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Kumar P, Krishna P, Nidoni R, Adarsh CK, Arun MG, Shetty A, Mathangi J, Sandhya, Gopasetty M, Venugopal B. Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab as a downstaging therapy for liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis: The first report. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:1087-1090. [PMID: 38219868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.01.007] [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] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is the preferred first-line treatment regimen for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Limited data have shown promising results with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab to downstage these patients for liver transplantation (LT). Here, we describe the first case of successful downstaging with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab in a patient with multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma and main portal vein tumoral thrombosis, followed by ABO-incompatible live donor LT. This illustrated case highlights that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy may be a potential bridging tool for curative LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
| | - Pradeep Krishna
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation Surgery, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Ravindra Nidoni
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation Surgery, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - C K Adarsh
- Department of Gastroenterology, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - M G Arun
- Department of Liver transplantation anesthesia, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Aashish Shetty
- Department of Liver transplantation anesthesia, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - J Mathangi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sandhya
- Department of Pathology, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Mahesh Gopasetty
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation Surgery, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - B Venugopal
- Department of HPB and Liver Transplantation Surgery, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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2
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Soin A, Lesurtel M, Clavien PA. Reply to: "Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and portal vein tumour thrombosis after successful downstaging may be candidates for liver transplantation: A meta-analysis". J Hepatol 2024; 80:e222. [PMID: 38340810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Arvinder Soin
- Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta-The Medicity, Hospital, Gurugram 122001, India
| | - Mickael Lesurtel
- Beaujon Hospital - University of Paris Cité, 100, bd Général Leclerc, 92110 Clichy, France
| | - Pierre A Clavien
- University of Zurich, Swiss Medical Network, Zurich, Switzerland; Privatklinik Bethanien, Toblerstrasse 51, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland.
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3
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Tabrizian P, Zeitlhoefler M, Hassan AT, Marino R. Immunotherapy for transplantation of hepatocellular carcinoma: the next frontier in adjunctive therapy. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2024; 29:144-154. [PMID: 38164882 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The increasing success of liver transplantation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) drives an ever-evolving search for innovative strategies to broaden eligible patients' pools. Recent advances in immuno-oncology have turned the spotlight on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This review offers an updated overview of ICIs in liver transplantation for HCC, exploring neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches and addressing unanswered questions on safety, patients' selection, and response predictors. RECENT FINDINGS ICIs have transitioned from being a last-chance therapeutic hope to becoming an integral cornerstone in the treatment of advanced HCC, holding great promise as a compelling option not only to downstage patients for transplantation but also as an alternative strategy in addressing posttransplantation disease recurrence. Despite ongoing refinements in immunotherapeutic agents, the complex molecular pathways involved emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to integrate immunotherapy in liver transplantation. SUMMARY Initial concerns about graft rejection, with ICIs as a bridging therapy to liver transplantation, were successfully addressed using adequate immunosuppressants strategies and minimized with a sufficient washout period. Post-liver transplantation disease recurrence remains challenging, requiring a balance between effective therapy and preserving graft function. Emphasis should be placed on clinical trials validating the risk-benefit ratio of ICIs for liver transplantation, guiding appropriate patients' selection, and establishing clear management pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parissa Tabrizian
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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4
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Chick RC, Ruff SM, Pawlik TM. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1355812. [PMID: 38495884 PMCID: PMC10940409 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1355812] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection and liver transplant remain the only curative therapies for most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Systemic therapy options have typically been ineffective, but recent advances, such as the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies, have shown great promise. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy in resectable or locally advanced HCC is under active investigation with encouraging results in small, early-phase trials. Many of these completed and ongoing trials include combinations of systemic therapy (e.g. immune checkpoint inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors), transarterial therapies, and radiation. Despite early successes, larger trials with evaluation of long-term oncologic outcomes are needed to determine the role of neoadjuvant systemic therapy in patients with HCC who may be eligible for curative intent surgery or transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Timothy M. Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, United States
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Krendl FJ, Bellotti R, Sapisochin G, Schaefer B, Tilg H, Scheidl S, Margreiter C, Schneeberger S, Oberhuber R, Maglione M. Transplant oncology - Current indications and strategies to advance the field. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100965. [PMID: 38304238 PMCID: PMC10832300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) was originally described by Starzl as a promising strategy to treat primary malignancies of the liver. Confronted with high recurrence rates, indications drifted towards non-oncologic liver diseases with LT finally evolving from a high-risk surgery to an almost routine surgical procedure. Continuously improving outcomes following LT and evolving oncological treatment strategies have driven renewed interest in transplant oncology. This is not only reflected by constant refinements to the criteria for LT in patients with HCC, but especially by efforts to expand indications to other primary and secondary liver malignancies. With new patient-centred oncological treatments on the rise and new technologies to expand the donor pool, the field has the chance to come full circle. In this review, we focus on the concept of transplant oncology, current indications, as well as technical and ethical aspects in the context of donor organs as precious resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix J. Krendl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ruben Bellotti
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gonzalo Sapisochin
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benedikt Schaefer
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Scheidl
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Margreiter
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Schneeberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rupert Oberhuber
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Manuel Maglione
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
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6
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Zhao Y, Chen D, Yang B, Xu J, Wang L, Huang G, Wei L, Chen Z. Successful liver transplantation with ctDNA clearance after PD‑1 inhibitor plus FOLFOX‑HAIC treatment in HCC: A case report. Oncol Lett 2024; 27:51. [PMID: 38192664 PMCID: PMC10773222 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is the primary treatment for patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the 5-year survival rate after LT remains low for patients with advanced HCC. Recently, combining programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has achieved promising outcomes in advanced HCC treatment. However, there is a lack of sufficient clinical data demonstrating its effectiveness as a pre-LT down-staging treatment. The current study presented a case of advanced HCC beyond the Milan criteria who underwent LT and achieved a favorable outcome following PD-1 inhibitor combined with FOLFOX-HAIC therapy. Of note, due to treatment-induced tumor necrosis, precise post-treatment tumor size evaluation became challenging. To address this, circulating tumor DNA (ct-DNA) clearance was used as the LT criterion. After three cycles of Pembrolizumab and FOLFOX-HAIC therapy, the patient's serum ctDNA became undetectable and serum α-fetoprotein levels returned to normal. Magnetic resonance imaging results also revealed a significant reduction in liver tumor size post down-staging treatment. Subsequent to LT, serum ctDNA was monitored every two months, consistently yielding diminished results. There were no clinical signs of recurrence 19 months post-LT. These findings suggest that Pembrolizumab in combination with FOLFOX-HAIC may serve as a potential down-staging strategy prior to LT. In addition, ctDNA clearance may be considered a viable biomarker for LT eligibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhao
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Dong Chen
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xu
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Guobin Huang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Lai Wei
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zhishui Chen
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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7
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Matevish L, Patel MS, Vagefi PA. Downstaging Techniques for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Candidates Awaiting Liver Transplantation. Surg Clin North Am 2024; 104:145-162. [PMID: 37953033 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2023.07.004] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, downstaging for hepatocellular carcinoma has expanded the pool of patients eligible for liver transplantation. The literature is rife with attempts to elucidate best treatment strategies with novel locoregional and systemic therapies continuing to emerge. Several trials have confirmed the large-scale success of downstaging protocols, with equitable long-term survival and recurrence rates after liver transplant. We review the currently available techniques used for downstaging, including their indications, complications, and efficacies. New frontiers have focused on the potential role of immunotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting, although more research is needed to delineate its role in current treatment paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Matevish
- Division of Surgical Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Madhukar S Patel
- Division of Surgical Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Parsia A Vagefi
- Division of Surgical Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
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8
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Lindemann J, Yu J, Doyle MBM. Downstaging Hepatocellular Carcinoma before Transplantation: Role of Immunotherapy Versus Locoregional Approaches. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:143-158. [PMID: 37945140 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.07.001] [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: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to be a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. With advances in locoregional therapy for unresectable HCC during the last 2 decades and the recent expansion of transplant criteria for HCC, as well as ongoing organ shortages, patients are spending more time on the waitlist, which has resulted in an increased usage of locoregional therapies. The plethora of molecularly targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors under investigation represent the new horizon of treatment of HCC not only in advanced stages but also potentially at every stage of diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lindemann
- Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jennifer Yu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maria Bernadette Majella Doyle
- Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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9
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Alghamdi S, Al-Hamoudi W. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of Immunotherapy and Transplantation in the Era of Transplant Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5115. [PMID: 37958291 PMCID: PMC10648843 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215115] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer deaths worldwide. As most patients present with advanced disease, curative therapy such as surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation are rarely utilized. With the advent of immunotherapy, historical treatment approaches such as liver transplantation are being challenged. In particular, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has emerged as a safe and useful option in the treatment of HCC. However, there is concern over adverse effects, such as graft rejection and graft loss. This updated review discusses the role of immunotherapy in the pre- and post-transplantation setting and provides insights into the potential of immunotherapy as an adjunct to liver transplantation. We deliberate on the use of ICI in the setting of the Milan criteria as well as the University of California San Francisco's expanded criteria for liver transplantation. Current data suggest that ICI has utility, especially in the pretransplantation setting. Nevertheless, larger, purposefully designed clinical trials are needed to clearly identify patients who will benefit most from ICI treatment in the transplant setting and determine parameters that will minimize the risk of graft rejection and maximize the benefits of this adjunct treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saad Alghamdi
- Liver & Small Bowel Health Centre Department, Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Waleed Al-Hamoudi
- Liver & Small Bowel Health Centre Department, Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia;
- Liver Disease Research Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Wu X, Zhou Z, Cao Q, Chen Y, Gong J, Zhang Q, Qiang Y, Lu Y, Cao G. Reprogramming of Treg cells in the inflammatory microenvironment during immunotherapy: a literature review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268188. [PMID: 37753092 PMCID: PMC10518452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg), as members of CD4+ T cells, have garnered extensive attention in the research of tumor progression. Treg cells have the function of inhibiting the immune effector cells, preventing tissue damage, and suppressing inflammation. Under the stimulation of the tumor inflammatory microenvironment (IM), the reprogramming of Treg cells enhances their suppression of immune responses, ultimately promoting tumor immune escape or tumor progression. Reducing the number of Treg cells in the IM or lowering the activity of Treg cells while preventing their reprogramming, can help promote the body's anti-tumor immune responses. This review introduces a reprogramming mechanism of Treg cells in the IM; and discusses the regulation of Treg cells on tumor progression. The control of Treg cells and the response to Treg inflammatory reprogramming in tumor immunotherapy are analyzed and countermeasures are proposed. This work will provide a foundation for downregulating the immunosuppressive role of Treg in the inflammatory environment in future tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Wu
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhigang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Changde Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changde, China
| | - Qiang Cao
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- School of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Yuquan Chen
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Gong
- School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Qianhu, Nanchang, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Undergraduate Department, Taishan University, Taian, China
| | - Yi Qiang
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yanfeng Lu
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Guangzhu Cao
- Department of Earth Sciences, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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11
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Yoshikawa S, Taniguchi K, Sawamura H, Ikeda Y, Asai T, Tsuji A, Matsuda S. Potential tactics with certain gut microbiota for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:556-568. [PMID: 37720344 PMCID: PMC10501893 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes an extremely malignant form of primary liver cancer. Intricate connections linking to the immune system might be associated with the pathogenesis of HCC. Meanwhile, immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has been established to be a favorable therapeutic possibility for advanced HCC. Although curative opportunities for advanced HCC are restricted, the immune checkpoint immunotherapy has developed as the main choice for treating HCC. However, patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)-linked HCC might be less likely to benefit from the immunotherapy alone. The limitation of the effect of the immunotherapy might be owing to the impaired T cell activation in MAFLD patients, which could be well explained by a dysfunctional gut-liver axis. Gut microbiota and their metabolites including several bile acids could contribute to modulating the responses of the immune checkpoint immunotherapy. Roles of gut microbiota in the development of cancers have expected great interest in the latest studies. Here, an interplay between the gut and liver has been presented, which might suggest to affect the efficacy of immune checkpoint immunotherapy against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayuri Yoshikawa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women’s University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Kurumi Taniguchi
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women’s University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Haruka Sawamura
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women’s University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Yuka Ikeda
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women’s University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Tomoko Asai
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women’s University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Ai Tsuji
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women’s University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Satoru Matsuda
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women’s University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
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12
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Rudolph M, Shah SA, Quillin R, Lemon K, Olowokure O, Latif T, Sohal D. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in liver transplant: a case series. J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 14:1141-1148. [PMID: 37201081 PMCID: PMC10186520 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the setting of liver transplant (LT) pose a risk of rejection and hold unclear benefit in both the neoadjuvant (pre-transplant) and post-transplant salvage setting. In the pre-transplant setting, neoadjuvant ICIs may serve as a bridge to LT by downstaging disease burden to fit within transplant criteria. Outcomes in this setting include patients who had successful transplants without complications to patients who suffered severe complications, including fatal hepatic necrosis and graft failure requiring re-transplant. Some authors suggest having a period of three months between checkpoint inhibition and transplant may help mitigate adverse effects. In the post-LT setting, there are few treatment options if there is a recurrence of disease, which forces treatment teams to reconsider checkpoint inhibitors. Again, a longer period of time between transplant and checkpoint inhibition may reduce risk of rejection. Case reports of patients treated with ICIs post-transplant utilized either nivolumab or pembrolizumab. As combination atezolizumab/bevacizumab is a relatively new treatment option for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there are only three reported cases using this combination in the post-LT setting. While there were no cases of rejection, all three cases had progression of disease. As immunotherapy joins transplantation as a mainstay of treatment for HCC, it remains unclear how to best navigate when the treatment course involves both immune activation and immunosuppression. CASE DESCRIPTION Patients who had an LT and were treated with ICIs (pre or post LT) at the University of Cincinnati were included in this retrospective chart review. CONCLUSIONS Fatal rejection remains a significant risk even 4 years after LT. Neoadjuvant ICIs also pose a risk for acute cellular rejection; however, this may not always be clinically significant. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) may be an additional, previously unreported risk of ICIs in the setting of LT. Prospective studies are needed to understand benefits and risks of checkpoint inhibitors in the LT setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Rudolph
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Shimul A. Shah
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ralph Quillin
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kristina Lemon
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Olugbenga Olowokure
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tahir Latif
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Davendra Sohal
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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13
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Wong JK, Lim HJ, Tam VC, Burak KW, Dawson LA, Chaudhury P, Abraham RJ, Meyers BM, Sapisochin G, Valenti D, Samimi S, Ramjeesingh R, Mujoomdar A, Martins I, Dixon E, Segedi M, Liu DM. Clinical consensus statement: Establishing the roles of locoregional and systemic therapies for the treatment of intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma in Canada. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 115:102526. [PMID: 36924644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102526] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and approximately one-third of patients present with intermediate-stage disease. The treatment landscape of intermediate-stage HCC is rapidly evolving due to developments in local, locoregional and systemic therapies. Treatment recommendations focused on this heterogenous disease stage and that take into account the Canadian reality are lacking. To address this gap, a pan-Canadian group of experts in hepatology, transplant, surgery, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, and medical oncology came together to develop consensus recommendations on management of intermediate-stage HCC relevant to the Canadian context. METHODS A modified Delphi framework was used to develop consensus statements with strengths of recommendation and supporting levels of evidence graded using the AHA/ACC classification system. Tentative consensus statements were drafted based on a systematic search and expert input in a series of iterative feedback cycles and were then circulated via online survey to assess the level of agreement. RESULTS & CONCLUSION The pre-defined ratification threshold of 80 % agreement was reached for all statements in the areas of multidisciplinary treatment (n = 4), intra-arterial therapy (n = 14), biologics (n = 5), radiation therapy (n = 3), surgical resection and transplantation (n = 7), and percutaneous ablative therapy (n = 4). These generally reflected an expansion in treatment options due to developments in previously established or emergent techniques, introduction of new and more active therapies and increased therapeutic flexibility. These developments have allowed for greater treatment tailoring and personalization as well as a paradigm shift toward strategies with curative intent in a wider range of disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason K Wong
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Howard J Lim
- BC Cancer Agency, 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada.
| | - Vincent C Tam
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre, University of Calgary, 1331 29 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2, Canada.
| | - Kelly W Burak
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Laura A Dawson
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, 610 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada.
| | | | - Robert J Abraham
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Brandon M Meyers
- Juravinski Cancer Centre, 699 Concession St, Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2, Canada.
| | | | - David Valenti
- McGill University, 845 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Setareh Samimi
- Hopital Sacre-Coeur de Montreal, University of Montreal, 5400 Boul Gouin O, Montréal, QC H4J 1C5, Canada.
| | - Ravi Ramjeesingh
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Amol Mujoomdar
- Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada.
| | - Ilidio Martins
- Kaleidoscope Strategic, Inc. 1 King Street W, Suite 4800 - 117, Toronto, ON M5H 1A1, Canada.
| | - Elijah Dixon
- University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Maja Segedi
- Department of Surgery, Vancouver General Hospital, Jim Pattison Pavilion, 899 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| | - David M Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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14
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Guven DC, Yildirim HC, Chalabiyev E, Kus F, Yilmaz F, Yasar S, Akyildiz A, Aktas BY, Yalcin S, Dizdar O. Emerging treatment strategies in hepatobiliary cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2023; 23:243-256. [PMID: 36803258 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2023.2183844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There have been significant advances in the treatment of hepatobiliary cancers, especially for advanced-stage disease. However, data is limited for optimal therapy selection in the first line and sequencing of available options. AREAS COVERED This review covers the systemic treatment of hepatobiliary cancers with an emphasis on the advanced stage. The previously published and ongoing trials will be discussed to create an algorithm for the current practice and to give future perspectives on how the field could go forward. EXPERT OPINION While there is no standard-of-care option in the adjuvant treatment of hepatocellular cancer, capecitabine is the standard of care for biliary tract cancer. The efficacy of adjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin and the added benefit of radiotherapy to chemotherapy are yet to be defined. For the advanced stage, immunotherapy-based combinations became the standard of care for both hepatocellular and biliary tract cancers. The molecularly targeted therapy has profoundly changed the second-line and later treatment for biliary tract cancers, while the optimal second-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular cancer is yet to be defined due to rapid advances in the first-line setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Can Guven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Cagri Yildirim
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elvin Chalabiyev
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fatih Kus
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Feride Yilmaz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serkan Yasar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arif Akyildiz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Burak Yasin Aktas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Suayib Yalcin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Omer Dizdar
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
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15
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Lominadze Z, Hill K, Shaik MR, Canakis JP, Bourmaf M, Adams-Mardi C, Abutaleb A, Mishra L, Shetty K. Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Setting of Liver Transplantation: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032358. [PMID: 36768686 PMCID: PMC9917203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032358] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging field of immuno-oncology has brought exciting developments in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has also raised urgent questions about the role of immunotherapy in the setting of liver transplantation, both before and after transplant. A growing body of evidence points to the safety and efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents as potential adjuncts for successful down-staging of advanced HCCs to allow successful transplant in carefully selected patients. For patients with recurrent HCC post-transplant, immunotherapy has a limited, yet growing role. In this review, we describe optimal regimens in the setting of liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zurabi Lominadze
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Kareen Hill
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Mohammed Rifat Shaik
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Justin P. Canakis
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Mohammad Bourmaf
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Cyrus Adams-Mardi
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Ameer Abutaleb
- Department of Surgery, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Kirti Shetty
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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16
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Brackenier C, Kinget L, Cappuyns S, Verslype C, Beuselinck B, Dekervel J. Unraveling the Synergy between Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020348. [PMID: 36672297 PMCID: PMC9856647 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with antiangiogenic properties, such as sorafenib, have been the standard choice to systemically treat hepatocellular carcinoma for over a decade. More recently, encouraging results were obtained using immune checkpoint inhibitors, although head-to-head comparisons with sorafenib in phase 3 trials could not demonstrate superiority in terms of overall survival. The IMbrave150 was a breakthrough study that resulted in atezolizumab/bevacizumab, a combination of an antiangiogenic and an immune checkpoint inhibitor, as a new standard of care for advanced HCC. This review discusses the mode of action, clinical efficacy, and biomarker research for both drug classes and for the combination therapy. Moreover, the synergy between atezolizumab and bevacizumab is highlighted, unraveling pathophysiological mechanisms underlying an enhanced anticancer immunity by changing the immunosuppressed to a more immunoreactive tumor microenvironment (TME). This is achieved by upregulation of antigen presentation, upregulation of T-cell proliferation, trafficking and infiltration, impairing recruitment, and proliferation of immunosuppressive cells in the TME. However, more insights are needed to identify biomarkers of response that may improve patient selection and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Brackenier
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lisa Kinget
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Cappuyns
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Verslype
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benoit Beuselinck
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Dekervel
- Department of Gastro-Enterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-33-22-11
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17
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Immunotherapy Use Prior to Liver Transplant in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:9813-9825. [PMID: 36547185 PMCID: PMC9777129 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29120771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and its incidence has increased rapidly in the United States over the past two decades. Liver transplant is considered curative, but is not always possible, and pre-transplant immunotherapy is of great interest as a modality for downstaging the tumor burden. We present a review of the literature on pre-liver transplant immunotherapy use in patients with HCC. Our literature search queried publications in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science, and ultimately identified 24 original research publications to be included for analysis. We found that the role of PD-1 and PD-L1 in risk stratification for rejection is of special interest to researchers, and ongoing randomized clinical trials PLENTY and Dulect 2020-1 will provide insight into the role of PD-1 and PD-L1 in liver transplant management in the future. This literature search and the resulting review represents the most thorough collection, analysis, and presentation of the literature on the subject to date.
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18
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Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Alpha Fetoprotein, and Liver Allocation for Transplantation: Past, Present and Future. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:7537-7551. [PMID: 36290870 PMCID: PMC9600271 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29100593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading indications for liver transplantation and has been the treatment of choice due to the oncologic benefit for patients with advanced chronic liver disease (AdvCLD) and small tumors for the last 25 years. For HCC patients undergoing liver transplantation, alpha fetoprotein (AFP) has increasingly been applied as an independent predictor for overall survival, disease free recurrence, and waitlist drop out. In addition to static AFP, newer studies evaluating the AFP dynamic response to downstaging therapy show enhanced prognostication compared to static AFP alone. While AFP has been utilized to select HCC patients for transplant, despite years of allocation policy changes, the US allocation system continues to take a uniform approach to HCC patients, without discriminating between those with favorable or unfavorable tumor biology. We aim to review the history of liver allocation for HCC in the US, the utility of AFP in liver transplantation, the implications of weaving AFP as a biomarker into policy. Based on this review, we encourage the US transplant community to revisit its HCC organ allocation model, to incorporate more precise oncologic principles for patient selection, and to adopt AFP dynamics to better stratify waitlist dropout risk.
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19
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Salani F, Genovesi V, Vivaldi C, Massa V, Cesario S, Bernardini L, Caccese M, Graziani J, Berra D, Fornaro L, Masi G. Primary Resistance to Immunotherapy-Based Regimens in First Line Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Perspectives on Jumping the Hurdle. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194896. [PMID: 36230819 PMCID: PMC9563015 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194896] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) had been explored extensively in patients affected by unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. These agents were expected to be the keystones of the disease’s first-line treatment because they were theoretically able to revert the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment of the cancerous liver, and because of their manageable safety profile. However, when used as monotherapies, they showed important activity and efficacy limitations. In this mini-review, we summarize the characteristics of the different ICIs-based regimens which constitute the present gold standard of first-line treatment, then, moving from their shortcomings, we discuss the rationale supporting the strategies currently under investigation: systemic triplets and new paradigms of immune-therapeutic agents such as CAR-T and vaccines. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a key component of different stages of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, particularly in the first line of treatment. A lesson on the primary resistance which hampers their efficacy and activity was learned from the failure of the trials which tested them as first-line mono-therapies. Despite the combination of anti-PD(L)1 agents with anti-VEGF, anti CTLA4, or TKIs demonstrating relevant improvements in efficacy, the “doublets strategy” still shows room for improvement, due to a limited overall survival benefit and a high rate of progressive disease as best response. In this review, we discuss the results from the currently tested doublet strategies (i.e., atezolizumab+bevacizumab, durvalumab+tremelimumab with a mention to the newly presented ICIs/TKIs combinations), which highlight the need for therapeutic improvement. Furthermore, we examine the rationale and provide an overview of the ongoing trials testing the treatment intensification strategy with triplet drugs: anti-PD1+anti-CTLA4+anti-VEGF/TKIs and anti-PD1+anti-VEGF+alternative immunity targets. Lastly, we report on the alternative strategy to integrate ICIs into the new paradigm of immune therapeutics constituted by CAR-T and anti-cancer vaccines. This review provides up-to-date knowledge of ongoing clinical trials of the aforementioned strategies and critical insight into their mechanistic premises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Salani
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research “Health Science”, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Piazza Martiri della Libertà 33, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Virginia Genovesi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Caterina Vivaldi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Cesario
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Bernardini
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Miriam Caccese
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Jessica Graziani
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Dario Berra
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fornaro
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Masi
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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20
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Nishio T, Ito T, Hata K, Taura K, Hatano E. Current status of liver transplantation for non-B non-C liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2022; 7:42-52. [PMID: 36643372 PMCID: PMC9831911 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, non-B non-C chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have markedly increased worldwide. Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as decompensated liver cirrhosis. In Japan, where the source of liver grafts is strongly dependent on living donors, efforts have been made to unify the indications for eligibility of HCC patients for LT, leading to the development of 5-5-500 criteria. Along with the expansion of eligibility for LT, the current changing trends in underlying liver diseases of LT recipients, which are related to the rising tide of non-B non-C cirrhosis and HCC, are highlighting the importance of peri-transplant management of patients with various comorbidities. The post-LT prognosis of patients with ALD is significantly affected by de novo malignancies and metabolic syndrome-related complications as well as posttransplant alcohol relapse. NAFLD/NASH patients often suffer from obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other metabolic syndrome-related disorders, and nonneoplastic factors such as cardiovascular events and recurrence of NAFLD/NASH have a significant impact on post-LT outcomes. Patient management in the peri-transplant period as well as risk assessment for LT are key to improving post-LT outcomes in the era of a growing number of cases of LT for non-B non-C liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Koichiro Hata
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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