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Tjader NP, Toland AE. Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer: insight from inherited genetics. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00008-6. [PMID: 38360438 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.01.008] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy shows efficacy for multiple cancer types and potential for expanded use. However, current immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are ineffective against microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (CRC), which is more commonly diagnosed. Immunotherapy strategies for non-responsive CRC, including new targets and new combination therapies, are being tested to address this need. Importantly, a subset of inherited germline genetic variants associated with CRC risk are predicted to regulate genes with immune functions, including genes related to existing ICIs, as well as new potential targets in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region and immunoregulatory cytokines. We review discoveries in the inherited genetics of CRC related to the immune system and draw connections with ongoing developments and emerging immunotherapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nijole Pollock Tjader
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amanda Ewart Toland
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Human Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Scarabel L, Bignucolo A, Toffoli G, Cecchin E, De Mattia E. Pharmacogenetics Role of Genetic Variants in Immune-Related Factors: A Systematic Review Focusing on mCRC. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14. [PMID: 36432658 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacogenetics plays a key role in personalized cancer treatment. Currently, the clinically available pharmacogenetic markers for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) are in genes related to drug metabolism, such as DPYD for fluoropyrimidines and UGT1A1 for irinotecan. Recently, the impact of host variability in inflammatory and immune-response genes on treatment response has gained considerable attention, opening innovative perspectives for optimizing tailored mCRC therapy. A literature review was performed on the predictive role of immune-related germline genetic biomarkers on pharmacological outcomes in patients with mCRC. Particularly, that for efficacy and toxicity was reported and the potential role for clinical management of patients was discussed. Most of the available data regard therapy effectiveness, while the impact on toxicity remains limited. Several studies focused on the effects of polymorphisms in genes related to antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (FCGR2A, FCGR3A) and yielded promising but inconclusive results on cetuximab efficacy. The remaining published data are sparse and mainly hypothesis-generating but suggest potentially interesting topics for future pharmacogenetic studies, including innovative gene-drug interactions in a clinical context. Besides the tumor immune escape pathway, genetic markers belonging to cytokines/interleukins (IL-8 and its receptors) and angiogenic mediators (IGF1) seem to be the best investigated and hopefully most promising to be translated into clinical practice after validation.
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Giordano G, Parcesepe P, Bruno G, Piscazzi A, Lizzi V, Remo A, Pancione M, D’Andrea MR, De Santis E, Coppola L, Pietrafesa M, Fersini A, Ambrosi A, Landriscina M. Evidence-Based Second-Line Treatment in RAS Wild-Type/Mutated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in the Precision Medicine Era. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147717. [PMID: 34299337 PMCID: PMC8307359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Target-oriented agents improve metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) survival in combination with chemotherapy. However, the majority of patients experience disease progression after first-line treatment and are eligible for second-line approaches. In such a context, antiangiogenic and anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) agents as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors have been approved as second-line options, and RAS and BRAF mutations and microsatellite status represent the molecular drivers that guide therapeutic choices. Patients harboring K- and N-RAS mutations are not eligible for anti-EGFR treatments, and bevacizumab is the only antiangiogenic agent that improves survival in combination with chemotherapy in first-line, regardless of RAS mutational status. Thus, the choice of an appropriate therapy after the progression to a bevacizumab or an EGFR-based first-line treatment should be evaluated according to the patient and disease characteristics and treatment aims. The continuation of bevacizumab beyond progression or its substitution with another anti-angiogenic agents has been shown to increase survival, whereas anti-EGFR monoclonals represent an option in RAS wild-type patients. In addition, specific molecular subgroups, such as BRAF-mutated and Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) mCRCs represent aggressive malignancies that are poorly responsive to standard therapies and deserve targeted approaches. This review provides a critical overview about the state of the art in mCRC second-line treatment and discusses sequential strategies according to key molecular biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Giordano
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (G.G.); (M.L.)
| | - Pietro Parcesepe
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health—Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Giuseppina Bruno
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Annamaria Piscazzi
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Lizzi
- General Surgey Unit, Policlinico Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Remo
- Pathology Unit “Mater Salutis” Hospital, ULSS9, Legnago, 37045 Verona, Italy;
| | - Massimo Pancione
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy;
| | | | - Elena De Santis
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luigi Coppola
- UOC Anatomia ed Istologia Patologica e Citologia Diagnostica, Dipartimento dei Servizi Diagnostici e della Farmaceutica, Ospedale Sandro Pertini, ASL Roma 2, 00157 Roma, Italy;
| | - Michele Pietrafesa
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata (CROB), Rionero in Vulture, 85028 Potenza, Italy;
| | - Alberto Fersini
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Antonio Ambrosi
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.F.); (A.A.)
| | - Matteo Landriscina
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Biomolecular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Policlinico Riuniti, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (G.B.); (A.P.)
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata (CROB), Rionero in Vulture, 85028 Potenza, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.G.); (M.L.)
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Ciardiello D, Martini G, Famiglietti V, Napolitano S, De Falco V, Troiani T, Latiano TP, Ros J, Elez Fernandez E, Vitiello PP, Maiello E, Ciardiello F, Martinelli E. Biomarker-Guided Anti-Egfr Rechallenge Therapy in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1941. [PMID: 33920531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has been improved over the years and now reaches 30–40 months. However, few therapeutic options are available after failure of first- and second-line treatments. In fact, prognosis of chemo-refractory mCRC remains poor. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed. Emerging evidence suggest that retreatment with epidermal growth factor (EGFR) inhibitors after a treatment break, in patients that obtained a clinical benefit by previous anti-EGFR, could lead to prolonged survival. The rationale beyond this “rechallenge” strategy is that after a “treatment holiday” EGFR resistant cancer cells decay, restoring the sensibility to EGFR blockade. In this review we analyze the current knowledge of retreatment with EGFR inhibitors, examine the role of novel biomarkers that can guide the appropriate selection of patients. Finally, we discuss future perspectives and on-going clinical trials. Abstract The prognosis of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who progressed to the first and the second lines of treatment is poor. Thus, new therapeutic strategies are needed. During the last years, emerging evidence suggests that retreatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) in the third line of mCRC patients, that have previously obtained clinical benefit by first-line therapy with anti-EGFR MAbs plus chemotherapy, could lead to prolonged survival. The rationale beyond this “rechallenge” strategy is that, after disease progression to first line EGFR-based therapy, a treatment break from anti-EGFR drugs results in RAS mutant cancer cell decay, restoring the sensitivity of cancer cells to cetuximab and panitumumab. In fact, rechallenge treatment with anti-EGFR drugs has shown promising clinical activity, particularly in patients with plasma RAS and BRAF wild type circulating tumor DNA, as defined by liquid biopsy analysis at baseline treatment. The aim of this review is to analyze the current knowledge on rechallenge and to investigate the role of novel biomarkers that can guide the appropriate selection of patients that could benefit from this therapeutic strategy. Finally, we discuss on-going trials and future perspectives.
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Manzanares-Martin B, Cebrián Aranda A, Del Puerto-Nevado L, González R, Solanes S, Gómez-España MA, García-Foncillas J, Aranda E. Improving selection of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to benefit from cetuximab based on KIR genotypes. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001705. [PMID: 33833048 PMCID: PMC8039212 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Cetuximab is a standard-of-care treatment for KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but it may also be effective in a subgroup of KRAS mutant patients by its immunomodulatory activity. Here, we explore if KIR (killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor) genotyping can provide a significant added value in the clinical outcome of patients with KRAS mutant mCRC based on cetuximab treatment. METHODS We included 69 patients with histologically confirmed mCRC and KRAS mutation, positive EGFR expression, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2. Based on KIR gene content, haplotype (A or B) was defined and genotypes (AA or Bx) were grouped for each patient. RESULTS We demonstrated with new evidence the immunomodulatory activity of cetuximab in patients with KRAS mutant mCRC. Patients with homozygous genotypes (AA or BB) showed shorter 12-month progression-free survival (PFS12) and poorer overall survival (OS) than those with heterozygotes (AB). Moreover, multivariate analysis confirmed stratification of patients based on genotype was an independent marker of PFS12 (HR 2.16) and the centromeric and telomeric distribution of KIRs was an independent predictor of both PFS12 (HR 2.26) and OS (HR 1.93) in patients with mCRC with KRAS mutation treated with cetuximab. CONCLUSIONS Selection of patients with mCRC based on their KIR genotypes opens a therapeutic opportunity for patients with KRAS mutation, and it should be tested in clinical trials in comparison with other alternatives with scarce benefit. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01450319, EudraCT 2010-023580-18.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arancha Cebrián Aranda
- Oncology, Translational Oncology Division, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Del Puerto-Nevado
- Oncology, Translational Oncology Division, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael González
- Immunology Unit, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Andalucía, Spain
| | - Sonia Solanes
- Oncology, Translational Oncology Division, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Oncology, Translational Oncology Division, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de la Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Aranda
- Medical Oncology, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Andalucía, Spain
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Yuan W, Cai W, Huang X, Peng S. Prognostic value of immune scores in the microenvironment of colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:256. [PMID: 32994819 PMCID: PMC7509622 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become an important means of cancer treatment; however, the complex composition and heterogeneity of the colorectal cancer (CRC) microenvironment pose a huge challenge to cancer immunotherapy. Using data downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, the differences in the microenvironment between cases with low and high immune scores were examined at the multiomics level using bioinformatics approaches. It was revealed that the samples with high immune scores had good cytolytic immune responses and relatively abundant stromal cells, as well as significant infiltration of 22 immune cell subsets and a high non-synonymous mutation burden and neoantigen burden. All of these characteristics contribute to a good prognosis. To better understand the impact of immune-related genes on prognosis, differentially expressed genes between the low and high immune score samples were identified and it was concluded that serpin family Emember 1 (SERPINE1) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) may be potential therapeutic targets. The relationship between the immune score and the infiltration of 22 immune cells and the difference in SERPINE1 expression were verified by analyzing the GSE17536 and GSE21510 data sets downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The present study analyzed the unique properties of immune cells in the CRC microenvironment, which are of great significance for understanding CRC immune mechanism and may also provide novel ideas for the targeted design of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Yuan
- Department of Data Science, College of Mathematics and Information Engineering, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200093, P.R. China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Department of Data Technology, College of Mathematics and Computer Science, Chizhou University, Chizhou, Anhui 247000, P.R. China
| | - Sihua Peng
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources (Shanghai Ocean University), Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200093, P.R. China.,International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, P.R. China
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Blunt MD, Khakoo SI. Activating killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors: Detection, function and therapeutic use. Int J Immunogenet 2020; 47:1-12. [PMID: 31755661 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) have a central role in the control of natural killer (NK) cell function. The functions of the activating KIRs, as compared to those of the inhibitory KIR, have been more difficult to define due to difficulties in antibody-mediated identification and their apparent low affinities for HLA class I. Immunogenetic studies have shown associations of activating KIRs with the outcome of autoimmune diseases, pregnancy-associated disorders, infectious diseases and cancers. Activating KIR are thus thought to have important roles in the control of natural killer cell functions and their role in disease. In this review, we discuss current knowledge on activating KIR, their ligands and, their roles in the pathogenesis and potential therapy of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Blunt
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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