1
|
Phoon YP, Lopes JE, Pfannenstiel LW, Marcela Diaz-Montero C, Tian YF, Ernstoff MS, Funchain P, Ko JS, Winquist R, Losey HC, Melenhorst JJ, Gastman BR. Autologous human preclinical modeling of melanoma interpatient clinical responses to immunotherapeutics. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008066. [PMID: 38604813 PMCID: PMC11015209 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent advances in immunotherapy, a substantial population of late-stage melanoma patients still fail to achieve sustained clinical benefit. Lack of translational preclinical models continues to be a major challenge in the field of immunotherapy; thus, more optimized translational models could strongly influence clinical trial development. To address this unmet need, we designed a preclinical model reflecting the heterogeneity in melanoma patients' clinical responses that can be used to evaluate novel immunotherapies and synergistic combinatorial treatment strategies. Using our all-autologous humanized melanoma mouse model, we examined the efficacy of a novel engineered interleukin 2 (IL-2)-based cytokine variant immunotherapy. METHODS To study immune responses and antitumor efficacy for human melanoma tumors, we developed an all-autologous humanized melanoma mouse model using clinically annotated, matched patient tumor cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). After inoculating immunodeficient NSG mice with patient tumors and an adoptive cell transfer of autologous PBMCs, mice were treated with anti-PD-1, a novel investigational engineered IL-2-based cytokine (nemvaleukin), or recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2). The pharmacodynamic effects and antitumor efficacy of these treatments were then evaluated. We used tumor cells and autologous PBMCs from patients with varying immunotherapy responses to both model the diversity of immunotherapy efficacy observed in the clinical setting and to recapitulate the heterogeneous nature of melanoma. RESULTS Our model exhibited long-term survival of engrafted human PBMCs without developing graft-versus-host disease. Administration of an anti-PD-1 or nemvaleukin elicited antitumor responses in our model that were patient-specific and were found to parallel clinical responsiveness to checkpoint inhibitors. An evaluation of nemvaleukin-treated mice demonstrated increased tumor-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, preferential expansion of non-regulatory T cell subsets in the spleen, and significant delays in tumor growth compared with vehicle-treated controls or mice treated with rhIL-2. CONCLUSIONS Our model reproduces differential effects of immunotherapy in melanoma patients, capturing the inherent heterogeneity in clinical responses. Taken together, these data demonstrate our model's translatability for novel immunotherapies in melanoma patients. The data are also supportive for the continued clinical investigation of nemvaleukin as a novel immunotherapeutic for the treatment of melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yee Peng Phoon
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Claudia Marcela Diaz-Montero
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ye F Tian
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Pauline Funchain
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jan Joseph Melenhorst
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian R Gastman
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Malla R, Viswanathan S, Makena S, Kapoor S, Verma D, Raju AA, Dunna M, Muniraj N. Revitalizing Cancer Treatment: Exploring the Role of Drug Repurposing. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1463. [PMID: 38672545 PMCID: PMC11048531 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer persists as a global challenge necessitating continual innovation in treatment strategies. Despite significant advancements in comprehending the disease, cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, exerting substantial economic burdens on healthcare systems and societies. The emergence of drug resistance further complicates therapeutic efficacy, underscoring the urgent need for alternative approaches. Drug repurposing, characterized by the utilization of existing drugs for novel clinical applications, emerges as a promising avenue for addressing these challenges. Repurposed drugs, comprising FDA-approved (in other disease indications), generic, off-patent, and failed medications, offer distinct advantages including established safety profiles, cost-effectiveness, and expedited development timelines compared to novel drug discovery processes. Various methodologies, such as knowledge-based analyses, drug-centric strategies, and computational approaches, play pivotal roles in identifying potential candidates for repurposing. However, despite the promise of repurposed drugs, drug repositioning confronts formidable obstacles. Patenting issues, financial constraints associated with conducting extensive clinical trials, and the necessity for combination therapies to overcome the limitations of monotherapy pose significant challenges. This review provides an in-depth exploration of drug repurposing, covering a diverse array of approaches including experimental, re-engineering protein, nanotechnology, and computational methods. Each of these avenues presents distinct opportunities and obstacles in the pursuit of identifying novel clinical uses for established drugs. By examining the multifaceted landscape of drug repurposing, this review aims to offer comprehensive insights into its potential to transform cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- RamaRao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam 530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sathiyapriya Viswanathan
- Department of Biochemistry, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai 600007, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Sree Makena
- Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Vizianagaram 535217, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Shruti Kapoor
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Deepak Verma
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | | | - Manikantha Dunna
- Center for Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad 500085, Telangana, India
| | - Nethaji Muniraj
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Hospital, 111, Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang M, Chen S, He X, Yuan Y, Wei X. Targeting inflammation as cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:13. [PMID: 38520006 PMCID: PMC10960486 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01528-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has accompanied human beings since the emergence of wounds and infections. In the past decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to explore the potential role of inflammation in cancer, from tumor development, invasion, and metastasis to the resistance of tumors to treatment. Inflammation-targeted agents not only demonstrate the potential to suppress cancer development, but also to improve the efficacy of other therapeutic modalities. In this review, we describe the highly dynamic and complex inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with discussion on key inflammation mediators in cancer including inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and their downstream intracellular pathways. In addition, we especially address the role of inflammation in cancer development and highlight the action mechanisms of inflammation-targeted therapies in antitumor response. Finally, we summarize the results from both preclinical and clinical studies up to date to illustrate the translation potential of inflammation-targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manni Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei He
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.17, Block3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fishman J, Buchbinder EI. Is There a Current Role for Combination Chemotherapy or High-Dose Interleukin 2 in Melanoma? Cancer J 2024; 30:120-125. [PMID: 38527266 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000703] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Immune checkpoint inhibition and targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of melanoma. However, chemotherapy and interleukin 2 (IL-2) therapy may still have a role in the later-line treatment of patients who do not have durable responses to other treatments. Chemotherapy can work transiently in patients whose disease has progressed on immune checkpoint inhibitors and for whom there are no appropriate targeted therapy options. High-dose IL-2 therapy can still be effective for a very small number of patients following progression on other therapies. In addition, modified IL-2 agents and IL-2 in combination with tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy may play a role in future treatments for melanoma.
Collapse
|
5
|
Jang A, Lichterman JN, Zhong JY, Shoag JE, Garcia JA, Zhang T, Barata PC. Immune approaches beyond traditional immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2276629. [PMID: 37947202 PMCID: PMC10653627 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2276629] [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: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially clear cell RCC, is generally considered an immunotherapy-responsive cancer. Recently, the prognosis for patients with locally advanced and metastatic RCC has significantly improved with the regulatory approvals of anti-PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens. Yet in most cases, RCC will remain initially unresponsive to treatment or will develop resistance over time. Hence, there remains an unmet need to understand what leads to ICI resistance and to develop novel immune and nonimmune treatments to enhance the response to ICIs. In this review, we highlight recently published studies and the latest clinical studies investigating the next generation of immune approaches to locally advanced and metastatic RCC beyond traditional ICIs. These trials include cytokines, gut microbiota-based therapies, novel immune checkpoint agents, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. These agents are being evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with traditional ICIs and will hopefully provide improved outcomes to patients with RCC soon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Jang
- Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jake N. Lichterman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey Y. Zhong
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan E. Shoag
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jorge A. Garcia
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tian Zhang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Pedro C. Barata
- Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Butterfield LH, Najjar YG. Immunotherapy combination approaches: mechanisms, biomarkers and clinical observations. Nat Rev Immunol 2023:10.1038/s41577-023-00973-8. [PMID: 38057451 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00973-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
The approval of the first immune checkpoint inhibitors provided a paradigm shift for the treatment of malignancies across a broad range of indications. Whereas initially, single-agent immune checkpoint inhibition was used, increasing numbers of patients are now treated with combination immune checkpoint blockade, where non-redundant mechanisms of action of the individual agents generally lead to higher response rates. Furthermore, immune checkpoint therapy has been combined with various other therapeutic modalities, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other immunotherapeutics such as vaccines, adoptive cellular therapies, cytokines and others, in an effort to maximize clinical efficacy. Currently, a large number of clinical trials test combination therapies with an immune checkpoint inhibitor as a backbone. However, proceeding without inclusion of broad, if initially exploratory, biomarker investigations may ultimately slow progress, as so far, few combinations have yielded clinical successes based on clinical data alone. Here, we present the rationale for combination therapies and discuss clinical data from clinical trials across the immuno-oncology spectrum. Moreover, we discuss the evolution of biomarker approaches and highlight the potential new directions that comprehensive biomarker studies can yield.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Butterfield
- University of California San Francisco, Microbiology and Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Santollani L, Wittrup KD. Spatiotemporally programming cytokine immunotherapies through protein engineering. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:10-28. [PMID: 37409481 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines have long been considered promising cancer immunotherapy agents due to their endogenous role in activating and proliferating lymphocytes. However, since the initial FDA approvals of Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and Interferon-ɑ (IFNɑ) for oncology over 30 years ago, cytokines have achieved little success in the clinic due to narrow therapeutic windows and dose-limiting toxicities. This is attributable to the discrepancy between the localized, regulated manner in which cytokines are deployed endogenously versus the systemic, untargeted administration used to date in most exogenous cytokine therapies. Furthermore, cytokines' ability to stimulate multiple cell types, often with paradoxical effects, may present significant challenges for their translation into effective therapies. Recently, protein engineering has emerged as a tool to address the shortcomings of first-generation cytokine therapies. In this perspective, we contextualize cytokine engineering strategies such as partial agonism, conditional activation and intratumoral retention through the lens of spatiotemporal regulation. By controlling the time, place, specificity, and duration of cytokine signaling, protein engineering can allow exogenous cytokine therapies to more closely approach their endogenous exposure profile, ultimately moving us closer to unlocking their full therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Santollani
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - K Dane Wittrup
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Garg V, Oza AM. Treatment of Ovarian Cancer Beyond PARP Inhibition: Current and Future Options. Drugs 2023; 83:1365-1385. [PMID: 37737434 PMCID: PMC10581945 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer death. Improved understanding of the biologic pathways and introduction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) during the last decade have changed the treatment landscape. This has improved outcomes, but unfortunately half the women with ovarian cancer still succumb to the disease within 5 years of diagnosis. Pathways of resistance to PARPi and chemotherapy have been studied extensively, but there is an unmet need to overcome treatment failure and improve outcome. Major mechanisms of PARPi resistance include restoration of homologous recombination repair activity, alteration of PARP function, stabilization of the replication fork, drug efflux, and activation of alternate pathways. These resistant mechanisms can be targeted to sensitize the resistant ovarian cancer cells either by rechallenging with PARPi, overcoming resistance mechanism or bypassing resistance pathways. Augmenting the PARPi activity by combining it with other targets in the DNA damage response pathway, antiangiogenic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors can potentially overcome the resistance mechanisms. Methods to bypass resistance include targeting non-cross-resistant pathways acting independent of homologous recombination repair (HRR), modulating tumour microenvironment, and enhancing drug delivery systems such as antibody drug conjugates. In this review, we will discuss the first-line management of ovarian cancer, resistance mechanisms and potential strategies to overcome these.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Garg
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amit M Oza
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- , 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Konstantinopoulos PA, Matulonis UA. Clinical and translational advances in ovarian cancer therapy. Nat Cancer 2023; 4:1239-1257. [PMID: 37653142 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00617-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is an aggressive disease that is frequently detected at advanced stages and is initially very responsive to platinum-based chemotherapy. However, the majority of patients relapse following initial surgery and chemotherapy, highlighting the urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies. In this Review, we outline the main therapeutic principles behind the management of newly diagnosed and recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer and discuss the current landscape of targeted and immune-based approaches.
Collapse
|
10
|
Herzog TJ, Hays JL, Barlin JN, Buscema J, Cloven NG, Kong LR, Tyagi NK, Lanneau GS, Long BJ, Marsh RL, Seward SM, Starks DC, Welch S, Moore KN, Konstantinopoulos PA, Gilbert L, Monk BJ, O'Malley DM, Chen X, Dalal R, Coleman RL, Sehouli J. ARTISTRY-7: phase III trial of nemvaleukin alfa plus pembrolizumab vs chemotherapy for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Future Oncol 2023; 19:1577-1591. [PMID: 37334673 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2023-0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard single-agent nonplatinum chemotherapy provides only modest benefit in a small proportion of patients with platinum-resistant/-refractory ovarian cancer, with objective response rates of 6-20% and progression-free survival of ≈3-4 months. Nemvaleukin alfa (nemvaleukin, ALKS 4230) is a novel cytokine designed to capture and expand the therapeutic potential of high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) while mitigating its associated toxicity issues. Nemvaleukin preferentially activates cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells with minimal, non-dose-dependent effects on CD4+ regulatory T cells. The global, randomized, open-label, phase III ARTISTRY-7 trial will compare efficacy and safety of nemvaleukin plus pembrolizumab with chemotherapy in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The primary end point is investigator-assessed progression-free survival. Clinical Trial Registration: GOG-3063; ENGOT-OV68; NCT05092360 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Herzog
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, UC College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - John L Hays
- Wexner Medical Center & James Cancer Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | | | - Noelle G Cloven
- Texas Oncology - Fort Worth Cancer Center, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA
| | - Lynn R Kong
- Ventura County Hematology Oncology Specialists, Oxnard, CA 93930, USA
| | | | | | - Beverly J Long
- Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stephen Welch
- London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Kathleen N Moore
- College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA
| | | | - Lucy Gilbert
- McGill University Health Centre, Women's Health Research Unit, Montréal, QC, H3H 2R9, Canada
| | - Bradley J Monk
- HonorHealth Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
| | - David M O'Malley
- Wexner Medical Center & James Cancer Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jalid Sehouli
- Charité Universitaetsmedizin Berlin Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, 11017, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yoon WH, DeFazio A, Kasherman L. Immune checkpoint inhibitors in ovarian cancer: where do we go from here? Cancer Drug Resist 2023; 6:358-377. [PMID: 37457131 PMCID: PMC10344730 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.13] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy, and despite advancements in therapeutics, most women unfortunately still succumb to their disease. Immunotherapies, in particular immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), have been therapeutically transformative in many tumour types, including gynaecological malignancies such as cervical and endometrial cancer. Unfortunately, these therapeutic successes have not been mirrored in ovarian cancer clinical studies. This review provides an overview of the ovarian tumour microenvironment (TME), particularly factors associated with survival, and explores current research into immunotherapeutic strategies in EOC, with an exploratory focus on novel therapeutics in navigating drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Won-Hee Yoon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Blacktown Cancer and Haematology Centre, Blacktown Hospital, Blacktown 2148, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia
| | - Anna DeFazio
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead 2145, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council New South Wales, Sydney 2011, Australia
| | - Lawrence Kasherman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown 2050, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Illawarra Cancer Care Centre, Wollongong 2500, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Richardson DL, Eskander RN, O'Malley DM. Advances in Ovarian Cancer Care and Unmet Treatment Needs for Patients With Platinum Resistance: A Narrative Review. JAMA Oncol 2023; 9:851-859. [PMID: 37079311 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Importance Platinum-based chemotherapy has been the standard of care for ovarian cancer for the past 3 decades. Although most patients respond to platinum-based treatment, emergence of platinum resistance in recurrent ovarian cancer is inevitable during the disease course. Outcomes for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer are poor, and options remain limited, highlighting a substantial unmet need for new treatment options. Observations This review summarizes the current and evolving treatment landscape for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer with a focus on the development of novel compounds. Biologic and targeted therapies such as bevacizumab and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors-originally approved in the platinum-resistant setting but since withdrawn-are now used in the up-front or platinum-sensitive setting, prolonging the duration of platinum sensitivity and delaying the use of nonplatinum options. The greater use of maintenance therapy and the emphasis on using platinum beyond first-line treatment has most likely been associated with a greater number of lines of platinum therapy before a patient is designated as having platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. In this contemporary setting, recent trials in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer have mostly had negative outcomes, with none having a clinically significant effect on progression-free or overall survival since the approval of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy. Nonetheless, a multitude of new therapies are under evaluation; preliminary results are encouraging. A focus on biomarker-directed treatment and patient selection may provide greater success in identifying novel therapies for treating platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Conclusions and Relevance Although many clinical trials in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer have had negative outcomes, these failures provide insights into how clinical trial design, biomarker-directed therapy, and patient selection could facilitate future successes in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debra L Richardson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Ramez N Eskander
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health, La Jolla
| | - David M O'Malley
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ko B, Takebe N, Andrews O, Makena MR, Chen AP. Rethinking Oncologic Treatment Strategies with Interleukin-2. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091316. [PMID: 37174716 PMCID: PMC10177415 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
High-dose recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2, aldesleukin) emerged as an important treatment option for selected patients with metastatic melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma, producing durable and long-lasting antitumor responses in a small fraction of patients and heralding the potential of cancer immunotherapy. However, the adoption of high-dose rhIL-2 has been restricted by its severe treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) profile, which necessitates highly experienced clinical providers familiar with rhIL-2 administration and readily accessible critical care medicine support. Given the comparatively wide-ranging successes of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, there have been concerted efforts to significantly improve the efficacy and toxicities of IL-2-based immunotherapeutic approaches. In this review, we highlight novel drug development strategies, including biochemical modifications and engineered IL-2 variants, to expand the narrow therapeutic window of IL-2 by leveraging downstream activation of the IL-2 receptor to selectively expand anti-tumor CD8-positive T cells and natural killer cells. These modified IL-2 cytokines improve single-agent activity in solid tumor malignancies beyond the established United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indications of metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma, and may also be safer in rational combinations with established treatment modalities, including anti-PD-(L)1 and anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy, chemotherapies, and targeted therapy approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian Ko
- Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Omozusi Andrews
- Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Monish Ram Makena
- Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alice P Chen
- Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Raeber ME, Sahin D, Karakus U, Boyman O. A systematic review of interleukin-2-based immunotherapies in clinical trials for cancer and autoimmune diseases. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104539. [PMID: 37004361 PMCID: PMC10111960 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) can stimulate both effector immune cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells. The ability of selectively engaging either of these effects has spurred interest in using IL-2 for immunotherapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Thus, numerous IL-2-based biologic agents with improved bias or delivery towards effector immune cells or Treg cells have been developed. This study systematically reviews clinical results of improved IL-2-based compounds. METHODS We searched the ClinicalTrials.gov database for registered trials using improved IL-2-based agents and different databases for available results of these studies. FINDINGS From 576 registered clinical trials we extracted 36 studies on different improved IL-2-based compounds. Adding another nine agents reported in recent literature reviews and based on our knowledge totalled in 45 compounds. A secondary search for registered clinical trials of each of these 45 compounds resulted in 141 clinical trials included in this review, with 41 trials reporting results. INTERPRETATION So far, none of the improved IL-2-based compounds has gained regulatory approval for the treatment of cancer or autoimmune diseases. NKTR-214 is the only compound completing phase 3 studies. The PIVOT IO-001 trial testing the combination of NKTR-214 plus Pembrolizumab compared to Pembrolizumab monotherapy in metastatic melanoma missed its primary endpoints. Also the PIVOT-09 study, combining NKTR-214 with Nivolumab compared to Sunitinib or Cabozantinib in advanced renal cell carcinoma, missed its primary endpoint. Trials in autoimmune diseases are currently in early stages, thus not allowing definite conclusions on efficacy. FUNDING This work was supported by public funding agencies.
Collapse
|
15
|
Lee JY, Lee YY, Park JY, Shim SH, Kim SI, Kong TW, Lim CK, Cho HW, Suh DH. Major clinical research advances in gynecologic cancer in 2022: highlight on late-line PARP inhibitor withdrawal in ovarian cancer, the impact of ARIEL-4, and SOLO-3. J Gynecol Oncol 2023; 34:e51. [PMID: 36890294 PMCID: PMC9995865 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2023.34.e51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the 2022 series, we summarized the major clinical research advances in gynecologic oncology based on communications at the conference of Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review Course. The review consisted of 1) Ovarian cancer: long-term follow-up data, new poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, overall survival (OS) issues with PARP inhibitor monotherapy, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and antibody-drug conjugate; 2) Cervical cancer: surgery in early stage disease, therapy for locally advanced stage and advanced, metastatic, or recurrent setting; and 3) Corpus cancer: follow-up regimen, immune checkpoint inhibitor, WEE1 inhibitor, selective inhibitor of nuclear export. A special note was made on the withdrawal of PARP inhibitor from the market for heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients based on the final OS results of ARIEL-4 and SOLO-3 due to concerns of increased risk of death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoo-Young Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Yeol Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Hyuk Shim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Institute of Medical Science, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Ik Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Wook Kong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Chul Kwon Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyun Woong Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Hoon Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Welty NE, Gill SI. Cancer Immunotherapy Beyond Checkpoint Blockade: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. JACC CardioOncol 2022; 4:563-578. [PMID: 36636439 PMCID: PMC9830230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2022.11.006] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Avoidance of immune destruction is recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer development. Although first predicted as a potential antitumor treatment modality more than 50 years ago, the widespread clinical use of cancer immunotherapies has only recently become a reality. Cancer immunotherapy works by reactivation of a stalled pre-existing immune response or by eliciting a de novo immune response, and its toolkit comprises antibodies, vaccines, cytokines, and cell-based therapies. The treatment paradigm in some malignancies has completely changed over the past 10 to 15 years. Massive efforts in preclinical development have led to a surge of clinical trials testing innovative therapeutic approaches as monotherapy and, increasingly, in combination. Here we provide an overview of approved and emerging antitumor immune therapies, focusing on the rich landscape of therapeutic approaches beyond those that block the canonical PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 axes and placing them in the context of the latest understanding of tumor immunology.
Collapse
Key Words
- BiTE, bispecific T cell engager
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CRS, cytokine-release syndrome
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- ICI, immune checkpoint inhibitor
- IL, interleukin
- NK, natural killer
- NSCLC, non–small cell lung cancer
- TIL, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte
- alloHCT, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- cancer
- immune therapy
- immunotherapy
- innovation
- mAb, monoclonal antibody
- treatment
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E. Welty
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saar I. Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr Saar I. Gill, Smilow Center for Translational Research, Room 8-101, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Raeber ME, Sahin D, Boyman O. Interleukin-2–based therapies in cancer. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabo5409. [DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo5409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Molecular insights into the mechanism of beneficial and adverse effects of interleukin-2 (IL-2) have resulted in the development of improved IL-2 formulations with IL-2 receptor bias and tissue-targeting properties. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical development and are ushering IL-2 therapy into the current era of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miro E. Raeber
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dilara Sahin
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
The dual immune checkpoint blockade targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 (ipilimumab/nivolumab) or the IO combinations targeting PD-1 and anti-VEGF TKIs (pembrolizumab/axitinib, nivolumab/cabozantinib, pembrolizumab/lenvatinib) have demonstrated an overall survival benefit in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Despite this significant improvement in clinical outcomes in the frontline setting from IO/IO or the IO/TKI combinations, there is a subset of patients of advanced ccRCC that do not respond to such combinations or will lose the initial efficacy and have disease progression. Therefore, a remarkable unmet need exists to develop new therapeutics to improve outcomes. With an enhanced understanding of ccRCC biology and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment, several new therapies are under development targeting ccRCC metabolism, cytokine-signaling, alternative immune checkpoint proteins, and novel biological pathways. In addition, microbiome products enhancing IO response, antibody-drug conjugates, and targeted radionuclides are also being investigated. This review summarizes selected emerging agents that are under development in ccRCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Chen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brian I. Rini
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Beckermann
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| |
Collapse
|