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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Zheng R, Liu X, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Wang Y, Guo S, Jin X, Zhang J, Guan Y, Liu Y. Frontiers and future of immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: from molecular mechanisms to clinical application. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383978. [PMID: 38756774 PMCID: PMC11096556 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignant tumor, that is becoming increasingly common in recent years. Despite advances in intensive treatment modalities including surgery, radiotherapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy, the overall survival rate has not significantly improved in patients with pancreatic cancer. This may be attributed to the insidious onset, unknown pathophysiology, and poor prognosis of the disease. It is therefore essential to identify and develop more effective and safer treatments for pancreatic cancer. Tumor immunotherapy is the new and fourth pillar of anti-tumor therapy after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Significant progress has made in the use of immunotherapy for a wide variety of malignant tumors in recent years; a breakthrough has also been made in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. This review describes the advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus, and matrix-depletion therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. At the same time, some new potential biomarkers and potential immunotherapy combinations for pancreatic cancer are discussed. The molecular mechanisms of various immunotherapies have also been elucidated, and their clinical applications have been highlighted. The current challenges associated with immunotherapy and proposed strategies that hold promise in overcoming these limitations have also been discussed, with the aim of offering new insights into immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zheng
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yongxian Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shutong Guo
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuehong Guan
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yusi Liu
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yanan, Shaanxi, China
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Peng S, Huang H, Zhu X, Chen J, Ding X, Wang F, Chen L, Lu Z. Anlotinib plus tislelizumab for recurrent metastatic pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma with germline BRCA2 mutation: A case report. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:178. [PMID: 38515651 PMCID: PMC10952340 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12466] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
While combined immunotherapy and anti-angiogenic therapy have demonstrated efficacy in renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, the efficacy of first-line treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) with germline BRCA2 mutation remains unproven. We described a BRCA2-mutated patient with PDAC who presented with posterior cardiac metastasis 8 months after surgery. After receiving four cycles of anlotinib combined with tislelizumab, abdominal CT scans indicated a complete response. The patient sustained this response for over 14 months on the combination regimen, with no reported adverse events. In conclusion, the combination of tislelizumab and anlotinib may offer a viable therapeutic option for recurrent metastatic BRCA2-mutated PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Peng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Hongxiang Huang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Xie Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Jinhong Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Xinjing Ding
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330000, P.R. China
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Timmer FEF, Geboers B, Ruarus AH, Vroomen LGPH, Schouten EAC, van der Lei S, Vos DJW, Dijkstra M, Schulz HH, Bakker J, van den Bemd BAT, van den Tol PM, Puijk RS, Lissenberg-Witte BI, de Gruijl TD, de Vries JJJ, Lagerwaard FJ, Scheffer HJ, Bruynzeel AME, Meijerink MR. MRI-guided stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy versus CT-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (CROSSFIRE): a single-centre, open-label, randomised phase 2 trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:448-459. [PMID: 38513683 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(24)00017-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease with a dismal prognosis. Stage III locally advanced pancreatic cancer is considered unresectable and current palliative chemotherapy regimens only modestly improve survival. Guidelines suggest chemoradiation or stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) could be beneficial in certain circumstances. Other local treatments such as irreversible electroporation could enhance patient outcomes by extending survival while preserving quality of life. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of MRI-guided SABR versus CT-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation following standard FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy. METHODS CROSSFIRE was an open-label, randomised phase 2 superiority trial conducted at the Amsterdam University Medical Centre (Amsterdam, Netherlands). Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with confirmed histological and radiological stage III locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The maximum tumour diameter was 5 cm and patients had to be pretreated with three to eight cycles of FOLFIRINOX. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to MRI-guided SABR (five fractions of 8 Gy delivered on non-consecutive days) or CT-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation using a computer-generated variable block randomisation model. The primary endpoint was overall survival from randomisation, assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in the per-protocol population. A prespecified interim futility analysis was done after inclusion of half the original sample size, with a conditional probability of less than 0·2 resulting in halting of the study. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02791503. FINDINGS Between May 1, 2016, and March 31, 2022, 68 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to SABR (n=34) or irreversible electroporation (n=34), of whom 64 were treated according to protocol. Of the 68 participants, 36 (53%) were male and 32 (47%) were female, with a median age of 65 years (IQR 57-70). Median overall survival from randomisation was 16·1 months (95% CI 12·1-19·4) in the SABR group versus 12·5 months (10·9-17·0) in the irreversible electroporation group (hazard ratio [HR] 1·39 [95% CI 0·84-2·30]; p=0·21). The conditional probability to demonstrate superiority of either technique was 0·13; patient accrual was therefore stopped early for futility. 20 (63%) of 32 patients in the SABR group versus 19 (59%) of 32 patients in the irreversible electroporation group had adverse events (p=0·8) and five (16%) patients in the SABR group versus eight (25%) in the irreversible electroporation group had grade 3-5 adverse events (p=0·35). The most common grade 3-4 adverse events were cholangitis (two [6%] in the SABR group vs one [3%] in the irreversible electroporation group), abdominal pain (one [3%] vs two [6%]), and pancreatitis (none vs two [6%]). One (3%) patient in the SABR group and one (3%) in the irreversible electroporation group died from a treatment-related adverse event. INTERPRETATION CROSSFIRE did not identify a difference in overall survival or incidence of adverse events between MRI-guided SABR and CT-guided percutaneous irreversible electroporation after FOLFIRINOX. Future studies should further assess the added value of local ablative treatment over chemotherapy alone. FUNDING Adessium Foundation, AngioDynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentine E F Timmer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Bart Geboers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Alette H Ruarus
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laurien G P H Vroomen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Evelien A C Schouten
- Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Susan van der Lei
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Danielle J W Vos
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Madelon Dijkstra
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hannah H Schulz
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joyce Bakker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Bente A T van den Bemd
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Robbert S Puijk
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan J J de Vries
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frank J Lagerwaard
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hester J Scheffer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Northwest Clinics, Alkmaar, Netherlands
| | - Anna M E Bruynzeel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Meijerink
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Bots STF, Harryvan TJ, Groeneveldt C, Kinderman P, Kemp V, van Montfoort N, Hoeben RC. Preclinical evaluation of the gorilla-derived HAdV-B AdV-lumc007 oncolytic adenovirus 'GoraVir' for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1245-1258. [PMID: 38037840 PMCID: PMC11076997 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13561] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy which shows unparalleled therapeutic resistance due to its genetic and cellular heterogeneity, dense stromal tissue, and immune-suppressive tumour microenvironment. Oncolytic virotherapy has emerged as a new treatment modality which uses tumour-specific viruses to eliminate cancerous cells. Non-human primate adenoviruses of the human adenovirus B (HAdV-B) species have demonstrated considerable lytic potential in human cancer cells as well as limited preexisting neutralizing immunity in humans. Previously, we have generated a new oncolytic derivative of the gorilla-derived HAdV-B AdV-lumc007 named 'GoraVir'. Here, we show that GoraVir displays oncolytic efficacy in pancreatic cancer cells and pancreatic-cancer-associated fibroblasts. Moreover, it retains its lytic potential in monoculture and co-culture spheroids. In addition, we established the ubiquitously expressed complement receptor CD46 as the main entry receptor for GoraVir. Finally, a single intratumoural dose of GoraVir was shown to delay tumour growth in a BxPC-3 xenograft model at 10 days post-treatment. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the new gorilla-derived oncolytic adenovirus is a potent oncolytic vector candidate that targets both pancreatic cancer cells and tumour-adjacent stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selas T. F. Bots
- Department of Cell and Chemical BiologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Tom J. Harryvan
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | | | - Priscilla Kinderman
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Vera Kemp
- Department of Cell and Chemical BiologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Nadine van Montfoort
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
| | - Rob C. Hoeben
- Department of Cell and Chemical BiologyLeiden University Medical CenterThe Netherlands
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Silva LGDO, Lemos FFB, Luz MS, Rocha Pinheiro SL, Calmon MDS, Correa Santos GL, Rocha GR, de Melo FF. New avenues for the treatment of immunotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1134-1153. [PMID: 38660642 PMCID: PMC11037047 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1134] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by its extremely aggressive nature and ranks 14th in the number of new cancer cases worldwide. However, due to its complexity, it ranks 7th in the list of the most lethal cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of PC involves several complex processes, including familial genetic factors associated with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, and smoking. Mutations in genes such as KRAS, TP53, and SMAD4 are linked to the appearance of malignant cells that generate pancreatic lesions and, consequently, cancer. In this context, some therapies are used for PC, one of which is immunotherapy, which is extremely promising in various other types of cancer but has shown little response in the treatment of PC due to various resistance mechanisms that contribute to a drop in immunotherapy efficiency. It is therefore clear that the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a huge impact on the resistance process, since cellular and non-cellular elements create an immunosuppressive environment, characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma with cancer-associated fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix, and immunosuppressive cells. Linked to this are genetic mutations in TP53 and immunosuppressive factors that act on T cells, resulting in a shortage of CD8+ T cells and limited expression of activation markers such as interferon-gamma. In this way, finding new strategies that make it possible to manipulate resistance mechanisms is necessary. Thus, techniques such as the use of TME modulators that block receptors and stromal molecules that generate resistance, the use of genetic manipulation in specific regions, such as microRNAs, the modulation of extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with T cells, and, above all, therapeutic models that combine these modulation techniques constitute the promising future of PC therapy. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the main mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in PC and new ways of manipulating this process, resulting in a more efficient therapy for cancer patients and, consequently, a reduction in the lethality of this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Fellipe Bueno Lemos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Samuel Luca Rocha Pinheiro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mariana dos Santos Calmon
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lima Correa Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Reis Rocha
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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Bhandari K, Ding WQ. Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: New Molecular Targets for Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3958. [PMID: 38612768 PMCID: PMC11011826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073958] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignant disease with a low 5-year overall survival rate. It is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The lack of robust therapeutics, absence of effective biomarkers for early detection, and aggressive nature of the tumor contribute to the high mortality rate of PDAC. Notably, the outcomes of recent immunotherapy and targeted therapy against PDAC remain unsatisfactory, indicating the need for novel therapeutic strategies. One of the newly described molecular features of PDAC is the altered expression of protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). PRMTs are a group of enzymes known to methylate arginine residues in both histone and non-histone proteins, thereby mediating cellular homeostasis in biological systems. Some of the PRMT enzymes are known to be overexpressed in PDAC that promotes tumor progression and chemo-resistance via regulating gene transcription, cellular metabolic processes, RNA metabolism, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Small-molecule inhibitors of PRMTs are currently under clinical trials and can potentially become a new generation of anti-cancer drugs. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of PRMTs in PDAC, focusing on their pathological roles and their potential as new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei-Qun Ding
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, BMSB401A, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA;
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Enzler T, Nguyen A, Misleh J, Cline VJ, Johns M, Shumway N, Paulson S, Siegel R, Larson T, Messersmith W, Richards D, Chaves J, Pierce E, Zalupski M, Sahai V, Orr D, Ruste SA, Haun A, Kawabe T. A multicenter, randomized phase 2 study to establish combinations of CBP501, cisplatin and nivolumab for ≥3rd-line treatment of patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Eur J Cancer 2024; 201:113950. [PMID: 38422585 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.113950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no standard of care for ≥ 3rd-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). CBP501 is a novel calmodulin-binding peptide that has been shown to enhance the influx of platinum agents into tumor cells and tumor immunogenicity. This study aimed to (1) confirm efficacy of CBP501/cisplatin/nivolumab for metastatic PDAC observed in a previous phase 1 study, (2) identify combinations that yield 35% 3-month progression-free survival rate (3MPFS) and (3) define the contribution of CBP501 to the effects of combination therapy. METHODS CBP501 16 or 25 mg/m2 (CBP(16) or CBP(25)) was combined with 60 mg/m2 cisplatin (CDDP) and 240 mg nivolumab (nivo), administered at 3-week intervals. Patients were randomized 1:1:1:1 to (1) CBP(25)/CDDP/nivo, (2) CBP(16)/CDDP/nivo, (3) CBP(25)/CDDP and (4) CDDP/nivo, with randomization stratified by ECOG PS and liver metastases. A Fleming two-stage design was used, yielding a one-sided type I error rate of 2.5% and 80% power when the true 3MPFS is 35%. RESULTS Among 36 patients, 3MPFS was 44.4% in arms 1 and 2, 11.1% in arm 3% and 33.3% in arm 4. Two patients achieved a partial response in arm 1 (ORR 22.2%; none in other arms). Median PFS and OS were 2.4, 2.1, 1.5 and 1.5 months and 6.3, 5.3, 3.7 and 4.9 months, respectively. Overall, all treatment combinations were well tolerated. Most treatment-related adverse events were grade 1-2. CONCLUSIONS The combination CBP(25)/(16)/CDDP/nivo demonstrated promising signs of efficacy and a manageable safety profile for the treatment of advanced PDAC. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04953962.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Enzler
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - A Nguyen
- Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Henderson, NV, USA
| | - J Misleh
- Medical Hematology Oncology Consultants PA, Newark, DE, USA
| | - V J Cline
- Texas Oncology - Austin Midtown, Austin, TX, USA
| | - M Johns
- Oncology Hematology Care Eastgate, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - N Shumway
- Texas Oncology-San Antonio Stone Oak, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - S Paulson
- Texas Oncology - Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - R Siegel
- Illinois Cancer Specialists, Arlington Heights, IL, USA
| | - T Larson
- Minnseota Oncology Hematology PA, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - W Messersmith
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - D Richards
- Texas Oncology - Northeast Texas Cancer and Research Institute, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - J Chaves
- Northwest Medical Specialties, PLLC, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - E Pierce
- Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - M Zalupski
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - V Sahai
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - D Orr
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - S A Ruste
- Medical Affairs, Veristat LLC, Toronto Canada
| | - A Haun
- Medical Affairs, Veristat LLC, Toronto Canada
| | - T Kawabe
- CanBas Co., Ltd., Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
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9
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Wei H, Ren H. Precision treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 585:216636. [PMID: 38278471 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216636] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly heterogeneous tumor comprising pancreatic cancer cells, fibroblasts, immune cells, vascular epithelial cells, and other cells in the mesenchymal tissue. PDAC is difficult to treat because of the complexity of the tissue components; therefore, achieving therapeutic effects with a single therapeutic method or target is problematic. Recently, precision therapy has provided new directions and opportunities for treating PDAC using genetic information from an individual's disease to guide treatment. It selects and applies appropriate therapeutic methods for each patient, with an aim to minimize medical damage and costs, while maximizing patient benefits. Molecular targeted therapy is effective in most clinical studies; however, it has been ineffective in large-scale randomized controlled trials of PDAC, mainly because the enrolled populations were not stratified on a molecular basis. Molecular stratification allows the identification of the PDAC population being treated, optimizing therapeutic effect. However, a systematic review of precision therapies for patients with highly heterogeneous PDAC backgrounds has not been conducted. Here, we review the molecular background and current potential therapeutic targets related to PDAC and provide new directions for PDAC precision therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyun Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China; Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China.
| | - He Ren
- Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Center of Tumor Immunology and Cytotherapy, Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China.
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10
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Bhandari C, Moffat A, Shah N, Khan A, Quaye M, Fakhry J, Soma S, Nguyen A, Eroy M, Malkoochi A, Brekken R, Hasan T, Ferruzzi J, Obaid G. PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Targeted Photoactivable Liposomes (iTPALs) Prime the Stroma of Pancreatic Tumors and Promote Self-Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304340. [PMID: 38324463 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Desmoplasia in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) limits the penetration and efficacy of therapies. It has been previously shown that photodynamic priming (PDP) using EGFR targeted photoactivable multi-inhibitor liposomes remediates desmoplasia in PDAC and doubles overall survival. Here, bifunctional PD-L1 immune checkpoint targeted photoactivable liposomes (iTPALs) that mediate both PDP and PD-L1 blockade are presented. iTPALs also improve phototoxicity in PDAC cells and induce immunogenic cell death. PDP using iTPALs reduces collagen density, thereby promoting self-delivery by 5.4-fold in collagen hydrogels, and by 2.4-fold in syngeneic CT1BA5 murine PDAC tumors. PDP also reduces tumor fibroblast content by 39.4%. Importantly, iTPALs also block the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint more efficiently than free α-PD-L1 antibodies. Only a single sub-curative priming dose using iTPALs provides 54.1% tumor growth inhibition and prolongs overall survival in mice by 42.9%. Overall survival directly correlates with the extent of tumor iTPAL self-delivery following PDP (Pearson's r = 0.670, p = 0.034), while no relationship is found for sham non-specific IgG constructs activated with light. When applied over multiple cycles, as is typical for immune checkpoint therapy, PDP using iTPALs promises to offer durable tumor growth delay and significant survival benefit in PDAC patients, especially when used to promote self-delivery of integrated chemo-immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanda Bhandari
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Azophi Moffat
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Nimit Shah
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Adil Khan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Maxwell Quaye
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - John Fakhry
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Siddharth Soma
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Austin Nguyen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Menitte Eroy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Ashritha Malkoochi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Rolf Brekken
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Tayyaba Hasan
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jacopo Ferruzzi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Girgis Obaid
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
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11
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Delle Cave D. Emerging Therapeutic Options in Pancreatic Cancer Management. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1929. [PMID: 38339207 PMCID: PMC10855952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031929] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a 5-year survival rate of <8% [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Delle Cave
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
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12
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Mahalingam D, Harb W, Patnaik A, Bullock A, Watnick RS, Vincent MY, Chen JJ, Wang S, Pestana H, Chao J, Mahoney J, Cieslewicz M, Watnick J. First-in-human phase I dose escalation trial of the first-in-class tumor microenvironment modulator VT1021 in advanced solid tumors. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:10. [PMID: 38218979 PMCID: PMC10787778 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00433-x] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND VT1021 is a cyclic peptide that induces the expression of thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) in myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) recruited to the tumor microenvironment (TME). TSP-1 reprograms the TME via binding to CD36 and CD47 to induce tumor and endothelial cell apoptosis as well as immune modulation in the TME. METHODS Study VT1021-01 (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03364400) used a modified 3 + 3 design. The primary objective was to determine the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D) in patients with advanced solid tumors. Safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) were assessed. Patients were dosed twice weekly intravenously in 9 cohorts (0.5-15.6 mg/kg). Safety was evaluated using CTCAE version 5.0 and the anti-tumor activity was evaluated by RECIST version 1.1. RESULTS The RP2D of VT1021 is established at 11.8 mg/kg. VT1021 is well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities reported (0/38). The most frequent drug-related adverse events are fatigue (15.8%), nausea (10.5%), and infusion-related reactions (10.5%). Exposure increases proportionally from 0.5 to 8.8 mg/kg. The disease control rate (DCR) is 42.9% with 12 of 28 patients deriving clinical benefit including a partial response (PR) in one thymoma patient (504 days). CONCLUSIONS VT1021 is safe and well-tolerated across all doses tested. RP2D has been selected for future clinical studies. PR and SD with tumor shrinkage are observed in multiple patients underscoring the single-agent potential of VT1021. Expansion studies in GBM, pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors at the RP2D have been completed and results will be communicated in a separate report.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wael Harb
- Horizon Oncology Center, Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Amita Patnaik
- South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Judy Chao
- Vigeo Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
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13
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Chen Y, Wang J, Huang Y, Wu J, Wang Y, Chen A, Guo Q, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Wang L, Zou X, Li X. An oncolytic system produces oxygen selectively in pancreatic tumor cells to alleviate hypoxia and improve immune activation. Pharmacol Res 2024; 199:107053. [PMID: 38176529 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypoxia is one of the important reasons for the poor therapeutic efficacy of current pancreatic cancer treatment, and the dense stroma of pancreatic cancer restricts the diffusion of oxygen within the tumor. METHODS A responsive oxygen-self-supplying adv-miRT-CAT-KR (adv-MCK) cascade reaction system to improve hypoxia in pancreatic cancer is constructed. We utilized various experiments at multiple levels (cells, organoids, in vivo) to investigate its effect on pancreatic cancer and analyzed the role of immune microenvironment changes in it through high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS The adv-MCK system is an oncolytic adenovirus system expressing three special components of genes. The microRNA (miRNA) targets (miRTs) enable adv-MCK to selectively replicate in pancreatic cancer cells. Catalase catalyzes the overexpressed hydrogen peroxide in pancreatic cancer cells to generate endogenous oxygen, which is catalyzed by killerRed to generate singlet oxygen (1O2) and further to enhance the oncolytic effect. Meanwhile, the adv-MCK system can specifically improve hypoxia in pancreatic cancer, exert antitumor effects in combination with photodynamic therapy, and activate antitumor immunity, especially by increasing the level of γδ T cells in the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSION The responsive oxygen-self-supplying adv-MCK cascade reaction system combined with photodynamic therapy can improve the hypoxic microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and enhance antitumor immunity, which provides a promising alternative treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jialun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Pain, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jianzhuang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Aotian Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Qiyuan Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Xiaoping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Xihan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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14
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Rogers S, Charles A, Thomas RM. The Prospect of Harnessing the Microbiome to Improve Immunotherapeutic Response in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5708. [PMID: 38136254 PMCID: PMC10741649 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245708] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States by 2030. Patients are often diagnosed with advanced disease, which explains the dismal 5-year median overall survival rate of ~12%. Immunotherapy has been successful in improving outcomes in the past decade for a variety of malignancies, including gastrointestinal cancers. However, PDAC is historically an immunologically "cold" tumor, one with an immunosuppressive environment and with restricted entry of immune cells that have limited the success of immunotherapy in these tumors. The microbiome, the intricate community of microorganisms present on and within humans, has been shown to contribute to many cancers, including PDAC. Recently, its role in tumor immunology and response to immunotherapy has generated much interest. Herein, the current state of the interaction of the microbiome and immunotherapy in PDAC is discussed with a focus on needed areas of study in order to harness the immune system to combat pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherise Rogers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Angel Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Ryan M. Thomas
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
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15
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Fyfe J, Dye D, Razak NBA, Metharom P, Falasca M. Immune evasion on the nanoscale: Small extracellular vesicles in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma immunity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:36-47. [PMID: 37748738 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a type of cancer alarmingly expanding in our modern societies that is still proving to be very challenging to counteract. This disease constitutes a quintessential example of the multiple interactions existing between the tumour and its surrounding microenvironment. In particular, PDAC is characterized by a very immunosuppressive environment that favours cancer growth and makes this cancer type very resistant to immunotherapy. The primary tumour releases many factors that influence both the microenvironment and the immune landscape. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), recently identified as indispensable entities ensuring cell-to-cell communication in both physiological and pathological processes, seem to play a pivotal function in ensuring the delivery of these factors to the tumour-surrounding tissues. In this review, we summarize the present understanding on the crosstalk among tumour cells and the cellular immune microenvironment emphasizing the pro-malignant role played by extracellular vesicles. We also discuss how a greater knowledge of the roles of EVs in tumour immune escape could be translated into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Fyfe
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Danielle Dye
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Norbaini Binti Abdol Razak
- Platelet Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Pat Metharom
- Platelet Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health and Innovation Research Institute [1], Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; University of Parma, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Via Volturno 39, 43125 Parma, Italy.
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16
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Bogut A, Stojanovic B, Jovanovic M, Dimitrijevic Stojanovic M, Gajovic N, Stojanovic BS, Balovic G, Jovanovic M, Lazovic A, Mirovic M, Jurisevic M, Jovanovic I, Mladenovic V. Galectin-1 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Bridging Tumor Biology, Immune Evasion, and Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15500. [PMID: 37958483 PMCID: PMC10650903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, with a complex interplay of molecular pathways contributing to its aggressive nature. Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a member of the galectin family, has emerged as a pivotal player in the PDAC microenvironment, influencing various aspects from tumor growth and angiogenesis to immune modulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted role of Galectin-1 in PDAC. We delve into its contributions to tumor stroma remodeling, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and potential implications for therapeutic interventions. The challenges associated with targeting Gal-1 are discussed, given its pleiotropic functions and complexities in different cellular conditions. Additionally, the promising prospects of Gal-1 inhibition, including the utilization of nanotechnology and theranostics, are highlighted. By integrating recent findings and shedding light on the intricacies of Gal-1's involvement in PDAC, this review aims to provide insights that could guide future research and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bogut
- City Medical Emergency Department, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Bojan Stojanovic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (B.S.); (G.B.)
- Department of General Surgery, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Marina Jovanovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.J.); (V.M.)
| | | | - Nevena Gajovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Bojana S. Stojanovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Goran Balovic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (B.S.); (G.B.)
| | - Milan Jovanovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Aleksandar Lazovic
- Department of General Surgery, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Milos Mirovic
- Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Kotor, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro;
| | - Milena Jurisevic
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia;
| | - Violeta Mladenovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia; (M.J.); (V.M.)
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17
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Jin L, Qian D, Tang X, Huang Y, Zou J, Wu Z. SMYD2 Imparts Gemcitabine Resistance to Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells by Upregulating EVI2A. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00908-7. [PMID: 37812330 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00908-7] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Although gemcitabine (GEM) is the first‑line drug for advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), the development of GEM resistance severely limits the effectiveness of this chemotherapy. This study investigated the mechanisms of ecotropic viral integration site 2 A (EVI2A) for resistance to GEM and immune evasion in PAAD. GEM resistance-related biomarkers were predicted using GEO datasets, and GEM-resistant PAAD cells were generated. EVI2A was found expressed highly in GEM-resistant PAAD cells. Gain-of-function analyses revealed that EVI2A encouraged the proliferation and motility of GEM-resistant cells and prevented apoptosis. In addition, EVI2A reduced T cell effector activation. SMYD2 was overexpressed in GEM-resistant cells, and SMYD2 enhanced H3K36me2 modification of EVI2A, thereby promoting EVI2A expression. SMYD2 reduced the sensitivity of GEM-resistant cells, which was reversed by EVI2A knockdown. SMYD2 increased the amount of M2 macrophages (co-cultured with PAAD cells) and decreased T cell effector activation (co-cultured with macrophage supernatant), and the number of M2 macrophages was decreased and T cell effectors were activated following EVI2A knockdown. Our findings indicate that EVI2A, manipulated by the SMYD2-H3K36me2 epigenetic axis, promoted GEM resistance and M2 macrophage-mediated immune evasion in PAAD. Therefore, EVI2A might represent a therapeutic target for overcoming GEM resistance and immunosuppressive environment in PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, No. 10, Kangfu Road, Jinghu District, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
| | - Daohai Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolei Tang
- Translational Medicine Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Junwei Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoying Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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18
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Timmer FEF, Geboers B, Scheffer HJ, Bakker J, Ruarus AH, Dijkstra M, van der Lei S, Boon R, Nieuwenhuizen S, van den Bemd BAT, Schouten EAC, van den Tol PM, Puijk RS, de Vries JJJ, de Gruijl TD, Meijerink MR. Tissue Resistance Decrease during Irreversible Electroporation of Pancreatic Cancer as a Biomarker for the Adaptive Immune Response and Survival. J Vasc Interv Radiol 2023; 34:1777-1784.e4. [PMID: 37391072 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2023.06.027] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To correlate irreversible electroporation (IRE) procedural resistance changes with survival outcomes and the IRE-induced systemic immune response in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on IRE procedural tissue resistance (R) features and survival outcomes were collected from patients with LAPC treated within the context of 2 prospective clinical trials in a single tertiary center. Preprocedural and postprocedural peripheral blood samples were prospectively collected for immune monitoring. The change (ie, decrease) in R during the first 10 test pulses (ΔR10p) and during the total procedure (ΔRtotal) were calculated. Patients were divided in 2 groups on the basis of the median change in R (large ΔR vs small ΔR) and compared for differences in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival and immune cell subsets. RESULTS A total of 54 patients were included; of these, 20 underwent immune monitoring. Linear regression modeling showed that the first 10 test pulses reflected the change in tissue resistance during the total procedure appropriately (P < .001; R2 = 0.91). A large change in tissue resistance significantly correlated with a better OS (P = .026) and longer time to disease progression (P = .045). Furthermore, a large change in tissue resistance was associated with CD8+ T cell activation through significant upregulation of Ki-67+ (P = .02) and PD-1+ (P = .047). Additionally, this subgroup demonstrated significantly increased expression of CD80 on conventional dendritic cells (cDC1; P = .027) and PD-L1 on immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (P = .039). CONCLUSIONS IRE procedural resistance changes may serve as a biomarker for survival and IRE-induced systemic CD8+ T cell and cDC1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentine E F Timmer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Geboers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Hester J Scheffer
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joyce Bakker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Alette H Ruarus
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Madelon Dijkstra
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susan van der Lei
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rianne Boon
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Nieuwenhuizen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bente A T van den Bemd
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Evelien A C Schouten
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Robbert S Puijk
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Onze Lieve Vrouwen Gasthuis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan J J de Vries
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Meijerink
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (UMC), location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Ye J, Suizu F, Yamakawa K, Mukai Y, Kato M, Yoneyama H, Yahagi N, Matsuda Y. Silencing of tumoral carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 reactivates lymph node pancreatic cancer T cells in mice. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250160. [PMID: 37248998 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250160] [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: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Limited intratumoral T-cell infiltration in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an obstacle to immunotherapy, yet the efficient approach to enhance tumor-infiltrating T cells is not fully established. Here, we show that tumor-specific knockdown of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (CHST15), a tumor stromal proteoglycan-synthetic enzyme, suppresses tumor growth in a T-cell-dependent manner in a murine model of PDAC. Silencing of tumoral CHST15 unexpectedly expanded CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor draining LN (TDLN), leading to accelerated accumulation of EdU+ proliferating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and granzyme B+ CD8+ T cells in the tumor. RNA expression analysis indicated that tumoral CHST15 knockdown (KD) downregulated matrix remodeling-related genes, while upregulated anti-tumor T-cell activity-related genes in both tumor and TDLN. CHST15 KD significantly diminished intratumoral and TDLN Ly6C/G+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells prior to TDLN T-cell expansion, suggesting that tumoral CHST15 remotely regulated myeloid-derived suppressor cell mediated T-cell suppression in the TDLN. Our findings illustrate a novel immunotherapeutic potential of tumoral CHST15 blockage by reactivating T cells in immune suppressive TDLN of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Ye
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host-Defense, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Futoshi Suizu
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host-Defense, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Keiko Yamakawa
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host-Defense, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Yuri Mukai
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host-Defense, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Motohiko Kato
- Division of Research and Development for Minimally Invasive Treatment, Cancer Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Naohisa Yahagi
- Division of Research and Development for Minimally Invasive Treatment, Cancer Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Matsuda
- Oncology Pathology, Department of Pathology and Host-Defense, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
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20
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Chouari T, La Costa FS, Merali N, Jessel MD, Sivakumar S, Annels N, Frampton AE. Advances in Immunotherapeutics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4265. [PMID: 37686543 PMCID: PMC10486452 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for up to 95% of all pancreatic cancer cases and is the seventh-leading cause of cancer death. Poor prognosis is a result of late presentation, a lack of screening tests and the fact some patients develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Novel therapies like immunotherapeutics have been of recent interest in pancreatic cancer. However, this field remains in its infancy with much to unravel. Immunotherapy and other targeted therapies have yet to yield significant progress in treating PDAC, primarily due to our limited understanding of the disease immune mechanisms and its intricate interactions with the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review we provide an overview of current novel immunotherapies which have been studied in the field of pancreatic cancer. We discuss their mechanisms, evidence available in pancreatic cancer as well as the limitations of such therapies. We showcase the potential role of combining novel therapies in PDAC, postulate their potential clinical implications and the hurdles associated with their use in PDAC. Therapies discussed with include programmed death checkpoint inhibitors, Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4, Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cell therapy, oncolytic viral therapy and vaccine therapies including KRAS vaccines, Telomerase vaccines, Gastrin Vaccines, Survivin-targeting vaccines, Heat-shock protein (HSP) peptide complex-based vaccines, MUC-1 targeting vaccines, Listeria based vaccines and Dendritic cell-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarak Chouari
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Francesca Soraya La Costa
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
| | - Nabeel Merali
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
- The Minimal Access Therapy Training Unit, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK
| | - Maria-Danae Jessel
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Shivan Sivakumar
- Oncology Department and Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Birmingham Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Nicola Annels
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
| | - Adam E. Frampton
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Department, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK; (T.C.); (F.S.L.C.); (N.M.)
- Section of Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK; (M.-D.J.); (N.A.)
- The Minimal Access Therapy Training Unit, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7WG, UK
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21
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Taylor IP, Lopez JA. Oncolytic adenoviruses and the treatment of pancreatic cancer: a review of clinical trials. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:8117-8129. [PMID: 37031291 PMCID: PMC10374677 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04735-w] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a common and difficult cancer to treat. Surgical resection and chemotherapy are standard of care and clinical outcomes remain poor. Oncolytic adenoviruses are a unique approach to the treatment of this challenging cancer, aiming to overcome the features of this disease that pose the key obstacles to standard therapies. This paper provides a detailed review of the clinical trials of conditionally-replicative adenoviruses in pancreatic cancer to date, with a brief summary of the past preclinical literature and future prospects of this therapy. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception to December 23rd 2022 for clinical trials of conditionally-replicative adenoviruses used in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Primary features for review included patient demographics, treatment protocol including dose and administration route, adverse events, patient responses and survival rates. RESULTS The six published clinical trials suggest that objective clinical responses can be achieved with a tolerable level of side effects, even at high viral doses. The more clinically adaptable intravenous route of administration also appears to be as well tolerated as the more challenging intratumoural injections. CONCLUSION Published clinical trials provide data of the safety and some signs of oncolytic activity of conditionally-replicative adenoviruses in patients with pancreatic cancer. Importantly, on the latest trials, the easier intravenous route of administration seems to be well tolerated and safe, providing the opportunity for further clinical evaluation. It is hoped that the ongoing clinical trials will yield more promising results of this therapeutic approach against a currently intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isobel P. Taylor
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - J. Alejandro Lopez
- School of Environment and Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
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22
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Herpels M, Ishihara J, Sadanandam A. The clinical terrain of immunotherapies in heterogeneous pancreatic cancer: unravelling challenges and opportunities. J Pathol 2023; 260:533-550. [PMID: 37550956 DOI: 10.1002/path.6171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and aggressive type of pancreatic cancer and has abysmal survival rates. In the past two decades, immunotherapeutic agents with success in other cancer types have gradually been trialled against PDACs at different stages of cancer progression, either as a monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy. Unfortunately, to this day, chemotherapy still prolongs the survival rates the most and is prescribed in clinics despite the severe side effects in other cancer types. The low success rates of immunotherapy against PDAC have been attributed most frequently to its complex and multi-faceted tumour microenvironment (TME) and low mutational burden. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of the immunotherapies tested in PDAC clinical trials thus far, their limitations, and potential explanations for their failure. We also discuss the existing classification of heterogenous PDACs into cancer, cancer-associated fibroblast, and immune subtypes and their potential opportunity in patient selection as a form of personalisation of PDAC immunotherapy. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Herpels
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jun Ishihara
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anguraj Sadanandam
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Global Oncology, Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Translational Immunotherapy, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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23
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Testoni SGG, Minici C, Benetti E, Clemente F, Boselli D, Sciorati C, De Monte L, Petrone MC, Enderle M, Linzenbold W, Protti MP, Manfredi A, De Cobelli F, Reni M, Falconi M, Capurso G, Arcidiacono PG, Della-Torre E. Immunomodulatory Effects of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Thermal Ablation in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3704. [PMID: 37509365 PMCID: PMC10378428 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143704] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunological consequences of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-local thermal ablation (LTA) for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have not been extensively assessed. We aimed to explore EUS-LTA effects on the systemic immune response in PDAC. Peripheral blood was collected from 10 treatment-naïve patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced PDAC, randomly allocated to Nab-paclitaxel plus Gemcitabine chemotherapy (CT-arm, n = 5) or EUS-LTA with HybridTherm Probe plus CT (HTP + CT-arm, n = 5). Twenty healthy donors were included as controls. Flow-cytometry and multiplex assays were used to profile immune cell subsets and measure serum cytokines/chemokines, respectively. At baseline, PDAC patients showed increased circulating monocytes and lower circulating lymphocytes and CD19+ B cells counts compared to healthy controls. After 4 months, CT induced decrease of B regulatory cells, CD4+ cytotoxic T cells and IL-1β. The addition of EUS-HTP to CT selectively decreased the serum levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 as well as T regulatory cells, total, classic and inflammatory monocytes. Serum levels of APRIL/TNFSF13 and total, classic and inflammatory monocytes counts at baseline were associated with worse overall survival. EUS-HTP has the potential to selectively impact on immune cells and cytokines associated with poor outcomes in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Gloria Giulia Testoni
- Pancreatico-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Minici
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Benetti
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget) and Pediatric Immunohematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Clemente
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Disease, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Boselli
- FRACTAL (Flow Cytometry Resource, Advanced Cytometry Technical Applications Laboratory), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Sciorati
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia De Monte
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Disease, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Petrone
- Pancreatico-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Markus Enderle
- Department of Research and Basic Technologies, Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH, Waldhörnlestraße 17, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Walter Linzenbold
- Department of Research and Basic Technologies, Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH, Waldhörnlestraße 17, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria Pia Protti
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Disease, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Manfredi
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco De Cobelli
- Department of Radiology, Experimental Imaging Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Reni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Falconi
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- Pancreatico-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Giorgio Arcidiacono
- Pancreatico-Biliary Endoscopy and Endosonography Division, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuel Della-Torre
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, Pancreas Translational & Clinical Research Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
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24
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Bandi DSR, Sarvesh S, Farran B, Nagaraju GP, El-Rayes BF. Targeting the metabolism and immune system in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Insights and future directions. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 71-72:26-39. [PMID: 37407355 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.06.006] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, specifically pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), presents a challenging landscape due to its complex nature and the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This immunosuppression severely limits the effectiveness of immune-based therapies. Studies have revealed the critical role of immunometabolism in shaping the TME and influencing PDAC progression. Genetic alterations, lysosomal dysfunction, gut microbiome dysbiosis, and altered metabolic pathways have been shown to modulate immunometabolism in PDAC. These metabolic alterations can significantly impact immune cell functions, including T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and macrophages, evading anti-tumor immunity. Advances in immunotherapy offer promising avenues for overcoming immunosuppressive TME and enhancing patient outcomes. This review highlights the challenges and opportunities for future research in this evolving field. By exploring the connections between immunometabolism, genetic alterations, and the microbiome in PDAC, it is possible to tailor novel approaches capable of improving immunotherapy outcomes and addressing the limitations posed by immunosuppressive TME. Ultimately, these insights may pave the way for improved treatment options and better outcomes for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhana Sekhar Reddy Bandi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Sujith Sarvesh
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Batoul Farran
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
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25
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Mercanti L, Sindaco M, Mazzone M, Di Marcantonio MC, Piscione M, Muraro R, Mincione G. PDAC, the Influencer Cancer: Cross-Talk with Tumor Microenvironment and Connected Potential Therapy Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112923. [PMID: 37296886 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112923] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the leading causes of death by cancer in the world. What makes this pathological condition particularly lethal is a combination of clinical and molecular heterogeneity, lack of early diagnostic indexes, and underwhelming results from current therapeutic protocols. A major cause of PDAC chemoresistance seems to lie in the ability of cancer cells to spread out and fill the pancreatic parenchyma, exchanging nutrients, substrates, and even genetic material with cells from the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Several components can be found in the TME ultrastructure, including collagen fibers, cancer-associated fibroblasts, macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes. Cross-talk between PDAC and TME cells results in the latter being converted into cancer-favoring phenotypes; this behavior could be compared to an influencer guiding followers into supporting his activity. Moreover, TME could be a potential target for some of the newest therapeutic strategies; these include the use of pegvorhyaluronidase-α and CAR-T lymphocytes against HER2, FAP, CEA, MLSN, PSCA, and CD133. Other experimental therapy options are being currently studied, aiming to interfere with the KRAS pathway, DNA-repairing proteins, and apoptosis resistance in PDAC cells. Hopefully these new approaches will grant better clinical outcomes in future patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Mercanti
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Sindaco
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mariangela Mazzone
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Di Marcantonio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Muraro
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gabriella Mincione
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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26
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Koh EK, Lee HR, Son WC, Park GY, Kim J, Bae JH, Park YS. Combinatorial immunotherapy with gemcitabine and ex vivo-expanded NK cells induces anti-tumor effects in pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7656. [PMID: 37169953 PMCID: PMC10175562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34827-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose at the initial stage and is often discovered after metastasis to nearby organs. Gemcitabine is currently used as a standard treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, since chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer has not yet reached satisfactory therapeutic results, adjuvant chemotherapy methods are attempted. It can be expected that combining immune cell therapy with existing anticancer drug combination treatment will prevent cancer recurrence and increase survival rates. We isolated natural killer (NK) cells and co-cultured them with strongly activated autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as feeder cells, activated using CD3 antibody, IFN-r, IL-2, and γ-radiation. NK cells expanded in this method showed greater cytotoxicity than resting NK cells, when co-cultured with pancreatic cancer cell lines. Tumor growth was effectively inhibited in a pancreatic cancer mouse xenograft model. Therapeutic efficacy was increased by using gemcitabine and erlotinib in combination. These findings suggest that NK cells cultured by the method proposed here have excellent anti-tumor activity. We demonstrate that activated NK cells can efficiently inhibit pancreatic tumors when used in combination with gemcitabine-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Kyoung Koh
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033, South Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, South Korea
| | - Hong-Rae Lee
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033, South Korea
| | - Woo-Chang Son
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033, South Korea
| | - Ga-Young Park
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033, South Korea
| | - Juhee Kim
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Bae
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, South Korea.
| | - You-Soo Park
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Busan, 46033, South Korea.
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27
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Myo Min KK, Ffrench CB, Jessup CF, Shepherdson M, Barreto SG, Bonder CS. Overcoming the Fibrotic Fortress in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Challenges and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082354. [PMID: 37190281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082354] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
An overabundance of desmoplasia in the tumour microenvironment (TME) is one of the defining features that influences pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Desmoplasia is characterised by the recruitment and activation of fibroblasts, heightened extracellular matrix deposition (ECM) and reduced blood supply, as well as increased inflammation through an influx of inflammatory cells and cytokines, creating an intrinsically immunosuppressive TME with low immunogenic potential. Herein, we review the development of PDAC, the drivers that initiate and/or sustain the progression of the disease and the complex and interwoven nature of the cellular and acellular components that come together to make PDAC one of the most aggressive and difficult to treat cancers. We review the challenges in delivering drugs into the fortress of PDAC tumours in concentrations that are therapeutic due to the presence of a highly fibrotic and immunosuppressive TME. Taken together, we present further support for continued/renewed efforts focusing on aspects of the extremely dense and complex TME of PDAC to improve the efficacy of therapy for better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay K Myo Min
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Charlie B Ffrench
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Claire F Jessup
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Mia Shepherdson
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Hepatopancreatobiliary & Liver Transplant Unit, Division of Surgery & Perioperative Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Savio George Barreto
- College of Medicine & Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Hepatopancreatobiliary & Liver Transplant Unit, Division of Surgery & Perioperative Medicine, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Claudine S Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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28
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Digomann D, Strack J, Heiduk M, Plesca I, Rupp L, Reiche C, Nicolaus S, Beer C, Sommer U, Schmitz M, Distler M, Weitz J, Seifert AM, Seifert L. VISTA Ligation Reduces Antitumor T-Cell Activity in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082326. [PMID: 37190254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown promising results in multiple solid tumors and hematological malignancies. However, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been largely refractory to current clinical immunotherapies. The V-domain Ig suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA) inhibits T-cell effector function and maintains peripheral tolerance. Here, we determine VISTA expression in nontumorous pancreatic (n = 5) and PDAC tissue using immunohistochemistry (n = 76) and multiplex immunofluorescence staining (n = 67). Additionally, VISTA expression on tumor-infiltrating immune cells and matched blood samples (n = 13) was measured with multicolor flow cytometry. Further, the effect of recombinant VISTA on T-cell activation was investigated in vitro, and VISTA blockade was tested in an orthotopic PDAC mouse model in vivo. PDAC showed significantly higher VISTA expression compared to that of a nontumorous pancreas. Patients with a high density of VISTA-expressing tumor cells had reduced overall survival. The VISTA expression of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was increased after stimulation and particularly after a coculture with tumor cells. We detected a higher level of proinflammatory cytokine (TNFα and IFNγ) expression by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which was reversed with the addition of recombinant VISTA. A VISTA blockade reduced tumor weights in vivo. The VISTA expression of tumor cells has clinical relevance, and its blockade may be a promising immunotherapeutic strategy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Digomann
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes Strack
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Max Heiduk
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ioana Plesca
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Luise Rupp
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Charlotte Reiche
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Simone Nicolaus
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Carolin Beer
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sommer
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marc Schmitz
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marius Distler
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Weitz
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian M Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena Seifert
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), 01307 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Else Kröner Clinician Scientist Professor for "Translational Tumor Immunological Research", 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Bots STF, Landman SL, Rabelink MJWE, van den Wollenberg DJM, Hoeben RC. Immunostimulatory Profile of Cancer Cell Death by the AdV-Lumc007-Derived Oncolytic Virus 'GoraVir' in Cultured Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020283. [PMID: 36851497 PMCID: PMC9959036 DOI: 10.3390/v15020283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy which shows unparalleled therapeutic resistance. Oncolytic viruses have emerged as a new treatment approach and convey their antitumor activity through lysis of cancer cells. The therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic viruses is largely dependent on the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD) and the subsequent antitumor immune responses. However, the concurrent generation of antiviral immune responses may also limit the a virus' therapeutic window. GoraVir is a new oncolytic adenovirus derived from the Human Adenovirus B (HAdV-B) isolate AdV-lumc007 which was isolated from a gorilla and has demonstrated excellent lytic activity in both in vitro and in vivo models of PDAC. In this study, we characterized the immunostimulatory profile of cancer cell death induced by GoraVir and the concerted cellular antiviral responses in three conventional pancreatic cancer cell lines. While GoraVir was shown to induce late apoptotic/necrotic cell death at earlier time points post infection than the human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-C5), similar levels of ICD markers were expressed. Moreover, GoraVir was shown to induce ICD not dependent on STING expression and regardless of subsequent antiviral responses. Together, these data demonstrate that GoraVir is an excellent candidate for use in oncolytic virotherapy.
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Deng X, He X, Yang Z, Huang J, Zhao L, Wen M, Hu X, Zou Z. Clustering analysis and prognostic model based on PI3K/AKT-related genes in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1112104. [PMID: 37124502 PMCID: PMC10140326 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1112104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic cancer is one of most aggressive malignancies with a dismal prognosis. Activation of PI3K/AKT signaling is instrumental in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis. The aims of this study were to identify the molecular clustering, prognostic value, relationship with tumor immunity and targeting of PI3K/AKT-related genes (PARGs) in pancreatic cancer using bioinformatics. Methods The GSEA website was searched for PARGs, and pancreatic cancer-related mRNA data and clinical profiles were obtained through TCGA downloads. Prognosis-related genes were identified by univariate Cox regression analysis, and samples were further clustered by unsupervised methods to identify significant differences in survival, clinical information and immune infiltration between categories. Next, a prognostic model was constructed using Lasso regression analysis. The model was well validated by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and ROC curves, and correlations between risk scores and patient pathological characteristics were identified. Finally, GSEA, drug prediction and immune checkpoint protein analyses were performed. Results Pancreatic cancers were divided into Cluster 1 (C1) and Cluster 2 (C1) according to PARG mRNA expression. C1 exhibited longer overall survival (OS) and higher immune scores and CTLA4 expression, whereas C2 exhibited more abundant PD-L1. A 6-PARG-based prognostic model was constructed to divide pancreatic cancer patients into a high-risk score (HRS) group and a low-risk score (LRS) group, where the HRS group exhibited worse OS. The risk score was defined as an independent predictor of OS. The HRS group was significantly associated with pancreatic cancer metastasis, aggregation and immune score. Furthermore, the HRS group exhibited immunosuppression and was sensitive to radiotherapy and guitarbine chemotherapy. Multidrug sensitivity prediction analysis indicated that the HRS group may be sensitive to PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitors (PIK-93, GSK2126458, CAL-101 and rapamycin) and ATP concentration regulators (Thapsigargin). In addition, we confirmed the oncogenic effect of protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B'' subunit alpha (PPP2R3A) in pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions PARGs predict prognosis, tumor immune profile, radiotherapy and chemotherapy drug sensitivity and are potential predictive markers for pancreatic cancer treatment that can help clinicians make decisions and personalize treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangying Deng
- Yiyang Key Laboratory of Chemical Small Molecule Anti-Tumor Targeted Therapy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xu He
- Yiyang Key Laboratory of Chemical Small Molecule Anti-Tumor Targeted Therapy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, China
- Department of Science and Education, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang, China
- The Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zehua Yang
- Yiyang Key Laboratory of Chemical Small Molecule Anti-Tumor Targeted Therapy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Yiyang Key Laboratory of Chemical Small Molecule Anti-Tumor Targeted Therapy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Wen
- Yiyang Key Laboratory of Chemical Small Molecule Anti-Tumor Targeted Therapy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiyuan Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zizheng Zou
- Yiyang Key Laboratory of Chemical Small Molecule Anti-Tumor Targeted Therapy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yiyang Medical College, Yiyang, China
- Department of Science and Education, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang, China
- The Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Gastrointestinal Tumor, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Zizheng Zou,
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31
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Perez-Penco M, Weis-Banke SE, Schina A, Siersbæk M, Hübbe ML, Jørgensen MA, Lecoq I, Lara de la Torre L, Bendtsen SK, Martinenaite E, Holmström MO, Madsen DH, Donia M, Ødum N, Grøntved L, Andersen MH. TGFβ-derived immune modulatory vaccine: targeting the immunosuppressive and fibrotic tumor microenvironment in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005491. [PMID: 36600556 PMCID: PMC9730419 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with very poor survival, making it the third and fourth leading cause of all cancer-related deaths in the USA and European Union, respectively. The tumor microenvironment (TME) in PDAC is highly immunosuppressive and desmoplastic, which could explain the limited therapeutic effect of immunotherapy in PDAC. One of the key molecules that contributes to immunosuppression and fibrosis is transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). The aim of this study was to target the immunosuppressive and fibrotic TME in PDAC using a novel immune modulatory vaccine with TGFβ-derived peptides in a murine model of pancreatic cancer. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were subcutaneously inoculated with Pan02 PDAC cells. Mice were treated with TGFβ1-derived peptides (major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and MHC-II-restricted) adjuvanted with Montanide ISA 51VG. The presence of treatment-induced TGFβ-specific T cells was assessed by ELISpot (enzyme-linked immunospot). Changes in the immune infiltration and gene expression profile in tumor samples were characterized by flow cytometry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and bulk RNA sequencing. RESULTS Treatment with immunogenic TGFβ-derived peptides was safe and controlled tumor growth in Pan02 tumor-bearing mice. Enlargement of tumor-draining lymph nodes in vaccinated mice positively correlated to the control of tumor growth. Analysis of immune infiltration and gene expression in Pan02 tumors revealed that TGFβ-derived peptide vaccine increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and the intratumoral M1/M2 macrophage ratio, it increased the expression of genes involved in immune activation and immune response to tumors, and it reduced the expression of myofibroblast-like cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-related genes and genes encoding fibroblast-derived collagens. Finally, we confirmed that TGFβ-derived peptide vaccine actively modulated the TME, as the ability of T cells to proliferate was restored when exposed to tumor-conditioned media from vaccinated mice compared with media from untreated mice. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the antitumor activity of TGFβ-derived multipeptide vaccination in a murine tumor model of PDAC. The data suggest that the vaccine targets immunosuppression and fibrosis in the TME by polarizing the cellular composition towards a more pro-inflammatory phenotype. Our findings support the feasibility and potential of TGFβ-derived peptide vaccination as a novel immunotherapeutic approach to target immunosuppression in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Perez-Penco
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Stine Emilie Weis-Banke
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Aimilia Schina
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Majken Siersbæk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mie Linder Hübbe
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mia Aaboe Jørgensen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Inés Lecoq
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lucia Lara de la Torre
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Simone Kloch Bendtsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Evelina Martinenaite
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,IO Biotech ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Daniel Hargbøl Madsen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Niels Ødum
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Grøntved
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Zhang Z, Yu H, Yao W, Zhu N, Miao R, Liu Z, Song X, Xue C, Cai C, Cheng M, Lin K, Qi D. RRP9 promotes gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer via activating AKT signaling pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:188. [PMID: 36434608 PMCID: PMC9700947 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00974-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly lethal malignancy regarding digestive system, which is the fourth leading factor of cancer-related mortalities in the globe. Prognosis is poor due to diagnosis at advanced disease stage, low rates of surgical resection, and resistance to traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In order to develop novel therapeutic strategies, further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying PC chemoresistance is required. Ribosomal RNA biogenesis has been implicated in tumorigenesis. Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) is responsible for post-transcriptional modifications of ribosomal RNAs during biogenesis, which have been identified as potential markers of various cancers. Here, we investigate the U3 snoRNA-associated protein RRP9/U3-55 K along with its role in the development of PC and gemcitabine resistance. METHODS qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemical staining assays were employed to detect RRP9 expression in human PC tissue samples and cell lines. RRP9-overexpression and siRNA-RRP9 plasmids were constructed to test the effects of RRP9 overexpression and knockdown on cell viability investigated by MTT assay, colony formation, and apoptosis measured by FACS and western blot assays. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to demonstrate a relationship between RRP9 and IGF2BP1. A subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was elucidated in BALB/c nude mice to examine the RRP9 role in PC in vivo. RESULTS Significantly elevated RRP9 expression was observed in PC tissues than normal tissues, which was negatively correlated with patient prognosis. We found that RRP9 promoted gemcitabine resistance in PC in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, RRP9 activated AKT signaling pathway through interacting with DNA binding region of IGF2BP1 in PC cells, thereby promoting PC progression, and inducing gemcitabine resistance through a reduction in DNA damage and inhibition of apoptosis. Treatment with a combination of the AKT inhibitor MK-2206 and gemcitabine significantly inhibited tumor proliferation induced by overexpression of RRP9 in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal that RRP9 has a critical function to induce gemcitabine chemoresistance in PC through the IGF2BP1/AKT signaling pathway activation, which might be a candidate to sensitize PC cells to gemcitabine. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Zhang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Haitao Yu
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893Intensive Care Unit, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266001 Shandong Province China
| | - Wenyan Yao
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Na Zhu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Ran Miao
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Xuwei Song
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Chunhua Xue
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Cheng Cai
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Ming Cheng
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
| | - Ke Lin
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Intensive Care Unit, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401331 China
| | - Dachuan Qi
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, No.1279 Sanmen Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai, 200434 China
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Zhu H, Fang X, Tuhin IJ, Tan J, Ye J, Jia Y, Xu N, Kang L, Li M, Lou X, Zhou JE, Wang Y, Yan Z, Yu L. CAR T cells equipped with a fully human scFv targeting Trop2 can be used to treat pancreatic cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022; 148:2261-2274. [PMID: 35445870 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has demonstrated clinical success in treating haematologic malignancies but has not been effective against solid tumours thus far. Trop2 is a tumour-related antigen broadly overexpressed on a variety of tumours and has been reported as a promising target for pancreatic cancers. Our study aimed to determine whether CAR T cells designed with a fully human Trop2-specific single-chain fragment variable (scFv) can be used in the treatment of Trop2-positive pancreatic tumours. METHODS We designed Trop2-targeted chimeric antigen receptor engineered T cells with a novel human anti-Trop2 scFv (2F11) and then investigated the cytotoxicity, degranulation, and cytokine secretion profiles of the anti-Trop2 CAR T cells when they were exposed to Trop2 + cancer cells in vitro. We also studied the antitumour efficacy and toxicity of Trop2-specific CAR T cells in vivo using a BxPC-3 pancreatic xenograft model. RESULTS Trop2-targeted CAR T cells designed with 2F11 effectively killed Trop2-positive pancreatic cancer cells and produced high levels of cytotoxic cytokines in vitro. In addition, Trop2-targeted CAR T cells, which persistently circulate in vivo and efficiently infiltrate into tumour tissues, significantly blocked and even eliminated BxPC-3 pancreatic xenograft tumour growth without obvious deleterious effects observed after intravenous injection into NSG mice. Moreover, disease-free survival was efficiently prolonged. CONCLUSION These results show that Trop2-targeted CAR T cells equipped with a fully human anti-Trop2 scFv could be a potential treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer and could be useful for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjia Zhu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Fang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Israth Jahan Tuhin
- Shanghai Unicar Therapy Biomedicine Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201612, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Tan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ye
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Jia
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Xu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqing Kang
- Shanghai Unicar Therapy Biomedicine Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201612, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghao Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - XiaoYan Lou
- Shanghai Unicar Therapy Biomedicine Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, 201612, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-E Zhou
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiting Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, People's Republic of China.
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Skorupan N, Palestino Dominguez M, Ricci SL, Alewine C. Clinical Strategies Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4209. [PMID: 36077755 PMCID: PMC9454553 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a complex tumor microenvironment which engages in extensive crosstalk between cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and immune cells. Many of these interactions contribute to tumor resistance to anti-cancer therapies. Here, new therapeutic strategies designed to modulate the cancer-associated fibroblast and immune compartments of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas are described and clinical trials of novel therapeutics are discussed. Continued advances in our understanding of the pancreatic cancer tumor microenvironment are generating stromal and immune-modulating therapeutics that may improve patient responses to anti-tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Skorupan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Medical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mayrel Palestino Dominguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Samuel L. Ricci
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine Alewine
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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35
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Loening F, Kleinwort A, Partecke LI, Schulze T, Menges P. Visceral Surgery Profoundly Affects the Cellular and Humoral Components of the Anti-Tumour Immune Response in a Murine Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Model. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163850. [PMID: 36010845 PMCID: PMC9406220 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Surgery is a fundamental part of the multimodal therapy concepts in oncological patients, especially in the early stage of pancreas tumour. There are numerous studies on the impact of primary tumour resection on the immune status, but to our knowledge, the impact of tumour-unrelated surgery on the anti-tumour immune response to the primary tumour it is not yet understood. Therefore, we used a murine model combining an orthotopically implanted adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and the model of surgically-induced immune dysfunction to assess the impact of postoperative immunosuppression on the growth of the primary tumour, on mortality and on the most important immune cell compartments in tumour defence. This knowledge might contribute to a basic understanding of the interaction of the primary tumour and the immune system and could guide new approaches to therapeutic strategies. Abstract (1) Background: Surgery is the most important element of multimodal treatment concepts in oncological patients, especially in the early stages of pancreatic tumours. While the influence of primary tumour resection on the immune status was analysed in several studies, the impact of tumour-unrelated visceral surgery on the tumour-bearing organism and on the primary tumour itself is not yet fully understood. (2) Methods: We combined a murine model of orthotopically implanted adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with the model of surgically-induced immune dysfunction (SID). Mortality and general condition including body weight were observed over a period of 28 days. Tumour growth was analysed by MRI scans on days 8 and 27 following tumour implantation. On day 28, the immune cell populations in the blood and spleen as well as the serum cytokines were quantified. (3) Results: SID results in a significant deterioration of the general condition and a reduced increase in the body weight of tumour-bearing mice compared to the control groups, while mortality and tumour growth rate were not influenced. The numbers of spleen macrophages and neutrophils were increased in tumour-bearing animals following SID. Furthermore, both macrophage and neutrophil levels were increased in the peripheral blood. (4) Conclusions: The presented results might contribute to the basic understanding of the interaction of tumour and immune system and could contribute to new approaches to immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Loening
- Division of General Surgery, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, 17491 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Annabel Kleinwort
- Division of General Surgery, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, 17491 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lars Ivo Partecke
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Helios Clinic Schleswig, 24837 Schleswig, Germany
| | - Tobias Schulze
- Division of General Surgery, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, 17491 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Pia Menges
- Division of General Surgery, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, 17491 Greifswald, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Nisar M, Paracha RZ, Adil S, Qureshi SN, Janjua HA. An Extensive Review on Preclinical and Clinical Trials of Oncolytic Viruses Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:875188. [PMID: 35686109 PMCID: PMC9171400 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.875188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy resistance and peculiar tumor microenvironment, which diminish or mitigate the effects of therapies, make pancreatic cancer one of the deadliest malignancies to manage and treat. Advanced immunotherapies are under consideration intending to ameliorate the overall patient survival rate in pancreatic cancer. Oncolytic viruses therapy is a new type of immunotherapy in which a virus after infecting and lysis the cancer cell induces/activates patients’ immune response by releasing tumor antigen in the blood. The current review covers the pathways and molecular ablation that take place in pancreatic cancer cells. It also unfolds the extensive preclinical and clinical trial studies of oncolytic viruses performed and/or undergoing to design an efficacious therapy against pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryum Nisar
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rehan Zafar Paracha
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Adil
- School of Interdisciplinary Engineering & Sciences (SINES), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Hussnain Ahmed Janjua
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Sector H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Gao G, Wang L, Li C. Circ_0006790 carried by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes regulates S100A11 DNA methylation through binding to CBX7 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:1934-1959. [PMID: 35693076 PMCID: PMC9185628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play a vital role via their cargoes. Their potential in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide is attracting interests. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the development of PDAC remain unclear yet. We aimed to illuminate the mechanisms of exosomal hsa_circ_0006790 (thereafter termed circ_6790) released by exosomes (Exo) derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC) during immune escape in PDAC in this study. BM-MSC-derived Exo inhibited growth, metastasis, and immune escape in PDAC. Exo enhanced circ_6790 expression in PDAC cells. Knockdown of circ_6790 in Exo significantly attenuated the anti-tumor effect of Exo. Circ_6790 facilitated the nuclear translocation of chromobox 7 (CBX7). CBX7 increased the DNA methylation of S100A11 by recruiting DNA methyltransferases to its promoter region, thereby inhibiting the transcription of S100A11. Inhibition of CBX7 or overexpression of S100A11 annulled the inhibitory effects of Exo on PDAC growth, metastasis, and immune escape. In conclusion, our results suggest that MSC-derived exosomal circ_6790 could downregulate S100A11 in PDAC cells and hamper immune escape via CBX7-catalyzed DNA hypermethylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Gao
- Department of Pathology, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin UniversityChangchun 130022, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Liqiang Wang
- Department of Endoscopy Center, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin UniversityChangchun 130022, Jilin, P. R. China
| | - Changfeng Li
- Department of Endoscopy Center, The China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin UniversityChangchun 130022, Jilin, P. R. China
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Hung YH, Chen LT, Hung WC. The Trinity: Interplay among Cancer Cells, Fibroblasts, and Immune Cells in Pancreatic Cancer and Implication of CD8 + T Cell-Orientated Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040926. [PMID: 35453676 PMCID: PMC9026398 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment in tumors is complicated and is constituted by different cell types and stromal proteins. Among the cell types, the abundance of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells is high and these cells work as the “Trinity” in promoting tumorigenesis. Although unidirectional or bidirectional crosstalk between two independent cell types has been well characterized, the multi-directional interplays between cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells in vitro and in vivo are still unclear. We summarize recent studies in addressing the interaction of the “Trinity” members in the tumor microenvironment and propose a functional network for how these members communicate with each other. In addition, we discuss the underlying mechanisms mediating the interplay. Moreover, correlations of the alterations in the distribution and functionality of cancer cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells under different circumstances are reviewed. Finally, we point out the future application of CD8+ T cell-oriented therapy in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (L.-T.C.); (W.-C.H.)
| | - Wen-Chun Hung
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (L.-T.C.); (W.-C.H.)
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Nisar M, Paracha RZ, Gul A, Arshad I, Ejaz S, Murad D, Khan S, Mustansar Z. Interaction Analysis of Adenovirus L5 Protein With Pancreatic Cancer Cell Surface Receptor to Analyze Its Affinity for Oncolytic Virus Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832277. [PMID: 35359382 PMCID: PMC8960272 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study seeks to investigate the interaction profile of the L5 protein of oncolytic adenovirus with the overexpressed surface receptors of pancreatic cancer. This is an important area of research because pancreatic cancer is one of the most fatal malignancies with a very low patient survival rate. Multiple therapies to date to improve the survival rate are reported; however, they show a comparatively low success rate. Among them, oncolytic virus therapy is a type of immunotherapy that is currently under deliberation by researchers for multiple cancer types in various clinical trials. Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the first oncolytic virus approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for melanoma. The oncolytic virus not only kills cancer cells but also activates the anticancer immune response. Therefore, it is preferred over others to deal with aggressive pancreatic cancer. The efficacy of therapy primarily depends on how effectively the oncolytic virus enters and infects the cancer cell. Cell surface receptors and their interactions with virus coat proteins are a crucial step for oncolytic virus entry and a pivotal determinant. The L5 proteins of the virus coat are the first to interact with host cell surface receptors. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the interaction profile of the L5 protein of oncolytic adenovirus with overexpressed surface receptors of pancreatic cancer. The L5 proteins of three adenovirus serotypes HAdV2, HAdV5, and HAdV3 were utilized in this study. Overexpressed pancreatic cancer receptors include SLC2A1, MET, IL1RAP, NPR3, GABRP, SLC6A6, and TMPRSS4. The protein structures of viral and cancer cell protein were docked using the High Ambiguity Driven protein–protein DOCKing (HADDOCK) server. The binding affinity and interaction profile of viral proteins against all the receptors were analyzed. Results suggest that the HAdV3 L5 protein shows better interaction as compared to HAdV2 and HAdV5 by elucidating high binding affinity with 4 receptors (NPR3, GABRP, SLC6A6, and TMPRSS4). The current study proposed that HAdV5 or HAdV2 virus pseudotyped with the L5 protein of HAdV3 can be able to effectively infect pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, the current study surmises that the affinity maturation of HAdV3 L5 can enhance virus attachment with all the receptors of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryum Nisar
- Research Center for Modelling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rehan Zafar Paracha
- Research Center for Modelling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Rehan Zafar Paracha,
| | - Alvina Gul
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Arshad
- Research Center for Modelling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saima Ejaz
- Research Center for Modelling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Didar Murad
- Research Center for Modelling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahzeb Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand, Chakdara, Pakistan
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Zartasha Mustansar
- Research Center for Modelling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
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Falasca V, Falasca M. Targeting the Endocannabinoidome in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:320. [PMID: 35204820 PMCID: PMC8869154 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, is an aggressive and lethal form of cancer with a very high mortality rate. High heterogeneity, asymptomatic initial stages and a lack of specific diagnostic markers result in an end-stage diagnosis when the tumour has locally advanced or metastasised. PDAC is resistant to most of the available chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments, making surgery the most potent curative treatment. The desmoplastic tumour microenvironment contributes to determining PDAC pathophysiology, immune response and therapeutic efficacy. The existing therapeutic approaches such as FDA-approved chemotherapeutics, gemcitabine, abraxane and folfirinox, prolong survival marginally and are accompanied by adverse effects. Several studies suggest the role of cannabinoids as anti-cancer agents. Cannabinoid receptors are known to be expressed in pancreatic cells, with a higher expression reported in pancreatic cancer patients. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of the endocannabinoid system might offer therapeutic benefits in pancreatic cancer. In addition, emerging data suggest that cannabinoids in combination with chemotherapy can increase survival in transgenic pancreatic cancer murine models. This review provides an overview of the regulation of the expanded endocannabinoid system, or endocannabinoidome, in PDAC and will explore the potential of targeting this system for novel anticancer approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Falasca
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Marco Falasca
- Metabolic Signalling Group, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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King G, Green S, Chiorean EG. Finding a role for cancer vaccines in pancreatic cancer: a model of resilience. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2022; 11:115-118. [PMID: 35284521 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-2021-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gentry King
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Steven Green
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - E Gabriela Chiorean
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Mouratidis PXE, ter Haar G. Latest Advances in the Use of Therapeutic Focused Ultrasound in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:638. [PMID: 35158903 PMCID: PMC8833696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional oncological interventions have failed to improve survival for pancreatic cancer patients significantly. Novel treatment modalities able to release cancer-specific antigens, render immunologically "cold" pancreatic tumours "hot" and disrupt or reprogram the pancreatic tumour microenvironment are thus urgently needed. Therapeutic focused ultrasound exerts thermal and mechanical effects on tissue, killing cancer cells and inducing an anti-cancer immune response. The most important advances in therapeutic focused ultrasound use for initiation and augmentation of the cancer immunity cycle against pancreatic cancer are described. We provide a comprehensive review of the use of therapeutic focused ultrasound for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients and describe recent studies that have shown an ultrasound-induced anti-cancer immune response in several tumour models. Published studies that have investigated the immunological effects of therapeutic focused ultrasound in pancreatic cancer are described. This article shows that therapeutic focused ultrasound has been deemed to be a safe technique for treating pancreatic cancer patients, providing pain relief and improving survival rates in pancreatic cancer patients. Promotion of an immune response in the clinic and sensitisation of tumours to the effects of immunotherapy in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer is shown, making it a promising candidate for use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros X. E. Mouratidis
- Department of Physics, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research: Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, London SM25NG, UK;
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Bailly C, Thuru X, Quesnel B. Modulation of the Gal-9/TIM-3 Immune Checkpoint with α-Lactose. Does Anomery of Lactose Matter? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246365. [PMID: 34944985 PMCID: PMC8699133 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246365] [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: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The disaccharide lactose is a common excipient in pharmaceutical products. In addition, the two anomers α- and β-lactose can exert immuno-modulatory effects. α-Lactose functions as a major regulator of the T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3)/Galectin-9 (Gal-9) immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of TIM-3 with monoclonal antibodies or small molecules represents a promising approach to combat onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia. Alternatively, the activity of the checkpoint can be modulated via targeting of Gal-9 with both α- and β-lactose. In fact, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. This review discusses the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. The immuno-regulatory roles of lactose and Gal-9 are highlighted. Abstract The disaccharide lactose is an excipient commonly used in pharmaceutical products. The two anomers, α- and β-lactose (α-L/β-L), differ by the orientation of the C-1 hydroxyl group on the glucose unit. In aqueous solution, a mutarotation process leads to an equilibrium of about 40% α-L and 60% β-L at room temperature. Beyond a pharmaceutical excipient in solid products, α-L has immuno-modulatory effects and functions as a major regulator of TIM-3/Gal-9 immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of the co-inhibitory checkpoint TIM-3 expressed on T cells with anti-TIM-3 antibodies represents a promising approach to combat different onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. In parallel, the discovery and development of anti-TIM-3 small molecule ligands is emerging, including peptides, RNA aptamers and a few specifically designed heterocyclic molecules. An alternative option consists of targeting the different ligands of TIM-3, notably Gal-9 recognized by α-lactose. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint can be achieved with both α- and β-lactose. Moreover, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. The present review provides a complete analysis of the pharmaceutical and galectin-related biological functions of (α/β)-lactose. A focus is made on the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate both the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint is a promising approach for the treatment of cancers and the role of lactose in this context is discussed. The review highlights the immuno-regulatory functions of lactose, and the benefit of the molecule well beyond its use as a pharmaceutical excipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, 59290 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Xavier Thuru
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020—UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (B.Q.)
| | - Bruno Quesnel
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020—UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (B.Q.)
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