng of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, Hunan Province, China
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD, Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Brandi G. First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: current management and future challenges. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:1245-1251. [PMID: 34431725 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1973431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunotherapy has recently taken on an extremely important role in medical oncology, as first- or later-line treatment in several tumor types, and recent years have seen the emerging of clinical trials assessing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AREAS COVERED Herein, we provide an overview of recently published studies exploring the dual immune checkpoint blockade or the combination of ICIs plus biological treatments as first-line treatment in HCC patients with advanced disease, especially focusing on the biological rationale behind these therapeutic strategies, and ongoing active and recruiting clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Results of studies on monotherapy with ICIs have suggested that this strategy could be beneficial only in a minority of patients; conversely, the recently published IMbrave150 study has reported an overall survival benefit in HCC receiving the combination of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab compared to sorafenib as first-line treatment. A wide number of clinical trials is evaluating ICI-based combinations in advanced HCC, a strategy which is supported by robust preclinical and early-phase clinical data, and results of these studies are highly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Unit, "Mons. R. Dimiccoli" Hospital, Barletta (BT), ASL BT, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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Rizzo A, Ricci AD. PD-L1, TMB, and other potential predictors of response to immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: how can they assist drug clinical trials? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:415-423. [PMID: 34429006 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1972969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the sixth most commonly diagnosed malignancy worldwide, accounting for millions of deaths annually. Despite immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) reported important results, only a minority of HCC patients benefit from these treatments, and the identification of predictive biomarkers of response still remains a highly unmet need. AREAS COVERED Herein, we provide a timely overview of available evidence on biochemical predictors of response to immunotherapy in advanced HCC patients; we speculate on how PD-L1, TMB, and other emerging biomarkers could assist drug clinical trials in the near future. A literature search was conducted in June 2021 using Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane library, and Scopus databases. EXPERT OPINION Reliable predictors of response to ICIs are of pivotal importance to allow a proper stratification and selection of HCC patients that could derive more benefit from immunotherapy. Well-designed, multicenter clinical trials specifically focused on predictive biomarkers are warranted in this setting, where most of evidence currently derives from retrospective, single-center studies with small sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Rizzo
- Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Angela Dalia Ricci
- Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
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Devan AR, Kumar AR, Nair B, Anto NP, Muraleedharan A, Mathew B, Kim H, Nath LR. Insights into an Immunotherapeutic Approach to Combat Multidrug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070656. [PMID: 34358082 PMCID: PMC8308499 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most lethal cancers worldwide because of its high refractoriness and multi-drug resistance to existing chemotherapies, which leads to poor patient survival. Novel pharmacological strategies to tackle HCC are based on oral multi-kinase inhibitors like sorafenib; however, the clinical use of the drug is restricted due to the limited survival rate and significant side effects, suggesting the existence of a primary or/and acquired drug-resistance mechanism. Because of this hurdle, HCC patients are forced through incomplete therapy. Although multiple approaches have been employed in parallel to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR), the results are varying with insignificant outcomes. In the past decade, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a breakthrough approach and has played a critical role in HCC treatment. The liver is the main immune organ of the lymphatic system. Researchers utilize immunotherapy because immune evasion is considered a major reason for rapid HCC progression. Moreover, the immune response can be augmented and sustained, thus preventing cancer relapse over the post-treatment period. In this review, we provide detailed insights into the immunotherapeutic approaches to combat MDR by focusing on HCC, together with challenges in clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswathy R. Devan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Ayana R. Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
| | - Nikhil Ponnoor Anto
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (N.P.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Amitha Muraleedharan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B. 653, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel; (N.P.A.); (A.M.)
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India;
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, and Research Institute of Life Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (L.R.N.)
| | - Lekshmi R. Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Kochi 682041, Kerala, India; (A.R.D.); (A.R.K.); (B.N.)
- Correspondence: (H.K.); (L.R.N.)
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Bhatt S, Kanoujia J, Dhar AK, Singh RK, Rajangam J. Current and Future Scenario of Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394716999200818103724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of the immune checkpoint inhibitors such as programed cell death-1 protein/
Programmed death ligand-1 or 2 and (PD-1/PD-L1 or PD-L2) and Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated
protein 4 (CTLA-4) paved the way for developing novel cancer treatment. The check
point inhibitors are found to be very efficient in treating many hot tumors (with immune environment)
such as bladder cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC), etc. Numerous clinical trials have been initiated to evaluate the safety and effectiveness
of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with different cancer types, including hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic and prostate cancer. The results and findings of these trials are highly
appreciated. However, the search for check point inhibitors with better efficacy for the treatment of
HCC is still going on. The present review focuses on advancement in HCC treatments with respect
to various standard therapies and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shvetank Bhatt
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior-474005, India
| | - Jovita Kanoujia
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Madhya Pradesh (AUMP), Gwalior-474005, India
| | - Arghya K. Dhar
- Gurunanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Kolkata-700110, India
| | - Rakesh K. Singh
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Haryana, Manesar, Panchgaon, Haryana 122412, India
| | - Jayaraman Rajangam
- Sree Vidya Niketan College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517102, India
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Yuan C, Yuan M, Chen M, Ouyang J, Tan W, Dai F, Yang D, Liu S, Zheng Y, Zhou C, Cheng Y. Prognostic Implication of a Novel Metabolism-Related Gene Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:666199. [PMID: 34150630 PMCID: PMC8213025 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.666199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the main causes of cancer-associated deaths globally, accounts for 90% of primary liver cancers. However, further studies are needed to confirm the metabolism-related gene signature related to the prognosis of patients with HCC. Methods Using the “limma” R package and univariate Cox analysis, combined with LASSO regression analysis, a metabolism-related gene signature was established. The relationship between the gene signature and overall survival (OS) of HCC patients was analyzed. RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the expression of metabolism-related genes in clinical samples. GSEA and ssGSEA algorithms were used to evaluate differences in metabolism and immune status, respectively. Simultaneously, data downloaded from ICGC were used as an external verification set. Results From a total of 1,382 metabolism-related genes, a novel six-gene signature (G6PD, AKR1B15, HMMR, CSPG5, ELOVL3, FABP6) was constructed based on data from TCGA. Patients were divided into two risk groups based on risk scores calculated for these six genes. Survival analysis showed a significant correlation between high-risk patients and poor prognosis. ROC analysis demonstrated that the gene signature had good predictive capability, and the mRNA expression levels of the six genes were upregulated in HCC tissues than those in adjacent normal liver tissues. Independent prognosis analysis confirmed that the risk score and tumor grade were independent risk factors for HCC. Furthermore, a nomogram of the risk score combined with tumor stage was constructed. The calibration graph results demonstrated that the OS probability predicted by the nomogram had almost no deviation from the actual OS probability, especially for 3-year OS. Both the C-index and DCA curve indicated that the nomogram provides higher reliability than the tumor stage and risk scores. Moreover, the metabolic and immune infiltration statuses of the two risk groups were significantly different. In the high-risk group, the expression levels of immune checkpoints, TGF-β, and C-ECM genes, whose functions are related to immune escape and immunotherapy failure, were also upregulated. Conclusions In summary, we developed a novel metabolism-related gene signature to provide more powerful prognostic evaluation information with potential ability to predict the immunotherapy efficiency and guide early treatment for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyan Yuan
- Department of Gynecology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Mengqin Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingqian Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Jinhua Ouyang
- Department of Gynecology, Minda Hospital of Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, China
| | - Wei Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangfang Dai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dongyong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiyi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajing Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenliang Zhou
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Kuo YH, Yen YH, Chen YY, Kee KM, Hung CH, Lu SN, Hu TH, Chen CH, Wang JH. Nivolumab Versus Regorafenib in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Sorafenib Failure. Front Oncol 2021; 11:683341. [PMID: 34136408 PMCID: PMC8201513 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.683341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nivolumab and regorafenib are approved second-line therapies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sorafenib failure. This study compared the effectiveness of nivolumab and regorafenib following sorafenib. Methods We retrospectively enrolled HCC patients who had undergone nivolumab or regorafenib after sorafenib failure. Treatment response, treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) and clinical outcomes of study patients were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 90 patients (male/female: 67/23, mean age: 63 years) were enrolled, including 32 patients in the Nivolumab group and 58 patients in the Regorafenib group. The Nivolumab group had better objective response rates (16% vs 6.4%) and disease control rates (44% vs 31.9%) than the Regorafenib group, but there was no statistical difference. The comparison of time to progression (3.0 months vs 2.6 months, p=0.786) and overall survival (OS) (14 months vs 11 months, p = 0.763) between Nivolumab and Regorafenib groups were also insignificant. Regarding number of TRAE incidences, the Nivolumab group was significantly lower than the Regorafenib group (37.5% vs 68%). After cession of nivolumab/regorafenib, 34 patients (37.8%) (Nivolumab group/Regorafenib group: 11/23) could afford the following therapies. Concerning sequential systemic therapies, 17 patients (18.9%) received third-line therapy, whereas six patients (6.7%) could move to fourth-line therapy. In multivariable analysis, patients who achieved disease control were associated with improved OS (hazard ratio, 0.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.46; p<0.001) after adjusting Child-Pugh class and post-treatment. Conclusions After sorafenib failure, using nivolumab or regorafenib both illustrated promising treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Hung Kuo
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hao Yen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yang Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kwong-Ming Kee
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Houng Wang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Wei F, Huang Q, He J, Luo L, Zeng Y. Lenvatinib Plus Camrelizumab versus Lenvatinib Monotherapy as Post-Progression Treatment for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Short-Term Prognostic Study. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:4233-4240. [PMID: 34079375 PMCID: PMC8166816 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s304820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Compared the outcomes between lenvatinib plus camrelizumab therapy and lenvatinib monotherapy as post-progression treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with progressive disease (PD). Patients and Methods A total of 48 advanced HCC patients were included in this retrospective study between June 2019 and March 2020. The patients were divided into the lenvatinib plus camrelizumab group (n=21) and the lenvatinib group (n=27). Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and secondary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR) and adverse events (AEs). Results The median follow-up time was 8.4 months. The median OS was not obtained. The median PFS of lenvatinib plus camrelizumab group was significantly longer than that of lenvatinib group (8.0 months vs 4.0 months, p=0.011). Compared with lenvatinib group, lenvatinib plus camrelizumab group had higher ORR (28.57% vs 7.41%) and disease control rate (DCR) (71.43% vs 51.85%). The most common adverse events (AEs) included hand-foot skin reaction, hypertensions and abnormal hepatic function damage. Overall, 23.81% and 25.93% of patients experienced grade ≥3AEs in the lenvatinib plus camrelizumab group and the lenvatinib group, respectively. Conclusion Lenvatinib plus camrelizumab as post-progression treatment is effective and safe for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqun Wei
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Qizhen Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian He
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Liuping Luo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyi Zeng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
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Wang S, Zhu H, Ding J, Wang F, Meng X, Ding L, Zhang Y, Li N, Yao S, Sheng X, Yang Z. Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Programmed Death 1 Expression in Cancer Patients Using 124I-Labeled Toripalimab: A Pilot Clinical Translation Study. Clin Nucl Med 2021; 46:382-388. [PMID: 33512952 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000003520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although anti-programmed cell death molecule-1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand therapy has achieved remarkable success in oncology field, the low response rate and lack of accurate prognostic biomarker identifying benefiting patients remain unresolved challenges. This study developed a PD-1 targeting radiotracer 124I-labeled toripalimab (124I-JS001) for clinical PET imaging and evaluated its biodistribution, safety, and dosimetry in human. METHODS Patients with melanoma or urologic cancer confirmed by pathology were enrolled. 124I-JS001 PET/CT and PET/MR were performed with or without coinjection of 5 mg unlabeled JS001, and 18F-FDG PET was undertaken within 1 week. RESULTS Eight melanoma and 3 urologic cancer patients were enrolled. No adverse events were noticed during the whole examination after the injection of 124I-JS001 and an acceptable dosimetry of 0.236 mSv/MBq was found. 124I-JS001 PET/CT showed high uptake in spleen and liver and slight uptake in bone marrow and lung. All primary and metastatic tumor lesions in 11 patients demonstrated different levels of uptake of 124I-JS001 with SUVmax ranging from 0.2 to 4.7. With coinjection of unlabeled JS001, the uptake in spleen was reduced significantly (P < 0.05), whereas tumor uptake and tumor background ratio increased significantly (P < 0.05). Four patients undertook regional 124I-JS001 PET/MR. All tumor lesions were detected effectively with abnormal MR signal on PET/MR, whereas PET/MR detected liver lesions more sensitively than PET/CT. CONCLUSIONS The first-in-human study demonstrated 124I-JS001 was a safe tracer for PET with acceptable dosimetry, and the PET/CT results showed a favorable biodistribution. PET/MR could detect liver lesions more sensitively than PET/CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Wang
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
| | - Hua Zhu
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
| | - Jin Ding
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
| | - Feng Wang
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
| | - Xiangxi Meng
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
| | - Lixin Ding
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
| | - Yan Zhang
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
| | - Nan Li
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
| | - Sheng Yao
- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co Ltd, Shanghai
| | - Xinan Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Renal Cancer and Melanoma, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- From the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing
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Zou Y, Chen Z, Han H, Ruan S, Jin L, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Ma Z, Lou Q, Shi N, Jin H. Risk Signature Related to Immunotherapy Reaction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on the Immune-Related Genes Associated With CD8 + T Cell Infiltration. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:602227. [PMID: 33816550 PMCID: PMC8017194 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.602227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common histological type of liver cancer, with an unsatisfactory long-term survival rate. Despite immune checkpoint inhibitors for HCC have got glories in recent clinical trials, the relatively low response rate is still a thorny problem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to screen biomarkers of HCC to predict the prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy. Methods: Gene expression profiles of HCC were retrieved from TCGA, GEO, and ICGC databases while the immune-related genes (IRGs) were retrieved from the ImmPort database. CIBERSORT and WGCNA algorithms were combined to identify the gene module most related to CD8+ T cells in the GEO cohort. Subsequently, the genes in hub modules were subjected to univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses in the TCGA cohort to develop a risk signature. Afterward, the accuracy of the risk signature was validated by the ICGC cohort, and its relationships with CD8+ T cell infiltration and PDL1 expression were explored. Results: Nine IRGs were finally incorporated into a risk signature. Patients in the high-risk group had a poorer prognosis than those in the low-risk group. Confirmed by TCGA and ICGC cohorts, the risk signature possessed a relatively high accuracy. Additionally, the risk signature was demonstrated as an independent prognostic factor and closely related to the CD8+ T cell infiltration and PDL1 expression. Conclusion: A risk signature was constructed to predict the prognosis of HCC patients and detect patients who may have a higher positive response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- College of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Zhihong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- College of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Hongwei Han
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiye Ruan
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanpeng Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengrong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuyi Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- College of Medicine, Shantou University, Shantou, China
| | - Qi Lou
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ning Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haosheng Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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