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Wei H, Dong C, Li X. Treatment Options for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Immunotherapy: Present and Future. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:389-405. [PMID: 38638377 PMCID: PMC11022065 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00462] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer, and the body's immune responses greatly affect its progression and the prognosis of patients. Immunological suppression and the maintenance of self-tolerance in the tumor microenvironment are essential responses, and these form part of the theoretical foundations of immunotherapy. In this review, we first discuss the tumor microenvironment of HCC, describe immunosuppression in HCC, and review the major biomarkers used to track HCC progression and response to treatment. We then examine antibody-based therapies, with a focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies that target key proteins in the immune response (programmed cell death protein 1, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4, and programmed death-ligand 1) which have transformed the treatment of HCC and other cancers. ICIs may be used alone or in conjunction with various targeted therapies for patients with advanced HCC who are receiving first-line treatments or subsequent treatments. We also discuss the use of different cellular immunotherapies, including T cell receptor (TCR) T cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. We then review the use of HCC vaccines, adjuvant immunotherapy, and oncolytic virotherapy, and describe the goals of future research in the development of treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wei
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Lanzhou University School of Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for General Surgery of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Liu XL, Li XZ, Chu YF, Liu F, Tian H. Resection of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma after conversion therapy with apatinib and camrelizumab: a case report and literature review. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1280805. [PMID: 38601767 PMCID: PMC11004284 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1280805] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a rather common malignant tumor. Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receive their diagnosis at an advanced stage, at which surgical resection is no longer appropriate. A growing body of research has demonstrated the value of convention therapy for patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma, while specific application protocols and treatment guidelines are not well developed. Emerging clinical researches suggest that a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor is a reasonable strategy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there are relatively few reports on the efficacy of apatinib and camrelizumab in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. We were able to successfully remove one patient's hepatocellular carcinoma after 8 cycles of conversion therapy with apatinib (250 mg orally every day) and camrelizumab (200 mg intravenously every 2 weeks). The patient continued to receive the same dose of 16 cycles of apatinib and camrelizumab after hepatectomy. By the time of this study, the patient has completed 18 months of follow-up, and no tumor recurrence or metastasis was found in tumor markers and imaging examinations. Apatinib in combination with camrelizumab is an effective therapy for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, and surgical resection after this conversion therapy may provide patients with long-term oncological benefits. However, this requires more samples to validate the conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Liang Liu
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiang-Ze Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi-Fu Chu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Hu Tian
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
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Garber HR, Basu S, Jindal S, He Z, Chu K, Raghavendra AS, Yam C, Santiago L, Adrada BE, Sharma P, Mittendorf EA, Litton JK. Durvalumab and tremelimumab before surgery in patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2-negative stage II-III breast cancer. Oncotarget 2024; 15:238-247. [PMID: 38502947 PMCID: PMC10950364 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28567] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
A clinical trial was conducted to assess the feasibility of enrolling patients with Stage II or III hormone receptor positive (HR+)/HER2-negative breast cancer to pre-operative dual PD-L1/CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibition administered prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Eight eligible patients were treated with upfront durvalumab and tremelimumab for two cycles. Patients then received NACT prior to breast surgery. Seven patients had baseline and interval breast ultrasounds after combination immunotherapy and the responses were mixed: 3/7 patients experienced a ≥30% decrease in tumor volume, 3/7 a ≥30% increase, and 1 patient had stable disease. At the time of breast surgery, 1/8 patients had a pathologic complete response (pCR). The trial was stopped early after 3 of 8 patients experienced immunotherapy-related toxicity or suspected disease progression that prompted discontinuation or a delay in the administration of NACT. Two patients experienced grade 3 immune-related adverse events (1 with colitis, 1 with endocrinopathy). Analysis of the tumor microenvironment after combination immunotherapy did not show a significant change in immune cell subsets from baseline. There was limited benefit for dual checkpoint blockade administered prior to NACT in our study of 8 patients with HR+/HER2-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haven R. Garber
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sreyashi Basu
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sonali Jindal
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhong He
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Khoi Chu
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Clinton Yam
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lumarie Santiago
- Department of Breast Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Beatriz E. Adrada
- Department of Breast Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Mittendorf
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer K. Litton
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Endo Y, Moazzam Z, Alaimo L, Woldesenbet S, Lima HA, Munir MM, Katayama E, Yang J, Azap L, Shaikh CF, Ratti F, Marques HP, Cauchy F, Lam V, Poultsides GA, Kitago M, Popescu I, Alexandrescu S, Martel G, Guglielmi A, Gleisner A, Hugh T, Aldrighetti L, Shen F, Endo I, Pawlik TM. Modified integrated tumor burden, liver function, systemic inflammation, and tumor biology score to predict long-term outcomes after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. HPB (Oxford) 2023; 25:1484-1493. [PMID: 37544855 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2023.07.901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A preoperative predictive score for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can help stratify patients who undergo resection relative to long-term outcomes and tailor treatment strategies. METHODS Patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for HCC between 2000 and 2020 were identified from an international multi-institutional database. A risk score (mFIBA) was developed using an Eastern cohort and then validated using a Western cohort. RESULTS Among 957 patients, 443 and 514 patients were included from the Eastern and Western cohorts, respectively. On multivariable analysis, alpha-feto protein (HR1.97, 95%CI 1.42-2.72), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR1.74, 95%CI 1.28-2.38), albumin-bilirubin grade (HR1.66, 95%CI 1.21-2.28), and imaging tumor burden score (HR1.25, 95%CI 1.12-1.40) were associated with OS. The c-index in the Eastern test and Western validation cohorts were 0.69 and 0.67, respectively. Notably, mFIBA score outperformed previous HCC staging systems. 5-year OS incrementally decreased with an increase in mFIBA. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, the mFIBA score was associated with worse OS (HR1.18, 95%CI 1.13-1.23) and higher risk of recurrence (HR1.16, 95%CI 1.11-1.20). An easy-to-use calculator of the mFIBA score was made available online (https://yutaka-endo.shinyapps.io/mFIBA_score/). DISCUSSION The online mFIBA calculator may help surgeons with clinical decision-making to individualize perioperative treatment strategies for patients undergoing resection of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zorays Moazzam
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura Alaimo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Selamawit Woldesenbet
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Henrique A Lima
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Muhammad M Munir
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erryk Katayama
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jason Yang
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lovette Azap
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chanza F Shaikh
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Hugo P Marques
- Department of Surgery, Curry Cabral Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - François Cauchy
- Department of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, APHP, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France
| | - Vincent Lam
- Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Minoru Kitago
- Department of Surgery, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Irinel Popescu
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | | | - Ana Gleisner
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Tom Hugh
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Itaru Endo
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Greten TF, Villanueva A, Korangy F, Ruf B, Yarchoan M, Ma L, Ruppin E, Wang XW. Biomarkers for immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:780-798. [PMID: 37726418 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00816-4] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now widely used for the treatment of patients with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Two different ICI-containing regimens, atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and tremelimumab plus durvalumab, are now approved standard-of-care first-line therapies in this setting. However, and despite substantial improvements in survival outcomes relative to sorafenib, most patients with advanced-stage HCC do not derive durable benefit from these regimens. Advances in genome sequencing including the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (both of tumour material and blood samples), as well as immune cell identification strategies and other techniques such as radiomics and analysis of the microbiota, have created considerable potential for the identification of novel predictive biomarkers enabling the accurate selection of patients who are most likely to derive benefit from ICIs. In this Review, we summarize data on the immunology of HCC and the outcomes in patients receiving ICIs for the treatment of this disease. We then provide an overview of current biomarker use and developments in the past 5 years, including gene signatures, circulating tumour cells, high-dimensional flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing as well as approaches involving the microbiome, radiomics and clinical markers. Novel concepts for further biomarker development in HCC are then discussed including biomarker-driven trials, spatial transcriptomics and integrated 'big data' analysis approaches. These concepts all have the potential to better identify patients who are most likely to benefit from ICIs and to promote the development of new treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- Divisions of Liver Disease and Hematology/Medical Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Firouzeh Korangy
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lichun Ma
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xin W Wang
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Liver Carcinogenesis Section, Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Sara A, Ruff SM, Noonan AM, Pawlik TM. Real-World Use of Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Pragmat Obs Res 2023; 14:63-74. [PMID: 37637511 PMCID: PMC10455985 DOI: 10.2147/por.s397972] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and accounts for 90% of all primary liver cancers. Chronic inflammation is the hallmark across most prevalent etiologies among which HBV is the leading cause worldwide (33%), followed by alcohol (30%), HCV (21%), other factors like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis linked to insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome, and obesity associated inflammation (16%). Deregulation of the tightly controlled immunological network leads to liver disease, including chronic infection, autoimmunity, and tumor development. While inflammation drives oncogenesis in the liver, HCC also recruits ICOS+ FOXP3+ Tregs and MDSCs and upregulates immune checkpoints to induce a state of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. As such, research is focused on targeting and modulating the immune system to treat HCC. The Checkmate 040 and Keynote 224 studies established the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of patients with HCC. In Phase I and II trials, nivolumab and pembrolizumab demonstrated durable response rates of 15-20% and were subsequently approved as second-line agents after sorafenib. Due to the success of the IMbrave 150 and HIMALAYA trials, which examined the combination of atezolizumab/bevacizumab and tremelimumab/durvalumab, respectively, the FDA approved these regimens as first-time treatment options for patients with advanced HCC. The encouraging results of immunotherapy in the management of HCC has led researchers to evaluate if combination with locoregional therapies may result in a synergistic effect. Real-world studies represent an invaluable tool to assess and verify the applicability of clinical trials in the bedside setting with a more varied patient population. We herein review current real-life use of ICIs in the management of HCC and highlight some of the ongoing clinical trials that are expected to change current recommended first-line treatment in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Sara
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samantha M Ruff
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anne M Noonan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Wei YG, Su H, Lv ZL, Liao XW, Zeng ZM, Jia YX, Huang HS, Shen XQ, Zhu GZ, Han CY, Ye XP, Peng T. Case Report: A case of hepatocellular carcinoma with aberrant right hepatic artery treated with transarterial chemoembolization and infusion chemotherapy separately to bilobar lesion combining with systemic therapies and sequential hepatectomy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1165538. [PMID: 37469401 PMCID: PMC10353483 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1165538] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a dismal prognosis is the second most deadly malignancy globally. Surgery is believed to be a curative approach. Nevertheless, there is still a considerable probability of postoperative recurrence. Most patients present in advanced stages with a surgically and oncologically unresectable disease. Systemic medicines are increasingly important to downstage the disease and further improve survival. Case summary A 67-year-old Chinese man with uncontrolled hepatitis B was discovered to have liver masses with abnormal serum vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) level during checkup for upper abdominal discomfort. Abdominal multiphase computerized tomography (CT) and gadoxetate disodium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the bulky bilobar HCCs of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B and China Liver Cancer Staging stage IIa. Furthermore, the aberrant right hepatic artery (RHA) originates from the superior mesenteric artery. Due to the location being adjacent to important vasculatures and massive size of the right-sided lesion, curative resection appears to be challenging. To achieve a favorable surgical margin, repeated hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) was adopted through the variant RHA, while transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was delivered to the left lobe to arrest tumor growth. Furthermore, sintilimab plus lenvatinib served as the sequential systemic therapy. After 5 months of conversion treatment, the partial response with a decreased serum PIVKA-II level was attained. The R0 hepatectomy was then performed without postoperative complications. The immunohistochemistry and next-generation sequencing results suggested that the two-side HCCs existing tumor heterogeneity were not completely consistent. The patient continues to be without evidence of disease. Conclusion Our case highlights a favorable outcome in a man with bilobar bulky HCC after undergoing the comprehensive therapeutic schedule that includes personalized intervention and systemic drug therapy. In terms of conversion therapy, our case provides a secure and practical reference for managing unresectable bilobar HCC coexisting with the aberrant hepatic artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Guang Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zi-li Lv
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xi-Wen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhi-Ming Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hua-Sheng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Guang-Zhi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Chuang-Ye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xin-Ping Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE Over the last decade, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have emerged as cornerstone in the treatment of many metastatic tumour types, including gastrointestinal cancers. In many solid tumours, the effective therapies in the metastatic field are progressively brought into the curative setting. Consequently, earlier tumoural settings have become a field of experiment for immunotherapies. In melanoma, lung, and bladder cancers, excellent results were recorded, possibly explained by differences in the tumour microenvironment between metastatic and non-metastatic settings. In gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology, nivolumab is the first immune checkpoint inhibitor to become a standard-of-care adjuvant treatment after curative surgery for oesophagal or gastroesophageal junction cancer. RECENT FINDINGS We herein discuss the results of a selection of the most relevant studies presented/published over the last 18 months testing immunotherapies in non-metastatic GI cancers. Among immunotherapies, ICI have been investigated in pre-, peri- and postoperative setting across tumour types, alone or in combination with chemo- and/or radiotherapy. Vaccines are also a new field of investigation. SUMMARY Promising results from two studies (NCT04165772 and NICHE-2 study) demonstrating never-seen-before responses to neoadjuvant immunotherapy in MMR deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancers raise hope for improving the patients' outcome and developing organ-sparing strategies in this situation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Nguyen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Jules Bordet, The Brussels University Hospital (HUB)
| | - Alain Hendlisz
- Department of Digestive Oncology
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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Nikoo M, Rabiee F, Mohebbi H, Eghbalifard N, Rajabi H, Yazdani Y, Sakhaei D, Khosravifarsani M, Akhavan-Sigari R. Nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy in cancer: Current evidence to date. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109881. [PMID: 37012882 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy, yielding significant antitumor responses across multiple cancer types. Combination ICI therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies outperforms either antibody alone in terms of clinical efficacy. As a consequence, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) plus nivolumab (anti-PD-1) as the first-ever approved therapies for combined ICI in patients with metastatic melanoma. Despite the success of ICIs, treatment with checkpoint inhibitor combinations poses significant clinical challenges, such as increased rates of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and drug resistance. Thus, identifying optimal prognostic biomarkers could help to monitor the safety and efficacy of ICIs and identify patients who may benefit the most from these treatments. In this review, we will first go over the fundamentals of the CTLA-4 and PD-1 pathways, as well as the mechanisms of ICI resistance. The results of clinical findings that evaluated the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab are then summarized to support future research in the field of combination therapy. Finally, the irAEs associated with combined ICI therapy, as well as the underlying biomarkers involved in their management, are discussed.
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Yu SJ. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: Recent advances and future targets. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 244:108387. [PMID: 36948423 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising approach to treating various types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). While single immunotherapy drugs show limited effectiveness on a small subset of patients, the combination of the anti PD-L1 atezolizumab and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor bevacizumab has shown significant improvement in survival compared to sorafenib as a first-line treatment. However, the current treatment options still have a low success rate of about 30%. Thus, more effective treatments for HCC are urgently required. Several novel immunotherapeutic methods, including the use of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors, innovative immune cell therapies like chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), TCR gene-modified T cells and stem cells, as well as combination strategies are being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of HCC. However, some crucial issues still exist such as the presence of heterogeneous antigens in solid tumors, the immune-suppressive environment within tumors, the risk of on-target/off-tumor, infiltrating CAR-T cells, immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules, and cytokines. Overall, immunotherapy is on the brink of major advancements in the fight against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jong Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Endo Y, Lima HA, Alaimo L, Moazzam Z, Brown Z, Shaikh CF, Ratti F, Marques HP, Soubrane O, Lam V, Poultsides GA, Popescu I, Alexandrescu S, Martel G, Workneh A, Guglielmi A, Hugh T, Aldrighetti L, Shen F, Endo I, Pawlik TM. Preoperative risk score (PreopScore) to predict overall survival after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. HPB (Oxford) 2023; 25:353-362. [PMID: 36670007 DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2022.12.009] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to develop a holistic risk score incorporating preoperative tumor, liver, nutritional, and inflammatory markers to predict overall survival (OS) after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Patients who underwent curative-intent surgery for HCC between 2000 and 2020 were identified using an international multi-institutional database. Preoperative predictors associated with OS were selected and a prognostic risk score model (PreopScore) was developed and validated using cross-validation. RESULTS A total of 1676 patients were included. On multivariable analysis, preoperative parameters associated with OS included α-feto protein (hazard ratio [HR]1.17, 95%CI 1.03-1.34), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (HR2.62, 95%CI 1.30-5.30), albumin (HR0.49, 95%CI 0.34-0.70), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (HR1.00, 95%CI 1.00-1.00), as well as vascular involvement (HR3.52, 95%CI 2.10-5.89) and tumor burden score (medium, HR3.49, 95%CI 1.62-7.58; high, HR3.21, 95%CI 1.40-7.35) on preoperative imaging. A weighted PreopScore was devised and made available online (https://yutaka-endo.shinyapps.io/PrepoScore_Shiny/). Patients with a PreopScore 0-2, 2-3.5, and >3.5 had incrementally worse 5-year OS of 85.8%, 70.7%, and 52.4%, respectively (p < 0.001). The c-index of the test and validation cohort were 0.75 and 0.71, respectively. The PreopScore outperformed individual parameters and previous HCC staging systems. DISCUSSION The PreopScore can be used as a better guide to preoperatively identify patients and individualize pre-/post-operative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Endo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Henrique A Lima
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura Alaimo
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Zorays Moazzam
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zachary Brown
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chanza F Shaikh
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Hugo P Marques
- Department of Surgery, Curry Cabral Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Olivier Soubrane
- Department of Hepatibiliopancreatic Surgery, APHP, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France
| | - Vincent Lam
- Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Irinel Popescu
- Department of Surgery, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Aklile Workneh
- Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Tom Hugh
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Itaru Endo
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Timothy M Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
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12
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Kluger H, Barrett JC, Gainor JF, Hamid O, Hurwitz M, LaVallee T, Moss RA, Zappasodi R, Sullivan RJ, Tawbi H, Sharon E. Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) consensus definitions for resistance to combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005921. [PMID: 36918224 PMCID: PMC10016305 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is the standard of care for several cancers and the field continues to advance at a rapid pace, with novel combinations leading to indications in an increasing number of disease settings. Durable responses and long-term survival with immunotherapy have been demonstrated in some patients, though lack of initial benefit and recurrence after extended disease control remain major hurdles for the field. Many new combination regimens are in development for patients whose disease progressed on initial immunotherapy. To guide clinical trial design and support analyses of emerging molecular and cellular data surrounding mechanisms of resistance, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) previously generated consensus clinical definitions for resistance to single-agent anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in three distinct scenarios: primary resistance, secondary resistance, and progression after treatment discontinuation. An unmet need still exists, however, for definitions of resistance to ICI-based combinations, which represent an expanding frontier in the immunotherapy treatment landscape. In 2021, SITC convened a workshop including stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to develop consensus definitions for resistance to ICI-based combination regimens for improved outcome assessment, trial design and drug development. This manuscript reports the minimum drug exposure requirements and time frame for progression that define resistance in both the metastatic setting and the perioperative setting, as well as key caveats and areas for future research with ICI/ICI combinations. Definitions for resistance to ICIs in combination with chemotherapy and targeted therapy will be published in companion volumes to this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Carl Barrett
- Translational Medical Oncology, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Omid Hamid
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, a Cedars-Sinai Affiliate, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Roberta Zappasodi
- Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, New York, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Hussein Tawbi
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elad Sharon
- National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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13
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Abstract
This is a review of current practices and upcoming developments regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This includes a contemporary review of the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of HCC. Furthermore, the authors provide a review of certain ongoing trials and future directions of various treatment modalities for HCC.
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14
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Darvishi M, Tosan F, Nakhaei P, Manjili DA, Kharkouei SA, Alizadeh A, Ilkhani S, Khalafi F, Zadeh FA, Shafagh SG. Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy: Overview of current status and challenges. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 241:154241. [PMID: 36543080 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer treatment is presently one of the most important challenges in medical science. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combining these methods is used to eliminate the tumor. Hormone therapy, bone marrow transplantation, stem cell therapy as well as immunotherapy are other well-known therapeutic modalities. Immunotherapy, as the most important complementary method, uses the immune system for treating cancer followed by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This method is systematically used to prevent malignancies development mainly via potentiating antitumor immune cells activation and conversely compromising their exhaustion with the lowest negative effects on healthy cells. Active immunotherapy can be employed for cancer immunotherapy by directly using the ingredients of the immune system and activating immune responses. On the other hand, inactive immunotherapy is utilized by indirect induction and using immune cell-based products consisting of monoclonal antibodies. It has strongly been proved that combination therapy with immunotherapies and other therapeutic means, such as anti-angiogenic agents, could be a rational plan to treat cancer. Herein, we have focused on recent findings concerning the therapeutic merits of cancer therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and cancer vaccine alone or in combination with other approaches. Also, we offer a glimpse into the current challenges in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medicinal Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Foad Tosan
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Pooria Nakhaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Danial Amiri Manjili
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Alizadeh
- Department of Digital Health, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farima Khalafi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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He P, Wan H, Wan J, Jiang H, Yang Y, Xie K, Wu H. Systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: Existing and emerging biomarkers for treatment response. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1015527. [PMID: 36483039 PMCID: PMC9723250 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1015527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to asymptomatic patients in the early stage, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and lose the opportunity for radical resection. In addition, for patients who underwent procedures with curative intent for early-stage HCC, up to 70% of patients may have disease recurrence within 5 years. With the advent of an increasing number of systemic therapy medications, we now have more options for the treatment of HCC. However, data from clinical studies show that with different combinations of regimens, the objective response rate is approximately 40%, and most patients will not respond to treatment. In this setting, biomarkers for predicting treatment response are of great significance for precise treatment, reducing drug side effects and saving medical resources. In this review, we summarized the existing and emerging biomarkers in the literature, with special emphasis on the pathways and mechanism underlying the prediction value of those biomarkers for systemic treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui He
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haifeng Wan
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Juan Wan
- Department of Pancreatitis Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanyu Jiang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kunlin Xie
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Wu
- Department of Liver Transplant Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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16
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Ouranos K, Chatziioannou A, Goulis I, Sinakos E. Role of immunotherapy in downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation. World J Transplant 2022; 12:331-346. [PMID: 36437845 PMCID: PMC9693898 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i11.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver neoplasm that, according to tumor stage, can be treated with resection, transplantation, locoregional treatment options, or systemic therapy. Although interventions only in early-stage disease can offer complete tumor regression, systemic therapy in advanced disease can significantly prolong overall survival, according to published clinical trials. The emergence of immunotherapy in the field of cancer therapy has had a positive impact on patients with HCC, resulting in atezolizumab–bevacizumab currently being the first-line option for treatment of advanced HCC. In light of this, application of immunotherapy in the preoperative process could increase the number of patients fulfilling the criteria for liver transplantation (LT). Implementation of this approach is faced with challenges regarding the safety of immunotherapy and the possibly increased risk of rejection in the perioperative period. Case reports and clinical trials assessing the safety profile and effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy, highlight important aspects regarding this newly evolving approach to HCC management. More studies need to be conducted in order to reach a consensus regarding the optimal way to administer immunotherapy prior to LT. In this review, we summarize the role, safety profile and future considerations regarding the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy prior to LT in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Ouranos
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Anthi Chatziioannou
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Ioannis Goulis
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Sinakos
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
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17
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Nie Y, Fan H, Li J, Lei X, Zhang T, Wang Y, Mao Z, Tao K, Song W. Tertiary lymphoid structures: Associated multiple immune cells and analysis their formation in hepatocellular carcinoma. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22586. [PMID: 36190431 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200269rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The prognostic value of immune cells in tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) remains unclear in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, 59 of 145 patients had TLSs in training set, 48 of 120 patients had TLSs in testing set. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to label CD3+ T cells, CD20+ B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD208+ dendritic cells, and CD21+ follicular dendritic cells in TLSs. High CD20+, CD208+, and CD8+ cell densities were favorable prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). High CD3+, CD20+, CD208+, and CD8+ cell densities were significantly associated with reduced early recurrence. TLSs were divided into three grades (A, B, and C) based on immune cell density. Patients with grade C or B had significantly improved OS. Patients with grade C had the lowest recurrence rate, followed by those with grade B, while patients with grade A had the highest recurrence rate. The stromal, immune, and ESTIMATE scores derived from the ESTIMATE package were significantly higher and tumor purity was significantly lower in patients with TLSs. Patients with TLSs had significantly higher relative numbers of memory B cells, plasma cells, CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells and lower relative numbers of Treg cells, macrophages, and M2 macrophages according to the CIBERSORT assessment. Bioinformatics analysis and experiments confirmed that KLRK1 and GZMA expression are associated TLSs formation and can predict TLSs existence. Grade B and grade C were favorable prognostic factors for OS and recurrence and could represent immune-active tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Nie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hanlu Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xinjun Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Centre Hospital Weinan Shaanxi, Weinan, China
| | - Tianchen Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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18
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Sové RJ, Verma BK, Wang H, Ho WJ, Yarchoan M, Popel AS. Virtual clinical trials of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma using a quantitative systems pharmacology model. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e005414. [PMID: 36323435 PMCID: PMC9639136 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer and is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Most patients with HCC are diagnosed at an advanced stage, and the median survival for patients with advanced HCC treated with modern systemic therapy is less than 2 years. This leaves the advanced stage patients with limited treatment options. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or its ligand, are widely used in the treatment of HCC and are associated with durable responses in a subset of patients. ICIs targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) also have clinical activity in HCC. Combination therapy of nivolumab (anti-PD-1) and ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) is the first treatment option for HCC to be approved by Food and Drug Administration that targets more than one immune checkpoints. METHODS In this study, we used the framework of quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) to perform a virtual clinical trial for nivolumab and ipilimumab in HCC patients. Our model incorporates detailed biological mechanisms of interactions of immune cells and cancer cells leading to antitumor response. To conduct virtual clinical trial, we generate virtual patient from a cohort of 5,000 proposed patients by extending recent algorithms from literature. The model was calibrated using the data of the clinical trial CheckMate 040 (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01658878). RESULTS Retrospective analyses were performed for different immune checkpoint therapies as performed in CheckMate 040. Using machine learning approach, we predict the importance of potential biomarkers for immune blockade therapies. CONCLUSIONS This is the first QSP model for HCC with ICIs and the predictions are consistent with clinically observed outcomes. This study demonstrates that using a mechanistic understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, QSP models can facilitate patient selection and design clinical trials with improved success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Sové
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Babita K Verma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanwen Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Won Jin Ho
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aleksander S Popel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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19
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Tran NH, Muñoz S, Thompson S, Hallemeier CL, Bruix J. Hepatocellular carcinoma downstaging for liver transplantation in the era of systemic combined therapy with anti-VEGF/TKI and immunotherapy. Hepatology 2022; 76:1203-1218. [PMID: 35765265 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a global health challenge affecting close to 1 million cases yearly. Liver transplantation provides the best long-term outcomes for those meeting strict criteria. Efforts have been made to expand these criteria, whereas others have attempted downstaging approaches. Although locoregional approaches to downstaging are appealing and have demonstrated efficacy, limitations and challenges exists including poor imaging modality to assess response and appropriate endpoints along the process. Recent advances in systemic treatments including immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors have prompted the discussion regarding their role for downstaging disease prior to transplantation. Here, we provide a review of prior locoregional approaches for downstaging, new systemic agents and their role for downstaging, and finally, key and critical considerations of the assessment, endpoints, and optimal designs in clinical trials to address this key question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen H Tran
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sergio Muñoz
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Scott Thompson
- Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christopher L Hallemeier
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jordi Bruix
- BCLC Group, Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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20
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Goyal P, Salem R, Mouli SK. Role of interventional oncology in hepatocellular carcinoma: Future best practice beyond current guidelines. Br J Radiol 2022; 95:20220379. [PMID: 35867889 PMCID: PMC9815732 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20220379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Liver transplant remains the goal of curative treatment, but limited supply of organs decreases accessibility and prolongs waiting time to transplantation. Therefore, interventional oncology therapies have been used to treat the majority of HCC patients, including those awaiting transplant. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification is the most widely used staging system in management of HCC that helps allocate treatments. Since its inception in 1999, it was updated for the fifth time in November 2021 and for the first time shaped by expert opinions outside the core BCLC group. The most recent version includes additional options for early-stage disease, substratifies intermediate disease into three groups, and lists alternates to Sorafenib that can double the expected survival of advanced-stage disease. The group also proposed a new BCLC staging schema for disease progression, and endorsed treatment stage migration (TSM) directly into the main staging and treatment algorithm. This article reviews the recent developments underlying the current BCLC guidelines and highlights ongoing research, particularly involving radioembolization, that will shape future best practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Goyal
- Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Riad Salem
- Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Samdeep K. Mouli
- Department of Radiology, Section of Interventional Radiology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by low resection and high postoperative recurrence rates, and conventional treatment strategies have failed to meet clinical needs. Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is widely employed in the routine management of several solid tumors because it increases resectability and reduces the rate of postoperative recurrence. However, a consensus has not been reached regarding the effects of NAT on HCC. As systemic therapy, particularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy, is given for HCC treatment, accumulating evidence shows that the “spring” of NAT for HCC is imminent. In the future, HCC researchers should focus on identifying biomarkers for treatment response, explore the mechanisms of resistance, and standardize the endpoints of NAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases & Carson International Cancer, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongying Chen
- Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases & Carson International Cancer, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518055, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Xiaowu Li, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Xueyuan AVE 1098, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 755 2183 8184, Email
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22
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Roelofsen L, Kaptein P, Thommen D. Multimodal predictors for precision immunotherapy. Immunooncol Technol 2022; 14:100071. [PMID: 35755892 PMCID: PMC9216437 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2022.100071] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) unleashes immune cells to attack tumors, thereby inducing durable clinical responses in many cancer types. The number of patients responding to ICB is modest, however, and combination treatments are likely needed to overcome the multifaceted suppressive pathways active in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The development of precision immuno-oncology (IO) strategies allowing to identify the optimal treatment of each patient upfront is therefore a pivotal question in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Although single-parameter biomarkers can enrich for response to ICB, their predictive capacity is far from perfect and their clinical utility is complicated by their continuous nature and the difficulty to determine cut-offs that reliably distinguish responding patients from those without clinical benefit. The antitumor immune response that is induced or reinvigorated by immunotherapy is a complex cascade of events requiring the interplay of multiple cell types. To move towards precision IO, it is therefore essential to understand for each individual patient at which level(s) the antitumor immune response failed and how it can be therapeutically restored. Holistic approaches to profile human tumor microenvironments and treatment-induced responses may help to identify critical rate-limiting factors of antitumor immunity. These factors need to be translated into clinically applicable multimodal predictors that allow for the selection of the best IO treatment. This review discusses strategies to (i) create such holistic views of antitumor immunity, (ii) identify measurable parameters capturing the complexity of a patient's immune status, and (iii) facilitate the incorporation of precision IO research in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - D.S. Thommen
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Liu TH, Shen YC, Cheng AL. Immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma – A game changer in treatment landscape. J Formos Med Assoc 2022; 121:1371-1383. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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24
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Sun HC, Zhou J, Wang Z, Liu X, Xie Q, Jia W, Zhao M, Bi X, Li G, Bai X, Ji Y, Xu L, Zhu XD, Bai D, Chen Y, Chen Y, Dai C, Guo R, Guo W, Hao C, Huang T, Huang Z, Li D, Li G, Li T, Li X, Li G, Liang X, Liu J, Liu F, Lu S, Lu Z, Lv W, Mao Y, Shao G, Shi Y, Song T, Tan G, Tang Y, Tao K, Wan C, Wang G, Wang L, Wang S, Wen T, Xing B, Xiang B, Yan S, Yang D, Yin G, Yin T, Yin Z, Yu Z, Zhang B, Zhang J, Zhang S, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang A, Zhao H, Zhou L, Zhang W, Zhu Z, Qin S, Shen F, Cai X, Teng G, Cai J, Chen M, Li Q, Liu L, Wang W, Liang T, Dong J, Chen X, Wang X, Zheng S, Fan J. Chinese expert consensus on conversion therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (2021 edition). Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2022; 11:227-252. [PMID: 35464283 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-21-328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in systemic and locoregional treatments for patients with unresectable or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have resulted in improved response rates. This has provided an opportunity for selected patients with initially unresectable HCC to achieve adequate tumor downstaging to undergo surgical resection, a 'conversion therapy' strategy. However, conversion therapy is a new approach to the treatment of HCC and its practice and treatment protocols are still being developed. Review the evidence for conversion therapy in HCC and develop consensus statements to guide clinical practice. Evidence review: Many research centers in China have accumulated significant experience implementing HCC conversion therapy. Preliminary findings and data have shown that conversion therapy represents an important strategy to maximize the survival of selected patients with intermediate stage to advanced HCC; however, there are still many urgent clinical and scientific challenges for this therapeutic strategy and its related fields. In order to summarize and learn from past experience and review current challenges, the Chinese Expert Consensus on Conversion Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (2021 Edition) was developed based on a review of preliminary experience and clinical data from Chinese and non-Chinese studies in this field and combined with recommendations for clinical practice. Sixteen consensus statements on the implementation of conversion therapy for HCC were developed. The statements generated in this review are based on a review of clinical evidence and real clinical experience and will help guide future progress in conversion therapy for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chuan Sun
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiufeng Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology of PLA Cancer Center, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weidong Jia
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Minimally Invasive Interventional Division, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Bi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Gong Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Ji
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Centre, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhu
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dousheng Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yajin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoliu Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Splenic Surgery, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Rongping Guo
- The Department of Hepatobiliary Oncology of Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chunyi Hao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Sarcoma Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumour Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Deyu Li
- Department of Hepato-Biliary Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Naval Military Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of general surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangcheng Li
- Department of Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangming Li
- Center of General Surgery, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingfeng Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fubao Liu
- Division of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shichun Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College Bengbu, China
| | - Weifu Lv
- Department of Interventional Radiology, The Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Yilei Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) Hospital, PUMC & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), Beijing, China
| | - Guoliang Shao
- Department of Intervention, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinghong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianqiang Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Guang Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yunqiang Tang
- Department of Hepatic-Biliary Surgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaishan Tao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chidan Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangyi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Liver Surgery Department, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunxiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Centre, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Baocai Xing
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Department I, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, Ministry of Education, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bangde Xiang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Key Laboratory for High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Sheng Yan
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dinghua Yang
- Unit of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guowen Yin
- Department of Intervention, Cancer Hospital of Jiangsu, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Yin
- Department of Hepatic & Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Hubei Cancer Hospital of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuijun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ti Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yubao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Aibin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wu Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- Hepatoliliary Surgery Center, 302 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Shukui Qin
- Qinhuai Medical Area, Eastern Theater General Hospital of PLA China, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run-Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gaojun Teng
- Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianqiang Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Minshan Chen
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahong Dong
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Changping, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, China
| | - Shusen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Department of Liver Surgery and Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Llovet JM, Castet F, Heikenwalder M, Maini MK, Mazzaferro V, Pinato DJ, Pikarsky E, Zhu AX, Finn RS. Immunotherapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:151-72. [PMID: 34764464 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-021-00573-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 558] [Impact Index Per Article: 279.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer, more specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the second leading cause of cancer-related death and its incidence is increasing globally. Around 50% of patients with HCC receive systemic therapies, traditionally sorafenib or lenvatinib in the first line and regorafenib, cabozantinib or ramucirumab in the second line. In the past 5 years, immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the management of HCC. The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has been shown to improve overall survival relative to sorafenib, resulting in FDA approval of this regimen. More recently, durvalumab plus tremelimumab yielded superior overall survival versus sorafenib and atezolizumab plus cabozantinib yielded superior progression-free survival. In addition, pembrolizumab monotherapy and the combination of nivolumab plus ipilimumab have received FDA Accelerated Approval in the second-line setting based on early efficacy data. Despite these major advances, the molecular underpinnings governing immune responses and evasion remain unclear. The immune microenvironment has crucial roles in the development and progression of HCC and distinct aetiology-dependent immune features have been defined. Inflamed and non-inflamed classes of HCC and genomic signatures have been associated with response to immune-checkpoint inhibitors, yet no validated biomarker is available to guide clinical decision-making. This Review provides information on the immune microenvironments underlying the response or resistance of HCC to immunotherapies. In addition, current evidence from phase III trials on the efficacy, immune-related adverse events and aetiology-dependent mechanisms of response are described. Finally, we discuss emerging trials assessing immunotherapies across all stages of HCC that might change the management of this disease in the near future.
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Kaseb AO, Hasanov E, Cao HST, Xiao L, Vauthey JN, Lee SS, Yavuz BG, Mohamed YI, Qayyum A, Jindal S, Duan F, Basu S, Yadav SS, Nicholas C, Sun JJ, Singh Raghav KP, Rashid A, Carter K, Chun YS, Tzeng CWD, Sakamuri D, Xu L, Sun R, Cristini V, Beretta L, Yao JC, Wolff RA, Allison JP, Sharma P. Perioperative nivolumab monotherapy versus nivolumab plus ipilimumab in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:208-218. [PMID: 35065057 PMCID: PMC8840977 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma has high recurrence rates after surgery; however, there are no approved standard-of-care neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies. Immunotherapy has been shown to improve survival in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma; we therefore aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of perioperative immunotherapy in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS In this single-centre, randomised, open-label, phase 2 trial, patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 240 mg of nivolumab intravenously every 2 weeks (for up to three doses before surgery at 6 weeks) followed in the adjuvant phase by 480 mg of nivolumab intravenously every 4 weeks for 2 years, or 240 mg of nivolumab intravenously every 2 weeks (for up to three doses before surgery) plus one dose of 1 mg/kg of ipilimumab intravenously concurrently with the first preoperative dose of nivolumab, followed in the adjuvant phase by 480 mg of nivolumab intravenously every 4 weeks for up to 2 years plus 1 mg/kg of ipilimumab intravenously every 6 weeks for up to four cycles. Patients were randomly assigned to the treatment groups by use of block randomisation with a random block size. The primary endpoint was the safety and tolerability of nivolumab with or without ipilimumab. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients with an overall response, time to progression, and progression-free survival. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03222076) and is completed. FINDINGS Between Oct 30, 2017, and Dec 3, 2019, 30 patients were enrolled and 27 were randomly assigned: 13 to nivolumab and 14 to nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Grade 3-4 adverse events were higher with nivolumab plus ipilimumab (six [43%] of 14 patients) than with nivolumab alone (three [23%] of 13). The most common treatment-related adverse events of any grade were increased alanine aminotransferase (three [23%] of 13 patients on nivolumab vs seven [50%] of 14 patients on nivolumab plus ipilimumab) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (three [23%] vs seven [50%]). No patients in either group had their surgery delayed due to grade 3 or worse adverse events. Seven of 27 patients had surgical cancellations, but none was due to treatment-related adverse events. Estimated median progression-free survival was 9·4 months (95% CI 1·47-not estimable [NE]) with nivolumab and 19·53 months (2·33-NE) with nivolumab plus ipilimumab (hazard ratio [HR] 0·99, 95% CI 0·31-2·54); median time to progression was 9·4 months (95% CI 1·47-NE) in the nivolumab group and 19·53 months (2·33-NE) in the nivolumab plus ipilimumab group (HR 0·89, 95% CI 0·31-2·54). In an exploratory analysis, three (23%) of 13 patients had an overall response with nivolumab monotherapy, versus none with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Three (33%) of nine patients had a major pathological response (ie, ≥70% necrosis in the resected tumour area) with nivolumab monotherapy compared with three (27%) of 11 with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. INTERPRETATION Perioperative nivolumab alone and nivolumab plus ipilimumab appears to be safe and feasible in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Our findings support further studies of immunotherapy in the perioperative setting in hepatocellular carcinoma. FUNDING Bristol Myers Squibb and the US National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Omar Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Elshad Hasanov
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hop Sanderson Tran Cao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lianchun Xiao
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jean-Nicolas Vauthey
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sunyoung S Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Betul Gok Yavuz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yehia I Mohamed
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aliya Qayyum
- Department of Abdominal Imaging, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sonali Jindal
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fei Duan
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sreyashi Basu
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shalini S Yadav
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Courtney Nicholas
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Jing Sun
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kanwal Pratap Singh Raghav
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Asif Rashid
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristen Carter
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yun Shin Chun
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ching-Wei David Tzeng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Divya Sakamuri
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan Sun
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vittorio Cristini
- Mathematics in Medicine Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Laura Beretta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Division of Basic Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James C Yao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert A Wolff
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - James Patrick Allison
- Department of Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- Immunotherapy Platform, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Suresh A, Dhanasekaran R. Implications of genetic heterogeneity in hepatocellular cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:103-135. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lyu N, Yi JZ, Zhao M. Immunotherapy in older patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Cancer 2021; 162:76-98. [PMID: 34954439 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common types of cancer globally and is currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Recently, immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been shown with encouraging anticancer activity and safety in clinical trials. To reverse the phenomenon of tumours evading immune response, ICIs can be used to stimulate the natural antitumour potential of cancer cells by blocking the relevant checkpoints to activate T cells. However, the components and functions of the immune system may undergo a series of changes with ageing, known as 'immunosenescence,' potentially affecting the antitumour effect and safety of immunotherapy. In the current phase III clinical trials of ICIs including nivolumab, pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, the proportion of patients with HCC older than 65 years in CheckMate 459, KEYNOTE-240 and IMbrave150 is 51%, 58% and 50%, respectively, which is less than 70%-73% of epidemiological investigation. Therefore, the elderly population recruited in clinical trials may not accurately represent the real-world elderly patients with HCC, which affects the extrapolation of the efficacy and safety profile obtained in clinical trials to the elderly population in the real world. This review provides the latest advances in ICIs immuno-treatment available for HCC and relevant information about their therapeutic effects and safety on elderly patients. We discuss the benefits of ICIs for older HCC patients, and relevant recommendations about conducting further clinical trials are proposed for more complete answers to this clinical issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Lyu
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Liver Cancer Study and Service Group, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Zhe Yi
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Minimally Invasive Interventional Therapy, Liver Cancer Study and Service Group, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Nie Y, Li J, Wu W, Guo D, Lei X, Zhang T, Wang Y, Mao Z, Zhang X, Song W. A Novel Nine-lncRNA Risk Signature Correlates With Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:706915. [PMID: 34604045 PMCID: PMC8479152 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.706915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors with a very high mortality rate. The emergence of immunotherapy has brought hope for the cure of hepatocellular carcinoma. Only a small number of patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and ferroptosis and tertiary lymphoid structure contribute to the increased response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors; thus, we first need to identify those who are sensitive to immunotherapy and then develop different methods to improve sensitivity for different groups. Methods The sequencing data of hepatocellular carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus was downloaded to identify the immune-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). LncRNAs related to survival data were screened out, and a risk signature was established using Cox proportional hazard regression model. R software was used to calculate the riskScore of each patient, and the patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The prognostic value of riskScore and its application in clinical chemotherapeutic drugs were confirmed. The relationship between riskScore and immune checkpoint genes, ferroptosis genes, and genes related to tertiary lymphoid structure formation was analyzed by Spearman method. TIMER, CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and ImmuCellAI were used to evaluate the relative number of lymphocytes in tumor. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test confirmed differences in immunophenoscore between the high- and low-risk groups. Results Data analysis revealed that our signature could well predict the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of hepatocellular carcinoma and to predict susceptible populations with Sorafenib. The risk signature were significantly correlated with immune checkpoint genes, ferroptosis genes, and tertiary lymphoid structure-forming genes, and predicted tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte status. There was a significant difference in IPS scores between the low-risk group and the high-risk group, while the low-risk group had higher scores. Conclusion The riskScore obtained from an immune-related lncRNA signature could successfully predict the survival time and reflect the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. More importantly, it is possible to select different treatments for different hepatocellular carcinoma patients that increase the response rate of immune checkpoint inhibitors and will help improve the individualized treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Nie
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenlong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dongnan Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinjun Lei
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tianchen Zhang
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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30
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Single-agent anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) demonstrated promising efficacy in early-phase trials, a finding that was not confirmed in phase III studies. The combination of atezolizumab (an anti-PD-L1 ICI) with bevacizumab (an anti-VEGF antibody) was approved as first-line therapy in 2020, however, with significant improvement in response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival in comparison with the previous standard of care, sorafenib. Numerous ongoing clinical trials are assessing ICIs in combination with each other or with targeted agents, and also in earlier stages with local therapies. This review summarizes the latest concepts in the use of ICIs for the management of HCC. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Medicine, Volume 73 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubens Copia Sperandio
- Centro de Oncologia e Hematologia Einstein Família Dayan-Daycoval, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil, 05652-900
| | - Roberto Carmagnani Pestana
- Centro de Oncologia e Hematologia Einstein Família Dayan-Daycoval, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil, 05652-900
| | - Beatriz Viesser Miyamura
- Departamento de Medicina, Hospital da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil, 01221-010
| | - Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA;
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31
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Gok Yavuz B, Hasanov E, Lee SS, Mohamed YI, Curran MA, Koay EJ, Cristini V, Kaseb AO. Current Landscape and Future Directions of Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:1195-1207. [PMID: 34595140 PMCID: PMC8478438 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s322289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Multiple immunotherapeutic approaches have been investigated to date, and immunotherapy has become the new standard of care therapy in HCC. However, the current role of immunotherapy in HCC remains non-curative. Given this context, a high priority for oncology is understanding the biomarkers that predict clinical response to immunotherapy, have the potential to improve patient selection to maximize the clinical benefit, and spare unnecessary toxicity. In this review, we summarize the key predictive and prognostic biomarkers investigated in immunotherapy clinical trials in HCC and the emerging biomarkers to serve as a roadmap for future clinical trials. Biomarkers from tumoral tissues including PDL-1 expression, tissue infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and specific immune signatures, and from peripheral blood including neutrophil-to-lymphocytes ratio, platelet-to-lymphocytes ratio, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and specific cytokines, along with gut microbiota are among the studied biomarkers to date in the HCC era. More integrative approaches, including mathematical biomarkers to predict immunotherapy outcomes, are yet to be studied in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betul Gok Yavuz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elshad Hasanov
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sunyoung S Lee
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yehia I Mohamed
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eugene J Koay
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vittorio Cristini
- Mathematics in Medicine Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Imaging Physics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed O Kaseb
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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32
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He Y, Lu M, Che J, Chu Q, Zhang P, Chen Y. Biomarkers and Future Perspectives for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:716844. [PMID: 34552872 PMCID: PMC8450565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.716844] [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] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular cancer is the sixth most frequently diagnosed malignant disease worldwide, and was responsible for tens of millions of deaths in 2020; however, treatment options for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma remain limited. Immunotherapy has undergone rapid development over recent years, especially in the field of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). These drugs aim to activate and enhance antitumor immunity and represent a new prospect for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer. Nevertheless, only a small proportion of liver cancer patients currently benefit from ICI-based treatment, highlighting the need to better understand how ICIs and tumors interact, as well as identify predictive biomarkers for immunotherapeutic responses. In this review, we highlight clinical trials and basic research in hepatocellular carcinoma, with a particular focus on predictive biomarkers for the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. Predictive biomarkers for immune-related adverse events are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing He
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengyao Lu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Che
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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33
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Abstract
Advancement in systemic therapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combination regimens, has transformed the treatment landscape for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The advancement in systemic therapy also provides new opportunities of reducing recurrence after curative therapy through adjuvant therapy or improving resectability through neoadjuvant therapy. Improved recurrence-free survival by adjuvant or neoadjuvant ICI-based therapy has been reported in other cancer types. In this article, developments of systemic therapy in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings for HCC were reviewed. The design of adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy using ICI-based regimens and potential challenges of trial conduct and result analysis was discussed. Results from these trials may extend the therapeutic benefit of ICI-based systemic therapy beyond the advanced-stage disease and lead to a new era of multidisciplinary management for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Yeh Su
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chen Li
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Jyh Lin
- Division of General and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Liver Cancer Collaborative Oncology Group, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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34
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Plaz Torres MC, Lai Q, Piscaglia F, Caturelli E, Cabibbo G, Biasini E, Pelizzaro F, Marra F, Trevisani F, Giannini EG. Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Applicability of First-Line Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab in a Real-Life Setting. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3201. [PMID: 34361985 PMCID: PMC8347923 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153201] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the new frontier for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since the first trial with tremelimumab, a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 inhibitor, increasing evidence has confirmed that these drugs can significantly extend the survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As a matter of fact, the overall survival and objective response rates reported in patients with advanced HCC treated with ICIs are the highest ever reported in the second-line setting and, most recently, the combination of the anti-programmed death ligand protein-1 atezolizumab with bevacizumab-an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody-demonstrated superiority to sorafenib in a Phase III randomized clinical trial. Therefore, this regimen has been approved in several countries as first-line treatment for advanced HCC and is soon expected to be widely used in clinical practice. However, despite the promising results of trials exploring ICIs alone or in combination with other agents, there are still some critical issues to deal with to optimize the prognosis of advanced HCC patients. For instance, the actual proportion of patients who are deemed eligible for ICIs in the real-life ranges from 10% to 20% in the first-line setting, and is even lower in the second-line scenario. Moreover, long-term data regarding the safety of ICIs in the population of patients with cirrhosis and impaired liver function are lacking. Lastly, no biomarkers have been identified to predict response, and thus to help clinicians to individually tailor treatment. This review aimed to summarize the state of the art immunotherapy in HCC and, by analyzing a large, multicenter cohort of Italian patients with HCC, to assess the potential applicability of the combination of atezolizumab/bevacizumab in the real-life setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Corina Plaz Torres
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS—Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Quirino Lai
- Hepatobiliary and Organ Transplantation Unit, Umberto I Polyclinic of Rome, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | | | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Biasini
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Filippo Pelizzaro
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Fabio Marra
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Franco Trevisani
- Medical Semeiotics Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero—Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Edoardo G. Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS—Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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35
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D'Alessio A, Cammarota A, Prete MG, Pressiani T, Rimassa L. The evolving treatment paradigm of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: putting all the pieces back together. Curr Opin Oncol 2021; 33:386-394. [PMID: 33867478 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The therapeutic landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become notably complex in recent years. With this review, we aimed to put the most recent findings in perspective and tried to delineate the rapidly changing treatment algorithm. RECENT FINDINGS The combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has become the new first-line standard of care treatment for unresectable HCC after the positive results of the phase 3 IMbrave150 study. Nivolumab monotherapy failed to demonstrate advantage versus sorafenib in the CheckMate 459 trial, while two different therapeutic strategies (sintilimab and bevacizumab biosimilar and donafenib) outperformed sorafenib in two phase 2/3 studies conducted in the Chinese population. Several immunotherapy combinations are currently under study in large phase 3 trials after promising results in earlier phase studies. About further lines of treatment, the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab was approved for sorafenib-pretreated patients after the positive results of the phase 1/2 CheckMate 040 study and apatinib was proven effective in the Chinese population in a phase 2/3 study, while pembrolizumab as monotherapy did not show statistically significant superiority when compared with placebo in the KEYNOTE-240 study. SUMMARY Because of the growing complexity of advanced HCC treatment, the implementation of predictive biomarkers of response is eagerly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio D'Alessio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Cammarota
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Prete
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pressiani
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
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36
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Koulouris A, Tsagkaris C, Spyrou V, Pappa E, Troullinou A, Nikolaou M. Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Overview of the Changing Landscape of Treatment Options. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:387-401. [PMID: 34012929 PMCID: PMC8128500 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s300182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [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: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The last three years have seen remarkable progress in comprehending predisposing factors and upgrading our treatment arsenal concerning hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Until recently, there were no means to withstand the progression of viral hepatitis-associated liver cirrhosis to HCC. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism of the disease, the use of biomarkers, and the follow-up, allowed us to realize that conventional chemotherapy failing to increase survival in patients with advanced HCC tends to be exiled from clinical practice. Multi-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as sorafenib, lenvatinib targeting mainly the vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1–3 VEGFRs 1–3 provided until recently the standard of care for these patients, as first- or second-line treatment. Since May 2020, the atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination (immunotherapy plus anti-VEGF) has become the new reference standard in first-line HCC treatment. Additionally, anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) immunotherapy can be used as a second-line treatment following first-line treatment’s failure. Phase III clinical trials have recently suggested the efficacy of novel anti-angiogenic factors such as cabozantinib and ramucirumab as a second-line treatment option. With considerations about toxicity arising, clinical trials are investigating combinations of the aforementioned targeted therapies with immunotherapy as first-line treatment. This paper aims to perform a systematic review describing the evolving treatment options for HCC over the last decades, ranging from neoadjuvant treatment to systemic therapy of advanced-stage HCC. With the landscape of HCC treatment shifting towards novel agents the forming of a new therapeutic algorithm for HCC seems to be imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Koulouris
- Resident of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | | | | | - Eleni Pappa
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michail Nikolaou
- 1st Oncology Department, "Saint Savas" Anticancer - Oncology Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Llovet JM, De Baere T, Kulik L, Haber PK, Greten TF, Meyer T, Lencioni R. Locoregional therapies in the era of molecular and immune treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:293-313. [PMID: 33510460 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00395-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 123.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality and has an increasing incidence worldwide. Locoregional therapies, defined as imaging-guided liver tumour-directed procedures, play a leading part in the management of 50-60% of HCCs. Radiofrequency is the mainstay for local ablation at early stages and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) remains the standard treatment for intermediate-stage HCC. Other local ablative techniques (microwave ablation, cryoablation and irreversible electroporation) or locoregional therapies (for example, radioembolization and sterotactic body radiation therapy) have been explored, but have not yet modified the standard therapies established decades ago. This understanding is currently changing, and several drugs have been approved for the management of advanced HCC. Molecular therapies dominate the adjuvant trials after curative therapies and combination strategies with TACE for intermediate stages. The rationale for these combinations is sound. Local therapies induce antigen and proinflammatory cytokine release, whereas VEGF inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors boost immunity and prime tumours for checkpoint inhibition. In this Review, we analyse data from randomized and uncontrolled studies reported with ablative and locoregional techniques and examine the expected effects of combinations with systemic treatments. We also discuss trial design and benchmarks to be used as a reference for future investigations in the dawn of a promising new era for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA. .,Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Institució Catalana d'Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Thierry De Baere
- Radiology Department Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Vilejuif, France.,University Paris-Saclay, Saint-Aubin, France
| | - Laura Kulik
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Surgery and Interventional Radiology in Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philipp K Haber
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim Meyer
- Deptartment of Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.,Deptartment of Oncology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Riccardo Lencioni
- Department of Radiology, University of Pisa School of Medicine, Pisa, Italy.,Miami Cancer Institute, Miami, FL, USA
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38
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Singh A, Beechinor RJ, Huynh JC, Li D, Dayyani F, Valerin JB, Hendifar A, Gong J, Cho M. Immunotherapy Updates in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092164. [PMID: 33946408 PMCID: PMC8125389 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) carries a grim prognosis, which has historically been compounded by a lack of available systemic therapies. Sorafenib monotherapy was the standard of care for front-line treatment of advanced HCC for many years, despite both poor tolerability and lack of durable responses. In the past few years, there have been several clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced HCC. Use of immune checkpoint inhibitors alone, and in combination with targeted therapies, has led to improved outcomes in both treatment-naïve and subsequent line treatment of advanced HCC. Here we review the role of immunotherapy in the treatment of HCC, describe the mechanistic basis for combination with targeted therapy, and summarize the recent published data as well as ongoing clinical trials for the use of immunotherapy in the treatment of advanced HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. HCC tumor development and treatment resistance are impacted by changes in the microenvironment of the hepatic immune system. Immunotherapy has the potential to improve response rates by overcoming immune tolerance mechanisms and strengthening anti-tumor activity in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we characterize the impact of immunotherapy on outcomes of advanced HCC, as well as the active clinical trials evaluating novel combination immunotherapy strategies. In particular, we discuss the efficacy of atezolizumab and bevacizumab as demonstrated in the IMbrave150 study, which created a new standard of care for the front-line treatment of advanced HCC. However, there are multiple ongoing trials that may present additional front-line treatment options depending on their efficacy/toxicity results. Furthermore, the preliminary data on the application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) cell therapy for treatment of HCC suggests this may be a promising option for the future of advanced HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amisha Singh
- Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | | | - Jasmine C. Huynh
- Hematology Oncology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Daneng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center and Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Farshid Dayyani
- Hematology Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92868, USA; (F.D.); (J.B.V.)
| | - Jennifer B. Valerin
- Hematology Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92868, USA; (F.D.); (J.B.V.)
| | - Andrew Hendifar
- Hematology Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (A.H.); (J.G.)
| | - Jun Gong
- Hematology Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (A.H.); (J.G.)
| | - May Cho
- Hematology Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92868, USA; (F.D.); (J.B.V.)
- Correspondence:
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39
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Peña-Asensio J, Calvo H, Torralba M, Miquel J, Sanz-de-Villalobos E, Larrubia JR. Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Based Combination Immunotherapy to Boost Antigen-Specific CD8 + T Cell Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1922. [PMID: 33923463 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The cytotoxic T cell response against hepatocellular carcinoma antigens is exhausted and fails in its task of deleting tumoral cells. These cells are featured by the expression of negative immune checkpoints that can be modulated to restore T cell function. The blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has shown promising results in rescuing hepatocellular carcinoma-specific CD8 T cells but only a reduced group of cases is sensitive to this treatment and the effect is usually temporary. Therefore, new anti-PD-1 based combinatory strategies are underway to increase the response by adding the effect of blocking neo-angiogenesis and other negative immune checkpoints, boosting positive immune checkpoints, blocking suppressive cytokines, or inducing the expression of tumoral neoantigens. The restoration of T cell responses with these anti-PD-1 based combinatory therapies will change the outcome of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Thirty to fifty percent of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) display an immune class genetic signature. In this type of tumor, HCC-specific CD8 T cells carry out a key role in HCC control. Those potential reactive HCC-specific CD8 T cells recognize either HCC immunogenic neoantigens or aberrantly expressed host’s antigens, but they become progressively exhausted or deleted. These cells express the negative immunoregulatory checkpoint programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) which impairs T cell receptor signaling by blocking the CD28 positive co-stimulatory signal. The pool of CD8 cells sensitive to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment is the PD-1dim memory-like precursor pool that gives rise to the effector subset involved in HCC control. Due to the epigenetic imprints that are transmitted to the next generation, the effect of PD-1 blockade is transient, and repeated treatments lead to tumor resistance. During long-lasting disease, besides the TCR signaling impairment, T cells develop other failures that should be also set-up to increase T cell reactivity. Therefore, several PD-1 blockade-based combinatory therapies are currently under investigation such as adding antiangiogenics, anti-TGFβ1, blockade of other negative immune checkpoints, or increasing HCC antigen presentation. The effect of these combinations on CD8+ T cells is discussed in this review.
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Lei Y, Li X, Huang Q, Zheng X, Liu M. Progress and Challenges of Predictive Biomarkers for Immune Checkpoint Blockade. Front Oncol 2021; 11:617335. [PMID: 33777757 PMCID: PMC7992906 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.617335] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized the outlook for oncology with significant and sustained improvement in the overall patient survival. Unlike traditional cancer therapies, which target the cancer cells directly, ICB acts on the immune system to enhance anti-tumoral immunity. However, the response rate is still far from satisfactory and most patients are refractory to such treatment. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying such heterogeneous responses between patients to ICB therapy remain unclear. In addition, escalating costs of cancer care and unnecessary immune-related adverse events also are pertinent considerations with applications of ICB. Given these issues, identifying explicit predictive biomarkers for patient selection is an urgent unmet need to increase the efficacy of ICB therapy. The markers can be classified as tumor related and non-tumor-related biomarkers. Although substantial efforts have been put into investigating various biomarkers, none of them has been found to be sufficient for effectively stratifying patients who may benefit from immunotherapy. The present write up is an attempt to review the various emerging clinically relevant biomarkers affecting the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors, as well as the limitations associated with their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanna Lei
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiufeng Zheng
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Liu X, Lu J, Zhang G, Han J, Zhou W, Chen H, Zhang H, Yang Z. A Machine Learning Approach Yields a Multiparameter Prognostic Marker in Liver Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:337-347. [PMID: 33431375 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A number of staging systems have been developed to predict clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, no general consensus has been reached regarding the optimal model. New approaches such as machine learning (ML) strategies are powerful tools for incorporating risk factors from multiple platforms. We retrospectively reviewed the baseline information, including clinicopathologic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and peripheral immune features reflecting T-cell function, from three HCC cohorts. A gradient-boosting survival (GBS) classifier was trained with prognosis-related variables in the training dataset and validated in two independent cohorts. We constructed a 20-feature GBS model classifier incorporating one clinical feature, 14 laboratory parameters, and five T-cell function parameters obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The GBS model-derived risk scores demonstrated high concordance indexes (C-indexes): 0.844, 0.827, and 0.806 in the training set and validation sets 1 and 2, respectively. The GBS classifier could separate patients into high-, medium- and low-risk subgroups with respect to death in all datasets (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). A higher risk score was positively correlated with a higher clinical stage and the presence of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT). Subgroup analyses with respect to Child-Pugh class, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage, and PVTT status supported the prognostic relevance of the GBS-derived risk algorithm independent of the conventional tumor staging system. In summary, a multiparameter ML algorithm incorporating clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and peripheral immune signatures offers a different approach to identify patients with the greatest risk of HCC-related death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Liu
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jilin Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guanxiong Zhang
- Genecast Precision Medicine Technology Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Junyan Han
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Genecast Precision Medicine Technology Institute, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Huan Chen
- Genecast Precision Medicine Technology Institute, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Henghui Zhang
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.
| | - Zhiyun Yang
- Center for Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.
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Ziogas IA, Evangeliou AP, Giannis D, Hayat MH, Mylonas KS, Tohme S, Geller DA, Elias N, Goyal L, Tsoulfas G. The Role of Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of 2,402 Patients. Oncologist 2021; 26:e1036-e1049. [PMID: 33314549 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as a treatment option for several malignancies. Nivolumab, pembrolizumab, nivolumab plus ipilimumab, and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab have been approved for the management of advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to systematically review the literature and summarize the characteristics and outcomes of patients with HCC treated with ICIs. METHODS A systematic literature search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed according to the PRISMA statement (end of search date: November 7, 2020). Quality of evidence assessment was also performed. RESULTS Sixty-three articles including 2,402 patients were analyzed, 2,376 of whom received ICIs for unresectable HCC. Response to ICIs could be evaluated in 2,116 patients; the overall objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 22.7% and 60.7%, respectively, and the mean overall survival (OS) was 15.8 months. The ORR, DCR, and OS for nivolumab (n = 846) were 19.7%, 51.1%, and 18.7 months, respectively; for pembrolizumab (n = 435) they were 20.7%, 64.6% and 13.3 months, respectively. The combination of atezolizumab/bevacizumab (n = 460) demonstrated an ORR and DCR of 30% and 77%, respectively. The overall rate of treatment discontinuation because of adverse events was 14.9%. Fifteen patients received ICIs in the liver transplant (LT) setting (one pre-LT for bridging, 14 for post-LT recurrence); fatal graft rejection was reported in 40.0% (n = 6/15) and mortality in 80.0% (n = 12/15). CONCLUSION ICIs are safe and effective against unresectable HCC, but caution is warranted regarding their use in the LT setting because of the high graft rejection rate. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This systematic review pooled the outcomes from studies reporting on the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for the management of 2,402 patients with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 2,376 of whom had unresectable HCC. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 22.7% and 60.7%, respectively, and the mean overall survival was 15.8 months. The overall rate of treatment discontinuation because of adverse events was 14.9%. Fifteen patients received ICIs in the liver transplant (LT) setting (one pre-LT for bridging, 14 for post-LT recurrence). Six of these patients experienced graft rejection (40.0%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Ziogas
- First Department of Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,Surgery Working Group, Society of Junior Doctors, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Giannis
- Surgery Working Group, Society of Junior Doctors, Athens, Greece.,Institute of Health Innovations and Outcomes Research, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Muhammad H Hayat
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Konstantinos S Mylonas
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Samer Tohme
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David A Geller
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nahel Elias
- Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lipika Goyal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Georgios Tsoulfas
- First Department of Surgery, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Wei X, Gu L, Heng W. T lymphocytes related biomarkers for predicting immunotherapy efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:89. [PMID: 33376522 PMCID: PMC7751340 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune environment is a determinant of whether patients with cancer can benefit from immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved the prognosis of patients with different types of malignancies and have initiated a transformation in tumor therapy. However, some patients cannot achieve a long-term response and several patients even have no response to ICIs therapy. Thus, potential biomarkers that can effectively predict the efficacy of ICIs are essential for their clinical application and for the selection of patients. The accuracy of well-known biomarkers, such as expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 and tumor mutational burden, remains controversial. One of the critical factors for immune responses in the tumor microenvironment is tumor antigen-specific T cell. The density and distribution of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, T cells activation and T lymphocytes phenotypes in peripheral blood and serum cytokines have been observed in different types of solid cancer. Although the association with immunotherapy prognosis is in dispute, the prospect of T cell-related biomarkers is encouraged. The present review discusses whether these factors are associated with clinical outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The association between several serum cytokines and ICIs therapy efficacy is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wei
- Department of Medicine, Respiratory, Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
| | - Ling Gu
- Department of Medicine, Respiratory, Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Heng
- Department of Medicine, Respiratory, Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
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Seckler F, Doussot A, Colpart P, Turco C, Calame P, Aubin F, Algros MP, Borg C, Nardin C, Heyd B. Preoperative immunotherapy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Toward a paradigm shift? J Hepatol 2020; 73:1588-1590. [PMID: 32951909 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Seckler
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Liver Transplantation Unit, University Hospital of Besançon, France
| | - Alexandre Doussot
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Liver Transplantation Unit, University Hospital of Besançon, France.
| | - Prudence Colpart
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Besançon, France
| | - Célia Turco
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Liver Transplantation Unit, University Hospital of Besançon, France
| | - Paul Calame
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Besançon, France
| | - François Aubin
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Besançon, France
| | | | - Christophe Borg
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital of Besançon, France
| | - Charlée Nardin
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Besançon, France
| | - Bruno Heyd
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Liver Transplantation Unit, University Hospital of Besançon, France
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Abstract
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have many treatment options. For patients with surgical indication, consideration of future liver remnant and the surgical complexity of the procedure is essential. A new 3-level complexity classification categorizing 11 liver resection procedures predicts surgical complexity and postoperative morbidity better than reported classifications. Preoperative portal vein embolization can mitigate the risk of hepatic insufficiency. For small HCCs, both liver resection and ablation are effective. New medical treatment options are promising and perioperative use of these drugs may further improve outcomes for patients undergoing liver resection and lead to changes in current treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikuni Kawaguchi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1484, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Heather A Lillemoe
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1484, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jean-Nicolas Vauthey
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1484, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Onuma AE, Zhang H, Huang H, Williams TM, Noonan A, Tsung A. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Hepatocellular Cancer: Current Understanding on Mechanisms of Resistance and Biomarkers of Response to Treatment. Gene Expr 2020; 20:53-65. [PMID: 32340652 PMCID: PMC7284108 DOI: 10.3727/105221620x15880179864121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [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] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy worldwide and a leading cause of death worldwide. Its incidence continues to increase in the US due to hepatitis C infection and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Liver transplantation and resection remain the best therapeutic options for cure, but these are limited by the shortage of available organs for transplantation, diagnosis at advanced stage, and underlying chronic liver disease found in most patients with HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been shown to be an evolving novel treatment option in certain advanced solid tumors and have been recently approved for inoperable, advanced, and metastatic HCC. Unfortunately, a large cohort of patients with HCC fail to respond to immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the ICIs currently approved for HCC treatment and their various mechanisms of action. We will highlight current understanding of mechanism of resistance and limitations to ICIs. Finally, we will describe emerging biomarkers of response to ICIs and address future direction on overcoming resistance to immune checkpoint therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amblessed E. Onuma
- *Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hongji Zhang
- *Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- †Department of Surgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai Huang
- *Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Terence M. Williams
- ‡Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anne Noonan
- §Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- *Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Zhang T, Zhang L, Xu Y, Lu X, Zhao H, Yang H, Sang X. Neoadjuvant therapy and immunotherapy strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:1658-1667. [PMID: 32642282 PMCID: PMC7339264] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with high mortality rate worldwide. Due to aggressive and invasive characteristics of HCC, poor prognosis is often displayed at advanced stages while therapeutic options are limited. Liver resection is still an essential curative-intent treatment in HCC management, while locoregional and systematic therapies made promising advances that may improve the proportion and outcomes of patients who are surgical candidates. In this review, we discussed status of currently available neoadjuvant treatments aimed at improving resectability and reducing recurrence rates. More than ever, in order to implement this therapeutic concepts and exploit the full potential of neoadjuvant treatment strategies, it is of utmost importance to use more high-level evidence to guide treatment decision making. Unfortunately, the use of preoperative treatments is not sponsored by tough evidence and consensus guidelines are absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Yiyao Xu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Huayu Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
| | - Xinting Sang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Peking Union Medical College Hospital Beijing, China
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Pinto Marques H, Gomes da Silva S, De Martin E, Agopian VG, Martins PN. Emerging biomarkers in HCC patients: Current status. Int J Surg 2020; 82S:70-76. [PMID: 32344023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2020.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [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: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the liver's most common primary malignancy, with over half a million new cases diagnosed each year and being the fourth leading cause of cancer death, worldwide. The poor prognosis of HCC is largely related to late diagnosis. Historically, serum alpha-fetoprotein and diagnostic imaging have been primary diagnostic modalities. However, the poor prognosis due to late diagnosis of HCC has proven unacceptable and, recently, significant efforts have been devoted to identifying patients with early stage HCC. Molecular biomarkers can provide additional and relevant information about the biological behavior of these tumors. Research in biomarker combinations may provide more accurate and valuable information for the future individualized HCC diagnosis and/or prognosis. Several biomarkers with prognostic significance have been identified, however all of them have been studied retrospectively. Furthermore, of all different molecular signatures that have been published, very few have been externally validated. The aim of this review is to analyze the most relevant emerging biomarkers of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Pinto Marques
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplantation Center, Curry Cabral Hospital, Lisbon's Central Hospitals and University Center, NOVA Medical School, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Gomes da Silva
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplantation Center, Curry Cabral Hospital, Lisbon's Central Hospitals and University Center, NOVA Medical School, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Eleonora De Martin
- Department of Hepatology, AP-HP Hôpital Paul-Brousse, Centre Hépato- Biliaire, INSERM 1193, Villejuif, France
| | - Vatche G Agopian
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
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Cheng AL, Hsu C, Chan SL, Choo SP, Kudo M. Challenges of combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2020; 72:307-319. [PMID: 31954494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy targeting anti-programmed cell death-1 (anti-PD-1) or its ligand (anti-PD-L1) is the backbone of numerous combination regimens aimed at improving the objective response and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinical trials of immuno-oncology regimens in other cancer types have shed light on issues of study design, including how to choose candidate regimens based on early-phase trial results, statistical considerations in trials with multiple primary endpoints, and the importance of predictive biomarkers. In this review, the updated data from early-phase trials of combination immunotherapy for HCC are summarised. Since the most extensively tested combination regimens for advanced HCC comprise anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 agents plus antiangiogenic agents, the relative benefit and antitumor mechanism of antiangiogenic multikinase inhibitors versus specific VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors are discussed. Other critical issues in the development of combination immunotherapy, including optimal management of immune-related adverse events and the value of ICI therapy in combination with locoregional treatment for HCC, are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Lii Cheng
- National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chiun Hsu
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Oncology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Center of Precision Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Stephen L Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Japan
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50
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Vibert E, Schwartz M, Olthoff KM. Advances in resection and transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2020; 72:262-76. [PMID: 31954491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It would be impossible to summarise all of the significant developments in the surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even just over the past year, in a manuscript of this scope. Thus, we have selected topics for discussion that are the subject of current controversy and have attempted to present balanced points of view. Hepatic resection and transplantation are both mature modalities, and for the most part technical advances and improvements in candidate selection are incremental. The ability to readily cure hepatitis C stands out as the most impactful development in the field over recent years, especially in Western countries where hepatitis C has long been the chief aetiology underlying HCC and a predictor of poor outcomes after surgery, but its full implications remain to be clarified. The rising incidence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related HCC and what it means with regard to surgical HCC management is an area of great current interest. With advancing technology, non-surgical locoregional treatments are gaining increasing application as potentially curative therapies. In addition, the advances in molecular and genomic assessment of HCC hold promise for personalising treatment and prognostication. The possible role of immunotherapy as an adjuvant to resection is being aggressively investigated. While liver surgery maintains an important role, the care of patients with HCC is more and more a team effort and needs to take place in the context of a well-integrated interdisciplinary programme to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
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