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Devitt L, Westphal D, Pieger K, Schneider N, Bosserhoff AK, Kuphal S. NRN1 interacts with Notch to increase oncogenic STAT3 signaling in melanoma. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:256. [PMID: 38705997 PMCID: PMC11071257 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01632-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is a highly heterogeneous cancer, in which frequent changes in activation of signaling pathways lead to a high adaptability to ever changing tumor microenvironments. The elucidation of cancer specific signaling pathways is of great importance, as demonstrated by the inhibitor of the common BrafV600E mutation PLX4032 in melanoma treatment. We therefore investigated signaling pathways that were influenced by neurotrophin NRN1, which has been shown to be upregulated in melanoma. METHODS Using a cell culture model system with an NRN1 overexpression, we investigated the influence of NRN1 on melanoma cells' functionality and signaling. We employed real time cell analysis and spheroid formation assays, while for investigation of molecular mechanisms we used a kinase phosphorylation kit as well as promotor activity analysis followed by mRNA and protein analysis. RESULTS We revealed that NRN1 interacts directly with the cleaved intracellular domain (NICD) of Notch1 and Notch3, causing a potential retention of NICD in the cytoplasm and thereby reducing the expression of its direct downstream target Hes1. This leads to decreased sequestration of JAK and STAT3 in a Hes1-driven phosphorylation complex. Consequently, our data shows less phosphorylation of STAT3 while presenting an accumulation of total protein levels of STAT3 in association with NRN1 overexpression. The potential of the STAT3 signaling pathway to act in both a tumor suppressive and oncogenic manner led us to investigate specific downstream targets - namely Vegf A, Mdr1, cMet - which were found to be upregulated under oncogenic levels of NRN1. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we were able to show that NRN1 links oncogenic signaling events between Notch and STAT3 in melanoma. We also suggest that in future research more attention should be payed to cellular regulation of signaling molecules outside of the classically known phosphorylation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Devitt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Dana Westphal
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Katharina Pieger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Nadja Schneider
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Anja Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, Erlangen, 91054, Germany.
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Ruf T, Kramer R, Forschner A, Leiter U, Meier F, Reinhardt L, Dücker P, Ertl C, Tomsitz D, Tietze JK, Gutzmer R, Dabrowski E, Zimmer L, Gesierich A, Zierold S, French LE, Eigentler T, Amaral T, Heinzerling L. Second-line therapies for steroid-refractory immune-related adverse events in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Eur J Cancer 2024; 203:114028. [PMID: 38652976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.114028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) induce adverse events (irAEs) that do not respond to steroids, i.e. steroid-refractory (sr) irAEs, and irAEs in which steroids cannot be tapered, i.e. steroid-dependent (sd) irAEs, in about 10% of cases. An evidence-based analysis of the effectiveness of second-line immunosuppressive agents with regard to irAE and tumor control is lacking. METHODS The international web-based Side Effect Registry Immuno-Oncology (SERIO; http://serio-registry.org) is a collaborative initiative with the Paul-Ehrlich-Institute to document rare, severe, complex or therapy-refractory immunotherapy-induced side effects. The registry was queried on August 1, 2023 for cases of irAEs which were treated with second-line therapies. RESULTS From a total of 1330 cases, 217 patients (16.3%) received 249 second-line therapies. A total of 19 different second-line therapies were employed, including TNF-alpha antagonists (46.5%), intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG; 19.1%), mycophenolate mofetil (15.9%), and methotrexate (3.6%). Therapy choices were determined by the type of irAE. The time to onset of sr-/sd-irAEs after ICI initiation did not consistently differ from steroid-responsive irAEs. While 74.3% of sr-/sd-irAEs resolved and 13.1% had improved, 4.3% persisted, 3.9% resulted in permanent sequelae, and 4.3% in death with ongoing symptoms. Infliximab exhibited potential for earlier symptom improvement compared to mycophenolate mofetil or IVIG. Tumor response in patients with second-line treated sd-/sr-irAE was similar to patients with irAEs treated with steroids only. CONCLUSION Several second-line therapies are effective against sr-/sd-irAEs, the second-line therapies show no clear negative impact on tumor response, and infliximab shows potential for faster improvement of symptoms. However, prospective comparative data are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Ruf
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; SERIO registry
| | - Rafaela Kramer
- Department of Dermatology, University Clinic Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; SERIO registry
| | - Andrea Forschner
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Leiter
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Lydia Reinhardt
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany
| | - Pia Dücker
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carolin Ertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; SERIO registry
| | - Dirk Tomsitz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia K Tietze
- Clinic for Dermatology and Venerology, University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology, Johannes Wesling Medical Center, Ruhr-University Bochum, Minden, Germany
| | | | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, Essen University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University of Duisburg-Essen and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Anja Gesierich
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Zierold
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; SERIO registry
| | - Lars E French
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Department of Dermatology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Teresa Amaral
- Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Dermatology, University Clinic Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; SERIO registry.
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Yeung SCJ, Qdaisat A, Bischof JJ, Caterino JM, Kyriacou DN, Coyne Md C. A case series of adrenal insufficiency (likely due to hypophysitis) in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Am J Emerg Med 2024:S0735-6757(24)00204-3. [PMID: 38705758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2024.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and their indications have significantly increased over the past decade. Immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) of ICIs vary widely in presentation and symptoms and can present diagnostic challenges to emergency department (ED) physicians. Moreover, when ICIs are combined with radiotherapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, the attribution of signs and symptoms to an immune-related cause is even more difficult. Here, we report a series of 5 ED cases of adrenal insufficiency in ICI-treated cancer patients. All 5 patients presented with severe fatigue and nausea. Four patients definitely had and one patient possibly had central adrenal insufficiency, and 4 patients had undetectable serum cortisol levels. The majority of the patients had nonspecific symptoms that were not recognized at their first ED presentation. These cases illustrate the need for a heightened level of suspicion for adrenal insufficiency in ICI-treated cancer patients with hypotension, nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, or hypoglycemia. As ICI use increases, irAE-associated oncologic emergencies will become more prevalent. Thus, ED physicians must update their knowledge regarding the diagnosis and management of irAEs and routinely inquire about the specific antineoplastic therapies that their ED patients with cancer are receiving. A random cortisol level (results readily available in most EDs) with interpretation taking the circadian rhythm and the current level of physiological stress into consideration can inform the differential diagnosis and whether further investigation of this potential irAE is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Ching Jim Yeung
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
| | - Aiham Qdaisat
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jason J Bischof
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Caterino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Demetrios N Kyriacou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christopher Coyne Md
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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4
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Liang Y, Maeda O, Ando Y. Biomarkers for immune-related adverse events in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2024; 54:365-375. [PMID: 38183211 DOI: 10.1093/jjco/hyad184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have greatly improved cancer therapy, they also cause immune-related adverse events, including a wide range of inflammatory side effects resulting from excessive immune activation. Types of immune-related adverse events are diverse and can occur in almost any organ, with different frequencies and severities. Furthermore, immune-related adverse events may occur within the first few weeks after treatment or even several months after treatment discontinuation. Predictive biomarkers include blood cell counts and cell surface markers, serum proteins, autoantibodies, cytokines/chemokines, germline genetic variations and gene expression profiles, human leukocyte antigen genotype, microRNAs and the gut microbiome. Given the inconsistencies in research results and limited practical utility, there is to date no established biomarker that can be used in routine clinical practice, and additional investigations are essential to demonstrate efficacy and subsequently facilitate integration into routine clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Liang
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Osamu Maeda
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ando
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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5
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Kim SY, Kim DK, Choi SY, Chung C. Comparative analysis of immunotherapy responses in small cell lung cancer patients with dermatomyositis. Thorac Cancer 2024; 15:672-677. [PMID: 38352989 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated dermatomyositis (CAD), a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by dermatomyositis (DM), frequently presents in association with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Although the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized cancer treatment, their efficacy and safety in patients with concurrent autoimmune diseases (AD) and malignancies remains uncertain. Several studies have suggested the safe administration of ICIs in patients with AD, indicating that successful cancer therapy can alleviate CAD symptoms. Conversely, other studies have raised concerns about the potential for ICIs to exacerbate AD flares or immune-related adverse events (irAEs). A comparative analysis of two cases from our institution emphasizes the variability in ICI responses among SCLC patients with CAD. One patient, previously reported as a case study, exhibited significant clinical improvement in DM symptoms after ICI administration, whereas the other developed severe exfoliative skin changes and experienced an unfavorable prognosis. This variability emphasizes the need for careful patient selection and close monitoring during ICI treatment. We hypothesized that overweight or obese individuals and those with severe initial skin lesions and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels are more susceptible to developing irAEs following ICI therapy. Therefore, caution is advised when considering immunotherapy in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Yun Kim
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Duk Ki Kim
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Song-Yi Choi
- Department of pathology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Chaeuk Chung
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Schmitt C, Hoefsmit EP, Fangmeier T, Kramer N, Kabakci C, Vera González J, Versluis JM, Compter A, Harrer T, Mijočević H, Schubert S, Hundsberger T, Menzies AM, Scolyer RA, Long GV, French LE, Blank CU, Heinzerling LM. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced neurotoxicity is not associated with seroprevalence of neurotropic infections. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3475-3489. [PMID: 37606856 PMCID: PMC10576679 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03498-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) substantially improve outcome for patients with cancer. However, the majority of patients develops immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which can be persistent and significantly reduce quality of life. Neurological irAEs occur in 1-5% of patients and can induce severe, permanent sequelae or even be fatal. In order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurological irAEs and to better understand their pathogenesis, we assessed whether previous neurotropic infections are associated with neurological irAEs. METHODS Neurotropic infections that might predispose to ICI-induced neurological irAEs were analyzed in 61 melanoma patients from 3 countries, the Netherlands, Australia and Germany, including 24 patients with neurotoxicity and 37 control patients. In total, 14 viral, 6 bacterial, and 1 protozoal infections previously reported to trigger neurological pathologies were assessed using routine serology testing. The Dutch and Australian cohorts (NL) included pre-treatment plasma samples of patients treated with neoadjuvant ICI therapy (OpACIN-neo and PRADO trials; NCT02977052). In the Dutch/Australian cohort a total of 11 patients with neurological irAEs were compared to 27 control patients (patients without neurological irAEs). The German cohort (LMU) consisted of serum samples of 13 patients with neurological irAE and 10 control patients without any documented irAE under ICI therapy. RESULTS The association of neurological irAEs with 21 possible preceding infections was assessed by measuring specific antibodies against investigated agents. The seroprevalence of all the tested viral (cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr-Virus, varicella-zoster virus, measles, rubella, influenza A and B, human herpes virus 6 and 7, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, parvovirus B19, hepatitis A and E and human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 and 2), bacterial (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Campylobacter jejuni, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Coxiella burnetti, Helicobacter pylori, Yersinia enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis) and protozoal (Toxoplasma gondii) infections was similar for patients who developed neurological irAEs as compared to control patients. Thus, the analysis provided no evidence for an association of described agents tested for seroprevalence with ICI induced neurotoxicity. CONCLUSION Previous viral, bacterial and protozoal neurotropic infections appear not to be associated with the development of neurological irAEs in melanoma patients who underwent therapy with ICI across 3 countries. Further efforts are needed to unravel the factors underlying neurological irAEs in order to identify risk factors for these toxicities, especially with the increasing use of ICI in earlier stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schmitt
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - E P Hoefsmit
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Fangmeier
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - N Kramer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - C Kabakci
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - J Vera González
- Department of Dermatology, Uniklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - J M Versluis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Compter
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - T Harrer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Infectious Diseases and Immunodeficiency Section, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Für Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - H Mijočević
- Max Von Pettenkofer Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - S Schubert
- Max Von Pettenkofer Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Hundsberger
- Departments of Neurology and Medical Oncology/Haematology, Cantonal Hospital, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - A M Menzies
- Melanoma Institute of Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute of Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G V Long
- Melanoma Institute of Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - L E French
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Dr. Philip Frost, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - C U Blank
- Department of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - L M Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, Uniklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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7
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Pašalić D, Nikuševa-Martić T, Sekovanić A, Kaštelan S. Genetic and Epigenetic Features of Uveal Melanoma-An Overview and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12807. [PMID: 37628989 PMCID: PMC10454135 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is rare, but it is the most common primary intraocular malignancy among adults. This review represents the molecular, genetic, and immunobiological mechanisms involved in UM carcinogenesis and progression, as well as data about the association of chromosomal changes, genetic mutations, selective proteins, and biochemical biomarkers with the clinical implications of UM. Genetic analysis has the potential to identify patients with a high risk of UM metastasis, enabling management that is more effective and allowing for the follow-up of patients. Advancements in molecular characterization of UM offer opportunities to develop targeted therapeutic strategies by focusing on relevant signaling pathways. Changes in miRNA expression could be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of UM, due to unique miRNA profiles in melanoma cells or tissue and its association with metastasis. Although liver function tests do not provide enough data on the prognosis of UM, due to the high frequency of liver metastasis, liver function tests (LFTs) might be useful indicators; however, the absence of rising LFT values cannot lead to the exclusion of liver metastases. Molecular analysis of tumor tissue will allow us to identify patients with the added benefit of new therapeutic agents and provide a better insight into melanoma pathogenesis and its biological behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Pašalić
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Tamara Nikuševa-Martić
- Department of Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Snježana Kaštelan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Hospital Dubrava, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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8
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Lepper A, Bitsch R, Özbay Kurt FG, Arkhypov I, Lasser S, Utikal J, Umansky V. Melanoma patients with immune-related adverse events after immune checkpoint inhibitors are characterized by a distinct immunological phenotype of circulating T cells and M-MDSCs. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2247303. [PMID: 37593676 PMCID: PMC10431726 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2247303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has improved the prognosis of melanoma patients. However, ICIs can cause an overactivation of the immune system followed by diverse immunological side effects known as immune-related adverse events (irAE). Currently, the toxicity of irAE is limiting the usage of ICIs. Here, we studied circulating monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) and T cells in course of irAE after the ICI therapy. Our longitudinal study involved 31 melanoma patients with and without adverse events during anti-PD-1 monotherapy or anti-CTLA-4/PD-1 combination therapy. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed before ICI start, during ICI treatment, at the time point of irAE and during immunosuppressive treatment to cure irAE. We observed an enhanced progression-free survival among patients with irAE. In patients with irAE, we found an upregulation of CD69 on CD8+ T cells and a decreased frequency of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Moreover, lower frequencies of Tregs correlated with more severe side effects. Patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs after irAE manifestation tend to show an elevated number of M-MDSCs during an immunosuppressive therapy. We suggest that an activation of CD8+ T cells and the reduction of Treg frequencies could be responsible for the development of irAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Lepper
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rebekka Bitsch
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Feyza Gül Özbay Kurt
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ihor Arkhypov
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Samantha Lasser
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Viktor Umansky
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunoscience (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Zhou C, Li Y, Li J, Song B, Li H, Liang B, Gu S, Li H, Chen C, Li S, Peng C, Liu F, Xiao J, Long X, Li P, Xiong Z, Yi X, Liao W, Shi L. A Phase 1/2 Multicenter Randomized Trial of Local Ablation plus Toripalimab versus Toripalimab Alone for Previously Treated Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2816-2825. [PMID: 37223896 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the safety and efficacy of local ablation plus PD-1 inhibitor toripalimab in previously treated unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS In the multicenter, two-stage, and randomized phase 1/2 trial, patients were randomly assigned to receive toripalimab alone (240 mg, every 3 weeks), subtotal local ablation followed by toripalimab starting on post-ablation day 3 (Schedule D3), or on post-ablation day 14 (Schedule D14). The first endpoint of stage 1 was to determine which combination schedule could continue and progression-free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint for stage 1/2. RESULTS A total of 146 patients were recruited. During stage 1, Schedule D3 achieved numerically higher objective response rate (ORR) than Schedule D14 for non-ablation lesions (37.5% vs. 31.3%), and was chosen for stage 2 evaluation. For the entire cohort of both stages, patients with Schedule D3 had a significantly higher ORR than with toripalimab alone (33.8% vs. 16.9%; P = 0.027). Moreover, patients with Schedule D3 had improved median PFS (7.1 vs. 3.8 months; P < 0.001) and median overall survival (18.4 vs. 13.2 months; P = 0.005), as compared with toripalimab alone. In addition, six (9%) patients with toripalimab, eight (12%) with Schedule D3, and 4 (25%) with Schedule D14 developed grade 3 or 4 adverse events, and one patient (2%) with Schedule D3 manifested grade 5 treatment-related pneumonitis. CONCLUSIONS In patients with previously treated unresectable HCC, subtotal ablation plus toripalimab improved the clinical efficacy as compared with toripalimab alone, with an acceptable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Vascular and Tumor Intervention, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaping Li
- Department of Interventional Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Botian Song
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Hanfeng Li
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Bin Liang
- Department of Radiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Changsha, China
| | - Shanzhi Gu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Hunan Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haiping Li
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Changyong Chen
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Sai Li
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Changli Peng
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Juxiong Xiao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Xueying Long
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Vascular and Tumor Intervention, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Zhengping Xiong
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Hunan Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoping Yi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Weihua Liao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Liangrong Shi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (Xiangya Hospital), Changsha, China
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10
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Liu C, Shatila M, Mathew A, Machado AP, Thomas A, Zhang HC, Thomas AS, Faleck D, Funchain P, Philpott J, Grivas P, Obeid M, Carbonnel F, Wang Y. Role of C-Reactive Protein in Predicting the Severity and Response of Immune-Mediated Diarrhea and Colitis in Patients with Cancer. J Cancer 2023; 14:1913-1919. [PMID: 37476185 PMCID: PMC10355204 DOI: 10.7150/jca.84261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Immune-mediated diarrhea and colitis (IMDC) frequently develop after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a serum inflammatory biomarker used to stratify and monitor disease severity in many inflammatory conditions. However, CRP level is not specific and is widely influenced by various factors non-specific to bowel inflammation. We aimed to study the utility of CRP as a predictor of disease severity and therapy response in IMDC. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with IMDC who had CRP measured at IMDC onset and after treatment with selective immunosuppressive therapy (SIT: infliximab and vedolizumab), between 01/2016 and 02/2022 at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and IMDC data were collected and analyzed. Results: Our sample of 128 patients had a median age of 67 years; most were white (89.8%); and male (65.6%). Prior to development of IMDC, 15 (11.7%) were initially treated with anti-CTLA-4, 42 (32.8%) with anti-PD-1 or PD-L1, and 71 (55.5%) with a combination of both. We found higher CRP level was associated with higher CTCAE grade of clinical symptoms such as diarrhea (p=0.015), colitis (p=0.013), and endoscopic findings (p=0.016). While CRP levels decreased after IMDC treatment, there was no significant association between CRP levels with clinical remission, endoscopic remission or histologic remission. There also was no significant correlation between CRP level and recurrence of IMDC, or with fecal calprotectin levels. Conclusion: CRP level may be useful to assess initial severity of IMDC, including grade of diarrhea and colitis and degree of endoscopic inflammation. However, CRP is not a robust surrogate biomarker for assessing treatment response or disease recurrence. Despite the reduction of CRP levels observed following IMDC treatment, this finding might be nonspecific and potentially confounded by concurrent clinical factors, such as underlying malignancy, other inflammatory processes, and systemic anti-cancer therapy. Further studies of the role of CRP are warranted in patients with cancer and IMDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Malek Shatila
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Antony Mathew
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Antonio Pizuorno Machado
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Austin Thomas
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hao Chi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anusha S. Thomas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Faleck
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Pauline Funchain
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jessica Philpott
- Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Petros Grivas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of Washington, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michel Obeid
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Department of Medicine, Service of Immunology and Allergy, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Franck Carbonnel
- Gastroenterology Department, Université Paris Saclay 11, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Yinghong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Yamamoto T, Mizuno K, Ito T, Yokoyama S, Yamamoto K, Imai N, Ishizu Y, Honda T, Ishikawa T, Kanamori A, Yasuda S, Toyoda H, Yokota K, Hase T, Nishio N, Maeda O, Ishii M, Sone M, Ando Y, Akiyama M, Ishigami M, Kawashima H. Abdominal pain accompanied by elevated serum inflammatory markers and biliary enzymes for diagnosing immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced sclerosing cholangitis. Invest New Drugs 2023:10.1007/s10637-023-01366-3. [PMID: 37171720 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-023-01366-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune-related sclerosing cholangitis (irSC) is relatively rare and its clinical characteristics are not well known. In this study, we aimed to summarize the clinical features of irSC. Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 1,393 patients with advanced malignancy treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) between August 2014 and October 2021. We analyzed patients with immune-related adverse events of liver injury (liver-irAEs) and compared irSC and non-irSC groups. Sixty-seven patients (4.8%) had a liver-irAE (≥ grade 3) during the follow-up period (median, 262 days). Among these, irSC was observed in eight patients (11.9%). All patients in the irSC group were treated with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. Compared with the non-irSC group, the irSC group showed mainly non-hepatocellular liver injury (87.5 % vs 50.8 %, P = 0.065), and had elevated serum inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP and NLR) and biliary enzymes (e.g., GGTP and ALP) at the onset of liver-irAEs. Furthermore, most patients with irSC had abdominal pain. In the non-irSC group, the liver injury of 23 patients improved only with the discontinuation of ICIs, and 22 patients improved with medication including prednisolone (PSL). Conversely, almost all patients (n=7) in the irSC group were treated with PSL, but only two patients experienced an improvement in liver injury. We found that irSC is characterized by a non-hepatocellular type of liver injury with abdominal pain and a high inflammatory response and is refractory to treatment. Further examination by imaging is recommended to detect intractable irSC in cases with these characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Mizuno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takanori Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Shinya Yokoyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kenta Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norihiro Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoji Ishizu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takuya Ishikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Kanamori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Japan
| | - Kenji Yokota
- Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Hase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishio
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Osamu Maeda
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Makoto Ishii
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Michihiko Sone
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuichi Ando
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Chemotherapy, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masashi Akiyama
- Department of Dermatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ishigami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kawashima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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12
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Tomsitz D, Ruf T, Zierold S, French LE, Heinzerling L. Steroid-Refractory Immune-Related Adverse Events Induced by Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092538. [PMID: 37174003 PMCID: PMC10177379 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence, second-line management and outcome of sr/sd-irAEs was investigated in patients with skin cancer. All skin cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) between 2013 and 2021 at a tertiary care center were analyzed retrospectively. Adverse events were coded by CTCAE version 5.0. The course and frequency of irAEs were summarized using descriptive statistics. A total of 406 patients were included in the study. In 44.6% (n = 181) of patients, 229 irAEs were documented. Out of those, 146 irAEs (63.8%) were treated with systemic steroids. Sr-irAEs and sd-irAEs (n = 25) were detected in 10.9% of all irAEs, and in 6.2% of ICI-treated patients. In this cohort, infliximab (48%) and mycophenolate mofetil (28%) were most often administered as second-line immunosuppressants. The type of irAE was the most important factor associated with the choice of second-line immunosuppression. The Sd/sr-irAEs resolved in 60% of cases, had permanent sequelae in 28% of cases, and required third-line therapy in 12%. None of the irAEs were fatal. Although these side effects manifest in only 6.2% of patients under ICI therapy, they impose difficult therapy decisions, especially since there are few data to determine the optimal second-line immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Tomsitz
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Ruf
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- SERIO Side Effects Registry Immunooncology, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Zierold
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- SERIO Side Effects Registry Immunooncology, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Lars E French
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- SERIO Side Effects Registry Immunooncology, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital Erlangen, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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13
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Les I, Martínez M, Pérez-Francisco I, Cabero M, Teijeira L, Arrazubi V, Torrego N, Campillo-Calatayud A, Elejalde I, Kochan G, Escors D. Predictive Biomarkers for Checkpoint Inhibitor Immune-Related Adverse Events. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051629. [PMID: 36900420 PMCID: PMC10000735 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are antagonists of inhibitory receptors in the immune system, such as the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4, the programmed cell death protein-1 and its ligand PD-L1, and they are increasingly used in cancer treatment. By blocking certain suppressive pathways, ICIs promote T-cell activation and antitumor activity but may induce so-called immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which mimic traditional autoimmune disorders. With the approval of more ICIs, irAE prediction has become a key factor in improving patient survival and quality of life. Several biomarkers have been described as potential irAE predictors, some of them are already available for clinical use and others are under development; examples include circulating blood cell counts and ratios, T-cell expansion and diversification, cytokines, autoantibodies and autoantigens, serum and other biological fluid proteins, human leucocyte antigen genotypes, genetic variations and gene profiles, microRNAs, and the gastrointestinal microbiome. Nevertheless, it is difficult to generalize the application of irAE biomarkers based on the current evidence because most studies have been retrospective, time-limited and restricted to a specific type of cancer, irAE or ICI. Long-term prospective cohorts and real-life studies are needed to assess the predictive capacity of different potential irAE biomarkers, regardless of the ICI type, organ involved or cancer site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Les
- Internal Medicine Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Inflammatory and Immune-Mediated Diseases Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.L.); (D.E.); Tel.: +34-84-842-9516 (I.L.)
| | - Mireia Martínez
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Department of Medical Oncology, Araba University Hospital, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Lung Cancer Research Group, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Inés Pérez-Francisco
- Breast Cancer Research Group, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Cabero
- Clinical Trials Platform, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Lucía Teijeira
- Medical Oncology Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Virginia Arrazubi
- Medical Oncology Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nuria Torrego
- Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Department of Medical Oncology, Araba University Hospital, 01009 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Lung Cancer Research Group, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Ana Campillo-Calatayud
- Inflammatory and Immune-Mediated Diseases Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Elejalde
- Internal Medicine Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Navarre University Hospital, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Inflammatory and Immune-Mediated Diseases Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Grazyna Kochan
- Oncoimmunology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - David Escors
- Oncoimmunology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdISNA), Navarrabiomed-Public University of Navarre, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.L.); (D.E.); Tel.: +34-84-842-9516 (I.L.)
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14
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Sandoval M, Wechsler AH, Alhajji Z, Viets-Upchurch J, Brock P, Lipe DN, Al-Breiki A, Yeung SJ. Evaluation and management of acute high-grade immunotherapy-related neurotoxicity. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13725. [PMID: 36851967 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor monoclonal antibodies allow the host's immune system to attack tumors, which has revolutionized cancer care over the last decade. As the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has expanded, so have autoimmune-like complications known as immune-related adverse events. These include the infrequent but increasingly more common, potentially deadly neurological immune related adverse events. When feeling acutely ill, patients will often seek care not from their oncologist but from their family physician, clinics, emergency, and urgent care sites, or other available providers. Thus, while assessing acutely ill cancer patients who are experiencing neurological symptoms, non-oncologists should be prepared to recognize, diagnose, and treat neurological immune related adverse events in addition to more familiar conditions. This narrative review is designed to update acute care clinicians on current knowledge and to present a symptom-based framework for evaluating and treating neurological immune related adverse events based on the leading immunotoxicity organizations' latest recommendations.
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15
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Burzio C, Balzani E, Montrucchio G, Trompeo AC, Corcione S, Brazzi L. Trichoderma spp.-Related Pneumonia: A Case Report in Heart-Lung Transplantation Recipient and a Systematic Literature Review. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:195. [PMID: 36836310 PMCID: PMC9961996 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Opportunistic and hospital-acquired infections are common among recipients of solid organ transplantation. New pathogens are increasingly reported in the intensive care unit (ICU) population. We report a case of a patient who developed Trichoderma spp.-related pneumonia (TRP) after heart-lung transplantation. In the absence of antifungal susceptibility testing, TRP was confirmed by histological examination, and empirical therapy with voriconazole and caspofungin was swiftly initiated. Complete resolution of pneumonia was obtained after prolonged combination therapy. Given the lack of guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to elucidate the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to apply during Trichoderma infection. After deduplication and selection of full texts, we found 42 articles eligible for the systematic review. Pneumonia seems to be the most common clinical manifestation (31.8%). The most used antifungal therapy was amphotericin B, while combination therapy was also reported (27.3%). All the patients were immunocompromised except for one case. Despite the rarity of Trichoderma spp. infection, the increase in invasive fungal infections is of growing importance in ICU, considering their impact on mortality and the emergence of antifungal resistance. In the absence of prospective and multicenter studies, a review can provide useful insight regarding the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and management of these unexpected challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Burzio
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Eleonora Balzani
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Montrucchio
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara Trompeo
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Corcione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Luca Brazzi
- Department of Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Emergency, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino Hospital, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
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16
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Franciosa G, Kverneland AH, Jensen AWP, Donia M, Olsen JV. Proteomics to study cancer immunity and improve treatment. Semin Immunopathol 2023; 45:241-251. [PMID: 36598558 PMCID: PMC10121539 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00980-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer survival and progression depend on the ability of tumor cells to avoid immune recognition. Advances in the understanding of cancer immunity and tumor immune escape mechanisms enabled the development of immunotherapeutic approaches. In patients with otherwise incurable metastatic cancers, immunotherapy resulted in unprecedented response rates with the potential for durable complete responses. However, primary and acquired resistance mechanisms limit the efficacy of immunotherapy. Further therapeutic advances require a deeper understanding of the interplay between immune cells and tumors. Most high-throughput studies within the past decade focused on an omics characterization at DNA and RNA level. However, proteins are the molecular effectors of genomic information; therefore, the study of proteins provides deeper understanding of cellular functions. Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics at a system-wide scale may allow translational and clinical discoveries by enabling the analysis of understudied post-translational modifications, subcellular protein localization, cell signaling, and protein-protein interactions. In this review, we discuss the potential contribution of MS-based proteomics to preclinical and clinical research findings in the context of tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Franciosa
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anders H Kverneland
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Agnete W P Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jesper V Olsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Schlüter J, Cunningham S, Zimmermann R, Achenbach S, Kramer R, Erdmann M, Beckmann M, Heinzerling L, Hackstein H. Characterization of the impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors on platelet activation and aggregation. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152311. [PMID: 36495598 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective oncological drugs which block cellular check-point receptors typically targeted by tumor immune evasion strategies. Despite their benefits, clinicians have reported treatment-associated thromboembolism during ICI therapy in recent years. Though several theories on this ICI-associated pathogenesis exist, the direct effects of ICIs on platelets remains unknown. We therefore investigated the potential direct and indirect effect of PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4-targeting ICIs on platelet functionality in multifaceted in vitro experiments. Interestingly, we could not observe a clear effect of ICI on platelet aggregation and primary hemostasis in whole blood and platelet concentrate-based assays. Furthermore, the presence of ICIs in toll-like receptor stimulation had no significant impact on platelet surface marker expression. In a second approach, we investigated the indirect immunological impact of ICIs on platelet activation by exposing platelets to supernatants from ICI- and Staphylococcal enterotoxin B-exposed PBMCs. Whereas ICIs affected IL-2 levels in supernatants, we could not detect clear differences in the secretion of pro-thrombogenic factors and platelet responses. The obtained data suggest that the direct influence of ICIs on platelet activation or the influence of altered T cell function on platelet activation cannot be considered a major factor in the development of thrombotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Schlüter
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemostaseology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Sarah Cunningham
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemostaseology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany.
| | - Robert Zimmermann
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemostaseology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Susanne Achenbach
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemostaseology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Rafaela Kramer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Michael Erdmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Malte Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich 80539, Germany
| | - Holger Hackstein
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hemostaseology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany
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18
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Tison A, Garaud S, Chiche L, Cornec D, Kostine M. Immune-checkpoint inhibitor use in patients with cancer and pre-existing autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022. [PMID: 36198831 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00841-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically changed the management of advanced cancers. Designed to enhance the antitumour immune response, they can also cause off-target immune-related adverse events (irAEs), which are sometimes severe. Although the efficacy of ICIs suggests that they could have wide-ranging benefits, clinical trials of the drugs have so far excluded patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease. However, evidence is accumulating with regard to the use of ICIs in this 'at-risk' population, with retrospective data suggesting that they have an acceptable safety profile, but that there is a risk of disease flare or other irAE occurrence. The management of immunosuppressive drugs at ICI initiation in patients with autoimmune disease (or later in instances of disease flare or irAE) remains a question of particular interest in clinical practice, in which there is always a search for the balance between protecting against autoimmunity and ensuring a good tumour response. Although temporary use of immunosuppressants seems safe, prolonged use or use at ICI initiation might hamper the antitumour immune response, prompting clinicians to use the minimal efficient immunosuppressive regimen. However, a new paradigm is emerging, in which inhibitors of TNF or IL-6 could have synergistic effects with ICIs on tumour response, while also preventing severe irAEs. If confirmed, this 'decoupling' effect on toxicity and efficacy could change therapeutic practice in this field. Knowledge of the current use of ICIs in patients with pre-existing autoimmune disease, particularly with regard to the use of immunosuppressive drugs and/or biologic DMARDs, can help to guide clinical practice.
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19
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Fan S, Liu X, Wu Y, Li K, Zhao X, Lin W, Liu J. Prognostic Value of Lactate Dehydrogenase, Melanoma Inhibitory Protein, and S-100B Protein in Patients with Malignant Melanoma. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2022; 2022:9086540. [PMID: 36248431 PMCID: PMC9553451 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9086540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective This investigation probed the prognostic potential for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), melanoma inhibitory activity protein (MIA), and S-100B protein in cases of malignant melanoma. Methods 84 cases were segregated into effective cohort (n = 64) and ineffective cohort (n = 20) depending on clinical efficacy. The cases were followed up for three years and segregated into mortality cohort (n = 29) and survival cohort (n = 55) depending upon 3-year survival. Serum LDH, MIA, and S-100B levels were compared across the effective and ineffective cohorts. Serum LDH, MIA, and S-100B levels in cases of different clinical stages were comparatively analyzed, with correlations of these indicators with the clinical stage being evaluated. ROC evaluated the prognostic potential of serum LDH, MIA, and S-100B. Cases were segregated into the high-level and low-level cohorts according to serum LDH, MIA, and S-100B levels, and the survival rates of cases were compared. Results The levels of LDH, MIA, and S-100B in the effective cohort were significantly lower than those in the ineffective cohort. The AUC value of the composite indicator of serum LDH, MIA, and S-100B for effectiveness evaluation was (0.839). Serum LDH, MIA, and S-100B levels were positively linked to the clinical stage. AUC value of the composite indicator of serum LDH, MIA, and S-100B for prognosis evaluation prediction (0.942) was elevated compared to LDH (0.632), MIA (0.732), or S-100B (0.828) alone. Survival rate of cases of LDH ≥30.56 mg/L (57.14%, 32/56) was lower than that of cases of LDH <30.56 mg/L (82.14%, 23/28) (log-rank χ 2 = 4.672, P < 0.05). The survival rate of MIA ≥5.34 ng/mL cases was lower than that of MIA <5.34 ng/mL cases. The survival rate of cases of S-100B ≥ 1.03ug/L was lower than that of S-100B < 1.03ug/L. Conclusion Serum LDH, MIA, and S-100B protein levels are linked to the clinical stage. The lactate dehydrogenase, melanoma inhibitory protein, and S-100B protein are of good clinical effectiveness and have the prognostic potential for cases of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuwen Fan
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Yizhu Wu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
| | - Jianjiang Liu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, China
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20
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Garrison Z, Hornick N, Cheng J, Kulkarni RP. Circulating biomarkers of response to immunotherapy and immune-related adverse events. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2022; 22:855-865. [PMID: 36193802 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2130688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized cancer treatment. However, response rates vary, and these treatments have a high rate of immune-related side effects, which can be limiting. Thus, tests to predict who will respond and who may experience side effects are of critical importance toward realizing the ultimate goal of precision oncology. AREAS COVERED We review several of the most recent advances in circulating biomarkers that have been reported to be useful in predicting response and immune-related adverse events (irAE) to checkpoint blockade immunotherapies (CBI). We focus on high-quality studies published within the last few years. We highlight significant findings, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations on how these biomarkers may be translated into clinical utility. EXPERT OPINION As newer immunotherapies are developed, there is a pressing need to identify circulating biomarkers that can help predict responses and side effects. Current studies are mostly small-scale and retrospective; there is a need for larger-scale and prospective studies to help validate several of the biomarkers detailed here. As oncology focuses more on precision-based approaches, it is likely that a combination of biomarkers, including circulating ones as detailed here, will have critical utility in guiding clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Garrison
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Noah Hornick
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rajan P Kulkarni
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center (CEDAR), Portland, OR, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.,Operative Care Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
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21
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Zhang Z, Xie T, Qi C, Zhang X, Shen L, Peng Z. Peripheral Blood Biomarkers Predictive of Efficacy Outcome and Immune-Related Adverse Events in Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancers Treated with Checkpoint Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3736. [PMID: 35954401 PMCID: PMC9367581 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal cancers constitute a major burden of global cancer mortalities. In recent years, the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors has greatly improved the survival of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers, while predictive biomarkers of treatment efficacy and toxicities are still unmet demands. Methods: In our retrospective study, patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancers who received single or double immune checkpoint inhibitors in the Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology in Peking University Cancer Hospital between July 2016 and February 2022 were enrolled. Records of clinicopathological information, survival parameters, safety data, and baseline and posttreatment peripheral blood constituents were retrieved. Cox regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the predictive factors of treatment outcomes and immune-related adverse events. Results: We demonstrated that early treatment lines, the presence of immune-related adverse events, and a lower C2 neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were independent factors predicting a superior objective response rate and progression-free survival in patients treated with immunotherapy. Lower ECOG PS, higher baseline albumin, and lower C2 neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were independent risk factors for the onset of immune-related adverse events. Patients who succumbed to immune-related adverse events during immunotherapy presented better survival. Conclusion: Our results indicate that peripheral blood markers have potential for predicting treatment outcomes and immune-related adverse events in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer. Prospective validations are warranted.
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22
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Chan KK, Bass AR. Monitoring and Management of the Patient with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Inflammatory Arthritis: Current Perspectives. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:3105-3118. [PMID: 35642215 PMCID: PMC9148583 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s282600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we draw from observational studies, treatment guidelines and our own clinical experience to describe approaches to monitoring and management of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced inflammatory arthritis, including polymyalgia rheumatica. This condition occurs in about 4% of ICI-treated cancer patients and can persist for a year or longer. Mild arthritis can generally be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, intraarticular steroids injections and/or low dose corticosteroids. Higher grade arthritis should be brought under control with corticosteroids, but early introduction of a steroid-sparing agent is recommended to minimize steroid toxicity. In order to assess the effectiveness of any arthritis treatment, tender and swollen joint counts and patient reported measures of physical function, such as the health assessment questionnaire, should be obtained at each visit. Referral to a rheumatologist is recommended for patients with high grade arthritis to help guide the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karmela K Chan
- Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anne R Bass
- Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery/Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Correspondence: Anne R Bass, Email
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23
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Lin X, Deng H, Yang Y, Wu J, Qiu G, Li S, Xie X, Liu M, Xie Z, Qin Y, Song Y, Zhou C. Peripheral Blood Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis, Severity, and Prognosis of Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis in Patients With Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:698832. [PMID: 34327140 PMCID: PMC8313853 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.698832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) is a potentially fatal immune-related adverse event that occurs during treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the roles played by peripheral blood parameters in CIP development remain unclear. Here, we aimed to identify which blood biomarkers correlated with the development and prognosis of CIP in patients with lung cancer. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 87 patients with CIP (CIP group) and 87 patients without CIP (control group). Cytokines, blood routine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin (ALB) were collected at baseline (before ICIs), at onset of pneumonitis (in the CIP group), and before the last dose of ICI (in the control group). We compared the baseline values and changes over time in various blood parameters between the CIP and control groups. The CIP outcomes were collected and compared according to the median values of these parameters. Results Squamous carcinoma (odds ratio [OR]: 3.02; p = 0.004) and ICI monotherapy (OR: 6.56; p = 0.004) correlated with a high risk of CIP. In the CIP group, interleukin (IL)-6 and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) at CIP were significantly increased relative to baseline. By contrast, IL-6 and PLR reduced over time in the control group. Significant decrease in absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and increases in IL-10, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and LDH levels were observed from baseline to CIP. No significant change in these parameters was observed in the control group relative to baseline. ALB decreased in both groups, but the decrease in the CIP group was greater (9.21% vs. 2.44%; p = 0.020). High IL-6 levels (OR: 5.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–23.86; p = 0.033), and low levels of ALB (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04–0.64; p = 0.009) measured at the time of CIP symptom onset were associated with severe pneumonitis. Low concentration of IL-6 (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.03–0.95; p = 0.044) and high ALB levels (HR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08–0.94; p = 0.040) were correlated with favorable overall survival in CIP. Conclusions Increase in IL-6, IL-10, NLR, PLR, and LDH levels or reduced ALC and ALB levels were associated with the occurrence of CIP in lung cancer patients. High IL-6 and low ALB levels at onset of CIP were related to severe grade and poor prognosis of CIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinqing Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yilin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihuan Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanhong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinyin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengzhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Kurzhals JK, Graf T, Boch K, Grzyska U, Frydrychowicz A, Zillikens D, Terheyden P, Langan EA. Serum Troponin T Concentrations Are Frequently Elevated in Advanced Skin Cancer Patients Prior to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Experience From a Single Tertiary Referral Center. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:691618. [PMID: 34291066 PMCID: PMC8288046 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.691618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of several human malignancies, particularly metastatic skin cancer. However, immune-related myocarditis (irM), an immune-mediated adverse event (irAE), is often fatal. In the absence of a reliable biomarker, measurement of pre-ICI therapy serum troponin concentration has been proposed to identify patients at risk of developing irM, although real-world studies examining this strategy are lacking. Thus, we retrospectively analyzed the case records of all patients who commenced ICI therapy between January 2018 and December 2019 in a single university skin cancer center (n = 121) to (i) determine the incidence of irM, (ii) establish the frequency of pretreatment serum hsTnT elevations, and (iii) to establish whether this identified patients who subsequently developed irM. Only one patient developed irM, resulting in an overall incidence of 0.8%. Pretreatment hsTnT was measured in 47 patients and was elevated in 13 (28%). Elevated serum hsTnT concentrations were associated with chronic renal failure (p = 0.02) and diabetes (p < 0.0002). Pretreatment hsTnT was not elevated in the patient who developed fulminant irM. Pre-immunotherapy serum hsTnT concentrations were often asymptomatically elevated in patients with advanced skin cancer, none of whom subsequently developed irM during ICI therapy. However, large studies are required to assess the positive and negative predictive values of hsTnT for the development of irM. In the meantime, elevated hsTnT concentrations should be investigated before initiation of immunotherapy and closely monitored during early treatment cycles, where the risk of irM is greatest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas K Kurzhals
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tobias Graf
- Department of Cardiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Katharina Boch
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grzyska
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Alex Frydrychowicz
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Detlef Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Ewan A Langan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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