scholarly journals Biomarkers in Hepatobiliary Cancers: What is Useful in Clinical Practice?

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2708
Author(s):  
Alice Boilève ◽  
Marc Hilmi ◽  
Matthieu Delaye ◽  
Annemilaï Tijeras-Raballand ◽  
Cindy Neuzillet

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and biliary tract cancers (BTC) exhibit a poor prognosis with 5-year overall survival rates around 15%, all stages combined. Most of these primary liver malignancies are metastatic at diagnostic, with only limited therapeutic options, relying mainly on systemic therapies. Treatment modalities are different yet partially overlapping between HCC and BTC. The complex molecular profile of BTC yields to several actionable therapeutic targets, contrary to HCC that remains the field of antiangiogenic drugs in non-molecularly selected patients. Immunotherapy is now validated in the first line in HCC in combination with bevacizumab, while clinical activity of single agent immunotherapy appears limited to a subset of patients in BTC, still poorly characterized, and combinations are currently under investigation. In this review, we provide a critical evaluation and grading of clinical relevance on (i) the main prognostic biomarkers in HCC and BTC, (ii) the main theragnostic biomarkers in both tumors, and lastly (iii) what is recommended in clinical practice.

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Hilmi ◽  
Angélique Vienot ◽  
Benoît Rousseau ◽  
Cindy Neuzillet

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and biliary tract cancers (BTC) display a poor prognosis with 5-year overall survival rates around 15%, all stages taken together. These primary liver malignancies are often diagnosed at advanced stages where therapeutic options are limited. Recently, immune therapy has opened new opportunities in oncology. Based on their high programmed death-ligand 1 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, HCC and BTC are theoretically good candidates for immune checkpoint blockade. However, clinical activity of single agent immunotherapy appears limited to a subset of patients, which is still ill-defined, and combinations are under investigation. In this review, we provide an overview of (i) the biological rationale for immunotherapies in HCC and BTC, (ii) the current state of their clinical development, and (iii) the predictive value of immune signatures for both clinical outcome and response to these therapies.


Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (11) ◽  
pp. 304-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Catovsky ◽  
Monica Else ◽  
Sue Richards ◽  
Peter Hillmen

Abstract On behalf of the UK NCRI Haematological Oncology Clinical Studies Group and NCRI CLL Working Group The LRF CLL4 trial randomised 777 patients with previously untreated CLL who required therapy from January 1999 to October 2004 between fludarabine as single agent (n=194), fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide (FC; 196) and chlorambucil (387). Results presented at ASH 2005 and now with an extended follow-up show statistically significant better complete (CR) and overall (ORR) responses with FC (39% CR and 94% ORR) compared to fludarabine (15% and 80%) and chlorambucil (7% and 72%). Progression-free survival (PFS) at 5 years was also significantly better with FC (33%) than fludarabine (14%) or chlorambucil (9%). Better response rates and PFS for FC occurred in all age groups including those over 70, and all prognostic groups defined by VH mutations and cytogenetics. Despite these results with FC, also seen by others (Eichhorst et al, Blood 107, 885, 2006), no survival differences have emerged. The projected 5-year survival with FC and fludarabine is currently 54% and with chlorambucil 61% (p=ns). This is puzzling as survival in CLL has previously been demonstrated to correlate with the quality of response. In CLL4 this was confirmed and we have also shown that good responders to second line treatment survive better. We therefore analysed data from 180 patients who received second-line treatments: 125 originally in the chlorambucil arm, 44 in the fludarabine arm and 11 in the FC arm. Patients in the chlorambucil arm received, as second-line therapy, mostly fludarabine alone or in combinations including FC+/−Rituximab (R) (70% of cases), CHOP, alemtuzumab, high dose methylprednisolone and others. Patients from the fludarabine arm had CHOP (31%), FC+/−R (24%), or others. Results are summarised in the Table. In the chlorambucil arm the proportion of patients responding to second-line treatment was higher than the proportion responding to first-line chlorambucil. Median survival after progression in 496 patients was also better in the chlorambucil (42 months) and fludarabine arms (35 months) than FC (8 months). These figures were respectively 33, 49 and 7 months for 147 non-responders to first-line treatment, and 52, 37 and 27 months for 259 responders who had relapsed. We conclude from this analysis that the likely reason for the lack of survival differences in CLL4 (and in other CLL trials) relates directly to the better responses and improved survival rates after second line treatment in those receiving the less effective therapy first, i.e. chlorambucil in CLL4. This observation is also relevant for the analysis of results of salvage protocols, which need to take into account the quality of the initial treatments and the mechanisms underlying resistance. Our findings support the view that PFS and quality of life should be used when assessing new treatment modalities in CLL, while continuing to evaluate survival differences to ensure that there is no adverse effect. Responses to second-line treatment (%) First-line randomisation Number of pts. CR NodPR PR ORR NR/PD CR = complete response; NodPR = nodular partial response; PR = partial response; ORR = overall response rate; NR/PD = no response or progression of disease Chorambucil 125 13 17 44 74 26 Fludarabine 44 11 25 41 77 23 FC 11 0 0 45 45 55


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1569
Author(s):  
Alice Boilève ◽  
Marc Hilmi ◽  
Cristina Smolenschi ◽  
Michel Ducreux ◽  
Antoine Hollebecque ◽  
...  

Biliary tract cancers are rare tumors with a poor prognosis. Two-thirds of these primary liver malignancies are diagnosed at advanced stages where therapeutic options are limited. Whereas several molecular targeted therapies emerge in biliary tract cancers, immunotherapy is still investigational, the only approved immunotherapy to date being the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab for the small fraction of patients with microsatellite-instable tumors. In microsatellite-stable, pre-treated biliary tract cancers, single-agent immune checkpoint blockade has a limited albeit often long-lasting clinical activity in a still ill-defined subgroup of patients. The identification of predictive biomarkers will allow a better selection of patients that may benefit from immunotherapy. Combinations of immunotherapies with each other, with chemotherapy or targeted molecular therapies are being investigated in early lines of therapy, including first-line.


2011 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gretchen P. Kenagy ◽  
Barbara S. Schneidman ◽  
Barbara Barzansky ◽  
Claudette E. Dalton ◽  
Carl A. Sirio ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Physician reentry to clinical practice is fast becoming recognized as an issue of central importance in discussions about the physician workforce. While there are few empirical studies, existing data show that increasing numbers of physicians take a leave of absence from practice at some point during their careers; this trend is expected to continue. The process of returning to clinical practice is coming under scrutiny due to the public's increasing demand for transparency regarding physician competence. Criteria for medical licensure often do not include an expectation of ongoing clinical activity. Physicians who maintain a license but do not practice for a period of time, therefore, may be reentering the workforce with unknown competency to practice. This paper: (1) presents survey data on current physician reentry policies of state medical boards; (2) discusses the findings from the survey within the context of regulatory challenges that impact physician-reentry; and (3) offers recommendations to facilitate the development of comprehensive, coordinated regulatory policies on physician reentry.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1022-1043
Author(s):  
Imran Khan ◽  
Sadaf Mahfooz ◽  
Mustafa A. Hatiboglu

Background: Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and devastating tumours of the central nervous system with short survival time. Glioblastoma usually shows fast cell proliferation and invasion of normal brain tissue causing poor prognosis. The present standard of care in patients with glioblastoma includes surgery followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide (TMZ) based chemotherapy. Unfortunately, these approaches are not sufficient to lead a favorable prognosis and survival rates. As the current approaches do not provide a long-term benefit in those patients, new alternative treatments including natural compounds, have drawn attention. Due to their natural origin, they are associated with minimum cellular toxicity towards normal cells and it has become one of the most attractive approaches to treat tumours by natural compounds or phytochemicals. Objective: In the present review, the role of natural compounds or phytochemicals in the treatment of glioblastoma describing their efficacy on various aspects of glioblastoma pathophysiology such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, cellular signaling pathways, chemoresistance and their role in combinatorial therapeutic approaches was described. Methods: Peer-reviewed literature was extracted using Pubmed, EMBASE Ovid and Google Scholar to be reviewed in the present article. Conclusion: Preclinical data available in the literature suggest that phytochemicals hold immense potential to be translated into treatment modalities. However, further clinical studies with conclusive results are required to implement phytochemicals in treatment modalities.


Author(s):  
Sachin Bagali ◽  
Umapati Baragi ◽  
M. R. Sajjanshetti

In the present day scenario prime need of Ayurveda is practical applicability of Ayurvedic fundamental principles and research should be more focused on all aspects where scientific inputs should confirm Ayurveda’s principles and philosophy. In Ayurveda, Gunas are described as the way of presentation of action without which no Karma (action) can be possible. Ayurveda has provided significance to every Guna so that they become useful in clinical practice. Clinical practice or research is a continuous process including a series of events which need to be performed in a sequential manner. Though there are many factors on which accomplishment of treatment depends, among these Charaka has given prime importance to Paradi Gunas. In clinical practice, Guna which are to be with Bhishak are mainly the Paradi Gunas which can also be called as miscellaneous Gunas. As rightly quoted by Acarya Charaka, for getting success in the treatment Paradi Gunas are the best. The Sutra quotes "Sidhyupaya Chikitsayam" which means that Chikitsa i.e. Dhatusamya will be done mainly with the help of Paradi Gunas. Knowledge of Paradi Gunas are required to be present in pharmacists, physicians and Researchers. Acharya Charaka says that Chikitsa Siddhi i.e. successful management of disease is not possible without the knowledge of Paradi Gunas. Paradi Gunas play an important role in selection, adaption and manifestation of drug as per condition of the disease and the patient in particular Desha and Kala. The ultimate goal of any clinical activity is to contribute in the knowledge domain and to improve professional practice. Thus this literary review of Paradi Gunas serves to explore the subject of the clinical practice.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evalien Veldhuijzen ◽  
Iris Walraven ◽  
Jose Belderbos

BACKGROUND The Patient Reported Outcomes Version of the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) item library covers a wide range of symptoms relevant for oncology care. To enable implementation of PRO-CTCAE-based symptom monitoring in clinical practice, there is a need to select a subset of items relevant for specific patient populations. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a PRO-CTCAE subset relevant for patients with lung cancer. METHODS The PRO-CTCAE-based subset for lung cancer patients was generated using a mixed methods approach based on the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines for developing questionnaires, consisting of a literature review and semi-structured interviews with both lung cancer patients and health care practitioners (HCPs). Both patients and HCPs were queried on the relevance and impact of all PRO-CTCAE items. Results were summarized and, after a final round of expert review, a selection of clinically relevant items for lung cancer patients was made. RESULTS A heterogeneous group of lung cancer patients (n=25) from different treatment modalities and HCPs (n=22) participated in the study. A final list of eight relevant PRO-CTCAE items was created: decreased appetite, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, constipation, nausea, sadness, and pain (general). CONCLUSIONS Based on literature and both professional and patient input, a subset of PRO-CTCAE items has been identified for use in lung cancer patients in clinical practice. Future work is needed to confirm the validity and effectiveness of this PRO-CTCAE lung cancer subset internationally, and in the real-world clinical practice setting.


2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 745-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Mir ◽  
Pascaline Boudou-Rouquette ◽  
Frédérique Larousserie ◽  
Benoit Blanchet ◽  
Antoine Babinet ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Abdel-Rahman ◽  
Winson Y. Cheung

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. A considerable proportion of CRC patients may present with metastatic disease either at upfront presentation (synchronous with the primary) or following diagnosis and treatment of the primary tumor (metachronous). Management of CRC liver metastases is a challenging endeavor which frequently necessitates proper assessment of patient- and disease-related factors. There is an opportunity within the management of CRC liver metastases to incorporate multiple treatment modalities (including surgery, other locoregional treatments, and systemic therapy). The current review aims to provide an updated overview on the optimal management strategy for CRC patients with liver metastases with a specific focus on the integration of systemic and/or locoregional treatments among patients with resectable or potentially resectable disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS2668-TPS2668
Author(s):  
Meredith McKean ◽  
Gerald Steven Falchook ◽  
Johanna C. Bendell ◽  
Babar Bashir ◽  
Neil Palmisiano ◽  
...  

TPS2668 Background: BT8009 is a Bicycle Toxin Conjugate (BTC), a novel class of chemically synthesized molecules, comprising a bicyclic peptide targeting Nectin-4 tumor antigen, linked to cytotoxin (monomethyl auristatin E [MMAE]) via a valine-citrulline (val-cit) cleavable linker. Nectins (Nectin-1, -2, -3, and -4) and nectin-like molecules (Necl) are Ca2+ independent immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules. Recent studies have shown the importance of Nectin-4 in several human cancers, including lung, ovarian, breast and bladder cancer; however, the precise roles and clinical relevance of Nectin-4 in tumors remain largely unknown. The Nectin-4 targeted enfortumab vedotin, linked to MMAE via a val-cit linker, is highly active in late-stage bladder cancer and demonstrates notable additional clinical activity as a single agent and in combination with pembrolizumab1. Skin toxicities, bone marrow suppression, peripheral neuropathy and diabetes have been associated with enfortumab, with some of these toxicities already noted with MMAE-bearing antibody therapies. We anticipate a similar toxicity profile for BT8009 in clinical studies. BT8009 exhibited a favorable preclinical profile and was effective in a range of cell-derived xenograph tumor models. Methods: Study BT8009-100 (NCT04561362) will evaluate safety and tolerability of weekly and every other week BT8009 administration, alone and in combination with q4w nivolumab. Determination of both a realistic phase 2 dose and a sequence will also be key to further exploration of safety and efficacy signals, along with an early examination of the role of baseline immunohistochemistry-ascertained levels of tumor Nectin-4. Patients will be recruited with advanced solid tumors associated with Nectin-4 expression after exhausting SOC options (i.e., bladder, breast, pancreatic, head and neck, gastric, esophageal and ovarian). Patients must have available tumor tissue, acceptable hematologic and other critical organ function and be willing to participate. Appropriate ethical and regulatory approvals and advice will be in place and adhered to. Exclusion criteria include uncontrolled brain metastases, uncontrolled hypertension, concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors and significant history of autoimmune disease for the nivolumab cohorts. PK serial collections will be taken on D1 through D15. Radiologic tumor assessments for response per RECIST will be taken every two months. 1. Enfortumab Vedotin. FDA_data. 761137Orig1s000MultiDiscliplineR.pdf (fda.gov). Clinical trial information: NCT04561362.


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