scholarly journals Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Urothelial Carcinoma: Recommendations for Practical Approaches to PD-L1 and Other Potential Predictive Biomarker Testing

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1424
Author(s):  
Antonio Lopez-Beltran ◽  
Fernando López-Rios ◽  
Rodolfo Montironi ◽  
Sophie Wildsmith ◽  
Markus Eckstein
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Predictive Biomarker ◽  
High Quality ◽  
The Status ◽  
Biomarker Testing ◽  
Novel Biomarkers ◽  
Scoring Algorithms

Immuno-oncology (IO) agents (anti–programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and anti–programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)) are approved as first- and second-line treatments for metastatic UC. PD-L1 expression levels in UC tumors help clinicians determine which patients are more likely to respond to IO therapies. Assays for approved IO agents use different antibodies, immunohistochemical protocols, cutoffs (defining “high” vs. “low” PD-L1 expression), and scoring algorithms. The robust control of pre-analytical and analytical standards is needed to obtain high-quality PD-L1 results. To better understand the status and perspectives of biomarker-guided patient selection for anti–PD-1 and anti–PD-L1 agents in UC, three workshops were held from December 2018 to December 2019 in Italy, Malaysia, and Spain. The primary goal was to develop recommendations for best practice approaches to PD-L1 testing in UC. Recommendations pertaining to the interpretation and reporting of the results of PD-L1 assays from experienced pathologists and oncologists from around the globe are included. A test request form for pathology laboratories was developed as a critical first step for oncologists/urologists to encourage communication between clinicians and pathologists, ensuring fast and high-quality test results. In this era of personalized medicine, we briefly discuss novel biomarkers being evaluated for IO agents in UC.

scholarly journals Harmonization of PD-L1 testing in oncology: a Canadian pathology perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 209 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.N. Ionescu ◽  
M.R. Downes ◽  
A. Christofides ◽  
M.S. Tsao
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Multiple Testing ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Programmed Cell Death 1 ◽  
Scoring Algorithms

Checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) are demonstrating promising efficacy and appear to be well tolerated in a number of tumour types. In non-small-cell lung cancer, head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma, and urothelial carcinoma, outcomes appear particularly favourable in patients with high PD-L1 expression. However, assays for PD-L1 have been developed for individual agents, and they use different antibody clones, immunohistochemistry staining protocols, scoring algorithms, and cut-offs. Given that laboratories are unlikely to use multiple testing platforms, use of one PD-L1 assay in conjunction with a specific therapy will become impractical and could compromise treatment options. Methods to harmonize testing methods are therefore crucial to ensuring appropriate treatment selection. This paper focuses on lung, bladder, and head-and-neck cancer. It reviews and compares available PD-L1 testing methodologies, summarizes the literature about comparability studies to date, discusses future directions in personalized diagnostics, and provides a pathologist’s perspective on PD-L1 testing in the Canadian laboratory setting.

284 Real World Data of Sequencing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) after Initial ICI

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A310-A310
Author(s):  
Krishna Gunturu ◽  
Muhammad Awidi ◽  
Rojer Ranjit ◽  
Brendan Connell ◽  
Rachel Carrasquillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Real World ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
World Data

BackgroundICI revolutionized modern Oncology landscape and being utilized in metastatic to adjuvant and neo-adjuvant settings. As Oncologists, we are treating cancer patients with ICI every day, yet there is still a lot that is unknown about these drugs. We don’t have clear understanding of the efficacy and toxicity when sequencing one ICI for another. We conducted a retrospective review of real world data at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center to understand further and to pave path for prospective studies to understand this issue further to improve patient care.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed Oncology patient charts who received ICI between January1, 2014 to December 18, 2018. Total 483 patients received ICI during this time frame and 22 of these patients received a second ICI either as monotherapy or in combination with other ICI or chemotherapy.ResultsA total of 22 patients received subsequent ICI after the initial ICI as showed in table 1. 15 of the 22 (68%) patients were transitioned from one ICI to another monotherapy. 11 of these patients were transitioned secondary to disease progression (73%), three had immune related adverse events and one was switched per standard of care. One patient had ICI re-challenge. Three patients had a transition from ICI monotherapy to combination ICI therapy. One patient went onto chemo-immunotherapy and 2 patients transitioned from combination ICI to chemo-immunotherapy.Abstract 284 Table 1Real world data of sequencing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) after initial ICIConclusionsICI therapy is evolving and patients are being treated with multiple lines of ICI. In current practices, ICI is frequently being transitioned from cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or its ligand, programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) classes or combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. It would be prudent to explore the effects of sequencing these medications either as a monotherapy or in combination with other therapies to better serve our patients and to prevent financial toxicity.

scholarly journals Predicting Responses to Checkpoint Inhibitors in Lymphoma: Are We Up to the Standards of Solid Tumors?

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117955492097636
Author(s):  
Ah-Reum Jeong ◽  
Edward D Ball ◽  
Aaron Michael Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
B Cell ◽  
Solid Tumors ◽  
Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
B Cell Lymphoma ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Programmed Cell Death 1

Treatment of cancer has transformed with the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors. However, the majority of solid tumor patients do not respond to checkpoint blockade. In contrast, the response rate to programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) blockade in relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is 65% to 84% which is the highest among all cancers. Currently, checkpoint inhibitors are only approved for cHL and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma as the responses to single-agent checkpoint blockade in other hematologic malignancies is disappointingly low. Various established biomarkers such as programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein surface expression, mismatch repair (MMR) status, and tumor mutational burden (TMB) are routinely used in clinical decision-making in solid tumors. In this review, we will explore these biomarkers in the context of hematologic malignancies. We review characteristic 9p24.1 structural alteration in cHL and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) as a basis for response to PD-1 inhibition, as well as the role of antigen presentation pathways. We also explore the reported frequencies of MMR deficiency in various hematologic malignancies and investigate TMB as a predictive marker.

scholarly journals Importance of the PD-1/PD-L1 Axis for Malignant Transformation and Risk Assessment of Oral Leukoplakia

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 194
Author(s):  
Jutta Ries ◽  
Abbas Agaimy ◽  
Falk Wehrhan ◽  
Christoph Baran ◽  
Stella Bolze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Malignant Transformation ◽  
Immune Escape ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Precancerous Lesions ◽  
Death Receptor ◽  
Oral Leukoplakia ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: The programmed cell death ligand 1/programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) Immune Checkpoint is an important modulator of the immune response. Overexpression of the receptor and its ligands is involved in immunosuppression and the failure of an immune response against tumor cells. PD-1/PD-L1 overexpression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to healthy oral mucosa (NOM) has already been demonstrated. However, little is known about its expression in oral precancerous lesions like oral leukoplakia (OLP). The aim of the study was to investigate whether an increased expression of PD-1/PD-L1 already exists in OLP and whether it is associated with malignant transformation. Material and Methods: PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was immunohistologically analyzed separately in the epithelium (E) and the subepithelium (S) of OLP that had undergone malignant transformation within 5 years (T-OLP), in OLP without malignant transformation (N-OLP), in corresponding OSCC and in NOM. Additionally, RT-qPCR analysis for PD-L1 expression was done in the entire tissues. Additionally, the association between overexpression and malignant transformation, dysplasia and inflammation were examined. Results: Compared to N-OLP, there were increased levels of PD-1 protein in the epithelial and subepithelial layers of T-OLP (pE = 0.001; pS = 0.005). There was no significant difference in PD-L1 mRNA expression between T-OLP and N-OLP (p = 0.128), but the fold-change increase between these groups was significant (Relative Quantification (RQ) = 3.1). In contrast to N-OLP, the PD-L1 protein levels were significantly increased in the epithelial layers of T-OLP (p = 0.007), but not in its subepithelial layers (p = 0.25). Importantly, increased PD-L1 levels were significantly associated to malignant transformation within 5 years. Conclusion: Increased levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 are related to malignant transformation in OLP and may represent a promising prognostic indicator to determine the risk of malignant progression of OLP. Increased PD-L1 levels might establish an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which could favor immune escape and thereby contribute to malignant transformation. Hence, checkpoint inhibitors could counteract tumor development in OLP and may serve as efficient therapeutic strategy in patients with high-risk precancerous lesions.

scholarly journals Clinical Applications of Immunotherapy Combination Methods and New Opportunities for the Future

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ece Esin
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Small Subset ◽  
New Class ◽  
Combination Strategies ◽  
Combination Methods ◽  
Immune Editing ◽  
Cell Death Protein

In the last decade, we have gained a deeper understanding of innate immune system. The mechanism of the continuous guarding of progressive mutations happening in a single cell was discovered and the production and the recognition of tumor associated antigens by the T-cells and elimination of numerous tumors by immune-editing were further understood. The new discoveries on immune mechanisms and its relation with carcinogenesis have led to development of a new class of drugs called immunotherapeutics. T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4, programmed cell death protein 1, and programmed cell death protein ligand 1 are the classes drugs based on immunologic manipulation and are collectively known as the “checkpoint inhibitors.” Checkpoint inhibitors have shown remarkable antitumor efficacy in a broad spectrum of malignancies; however, the strongest and most durable immune responses do not last long and the more durable responses only occur in a small subset of patients. One of the solutions which have been put forth to overcome these challenges is combination strategies. Among the dual use of methods, a backbone with either PD-1 or PD-L1 antagonist drugs alongside with certain cytotoxic chemotherapies, radiation, targeted drugs, and novel checkpoint stimulators is the most promising approach and will be on stage in forthcoming years.

scholarly journals PD-1 and PD-L1 expression on TILs in peritoneal metastases compared to ovarian tumor tissues and its associations with clinical outcome

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Bekos ◽  
Dietmar Pils ◽  
Sabine Dekan ◽  
Gerda Hofstetter ◽  
Peter Horak ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Ovarian Tumor ◽  
Tumor Tissue ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Peritoneal Metastases ◽  
Tumor Tissues ◽  
Immunological Effects ◽  
Expression Rate

AbstractThe therapeutic potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors is currently being investigated in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but immunological effects of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis in EOC still remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was thus to compare infiltration rates of PD-1 and PD-L1 expressing tumor infiltrating leucocytes (TILs) in primary ovarian tumor tissue and metastatic intraperitoneal implants and to investigate its impact on overall survival (OS). Tumor specimens (ovarian tumor tissues and intraperitoneal metastases) of 111 patients were used to investigate the PD-1, PD-L1 and CD8 expression rates on TILs and PD-L1 expression rate of tumor cells. The percentages of CD8, PD-1, and PD-L1 expressing subpopulations of TILs differ in primary ovarian tumor tissues and metastatic intraperitoneal implants. High PD-1 among TILs in peritoneal metastases were associated with favorable OS. High PD-L1 expression in TILs was associated with poor OS. Combining both factors in peritoneal metastases revealed an unfavorable prognosis. Primary ovarian tumor tissue and intraperitoneal metastatic tissues in EOC might have different strategies to evade immune control. Those findings are of importance for the process of biomarker assessment to predict patients’ response to immunotherapy.

Side effects of immune-checkpoint inhibitors: Can multiple side effects be seen in a patient?

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110381
Author(s):  
Esra Özyurt ◽  
Serhat Özçelik ◽  
Heves Sürmeli ◽  
Mehmet Çelik ◽  
Murat Ayhan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cells ◽  
Cell Death ◽  
Side Effects ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Immunoglobulin G4 ◽  
Programmed Cell Death 1 ◽  
Recurrent Renal Cell Carcinoma

Introduction Nivolumab is a human immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody that inhibits programmed cell death-1 activity by binding to the programmed cell death-1 receptors. Cancer cells express increased number of programmed cell death-1 ligands and this allows them to escape the cytotoxic effects of the T cells. Therefore, the negative programmed cell death-1 receptor signal regulates T-cell proliferation and activation is disrupted. However, this change in the activity of the T cells can cause them to lose their ability to recognize host cells. The immune response enabled by these agents has led to side effects, commonly known as “immune-related adverse events.” Case report We report a case of a 66-year-old male patient who was treated with nivolumab for recurrent renal cell carcinoma presented with hepatitis and adrenalitis. Three weeks after starting nivolumab, the patient had abdominal pain and weakness, and then aspartate and alanine transaminase levels were found to be elevated. Management and outcome Hepatitis was predicted to be due to nivolumab, because other causes were excluded. He started using oral methylprednisolone and then, hepatitis improved. However, while receiving methylprednisolone treatment, fludrocortisone was started with the pre-diagnosis of adrenalitis due to the persistence of fatigue, weakness, and hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. With both treatments, the patient's symptoms and sodium and potassium level returned to normal. Discussion This case emphasizes the need for patient's education and awareness of immune-related adverse events, and the importance of understanding the management of life-threatening complications of the checkpoint inhibitors, because these side effects require prompt recognition and treatment.

scholarly journals Management of Hematologic Adverse Events Associated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Barnes Rogers, CRNP, MN, AOCN, ANP-BC ◽  
Carolyn Zawislak, MPAS, PA-C ◽  
Victoria Wong, PA-C
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Programmed Cell Death ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Activated T Cells

Immune checkpoint inhibitors target suppressor receptors, including cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). The activated T cells are not antigen specific; therefore, the blockade of the immune checkpoint may result in the development of autoimmune adverse events. The most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are rash, colitis, and endocrinopathies. However, irAEs that affect the hematologic system are rare and can affect red blood cells (e.g., autoimmune hemolytic anemia), white blood cells, and platelets (e.g., immune thrombocytopenia). Usually one cell line is affected; however, in some cases, multiple cell lines can be affected. Other changes in the hematologic system can also be affected (e.g., cryoglobulinemia, cytokine release syndrome). Due to the rarity and lack of recognition of these AEs, the timing, spectrum of events, and clinical presentation are poorly understood. Management of hematologic irAEs usually involves the use of steroids; however, other agents (e.g., IVIG, cyclosporine, rituximab) or procedures (e.g., plasma exchange, transfusions) can also be used.

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