1
|
Hanna GJ, Dharanesswaran H, Giobbie-Hurder A, Harran JJ, Liao Z, Pai L, Tchekmedyian V, Ruiz ES, Waldman AH, Schmults CD, Riella LV, Lizotte P, Paweletz CP, Chandraker AK, Murakami N, Silk AW. Cemiplimab for Kidney Transplant Recipients With Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:1021-1030. [PMID: 38252908 PMCID: PMC10950183 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cemiplimab is approved for treating locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Solid organ transplant recipients have been excluded from immunotherapy trials, given concern for allograft rejection despite their increased risk of skin cancers. Chronic immunosuppression is necessary to prevent organ rejection but may attenuate antitumor response with PD-1 inhibitors. METHODS We report a phase I study of cemiplimab for kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with advanced CSCC. After cross-taper to a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor and pulsed dose corticosteroids (prednisone 40 mg once daily, the day before and on days 1-3 of each cycle, followed by 20 mg once daily on days 4-6, then 10 mg once daily until the day before each subsequent cycle), patients received cemiplimab 350 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks for up to 2 years and were assessed for response every 8 weeks. The primary end point was the rate of kidney rejection, with key secondary end points including rate and duration of response, and survival. RESULTS Twelve patients were treated. No kidney rejection or loss was observed. A response to cemiplimab was observed in five of 11 evaluable patients (46%; 90% CI, 22 to 73), including two with durable responses beyond a year. Median follow-up was 6.8 months (range, 0.7-29.8). Treatment-related grade 3 or greater adverse events occurred in five patients (42%), including diarrhea, infection, and metabolic disturbances. One patient died of angioedema and anaphylaxis attributed to mTOR inhibitor cross-taper. CONCLUSION mTOR inhibitor and corticosteroids represent a favorable immunosuppressive regimen for KTRs with advanced CSCC receiving immunotherapy. This combination resulted in durable antitumor responses with no kidney rejection events (funded by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals [ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04339062]).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glenn J. Hanna
- Center for Head and Neck Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - John J. Harran
- Center for Cutaneous Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Zixi Liao
- Center for Cutaneous Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Lori Pai
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | | | - Emily S. Ruiz
- Center for Cutaneous Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Leonardo V. Riella
- Department of Medicine, Renal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Patrick Lizotte
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Cloud P. Paweletz
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | | | - Naoka Murakami
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Ann W. Silk
- Center for Cutaneous Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yuan S, Zhu T, Wang J, Jiang R, Shu A, Zhang Z, Zhang P, Feng X, Zhao L. miR-22 promotes immunosuppression via activating JAK/STAT3 signaling in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2023; 44:549-561. [PMID: 37466677 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgad055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is the only approved systemic therapy for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), however, roughly 50% of patients do not respond to the therapy and resistance often occurs over time to those who initially respond. Immunosuppression could have a critical role in developing treatment resistance, thus, understanding the mechanisms of how immunosuppression is developed and regulated may be the key to improving clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies for cSCC. Here, through using a series of immunocompetent genetically engineered mouse models, we demonstrate that miR-22 promotes cSCC development by establishing regulatory T cells (Tregs)-mediated immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in a tumor cell autonomous manner. Mechanism investigation revealed that miR-22 elicits the constitutive activation of JAK/STAT3 signaling by directly targeting its suppressor SOCS3, which augments cancer cell-derived chemokine secretion and Tregs recruitment. Epithelial-specific and global knockouts of miR-22 repress papilloma and cSCC development and progression, manifested with reduced Tregs infiltration and elevated CD8+ T cell activation. Transcriptomic analysis and functional rescue study confirmed CCL17, CCL20 and CCL22 as the main affected chemokines that mediate the chemotaxis between miR-22 highly expressing keratinocyte tumor cells and Tregs. Conversely, overexpression of SOCS3 reversed miR-22-induced Tregs recruitment toward tumor cells. Clinically, gradually increasing Tregs infiltration during cSCC progression was negatively correlated with SOCS3 abundance, supported by previously documented elevated miR-22 levels. Thus, our study uncovers a novel miR-22-SOCS3-JAK/STAT3-chemokines regulatory mechanism in defining the immunosuppressive TME and highlights the promising clinical application value of miR-22 as a common targeting molecule against JAK/STAT3 signaling and immune escape in cSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shukai Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jianan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ruoyu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Aofeng Shu
- School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Zhenlei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Peitao Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Xuequan Feng
- Neurosurgical Department, Tianjin First Central Hospital, No. 24 Fukang Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin 300070, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Azimi A, Fernandez-Peñas P. Molecular Classifiers in Skin Cancers: Challenges and Promises. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4463. [PMID: 37760432 PMCID: PMC10526380 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are common and heterogenous malignancies affecting up to two in three Australians before age 70. Despite recent developments in diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, the mortality rate and costs associated with managing patients with skin cancers remain high. The lack of well-defined clinical and histopathological features makes their diagnosis and classification difficult in some cases and the prognostication difficult in most skin cancers. Recent advancements in large-scale "omics" studies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and imaging-omics, have provided invaluable information about the molecular and visual landscape of skin cancers. On many occasions, it has refined tumor classification and has improved prognostication and therapeutic stratification, leading to improved patient outcomes. Therefore, this paper reviews the recent advancements in omics approaches and appraises their limitations and potential for better classification and stratification of skin cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Azimi
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Pablo Fernandez-Peñas
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schanzenbacher J, Hendrika Kähler K, Mesler E, Kleingarn M, Marcel Karsten C, Leonard Seiler D. The role of C5a receptors in autoimmunity. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152413. [PMID: 37598588 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is an essential component of the innate immune response and plays a vital role in host defense and inflammation. Dysregulation of the complement system, particularly involving the anaphylatoxin C5a and its receptors (C5aR1 and C5aR2), has been linked to several autoimmune diseases, indicating the potential for targeted therapies. C5aR1 and C5aR2 are seven-transmembrane receptors with distinct signaling mechanisms that play both partially overlapping and opposing roles in immunity. Both receptors are expressed on a broad spectrum of immune and non-immune cells and are involved in cellular functions and physiological processes during homeostasis and inflammation. Dysregulated C5a-mediated inflammation contributes to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, antiphospholipid syndrome, and others. Therefore, targeting C5a or its receptors may yield therapeutic innovations in these autoimmune diseases by reducing the recruitment and activation of immune cells that lead to tissue inflammation and injury, thereby exacerbating the autoimmune response. Clinical trials focused on the inhibition of C5 cleavage or the C5a/C5aR1-axis using small molecules or monoclonal antibodies hold promise for bringing novel treatments for autoimmune diseases into practice. However, given the heterogeneous nature of (systemic) autoimmune diseases, there are still several challenges, such as patient selection, optimal dosing, and treatment duration, that require further investigation and development to realize the full therapeutic potential of C5a receptor inhibition, ideally in the context of a personalized medicine approach. Here, we aim to provide a brief overview of the current knowledge on the function of C5a receptors, the involvement of C5a receptors in autoimmune disorders, the molecular mechanisms underlying C5a receptor-mediated autoimmunity, and the potential for targeted therapies to modulate their activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jovan Schanzenbacher
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katja Hendrika Kähler
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Evelyn Mesler
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marie Kleingarn
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Leonard Seiler
- Institute for Systemic Inflammation Research (ISEF), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marin-Acevedo JA, Withycombe BM, Kim Y, Brohl AS, Eroglu Z, Markowitz J, Tarhini AA, Tsai KY, Khushalani NI. Cetuximab for Immunotherapy-Refractory/Ineligible Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3180. [PMID: 37370790 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD1 therapy demonstrated impressive, prolonged responses in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Therapy for ICI-refractory/ineligible disease remains unclear. We performed a retrospective analysis in locally-advanced/metastatic CSCC using cetuximab across three cohorts: immediately after ICI failure (A), not immediately following ICI failure (B), or without prior ICI (C). The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included disease-control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), time-to-response (TTR) and toxicity. Twenty-three patients were included. In cohort A (n = 11), the ORR was 64% and DCR was 91%, with six ongoing responses at data cutoff. In cohort B (n = 2), all patients had progression as the best response. At a median follow-up of 21 months for A and B, TTR and PFS were 2.0 and 17.3 months, respectively. The median OS was not reached. In cohort C (n = 10), the ORR and DCR were 80%, including five ongoing responses at the data cutoff. At a median follow-up of 22.4 months, the TTR, PFS and OS were 2.5, 7.3 and 23.1 months, respectively. Cetuximab was well tolerated in all cohorts. In summary, cetuximab is effective in patients with failure/contraindications to ICI. Cetuximab immediately after ICI failure yielded particularly fast, durable responses. If confirmed, this could be the preferred therapy following ICI failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian A Marin-Acevedo
- Medical Oncology, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | - Youngchul Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Andrew S Brohl
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Zeynep Eroglu
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Joseph Markowitz
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Ahmad A Tarhini
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Division of Dermatopathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Nikhil I Khushalani
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cozma EC, Banciu LM, Soare C, Cretoiu SM. Update on the Molecular Pathology of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076646. [PMID: 37047618 PMCID: PMC10095059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer, originating from keratinocytes of the spinous layer. Numerous risk factors have been discovered for the initiation and growth of this type of cancer, such as exposure to UV and ionizing radiation, chemical carcinogens, the presence of immunosuppression states, chronic inflammation, infections with high-risk viral strains, and, last but not least, the presence of diseases associated with genetic alterations. The important socio-economic impact, as well as the difficulty associated with therapy for advanced forms, has made the molecular mechanisms underlying this neoplasia more and more intensively studied, with the intention of achieving a better understanding and advancing the treatment of this pathology. This review aims to provide a brief foray into the molecular, genetic, and epigenetic aspects of this cancer, as well as the treatment methods, ranging from the first used to the latest targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena-Codruta Cozma
- Dermatology Department, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Laura Madalina Banciu
- Dermatology Department, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Soare
- Dermatology Department, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
- Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sanda-Maria Cretoiu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Russomanno K, Abdel Azim S, Patel VA. Immunomodulators for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers: Updated Perspectives. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2023; 16:1025-1045. [PMID: 37095898 PMCID: PMC10122480 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s362171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common cancers worldwide and may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in immunosuppressed populations. Successful management of NMSC must take primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies into consideration. In response to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of NMSC and associated risk factors, multiple systemic and topical immunomodulatory drugs have been developed and integrated into clinical practice. Many of these drugs are efficacious in the prevention and treatment of precursor lesions (actinic keratoses; AKs), low-risk NMSC, and advanced disease. The identification of patients at high risk for the development of NMSC is critical in reducing disease morbidity. Understanding the various treatment options available and their comparative effectiveness is paramount for developing a personalized treatment regimen for such patients. This review article provides an updated overview of the various topical and systemic immunomodulatory drugs available for the prevention and treatment of NMSC, and the published data supporting their use in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Russomanno
- Department of Dermatology, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital/Medstar Medical Group, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sara Abdel Azim
- School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vishal A Patel
- Department of Dermatology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Correspondence: Vishal A Patel, Department of Dermatology, George Washington University, 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC, 20037, USA, Tel +1 202 741 2600, Email
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Khan I, Darido C. Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Summary of Novel Advances in Pathogenesis and Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102523. [PMID: 35626124 PMCID: PMC9140102 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are cancers of epithelial cells lining the aerodigestive and genitourinary tract [...]
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St., Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Charbel Darido
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St., Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-8559-7111; Fax: +61-3-8559-5489
| |
Collapse
|