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Fey RM, Nichols RA, Tran TT, Vandenbark AA, Kulkarni RP. MIF and CD74 as Emerging Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1773. [PMID: 38730725 PMCID: PMC11082995 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091773] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is used to treat a wide range of cancers; however, some patients are at risk of developing treatment resistance and/or immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Thus, there is a great need for the identification of reliable predictive biomarkers for response and toxicity. The cytokine MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor) and its cognate receptor CD74 are intimately connected with cancer progression and have previously been proposed as prognostic biomarkers for patient outcome in various cancers, including solid tumors such as malignant melanoma. Here, we assess their potential as predictive biomarkers for response to ICB therapy and irAE development. We provide a brief overview of their function and roles in the context of cancer and autoimmune disease. We also review the evidence showing that MIF and CD74 may be of use as predictive biomarkers of patient response to ICB therapy and irAE development. We also highlight that careful consideration is required when assessing the potential of serum MIF levels as a biomarker due to its reported circadian expression in human plasma. Finally, we suggest future directions for the establishment of MIF and CD74 as predictive biomarkers for ICB therapy and irAE development to guide further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn M. Fey
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA (R.A.N.)
| | - Rebecca A. Nichols
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA (R.A.N.)
| | - Thuy T. Tran
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Arthur A. Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, R&D-31, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rajan P. Kulkarni
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA (R.A.N.)
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Operative Care Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Miceli R, Eriksson H, Lo Russo G, Alfieri S, Moksnes Bjaanæs M, Pietrantonio F, De Cecco L, Prelaj A, Proto C, Franzén J, McDonnell D, Berenguer Pina JJ, Beninato T, Mazzeo L, Giannatempo P, Verzoni E, Crown J, Helland Å, Eustace A. Gender Difference in sidE eFfects of ImmuNotherapy: a possible clue to optimize cancEr tReatment (G-DEFINER): study protocol of an observational prospective multicenter study. Acta Oncol 2024; 63:213-219. [PMID: 38647024 DOI: 10.2340/1651-226x.2024.24179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have significantly improved outcomes in various cancers. ICI treatment is associated with the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) which can affect any organ. Data on irAEs occurrence in relation to sex- differentiation and their association with gender-specific factors are limited. AIMS The primary objective of the G-DEFINER study is to compare the irAEs incidence in female and male patients who undergo ICI treatment. Secondary objectives are: to compare the irAEs incidence in pre- and postmenopausal female patients; to compare the irAEs incidence in female and male patients according to different clinical and gender-related factors (lifestyle, psychosocial, and behavioral factors). Exploratory objectives of the study are to compare and contrast hormonal, gene-expression, SNPs, cytokines, and gut microbiota profiles in relation to irAEs incidence in female and male patients. METHODS AND RESULTS The patients are recruited from Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Italy, St Vincent's University Hospital, Ireland, Oslo University Hospital, Norway, and Karolinska Insitutet/Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden. The inclusion of patients was delayed due to the Covid pandemic, leading to a total of 250 patients recruited versus a planned number of 400 patients. Clinical and translational data will be analyzed. INTERPRETATION The expected outcomes are to improve the management of cancer patients treated with ICIs, leading to more personalized clinical approaches that consider potential toxicity profiles. The real world nature of the trial makes it highly applicable for timely irAEs diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Miceli
- Unit of Biostatistics for Clinical Research, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
| | - Hanna Eriksson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Theme Cancer, unit of Head-Neck-, Lung-, and Skin Cancer Karolinska University Hospital-Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Giuseppe Lo Russo
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Alfieri
- Head and Neck Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Pietrantonio
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Loris De Cecco
- Integrated biology of rare tumors, Department of Experimental Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Arsela Prelaj
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Proto
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Johan Franzén
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Theme Cancer, unit of Head-Neck-, Lung-, and Skin Cancer Karolinska University Hospital-Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deirdre McDonnell
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Teresa Beninato
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Mazzeo
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Giannatempo
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Verzoni
- Medical Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - John Crown
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Åslaug Helland
- Radium Hospital/Oncology, University of Oslo, Institute of Clinical medicine, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexander Eustace
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Levi S, Bank H, Mullinax J, Boland G. Precision Oncology in Melanoma and Skin Cancer Surgery. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2024; 33:369-385. [PMID: 38401915 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2023.12.017] [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: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
There has been perhaps no greater advance in the prognosis of solid tumors in the last decade than for patients with metastatic melanoma. This is due to significant improvements in treatment based on two key components of melanoma tumor biology (1) the identification of driver mutations with therapeutic potential and (2) the mechanistic understanding of a tumor-specific immune response. With breakthrough findings in such a relatively short period of time, the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma has become intensely personalized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Mullinax
- Sarcoma Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Genevieve Boland
- Department of Surgery, MGH, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, USA.
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Van Meerhaeghe T, Murakami N, Le Moine A, Brouard S, Sprangers B, Degauque N. Fine-tuning tumor- and allo-immunity: advances in the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in kidney transplant recipients. Clin Kidney J 2024; 17:sfae061. [PMID: 38606169 PMCID: PMC11008728 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfae061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a common complication after kidney transplantation. Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) have a 2- to 4-fold higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population and post-transplant malignancy is the third most common cause of death in KTR. Moreover, it is well known that certain cancer types are overrepresented after transplantation, especially non-melanoma skin cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of cancer, with remarkable survival benefit in a subgroup of patients. ICI are monoclonal antibodies that block the binding of specific co-inhibitory signaling molecules. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and its ligand programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are the main targets of ICI. Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) have been excluded from clinical trials owing to concerns about tumor response, allo-immunity, and risk of transplant rejection. Indeed, graft rejection has been estimated as high as 48% and represents an emerging problem. The underlying mechanisms of organ rejection in the context of treatment with ICI are poorly understood. The search for restricted antitumoral responses without graft rejection is of paramount importance. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the use of ICI in KTR, the potential mechanisms involved in kidney graft rejection during ICI treatment, potential biomarkers of rejection, and how to deal with rejection in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tess Van Meerhaeghe
- Departement of Nephrology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Naoka Murakami
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Alain Le Moine
- Departement of Nephrology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Brouard
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, Nantes, France
| | - Ben Sprangers
- Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Infection, UHasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Nephrology, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Degauque
- Nantes Université, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), UMR 1064, Nantes, France
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Rajan A, Sivapiromrat AK, McAdams MJ. Immunotherapy for Thymomas and Thymic Carcinomas: Current Status and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1369. [PMID: 38611047 PMCID: PMC11010813 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071369] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors are a histologically diverse group of cancers arising from the epithelial compartment of the thymus. These tumors are characterized by a low tumor mutation burden, a lack of actionable genomic changes, and, especially with thymomas, defects in immune tolerance. Surgery is the mainstay of the management of resectable disease, whereas advanced, unresectable tumors are treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Disease recurrence can occur months to years after frontline treatment. Although several options are available for conventional treatment of recurrent thymic tumors, response rates are generally low, and treatment-related toxicity can affect quality of life. A subset of patients benefit from biologic therapies, but there remains an unmet need for the development of new treatments. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are safe, clinically active, and have contributed to an improvement in survival for patients with a wide variety of cancers. However, the application of these revolutionary treatments for thymic cancers is limited to their use for the management of recurrent thymic carcinoma because of the risk of immune toxicity. In this paper, we review the current uses of immunotherapy for the management of thymic epithelial tumors and highlight potential strategies to improve safety and broaden the application of these treatments for patients with thymic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Rajan
- Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Zhao J, Feng Y, Liu GW. Knowledge domains and emerging trends in immune-related adverse events from immune checkpoint inhibitors: A bibliometrics and visualized analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27832. [PMID: 38515725 PMCID: PMC10955301 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The primary objective of this paper is to investigate the research hotspots and future trends of immune-related adverse events induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors, offering valuable insights for researchers in this field. Methodology Using the visual analysis software, this study conducted quantitative statistics and visualization research on the relevant literature concerning immune-related adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors in the Web of Science Core Collection Database. By evaluating the publication trends, countries, institutions, keywords, research status, cited documents, and document co-citations, among several others, the discussion revolved around the hot spots and future development trends in this field and provided references for future research. Findings and conclusions A total of 514 English articles were included, and the top three countries in the research field at the time of this study were the United States, Japan, and China. More specifically, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Massachusetts General Hospital have been the top three research institutes with more than 10 publications. The frequency of keyword use linked to immune-related adverse events caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors in literature research has been steadily growing over the years. Additionally, the research with respect to the disease focuses on melanoma, cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and breast cancer. In the context of drugs, cancer-related research has mainly focused on the combined use of nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Meanwhile, research on adverse events has delved into the immune checkpoint inhibitors causing vitiligo, thyroid dysfunction, pancreatitis, cholangitis, and rheumatism. Related studies cover acute arthritis, myositis, acute kidney injury, as well as the combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors and docetaxel, management of irAEs in cancer immunotherapy, and biomarkers of immune adverse reactions of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Finally, case report studies of immune adverse reactions caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors could serve as research hotspots in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266003, China
| | - Yujie Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, shandong, 266003, China
| | - Guang-wei Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, shandong, 266003, China
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Velikova T, Krastev B, Gulinac M, Zashev M, Graklanov V, Peruhova M. New strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of immune-checkpoint inhibitor-mediated colitis. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:1050-1062. [PMID: 38464930 PMCID: PMC10921308 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i6.1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitor-mediated colitis (IMC) is an increasingly recognized adverse event in cancer immunotherapy, particularly associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 and anti-programmed cell death protein-1 antibodies. As this revolutionary immunotherapy gains prominence in cancer treatment, understanding, diagnosing, and effectively managing IMC becomes paramount. IMC represents a unique challenge due to its immune-mediated nature and potential for severe complications. However, a precise picture of IMC pathophysiology is currently unavailable. Therefore, we aimed to summarize the existing data while acknowledging the need for further research. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms underlying ICIs, gastrointestinal adverse effects, and, in particular, IMC's incidence, prevalence, and features. Our review also emphasizes the importance of recognizing IMC's distinct clinical and histopathological features to differentiate it from other forms of colitis. Furthermore, this paper highlights the urgent need for evolving diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies, and a multidisciplinary approach to effectively manage IMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsvetelina Velikova
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Boris Krastev
- Medical Center Nadezhda, Medical Center Nadezhda, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
| | - Milena Gulinac
- Medical Faculty, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Sofia 1407, Bulgaria
- General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4002, Bulgaria
| | - Miroslav Zashev
- Department of General Surgery, University Hospital “Heart and Brain”, Burgas 8000, Bulgaria
| | - Vasko Graklanov
- First Department of Internal Diseases, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital “St. George”, Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Milena Peruhova
- Division of Gastroenterology, University Hospital “Heart and Brain”, Burgas 1000, Bulgaria
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Nelli F, Fabbri A, Virtuoso A, Giannarelli D, Giron Berrios JR, Marrucci E, Fiore C, Ruggeri EM. Early Changes in LIPI Score Predict Immune-Related Adverse Events: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients on Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:453. [PMID: 38275894 PMCID: PMC10814049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020453] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In advanced cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint blockade, the burden of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) is high. The need for reliable biomarkers for irAEs remains unfulfilled in this expanding therapeutic field. The lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) is a noninvasive measure of systemic inflammation that has consistently shown a correlation with survival in various cancer types when assessed at baseline. This study sought to determine whether early changes in the LIPI score could discriminate the risk of irAEs and different survival outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving PD-(L)1 blockade-based therapies. We included consecutive patients diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC who received pembrolizumab, nivolumab, or atezolizumab as second-line therapy following platinum-based chemotherapy, or first-line pembrolizumab either alone or in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy. The LIPI score relied on the combined values of derived neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) and lactate dehydrogenase. Their assessment at baseline and after two cycles of treatment allowed us to categorize the population into three subgroups with good (LIPI-0), intermediate (LIPI-1), and poor (LIPI-2) prognosis. Between April 2016 and May 2023, we enrolled a total of 345 eligible patients, 165 (47.8%) and 180 (52.2%) of whom were treated as first- and second-line at our facility, respectively. After applying propensity score matching, we considered 83 relevant patients in each cohort with a homogeneous distribution of all characteristics across the baseline LIPI subgroups. There was a noticeable change in the distribution of LIPI categories due to a significant decrease in dNLR values during treatment. Although no patients shifted to a worse prognosis category, 20 (24.1%) transitioned from LIPI-1 to LIPI-0, and 7 (8.4%) moved from LIPI-2 to LIPI-1 (p < 0.001). Throughout a median observation period of 7.3 (IQR 3.9-15.1) months, a total of 158 irAEs (63.5%) were documented, with 121 (48.6%) and 39 (15.7%) patients experiencing mild to moderate and severe adverse events, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the classification and changes in the LIPI score while on treatment were independent predictors of irAEs. The LIPI-0 group was found to have significantly increased odds of experiencing irAEs. Following a median follow-up period of 21.1 (95% CI 17.9-25.8) months, the multivariable Cox model confirmed LIPI categorization at any given time point as a significant covariate with influence on overall survival, irrespective of the treatment line. These findings suggest that reassessing the LIPI score after two cycles of treatment could help pinpoint patients particularly prone to immune-related toxicities. Those who maintain a good LIPI score or move from the intermediate to good category would be more likely to develop irAEs. The continuous assessment of LIPI provides prognostic insights and could be useful for predicting the benefit of PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Nelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Central Hospital of Belcolle, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Strada Sammartinese snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy (E.M.R.)
| | - Agnese Fabbri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Central Hospital of Belcolle, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Strada Sammartinese snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy (E.M.R.)
| | - Antonella Virtuoso
- Medical Oncology Unit, Central Hospital of Belcolle, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Strada Sammartinese snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy (E.M.R.)
| | - Diana Giannarelli
- Biostatistics Unit, Scientific Directorate, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Julio Rodrigo Giron Berrios
- Medical Oncology Unit, Central Hospital of Belcolle, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Strada Sammartinese snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy (E.M.R.)
| | - Eleonora Marrucci
- Medical Oncology Unit, Central Hospital of Belcolle, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Strada Sammartinese snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy (E.M.R.)
| | - Cristina Fiore
- Medical Oncology Unit, Central Hospital of Belcolle, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Strada Sammartinese snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy (E.M.R.)
| | - Enzo Maria Ruggeri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Central Hospital of Belcolle, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Strada Sammartinese snc, 01100 Viterbo, Italy (E.M.R.)
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Kuwano A, Yada M, Tanaka K, Koga Y, Nagasawa S, Masumoto A, Motomura K. Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Immune-related Adverse Events in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab. CANCER DIAGNOSIS & PROGNOSIS 2024; 4:34-41. [PMID: 38173658 PMCID: PMC10758843 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background/Aim Atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab is an approved systemic chemotherapy regimen for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as atezolizumab, frequently lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The identification of biomarkers that can predict the occurrence of irAEs is crucial for the optimal management of patients undergoing ICI treatment. Patients and Methods Between October 2020 and June 2023, we conducted a study involving 69 patients with advanced HCC who received treatment with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. We conducted an analysis of blood-based biomarkers to identify independent risk factors associated with irAEs. Results In our study, 12 out of 69 patients (17.4%) experienced irAEs. Our investigation into blood-based biomarkers revealed that a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) <2.04 at three weeks after the initiation of treatment had high predictive power (area under the curve: 0.77) for irAEs. Furthermore, multivariate logistic analysis identified NLR at three weeks (hazard ratio=0.23; p=0.037) and non-viral infection (hazard ratio=4.47; p=0.037) as independent factors contributing to the occurrence of irAEs. Patients who developed irAEs demonstrated a more favorable overall response rate (75.0% vs. 28.1%, p=0.005), disease control rate (91.6% vs. 52.6%, p=0.016), and progression-free survival (12.1 months vs. 6.0 months, p=0.010) than those who did not experience irAEs. Conclusion An NLR <2.04 at three weeks after the initiation of treatment may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting irAEs in patients with HCC undergoing atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akifumi Kuwano
- Department of Hepatology, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Yada
- Department of Hepatology, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Tanaka
- Department of Hepatology, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuta Koga
- Department of Hepatology, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | - Kenta Motomura
- Department of Hepatology, Aso Iizuka Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
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10
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Hara N, Suwanai H, Yakou F, Ishii K, Iwasaki H, Abe H, Shikuma J, Sakai H, Miwa T, Suzuki R. Clinical characteristics and human leukocyte antigens in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes and pituitary dysfunction: a single center prospective study. Endocrine 2023; 81:477-483. [PMID: 37178310 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03394-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) induced type 1 diabetes (T1D) and pituitary dysfunction are life-threatening adverse events, yet there is little clinical data available. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with these adverse events and report their human leukocyte antigen (HLA) profile to determine its relevance. METHODS This is a single-center prospective study. We enrolled patients with cancers who were administered ICI and diagnosed as ICI induced T1D (ICI-T1D) and pituitary dysfunction (ICI-PD). Clinical data and extracted DNA from blood samples were collected. HLA typing was performed using next-generation sequencing. We compared our results with those previously reported in healthy controls and investigated the correlation between HLA and the occurrence of ICI-T1D and ICI-PD. RESULTS We identified 914 patients treated with ICI in our facility from 1st September, 2017 to 30th June, 2022. Six of these patients developed T1D and 15 developed pituitary dysfunction. The duration from the initiation of ICI treatment to the onset of T1D or pituitary dysfunction averaged 492 ± 196 days and 191 ± 169 days. Among the six patients with T1D, two were positive for anti-GAD antibody. The frequencies of HLA-DR11, -Cw10, -B61, -DRB1*11:01, and -C*03:04 were significantly higher in patients with ICI-T1D than in controls. The frequencies of HLA-DR15 and -DRB*15:02 were significantly higher in patients with ICI-PD than in controls. CONCLUSION This study revealed the clinical characteristics of ICI-T1D and ICI-PD and the association between specific HLAs and these adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Hara
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Suwanai
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan.
| | - Fumiyoshi Yakou
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo, 193-0998, Japan
| | - Keitaro Ishii
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hajime Iwasaki
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hironori Abe
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Jumpei Shikuma
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sakai
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Takashi Miwa
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
| | - Ryo Suzuki
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism, and Endocrinology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan
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11
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O'Meara CH, Jafri Z, Khachigian LM. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Small-Molecule Immunotherapies and the Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Therapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11695. [PMID: 37511453 PMCID: PMC10380483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancer types, including head and neck cancers (HNC). When checkpoint and partner proteins bind, these send an "off" signal to T cells, which prevents the immune system from destroying tumor cells. However, in HNC, and indeed many other cancers, more people do not respond and/or suffer from toxic effects than those who do respond. Hence, newer, more effective approaches are needed. The challenge to durable therapy lies in a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between immune cells, tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. This will help develop therapies that promote lasting tumorlysis by overcoming T-cell exhaustion. Here we explore the strengths and limitations of current ICI therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We also review emerging small-molecule immunotherapies and the growing promise of neutrophil extracellular traps in controlling tumor progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor H O'Meara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Zuhayr Jafri
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Levon M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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12
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Alharbi B, Qanash H, Binsaleh NK, Alharthi S, Elasbali AM, Gharekhan CH, Mahmoud M, Lioudakis E, O'Leary JJ, Doherty DG, Mohamed BM, Gray SG. Proof of concept nanotechnological approach to in vitro targeting of malignant melanoma for enhanced immune checkpoint inhibition. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7462. [PMID: 37156818 PMCID: PMC10167246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34638-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, have limitations in their effective treatment of malignancies. The immunosuppressive environment associated with the tumor microenvironment may prevent the achievement of optimal outcomes for immune checkpoint inhibitors alone, and nanotechnology-based platforms for delivery of immunotherapeutic agents are increasingly being investigated for their potential to improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In this manuscript, nanoparticles were designed with appropriate size and surface characteristics to enhance their retention of payload so that they can transmit their loaded drugs to the tumor. We aimed to enhance immune cell stimulation by a small molecule inhibitor of PD-1/PD-L1 (BMS202) using nanodiamonds (ND). Melanoma cells with different disease stages were exposed to bare NDs, BMS202-NDs or BMS202 alone for 6 h. Following this, melanoma cells were co-cultured with freshly isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). The effects of this treatment combination on melanoma cells were examined on several biological parameters including cell viability, cell membrane damage, lysosomal mass/pH changes and expression of γHA2X, and caspase 3. Exposing melanoma cells to BMS202-NDs led to a stronger than normal interaction between the hPBMCs and the melanoma cells, with significant anti-proliferative effects. We therefore conclude that melanoma therapy has the potential to be enhanced by non-classical T-cell Immune responses via immune checkpoint inhibitors delivered by nanodiamonds-based nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar Alharbi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail, 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Husam Qanash
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail, 55476, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Naif K Binsaleh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail, 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem Alharthi
- Department of Biological Science, College of Arts and Science, Najran University, Najran, 55461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulbaset M Elasbali
- Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Sakaka, 42421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chandranil H Gharekhan
- Amrita Center for Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Cochin, India
| | | | - Emmanouil Lioudakis
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Derek G Doherty
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Steven G Gray
- Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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