scholarly journals Current Possibilities of Gynecologic Cancer Treatment with the Use of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (19) ◽  
pp. 4705 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewelina Grywalska ◽  
Małgorzata Sobstyl ◽  
Lechosław Putowski ◽  
Jacek Roliński
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Gynecological Cancer ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Gynecological Cancers ◽  
Cancer Burden ◽  
Medical Need

Despite the ongoing progress in cancer research, the global cancer burden has increased to 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Gynecological cancers, such as ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers, considerably contribute to global cancer burden, leading to $5,862.6, $2,945.7, and $1,543.9 million of annual costs of cancer care, respectively. Thus, the development of effective therapies against gynecological cancers is still a largely unmet medical need. One of the novel therapeutic approaches is to induce anti-cancer immunity by the inhibition of the immune checkpoint pathways using monoclonal antibodies. The molecular targets for monoclonal antibodies are cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). The rationale for the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with gynecological cancers was based on the immunohistological studies showing high expression levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in those cancers. Currently available immune checkpoint inhibitors include nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, and ipilimumab. The efficacy and safety of these inhibitors, used as monotherapy and with combination with chemotherapy, is being currently evaluated in several clinical studies. As the results are promising, more clinical trials are being planned, which may lead to the development of efficient therapies for gynecological cancer patients.

scholarly journals Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Gynecologic Cancers: State of Affairs

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3301
Author(s):  
Maureen L. Drakes ◽  
Cheryl M. Czerlanis ◽  
Patrick J. Stiff
Keyword(s):  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Blockade ◽  
Gynecologic Cancers ◽  
Programmed Death 1 ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
State Of Affairs

This review provides an update on the current use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in female gynecologic cancers, and it addresses the potential of these agents to provide therapy options for disease management and long-term remission in advanced disease patients, where surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation fail to meet this goal. The topic of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) blocking cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) and the programmed death-1 (PD-1) axis has come to the forefront of translational medicine over the last decade for several malignancies. The text will focus primarily on a discussion of ovarian cancer, which is the most frequent cause of death of gynecologic cancers; endometrial cancer, which is the most often diagnosed gynecologic cancer; and cervical cancer, which is the third most common female gynecologic malignancy, all of which unfavorably alter the lives of many women. We will address the critical factors that regulate the outcome of these cancer types to ICI therapy, the ongoing clinical trials in this area, as well as the adverse immune responses that impact the outcome of patients given ICI regimens.

scholarly journals Immune checkpoint inhibitors-related myocarditis in patients with cancer: an analysis of international spontaneous reporting systems

BMC Cancer ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rulan Ma ◽  
Quanziang Wang ◽  
Deyu Meng ◽  
Kang Li ◽  
Yong Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Adverse Event Reporting System ◽  
Adverse Event Reporting ◽  
Reporting Odds Ratio ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Safety Issues

Abstract Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced myocarditis presents unique clinical challenges. Here, we assessed post-marketing safety of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors by mining the real-world data reported in two international pharmacovigilance databases. Methods We analyzed immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-associated fatal adverse drug events (ADEs) reports from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collected from July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 and data from EudraVigilance (EV) database accessed on February 29, 2020. Three different data mining approaches were used to detect the signal of fatal myocarditis caused by ICIs. Results Based on 7613 ICIs-related ADEs reported to the EV database and 5786 ICIs-associated ADEs submitted to the FAERS database, the most frequently reported ADE was ipilimumab-related colitis. For myocarditis, nivolumab-associated myocarditis was the most common. Among the five fatal toxic effects associated with ICIs, the lethality rate of myocarditis was the highest. Therefore, we further analyzed ICI-associated myocarditis and found that elderly patients and male patients were more likely to develop ICIs-related myocarditis. The results of signal detection showed that the risk signal of avelumab-related myocarditis detected by reporting odds ratio (ROR) method and proportional reporting ratios (PRR) method was the highest, whereas the signal strength of ipilimumab-related myocarditis detected by Bayesian confidence propagation neural networks (BCPNN) method was the strongest. Conclusion The findings of this study indicated the potential safety issues of developing myocarditis when using ICIs, which were consistent with the results of previous clinical trials and could provide a reference for clinical workers when using ICIs.

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.

scholarly journals Adrenal Insufficiency Masquerading as Primary Hypothyroidism Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A110-A111
Author(s):  
Michael Salim ◽  
Wafa Dawahir ◽  
Janice L Gilden ◽  
Andriy Havrylyan
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Insufficiency ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Primary Hypothyroidism ◽  
Adrenal Crisis ◽  
Thyroid Peroxidase ◽  
Endocrine Disorders ◽  
Free T4

Abstract Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are novel immunotherapy agents that have been used to treat multiple advanced cancer. Even though they confer potential clinical advantages by regulating immune reactions, they have been linked with serious immune-mediated adverse events. Here we present a case of a patient who was treated with ICIs, Nivolumab (programmed death-1 inhibitor) and Ipilimumab (cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 inhibitor), and subsequently developed two concurrent immune-related endocrine disorders. Clinical Case: An 83-year-old man with advanced renal cell carcinoma presented with generalized weakness. He had finished four cycles of immunotherapy with Nivolumab and Ipilimumab, and Ipilimumab was discontinued afterward. Two days after the fifth cycle of immunotherapy with Nivolumab, he developed worsening fatigue, nausea, and anorexia. He appeared mildly volume depleted with borderline hypotensive (104/63 mmHg). The rest of the physical exam was unremarkable. Initial tests showed elevated levels of TSH (13.15 uIU/mL, ref 0.45–5.33 uIU/L), reduced levels of free T4 (<0.25 ng/dL, ref 0.58–1.64 ng/dL), free T3 (1.72 pg/mL, ref 2.5–3.9 pg/mL), negative thyroglobulin antibody, and elevated levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody (429 IU/mL, ref <9 IU/mL), thus suggesting primary hypothyroidism. Serum levels of sodium and potassium were unremarkable (136 meQ/L, ref 136–145 mEq/L; 3.6 meQ/L, ref 3.5–5.1 meQ/L respectively). His baseline TSH was normal three months prior to arrival (1.31 uIU/mL) and suppressed one month prior to arrival (0.01 uIU/mL). Immune-related thyroiditis with immune checkpoint inhibitors was suspected. He was given levothyroxine and observed in the hospital. After two days of hospitalization, weakness had slightly improved. However, he still had persistent nausea. He also developed low blood pressure (90/47 mmHg) and mild hyponatremia (133 mEq/L) with a normal potassium level. Further investigation showed low cortisol (1.0 ug/dL, ref 5.0–21.0), low ACTH (13 pg/mL, ref 6–50 pg/mL), cortisol level at 30 and 60 minutes post-cosyntropin stimulation test of 10.8 ug/dL (ref 13.0–30.0 ug/dL) and 14.8 ug/dL (ref 14.0–36.0 ug/dL) respectively, and negative adrenal antibodies, suggesting of secondary adrenal insufficiency due to hypophysitis. The patient was started on hydrocortisone, and his symptoms improved afterward. Conclusion: This case report highlights the common pitfall of managing immune-related endocrine disorders of ICIs. Adrenal insufficiency may present with a broad range of nonspecific symptoms, which could be attributed to hypothyroidism, underlying illness, or medications. Although a rare adverse effect, it is prudent to recognize adrenal insufficiency superimposed on primary hypothyroidism. Introducing thyroxine before replacing glucocorticoids can lead to an adrenal crisis.

scholarly journals Immune checkpoint inhibitors-related myocarditis in patients with cancer: an analysis of international spontaneous reporting systems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rulan Ma ◽  
Quanziang Wang ◽  
Deyu Meng ◽  
Kang Li ◽  
yong zhang
Keyword(s):  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Adverse Drug Events ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Adverse Event Reporting System ◽  
Adverse Event Reporting ◽  
Reporting Odds Ratio ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Safety Issues

Abstract Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors induced myocarditis presents unique clinical challenges. Here, we assessed post-marketing safety of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors by mining the real-world data reported in two international pharmacovigilance databases. Methods: We analyzed immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)-associated fatal adverse drug events (ADRs) reports from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) collected from July 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 and data from EudraVigilance (EV) database accessed on February 29, 2020. Three different data mining approaches were used to detect the signal of fatal myocarditis caused by ICIs. Results: Based on 7613 ICIs-related ADEs reported to the EV database and 5786 ICIs-associated ADEs submitted to the FAERS database, the most frequently reported ADE was ipilimumab-related colitis. For myocarditis, nivolumab-associated myocarditis was the most common. Among the five fatal toxic effects associated with ICIs, the lethality rate of myocarditis was the highest. Therefore, we further analyzed ICI-associated myocarditis and found that elderly patients and male patients were more likely to develop ICIs-related myocarditis. The results of signal detection showed that the risk signal of avelumab-related myocarditis detected by reporting odds ratio (ROR) method and proportional reporting ratios (PRR) method was the highest, whereas the signal strength of ipilimumab-related myocarditis detected by Bayesian confidence propagation neural networks (BCNPP) method was the strongest. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated the potential safety issues of developing myocarditis when using ICIs, which are consistent with the results of previous clinical trials and can provide a reference for clinical workers when using ICIs.

scholarly journals Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors for Brain Metastases: A Primer for Neurosurgeons

Neurosurgery ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. E281-E288
Author(s):  
Elisa Aquilanti ◽  
Priscilla K Brastianos
Keyword(s):  
Brain Metastases ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Immune Recognition ◽  
Therapeutic Modalities ◽  
Programmed Death 1

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors enhance immune recognition of tumors by interfering with the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed death 1 (PD1) pathways. In the past decade, these agents brought significant improvements to the prognostic outlook of patients with metastatic cancers. Recent data from retrospective analyses and a few prospective studies suggest that checkpoint inhibitors have activity against brain metastases from melanoma and nonsmall cell lung cancer, as single agents or in combination with radiotherapy. Some studies reported intracranial response rates that were comparable with systemic ones. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of clinical data supporting the use of anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 agents in brain metastases. We also touch upon specific considerations on the assessment of intracranial responses in patients and immunotherapy-specific toxicities. We conclude that a subset of patients with brain metastases benefit from the addition of checkpoint inhibitors to standard of care therapeutic modalities, including radiotherapy and surgery.

scholarly journals Management of pulmonary toxicity associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (154) ◽  
pp. 190012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Delaunay ◽  
Grégoire Prévot ◽  
Samia Collot ◽  
Laurent Guilleminault ◽  
Alain Didier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Pulmonary Toxicity ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Serious Adverse Events ◽  
Programmed Cell Death 1 ◽  
Life Threatening

Immunotherapy has become a standard of care in oncology, following the recent approvals of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 and programmed cell death-1 inhibitors in lung cancer, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, bladder, head and neck cancers. Besides their efficacy, these agents also generate specific immune-related adverse events. Due to the increasing prescription of immune-checkpoint inhibitors, the incidence of immune toxicity will continue to rise. The awareness of immune-related adverse events is key to ensuring both diagnosis and management of the possible serious adverse events. Although severe immune-related adverse events remain rare, they can lead to discontinued treatment or to death if they are not forecasted and managed properly. Even if lung toxicity is not the most frequent adverse event, it remains critical as it can be life-threatening. Herein, the main aspects of pulmonary toxicity are reviewed and guidelines are also proposed in order to manage the possible side-effects.

Immunotherapy in Gynecologic Cancers: What We Know Now and Where We Are Headed

2019 ◽  
pp. e126-e140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Levinson ◽  
Oliver Dorigo ◽  
Krista Rubin ◽  
Kathleen Moore
Keyword(s):  
Solid Tumors ◽  
Solid Tumor ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Hematologic Malignancies ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Gynecologic Cancers ◽  
Clinical Benefits

Immunotherapy, mainly in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has been transformative in both solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. Patients with previously terminal illnesses have experienced profound responses of great durability with these agents, fueling excitement among patients and providers regarding their use. Unfortunately, the gains seen in some solid tumors have not been replicated in a large percentage of patients with gynecologic cancer. This review focuses on the clinical benefits seen to date, toxicities and management when using ICIs, ways to improve prediction of who should receive immunotherapy, and a discussion of next-generation immunotherapy with cellular therapeutics and how these might relate to gynecologic cancers.

Efficacy and toxicity of immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors in gynecologic cancers.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e18092-e18092
Author(s):  
Michelle Kuznicki ◽  
Amy Joehlin-Price ◽  
Peter Graham Rose ◽  
Haider Mahdi
Keyword(s):  
Stable Disease ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Clinical Benefit ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Objective Response ◽  
Complete Response ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
First Line

e18092 Background: There is limited data on outcomes for gynecologic cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) outside the scope of clinical trials. Here we present our Institutional experience with a cohort of endometrial (EC) and ovarian cancer (OC) treated with ICI. Methods: 59 patients who received ICI were included (23 OC and 36 EC). Progression-free (PFS) and Overall survivals (OS) were determined by Kaplan-Meier (KM) curve and log rank test. Comparison of duration of response (DOR) and stable disease (DOSD) was done with unpaired t-test or one-way ANOVA. Rates of objective response (ORR) including partial response (PR) and complete response (CR), and stable disease (SD) were compared by Fischer’s exact test. Results: Median age was 66 years. 23 patients were microsatellite stable (MSS), 23 microsatellite instability high (MSI-H). Median number of prior lines was 2 (0-11). PFS and OS for EC and OC were overlapping; therefore outcomes for both were combined [(PFS 6.4m OC vs 7.3 m EC, p = 0.61), (OS 15.9 m OC vs 14.2 m EC, p = 0.78)]. Response rates consisted of 20.3% PR, 8.5% CR, 37.3% SD. Differences in responses were noted for clear cell carcinoma (CC) (33.3% PR, 11.1% CR, 33.3% SD) and MSI-H (36.4% PR, 18.2% CR, 22.7% SD) compared to MSS (11.8% PR, 0% CR, 47% SD). MSI-H had higher ORR vs. MSS (54.1% vs 11.8%, p = 0.0078). CC trended toward improved ORR vs. MSS (44.4% vs 11.8%, p = 0.14). PFS was improved for MSI-H vs. MSS (10m v 5.0m, p = 0.03). OS for CC compared to any other histology was improved (NR vs 12.8m respectively, p = 0.009). 5 recurrent MSI-H EC patients received ICI as first line monotherapy. Responses included 4 PR and 1 SD (80% ORR, 100% clinical benefit). PFS was 9.2m (3.3-13.3). 80% remained progression-free at last follow up. Overall, 38.9% experienced toxicity: hypothyroidism (15%), dermatitis (5%), pneumonitis (10%), LFT elevation (2%), amylase/lipase elevation (3%), colitis or diarrhea (5%), uveitis (2%) or nephritis (5%). 10% of patients required discontinuation of ICI secondary to toxicity. Trends for PFS and OS favored improved outcomes in patients with toxicity vs. no toxicity [(PFS 12.9m vs 5.6m, p = 0.07), (OS 22.9m vs 13.1m, p = NS)] respectively. Conclusions: In this study, immunotherapy with ICI outcomes favor MSI-H and CC compared to MSS disease. CC had promising OS compared to other histology types. ICI showed promising efficacy in MSI-H EC with 100% clinical benefit rate in chemonaive patients. First line ICI should be investigated in these patients. Positive correlation between toxicity and outcome is noted and will be further investigated.

scholarly journals Immunotherapy for Patients with Advanced Urothelial Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clizia Zichi ◽  
Marcello Tucci ◽  
Gianmarco Leone ◽  
Consuelo Buttigliero ◽  
Francesca Vignani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bladder Cancer ◽  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Adaptive Immune Response ◽  
Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes ◽  
Invasive Disease ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Programmed Death

In recent years, immunotherapy has produced encouraging results in a rapidly increasing number of solid tumors. The responsiveness of bladder cancer to immunotherapy was first established in nonmuscle invasive disease in 1976 with intravesical instillations of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Very recently immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrated good activity and significant efficacy in metastatic disease. In particular the best results were obtained with programmed death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, but many other immune checkpoint inhibitors, including anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) antibodies, are currently under investigation in several trials. Simultaneously other therapeutic strategies which recruit an adaptive immune response against tumoral antigens or employ externally manipulated tumor infiltrating lymphocytes might change the natural history of bladder cancer in the near future. This review describes the rationale for the use of immunotherapy in bladder cancer and discusses recent and ongoing clinical trials with checkpoint inhibitors and other novel immunotherapy agents.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document