1
|
Chan KK, Bass AR. Impact of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, Glucocorticoids, and Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs on Cancer Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2024; 50:337-357. [PMID: 38670731 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for advanced malignancies often leads to off-target adverse events. Rheumatic immune-related adverse events can often linger beyond the duration of ICI therapy and sometimes requires the use of immunomodulator therapy. A key question, therefore, is if the commonly used therapies affect cancer outcomes. In this review, the authors summarize the state of the data as it currently stands, taking into consideration the limitations of the various source studies. The most information is known about glucocorticoids, which appear to be harmful especially when used early and at high doses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karmela K Chan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Weill Cornell Medicine.
| | - Anne R Bass
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Weill Cornell Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Knox A, Wang T, Shackleton M, Ameratunga M. Symptomatic brain metastases in melanoma. Exp Dermatol 2024; 33:e15075. [PMID: 38610093 DOI: 10.1111/exd.15075] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Although clinical outcomes in metastatic melanoma have improved in recent years, the morbidity and mortality of symptomatic brain metastases remain challenging. Response rates and survival outcomes of patients with symptomatic melanoma brain metastases (MBM) are significantly inferior to patients with asymptomatic disease. This review focusses upon the specific challenges associated with the management of symptomatic MBM, discussing current treatment paradigms, obstacles to improving clinical outcomes and directions for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Knox
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tim Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Shackleton
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Malaka Ameratunga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kochanek C, Gilde C, Zimmer L, Ugurel S, Meier F, Utikal J, Pföhler C, Herbst R, Haferkamp S, Welzel J, Dücker P, Leiter U, Weichenthal M, von Wasielewski I, Angela Y, Gutzmer R. Effects of an immunosuppressive therapy on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition in metastatic melanoma - An analysis of the prospective skin cancer registry ADOREG. Eur J Cancer 2024; 198:113508. [PMID: 38183763 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.113508] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of immunosuppressive therapy (IST) on immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICI) is unclear. METHODS Patients with unresectable advanced melanoma (MM) treated with ICI in the years 2011-2020 were identified from the prospective multicenter German skin cancer registry ADOREG. Patients with IST within 60 days before, or within 30 days after start of ICI were compared to patients without IST. End points were disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) determined by Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were evaluated in a Cox regression model. RESULTS Of 814 patients treated with ICI, 73 (9%) received concomitant IST, mainly steroids. Patients with brain metastases (BM) received IST more frequently (n = 34/130 patients; 26%), than patients without BM (39/684 patients; 6%). In patients without BM, IST initiated before, but not IST initiated after start of ICI was significantly associated with worse PFS (univariate hazard ratio (HR) 2.59, 95% confidence interval (95%-CI) 1.07-6.28, p = 0.035; multivariate HR 3.48, 95%-CI 1.26-9.6, p = 0.016). There was no association between IST and OS or DCR. In patients with BM, IST initiated before, but not after start of ICI was significantly associated with worse OS (univariate HR 2.06, 95%-CI 1.07-3.95, p = 0.031; multivariate HR 5.91, 95%-CI 1.74-20.14, p = 0.004). There was no association between IST and PFS or DCR. CONCLUSION Patients receiving IST 60 days before start of ICI showed a tendency to an impaired therapy outcome. IST initiated within 30 days after start of ICI, mainly due to early side effects, did not affect the efficacy of ICI therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corinna Kochanek
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, Skin Cancer Centre, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Catharina Gilde
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, Skin Cancer Centre, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen & Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Germany
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen & Westdeutsches Tumorzentrum, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany; DKFZ Hector CancerInstitute at the University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Claudia Pföhler
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Skin Cancer Centre, Saarland University Medical School, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Rudolf Herbst
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Skin Cancer Centre, Helios Clinic Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Haferkamp
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Centre, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Julia Welzel
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Skin Cancer Centre, Augsburg University Hospital, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Pia Dücker
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Centre, Hospital Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Centre of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Michael Weichenthal
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Skin Cancer Centre, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Imke von Wasielewski
- Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, Skin Cancer Centre, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yenny Angela
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center Minden, Ruhr University Bochum Campus Minden, Minden, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center Minden, Ruhr University Bochum Campus Minden, Minden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gu SL, Maier T, Moy AP, Dusza S, Faleck DM, Shah NJ, Lacouture ME. IL12/23 Blockade with Ustekinumab as a Treatment for Immune-Related Cutaneous Adverse Events. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1548. [PMID: 38004414 PMCID: PMC10674871 DOI: 10.3390/ph16111548] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Immune-related cutaneous adverse events (ircAEs) are frequent and may reduce quality of life and consistent dosing. IL12/23 has been implicated in psoriasis, which is reminiscent of the psoriasiform/lichenoid ircAE phenotype. We report the use of ustekinumab as a therapeutic option. Methods: Patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, who received immune checkpoint inhibitors and were treated with ustekinumab or had the keywords "ustekinumab" or "Stelara" in their clinical notes between 1 March 2017 and 1 December 2022 were retrospectively identified via a database query. Documentation from initial and follow-up visits was manually reviewed, and response to ustekinumab was categorized into complete cutaneous response (CcR, decrease to CTCAE grade 0), partial cutaneous response (PcR, any decrease in CTCAE grade exclusive of decrease to grade 0), and no cutaneous response (NcR, no change in CTCAE grade or worsening). Labs including complete blood count (CBC), cytokine panels, and IgE were obtained in a subset of patients as standard of care. Skin biopsies were reviewed by a dermatopathologist. Results: Fourteen patients with psoriasiform (85.7%), maculopapular (7.1%), and pyoderma gangrenosum (7.1%) ircAEs were identified. Ten (71.4%) receiving ustekinumab had a positive response to treatment. Among these 10 responders, 4 (40%) demonstrated partial cutaneous response and 6 (60%) demonstrated complete cutaneous resolution. Six patients (42.9%) experienced interruptions to their checkpoint inhibitor treatment as a result of intolerable ircAEs, and following ircAE management with ustekinumab, two (33.3%) were successfully rechallenged with their checkpoint inhibitors. On histopathology, patients primarily had findings of interface or psoriasiform dermatitis. No patients reported an adverse event related to ustekinumab. Conclusions: Ustekinumab showed a benefit in a subset of patients with psoriasiform/lichenoid ircAEs. No safety signals were identified. However, further prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Gu
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA; (S.L.G.)
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Tara Maier
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA; (S.L.G.)
| | - Andrea P. Moy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stephen Dusza
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA; (S.L.G.)
| | - David M. Faleck
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Neil J. Shah
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Genitourinary Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mario E. Lacouture
- Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA; (S.L.G.)
- Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Goodman RS, Johnson DB, Balko JM. Corticosteroids and Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2580-2587. [PMID: 36648402 PMCID: PMC10349688 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite revolutionizing cancer management, immunotherapies dysregulate the immune system, leading to immune-mediated adverse events. These common and potentially dangerous toxicities are often treated with corticosteroids, which are among the most prescribed drugs in oncology for a wide range of cancer and noncancer indications. While steroids exert several mechanisms to reduce immune activity, immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), are designed to enhance the immune system's inherent antitumor activity. Because ICI requires an intact and robust immune response, the immunosuppressive properties of steroids have led to a widespread concern that they may interfere with antitumor responses. However, the existing data of the effect of systemic steroids on immunotherapy efficacy remain somewhat conflicted and unclear. To inform clinical decision-making and improve outcomes, we review the impact of steroids on antitumor immunity, recent advances in the knowledge of their impact on ICI efficacy in unique populations and settings, associated precautions, and steroid-sparing treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas B. Johnson
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Justin M. Balko
- Department of Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Denaro N, Garrone O, Morelli A, Pellegrino B, Merlano MC, Vacca D, Pearce J, Farci D, Musolino A, Scartozzi M, Tommasi C, Solinas C. A narrative review of the principal glucocorticoids employed in cancer. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:429-438. [PMID: 36737303 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2023.01.004] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a pharmacological class of drugs widely used in oncology in both supportive and palliative settings. GCs differentially impact organs with immediate and long-term effects; with suppressive effect on the immune system anchoring their use to manage the toxicities of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In addition, GCs are often used in the management of symptoms related to cancer or chemotherapy and as adjuvants in the treatment of pain in the management of other. In the palliative setting, GCs, especially administered subcutaneously can be to assist in the control of nausea, dyspnea, asthenia, and anorexia-cachexia syndrome. In this narrative review, we aim to summarize the role of GCs in the different settings (curative, supportive, and palliative) to help clinicians use these important drugs in their daily clinical practice with cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerina Denaro
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Ornella Garrone
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Benedetta Pellegrino
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | | | - Denise Vacca
- Palliative Care Unit, Ospedale Sirai, Carbonia, ASSL Carbonia, Italy
| | - Josie Pearce
- Harvard Premedical Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniele Farci
- Medical Oncology, Nuova Casa di Cura, Decimomannu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonino Musolino
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology, AOU Cagliari, Policlinico di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Chiara Tommasi
- Medical Oncology and Breast Unit, University Hospital of Parma, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Solinas
- Medical Oncology, AOU Cagliari, Policlinico di Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Goldman M, Lucke-Wold B, Martinez-Sosa M, Katz J, Mehkri Y, Valisno J, Quintin S. Steroid utility, immunotherapy, and brain tumor management: an update on conflicting therapies. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2022; 3:659-675. [PMID: 36338521 PMCID: PMC9630032 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2022.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid use is a widely accepted practice for both the treatment and prevention of tumor-induced edema, but there are many unknowns regarding their current clinical utility with modern anti-tumor therapies. This decreases edema and relieves the symptomatic mass effect. There are clearly understood benefits and commonly accepted complications of methylprednisolone (MP) use, but the topic is recently controversial. With immunotherapy advancing, a robust immune response is crucial for full therapeutic efficacy. The immunosuppression of MP may interfere with future and current therapeutics relying on the integrity of the patient’s immune system. This further emphasizes the need for alternative agents to effectively treat tumor-induced cerebral edema. This review highlights the current clinical utility of steroids to treat brain tumor-related edema and the underlying pathophysiology. It also reviews details regarding different steroid formulations and dosing. Research available regarding concurrent steroid use with immunotherapy is detailed next, followed by alternatives to steroids and barriers to their adoption. Finally, this paper discusses pre-clinical findings and emerging treatments aimed to augment or replace steroid use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fane LS, Efird JT, Jindal C, Biswas T. Dermatological Autoimmune Considerations of Immune Checkpoint Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102339. [PMID: 36289601 PMCID: PMC9598603 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102339] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) involve the skin, and several serve as predictors of response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, especially in melanoma. Patients with pre-existing skin autoimmune diseases (ADs) have been excluded from ICI studies for safety concerns, yet recent research has shown that dermatological ADs can be managed without discontinuing ICI therapy. Patients with ADs respond as well or better to ICIs and can be included as candidates in clinical trials. Frequently taken during ICI therapy, steroids impair immunotherapy efficacy in certain anatomical sites of tumors but not others, including the brain. ICI efficacy can be enhanced by radiotherapy without increasing adverse events, as neoadjuvant radiotherapy is thought to sensitize tumors to ICIs. This perspective highlights clinical autoimmune considerations of ICI therapy in melanoma and discusses important areas for future exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S. Fane
- MD University Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44016, USA
| | - Jimmy T. Efird
- VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44015, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Charulata Jindal
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tithi Biswas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44015, USA
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44015, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schauer F, Rafei-Shamsabadi D, Mai S, Mai Y, Izumi K, Meiss F, Kiritsi D. Hemidesmosomal Reactivity and Treatment Recommendations in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Bullous Pemphigoid-A Retrospective, Monocentric Study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:953546. [PMID: 35936009 PMCID: PMC9355658 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.953546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) induce T-cell-mediated antitumour responses. While ICI were initially successfully applied in metastasized melanoma, they are now approved for several tumour entities. Numerous autoimmune disorders have been reported to occur as adverse events of the treatment, among them bullous pemphigoid (BP), with less than 1% of the patients experiencing ICI-induced BP. This number is higher than the estimated prevalence of autoimmune bullous diseases in the general population of Germany, which lies around 0.05%. We here describe our cohort of eight patients, who developed a bullous pemphigoid under or shortly after ICI treatment. Half of them had a severe subtype (as shown by BPDAI >57) and showed a median onset of ICI-BP after 10 months of ICI initiation. Six patients had a palmar and/or plantar involvement, while oral involvement occurred in one case. All patients had linear epidermal IgG depositions in split skin in the indirect immunofluorescence. In four out of five biopsies available for direct immunofluorescence, linear IgG and C3 depositions were detected at the basement membrane, while one patient showed linear IgM staining. Moderate to high levels of FLBP180 autoantibodies were found in seven of eight cases. The disease can still be active after ICI discontinuation, while rituximab might be required for remission. Finally, four tumour samples were stained histochemically for collagen XVII (BP180), but no enhanced expression was found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Schauer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - David Rafei-Shamsabadi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shoko Mai
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Mai
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Izumi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Frank Meiss
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dimitra Kiritsi
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|