C-reactive protein to albumin ratio predict responses to programmed cell death-1 inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND Over the years,programmed cell death-1(PD-1)inhibitors have been routinely used for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)treatment and yielded improved survival outcomes.Nonetheless,significant heterogeneity surrounds the outcomes of most studies.Therefore,it is critical to search for biomarkers that predict the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in patients with HCC.AIM To investigate the role of the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio(CAR)in evaluating the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors for HCC.METHODS The clinical data of 160 patients with HCC treated with PD-1 inhibitors from January 2018 to November 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS The optimal cut-off value for CAR based on progression-free survival(PFS)was determined to be 1.20 using x-tile software.Cox proportional risk model was used to determine the factors affecting prognosis.Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status[hazard ratio(HR)=1.754,95%confidence interval(95%CI)=1.045-2.944,P=0.033],CAR(HR=2.118,95%CI=1.057-4.243,P=0.034)and tumor number(HR=2.932,95%CI=1.246-6.897,P=0.014)were independent prognostic factors for overall survival.CAR(HR=2.730,95%CI=1.502-4.961,P=0.001),tumor number(HR=1.584,95%CI=1.003-2.500,P=0.048)and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(HR=1.120,95%CI=1.022-1.228,P=0.015)were independent prognostic factors for PFS.Two nomograms were constructed based on independent prognostic factors.The C-index index and calibration plots confirmed that the nomogram is a reliable risk prediction tool.The ROC curve and decision curve analysis confirmed that the nomogram has a good predictive effect as well as a net clinical benefit.CONCLUSION Overall,we reveal that the CAR is a potential predictor of short-and long-term prognosis in patients with HCC treated with PD-1 inhibitors.If further verified,CAR-based nomogram may increase the number of markers that predict individualized prognosis.

Efficacy comparison of fruquintinib,regorafenib monotherapy or plus programmed death-1 inhibitors for microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Regorafenib(R)and fruquintinib(F)are the standard third-line regimens for colorectal cancer(CRC)according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines,but both have limited efficacy.Several phase 2 trials have indicated that R or F combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors can reverse immunosuppression and achieve promising efficacy for microsatellite stable or proficient mismatch repair(MSS/pMMR)CRC.Due to the lack of studies comparing the efficacy between F,R,F plus programmed death-1(PD-1)inhibitor,and R plus PD-1 inhibitors(RP),it is still unclear whether the combination therapy is more effective than monotherapy.AIM To provide critical evidence for selecting the appropriate drugs for MSS/pMMR metastatic CRC(mCRC)patients in clinical practice.METHODS A total of 2639 CRC patients were enrolled from January 2018 to September 2022 in our hospital,and 313 MSS/pMMR mCRC patients were finally included.RESULTS A total of 313 eligible patients were divided into F(n=70),R(n=67),F plus PD-1 inhibitor(FP)(n=95)and RP(n=81)groups.The key clinical characteristics were well balanced among the groups.The median progression-free survival(PFS)of the F,R,FP,and RP groups was 3.5 months,3.6 months,4.9 months,and 3.0 months,respectively.The median overall survival(OS)was 14.6 months,15.7 months,16.7 months,and 14.1 months.The FP regimen had an improved disease control rate(DCR)(P=0.044)and 6-month PFS(P=0.014)and exhibited a better trend in PFS(P=0.057)compared with F,and it was also significantly better in PFS than RP(P=0.030).RP did not confer a significant survival benefit;instead,the R group had a trend toward greater benefit with OS(P=0.080)compared with RP.No significant differences were observed between the R and F groups in PFS or OS(P>0.05).CONCLUSION FP is superior to F in achieving 6-month PFS and DCR,while RP is not better than R.FP has an improved PFS and 6-month PFS compared with RP,but F and R had similar clinical efficacy.Therefore,FP may be a highly promising strategy in the treatment of MSS/pMMR mCRC.

Effectiveness and tolerability of programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy for upper gastrointestinal tract cancers

BACKGROUND The combination of programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitor and che-motherapy is approved as a standard first-or second-line treatment in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.However,it is unclear whether this combination is superior to chemotherapy alone.AIM To assess the comparative effectiveness and tolerability of combining PD-1 inhibitors with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced gastric cancer,gastroesophageal junction(GEJ)cancer,or oesophageal carcinoma.METHODS We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies that compared the efficacy and tolerance of PD-1 inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy vs chemotherapy alone in patients with advanced oesophageal or gastric cancer.We employed either random or fixed models to analyze the outcomes of each clinical trial,en-compassing data on overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),objective response rate,and adverse events(AEs).RESULTS Nine phase 3 clinical trials(7016 advanced oesophageal and gastric cancer patients)met the inclusion criteria.Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group had a significantly longer OS than the chemotherapy-alone group[hazard ratio(HR)=0.76,95%confidence interval(CI):0.71-0.81];the pooled PFS result was consistent with that of OS(HR=0.67,95%CI:0.61-0.74).The count of patients achieving an objective response in the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group surpassed that of the chemotherapy-alone group[odds ratio(OR)=1.86,95%CI:1.59-2.18].AE incidence was also higher in the combination-therapy group than in the chemotherapy-alone group,regardless of whether≥grade 3 only(OR=1.30,95%CI:1.07-1.57)or all AE grades(OR=1.88,95%CI:1.39-2.54)were examined.We performed a subgroup analysis based on the programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)combined positive score(CPS)and noted extended OS and PFS durations within the CPS≥1,CPS≥5,and CPS≥10 subgroups of the PD-1 inhibitor+chemotherapy group.CONCLUSION In contrast to chemotherapy alone,the combination of PD-1 inhibitor and chemotherapy appears to present a more favorable option for initial or subsequent treatment in patients with gastric cancer,GEJ tumor,or oesophageal cancer.This holds true particularly for individuals with PD-L1 CPS scores of≥5 and≥10.

Efficacy and predictive factors of transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 inhibition for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)for unresectable hepato-cellular carcinoma(HCC)have rarely been evaluated and it is unknown which factors are related to efficacy.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and independent predictive factors of TACE combined with lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable HCC.METHODS This study retrospectively enrolled patients with unresectable HCC who received TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment between March 2019 and April 2022.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were determined.The objective response rate(ORR)and disease control rate(DCR)were evaluated in accordance with the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors.Additionally,the prognostic factors affecting the clinical outcome were assessed.RESULTS One hundred and two patients were enrolled with a median follow-up duration of 12.63 months.The median OS was 26.43 months(95%CI:17.00-35.87),and the median PFS was 10.07 months(95%CI:8.50-11.65).The ORR and DCR were 61.76%and 81.37%,respectively.The patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Classification(BCLC)B stage,early neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)response(decrease),or early alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)response(decrease>20%)had superior OS and PFS than their counterparts.CONCLUSION This study showed that TACE/lenvatinib/PD-1 treatment was well tolerated with encouraging efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC.The patients with BCLC B-stage disease with early NLR response(decrease)and early AFP response(decrease>20%)may achieve better clinical outcomes with this triple therapy.

Over-expression of programmed death-ligand 1 and programmed death-1 on antigen-presenting cells as a predictor of organ dysfunction and mortality during early sepsis: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND:This study aimed to explore the changes of programmed death-ligand 1(PDL1)and programmed death-1(PD-1)expression on antigen-presenting cells(APCs)and evaluate their association with organ failure and mortality during early sepsis.METHODS:In total,40 healthy controls and 198 patients with sepsis were included in this study.Peripheral blood was collected within the first 24 h after the diagnosis of sepsis.The expression of PDL1 and PD-1 was determined on APCs,such as B cells,monocytes,and dendritic cells(DCs),by flow cytometry.Cytokines in plasma,such as interferon-γ(IFN-γ),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-4(IL-4),IL-6,IL-10,and IL-17A were determined by Luminex assay.RESULTS:PD-1 expression decreased significantly on B cells,monocytes,myeloid DCs(mDCs),and plasmacytoid DCs(pDCs)as the severity of sepsis increased.PD-1 expression was also markedly decreased in non-survivors compared with survivors.In contrast,PD-L1 expression was markedly higher on mDCs,pDCs,and monocytes in patients with sepsis than in healthy controls and in non-survivors than in survivors.The PD-L1 expression on APCs(monocytes and DCs)was weakly related to organ dysfunction and infl ammation.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of the PD-1 percentage of monocytes(monocyte PD-1%)+APACHE II model(0.823)and monocyte PD-1%+SOFA model(0.816)had higher prognostic value than other parameters alone.Monocyte PD-1%was an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality.CONCLUSION:The severity of sepsis was correlated with PD-L1 or PD-1 over-expression on APCs.PD-L1 in monocytes and DCs was weakly correlated with infl ammation and organ dysfunction during early sepsis.The combination of SOFA or APACHE II scores with monocyte PD-1%could improve the prediction ability for mortality.

Advances on biological evaluation methods of programmed cell death protein-1/ligand-1 inhibitors

Immuno-oncology represents a groundbreaking and well-established field within cancer treatment.Among the various immuno-oncology targets,the exploration of programmed cell death-1/ligand-1 for drug discovery has proven to be one of the most successful endeavors.Remarkably,it took nearly 30 years from the initial target identification to the clinical approval of monoclonal antibodies.Providing suitable and reliable bioassays for drug candidate evaluation is of paramount importance throughout the early stages of drug discovery,from lead compound identification to in vivo efficacy testing.This assay review aims to shed light on diverse assays reported in the literature for testing antagonism activity and efficacy of programmed cell death-1/ligand-1 inhibitors.Each of these assays possesses inherent advantages and can be applied in different research scenarios.The insights presented in this summary can serve as a valuable resource for scientists in this field,aiding in the selection of appropriate assays for their specific investigations.

Programmed cell death-1 inhibitor-related sclerosing cholangitis:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Programmed cell death-1(PD-1)inhibitor has been indicated for many types of malignancies.However,these inhibitors also cause immune-related adverse events.Hepatobiliary disorder is a phenotype of immune-related adverse event affecting 0%–4.5%of patients treated with PD-1 inhibitors.Recent studies have reported PD-1 inhibitor-related sclerosing cholangitis(SC);however,the associated clinical and pathological features are unclear.AIM To evaluate the clinical and pathological features of PD-1 inhibitor-related SC through a systematic review of the literature.METHODS The review,conducted using electronic databases in PubMed,was restricted to the period from January 2014 to September 2019 and focused on case reports/series on PD-1 inhibitor-related SC published in English.We scanned the references of the selected literature to identify any further relevant studies.Six cases previously studied by us,including three that have not yet been published,were included in this review.RESULTS Thirty-one PD-1 inhibitor-related SC cases were evaluated.Median age of patients was 67 years(range,43–89),with a male to female ratio of 21:10.The main disease requiring PD-1 inhibitor treatment was non-small cell lung cancer.Agents that caused PD-1 inhibitor-related SC were nivolumab(19 cases),pembrolizumab(10 cases),avelumab(1 case),and durvalumab(1 case).The median number of cycles until PD-1 inhibitor-related SC onset was 5.5(range,1–27).Abdominal pain or discomfort(35.5%,11/31)was the most frequent symptom.Blood serum tests identified liver dysfunction with a notable increase in biliary tract enzymes relative to hepatic enzymes,and a normal level of serum immunoglobulin G4.Biliary dilation without obstruction(76.9%,20/26),diffuse hypertrophy of the extrahepatic biliary tract(90.5%,19/21),and multiple strictures of the intrahepatic biliary tract(30.4%,7/23)were noted.In 11/23(47.8%)cases,pathological examination indicated that CD8+T cells were the dominant inflammatory cells in the bile duct or peribiliary tract.Although corticosteroids were mainly used for PD inhibitor-related SC treatment,the response rate was 11.5%(3/26).CONCLUSION Some clinical and pathological features of PD-1 inhibitor-related SC were revealed.To establish diagnostic criteria for PD-1 inhibitor-related SC,more cases need to be evaluated.

多西他赛联合PD-1抑制剂对晚期非小细胞肺癌预后及血清MMP-9、TIMP-1水平的影响

目的探讨多西他赛联合程序性死亡受体1(PD-1)抑制剂对晚期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)预后及血清基质金属蛋白酶-9(MMP-9)、基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-1(TIMP-1)水平的影响。方法将90例晚期NSCLC患者随机分为研究组和对照组,每组45例。对照组给予多西他赛和顺铂治疗,研究组在对照组治疗基础上给予PD-1治疗,3周为1个治疗周期,共治疗6个周期。比较2组治疗后客观缓解率(ORR)、疾病控制率(DCR)、无进展生存期(PFS)、总生存期(OS),观察2组治疗期间不良反应发生情况及治疗前后血清MMP-9、TIMP-1水平的变化。结果研究组治疗后DCR、PFS、OS显著高于对照组(P<0.05);治疗期间2组不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);2组治疗后血清MMP-9、TIMP-1水平较治疗前显著降低(P<0.05),且研究组降低较对照组更为显著(P<0.05)。结论多西他赛联合PD-1抑制剂对晚期NSCLC具有较好的疗效和预后,能够降低血清MMP-9、TIMP-1水平,降低肺癌细胞侵袭转移的能力,安全性良好。

PD-1抑制剂联合安罗替尼治疗二线化疗失败的老年晚期非小细胞肺癌的效果

目的 探究程序性死亡受体1(PD-1)抑制剂联合安罗替尼治疗二线化疗失败的老年晚期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的临床疗效。方法 选取2019年1月—2021年4月泰州市第二人民医院收治的106例二线化疗失败的老年晚期NSCLC患者作为研究对象,按照随机数字表法分为单药组和联合组,各53例。单药组采用安罗替尼治疗,联合组采用PD-1抑制剂联合安罗替尼治疗。比较两组的疾病控制率、毒副反应发生情况、生存率、肿瘤标志物[细胞角蛋白19片段抗原21-1(CYFRA21-1)、癌胚抗原(CEA)、糖类抗原125(CA125)]、血管新生指标[血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)-A、VEGF受体2(VEGFR2)]、血清驱动蛋白超家族蛋白(KIF)C1、N-钙黏蛋白、生活质量核心量表(QLQ-C30)评分。结果 联合组疾病控制率高于单药组(P<0.05);治疗2个周期后,联合组血清CYFRA21-1、CA125、CEA、VEGF-A、VEGFR2、KIFC1及N-钙黏蛋白水平均低于单药组(P<0.05),QLQ-C30评分低于单药组(P<0.05);两组各毒副反应总发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,联合组累积生存率高于单药组(P<0.05)。结论 PD-1抑制剂联合安罗替尼治疗二线化疗失败的老年晚期NSCLC效果显著,可有效调节血清KIFC1、N-钙黏蛋白表达,抑制VEGF-A、VEGFR2水平,降低肿瘤标志物水平,提高生活质量,延长生存时间,安全性高。

血清细胞因子表达水平与非小细胞肺癌PD-1抑制剂疗效研究进展

程序性死亡受体-1(PD-1)/程序性死亡分子配体-1信号通路抑制剂激活机体免系统后产生的细胞因子在抗肿瘤细胞过程中发挥关键作用。本文回顾近年来接受PD-1抑制剂治疗的非小细胞肺癌患者血清细胞因子表达水平与临床获益的相关性研究,揭示非小细胞肺癌患者PD-1治疗前后白介素-6、白介素-8、肿瘤坏死因子、干扰素、白介素-17A等细胞因子水平变化,为寻找经济、便捷的PD-1抑制剂疗效生物标志物提供思路和线索。

Immune-related adverse events induced by programmed death protein-1 inhibitors from the perspective of lymphoma immunotherapy

Lymphoma,which is highly malignant,stems from lymph nodes and lymphoid tissue.Lymphoma cells express programmed death-ligand 1/2(PD-L1/PD-L2),which binds with programmed cell death 1 protein(PD-1)to establish inhibitory signaling that impedes the normal function of T cells and allows tumor cells to escape immune system surveillance.Recently,immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapies such as PD-1 inhibitors(nivolumab and pembrolizumab)have been introduced into the lymphoma treatment algorithm and have shown remarkable clinical efficacy and greatly improve prognosis in lymphoma patients.Accordingly,the number of lymphoma patients who are seeking treatment with PD-1 inhibitors is growing annually,which results in an increasing number of patients developing immune-related adverse events(irAEs).The occurrence of irAEs inevitably affects the benefits provided by immunotherapy,particularly when PD-1 inhibitors are applied.However,the mechanisms and characteristics of irAEs induced by PD-1 inhibitors in lymphoma need further investigation.This review article summarizes the latest research advances in irAEs during treatment of lymphoma with PD-1 inhibitors.A comprehensive understanding of irAEs incurred in immunotherapy can help to achieve better efficacy with PD-1 inhibitors in lymphoma.

Regorafenib combined with programmed cell death-1 inhibitor against refractory colorectal cancer and the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio’s prediction on effectiveness

BACKGROUND The effectiveness of regorafenib plus programmed cell death-1(PD-1)inhibitor in treating microsatellite stable(MSS)metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC)remains controversial.AIM To investigate the benefits of regorafenib combined with PD-1 inhibitor in treating MSS mCRC and explore indicators predicting response.METHODS This retrospective study included a total of 30 patients with microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer treated with regorafenib combined with programmed cell death-1 inhibitor at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital between December 2018 and December 2020.During a 4-wk treatment cycle,regorafenib was performed for 3 continuous weeks.PD-1 inhibitor was intravenously injected starting on the first day of the oral intake of regorafenib.We reviewed tumor response,progression-free survival(PFS),overall survival,and treatment-related adverse events(TRAEs)and evaluated association between platelet-tolymphocyte ratio(PLR)and outcomes in this retrospective study.RESULTS Stable disease and progressive disease were found in 18(60.0%)and 12(40.0%)patients,respectively.The disease control rate was 60.0%.The median follow-up time was 12.0 mo,and median PFS was 3.4 mo[95%confidence interval(CI):2.2-4.6 mo].Of the 12 patients with progressive disease,10(83.3%)had liver metastasis before starting the combined treatment.Among the 18 patients with SD,10(55.6%)did not have liver metastases.One patient without liver metastases at baseline was found with a substantially prolonged PFS of 11.2 mo.The liver metastasis,the choice of programmed cell death-1 inhibitor other than nivolumab or pembrolizumab and previous exposure to regorafenib was’t associated with treatment outcome.The median PFS in the low-PLR group was 4.2 mo(95%CI:3.5-4.9 mo),compared with 2.8 mo(95%CI:1.4-4.2 mo)in the high-PLR group(P=0.005).The major TRAEs included hand-foot syndrome(33.3%),hypertension(23.3%),malaise(20.0%),and gastrointestinal reaction(16.7%).The incidence of grade 3 TRAEs was 13.3%(4/30),which comprised abnormal capillary proliferation(n=1),transaminase elevation(n=1),and hand-foot syndrome(n=2).No grade 4 or higher toxicity was observed.CONCLUSION Regorafenib combined with PD-1 inhibitor could lead to a longer PFS in some patients with MSS mCRC.The PLR might be a prediction of the patient response to this therapy.

Refractory lymphoma treated with chimeric antigen receptor T cells combined with programmed cell death-1 inhibitor:A case report

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL)is a common aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL),accounting for 30%-40%of adult NHL.Primary testicular(PT)lymphoma is an uncommon extranodal disease representing approximately 1%-2%of lymphoma.Approximately 30%–40%of patients are refractory to frontline therapy or relapse after complete remission.Refractory DLBCL responds poorly to other lines of chemotherapy,and experiences short-term survival.CASE SUMMARY We present a 41-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with PT-DLBCL.Further disease progression was observed after multiline chemotherapy.Chimeric antigen receptor T cells(CAR-T)therapy salvaged the patient.Unfortunately,a new mass was observed in the right adrenal area after six months.The patient was administered programmed cell death protein-1(PD-1)inhibitor therapy and maintained progression-free survival at more than 17 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION Our findings support the potential benefit of CAR-T combined with PD-1 inhibitor therapies in this type of relapsed and refractory PT-DLBCL.

PD-1抑制剂联合一线化疗方案对晚期驱动基因阴性肺腺癌的效果及安全性分析

目的探讨程序性细胞死亡蛋白-1(PD-1)抑制剂联合一线化疗方案治疗晚期驱动基因阴性肺腺癌的效果及安全性。方法回顾性收集2019年1月至2021年12月收治的60例晚期驱动基因阴性的肺腺癌患者病历资料,依据治疗方式不同分组,将30例接受培美曲塞、顺铂联合PD-1抑制剂(信迪利单抗)治疗的病历资料纳入观察组另30例接受培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗的病历资料纳入对照组。对比2组患者治疗前、治疗30 d时2组临床疗效[客观缓解率(ORR)、疾病控制率(DCR)]、免疫功能[CD_(4)^(+)、CD_(8)^(+)、CD_(4)^(+)/CD_(8)^(+)]、肿瘤标志物[癌胚抗原(CEA)、细胞角蛋白19片段(CYFRA21-1)]、不良反应[恶心、粒细胞减少、肝功能异常、甲状腺功能异常、肺炎、皮疹、血小板降低]。结果观察组ORR显著高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);2组DCR比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,观察组CD_(4)^(+)、CD_(4)^(+)/CD_(8)^(+)水平高于治疗前,且高于对照组(P<0.05);治疗后,2组CYFRA21-1、CEA水平均下降,且观察组低于对照组(P<0.05)。观察组甲状腺功能异常、肺炎、皮疹等发生例数显著多于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论PD-1抑制剂联合化疗一线治疗可有效改善晚期驱动基因阴性肺腺癌患者免疫功能,并降低肿瘤标志物水平,疗效确切。

IMpower210:A phase Ⅲ study of second-line atezolizumab vs. docetaxel in East Asian patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Objective: IMpower210(NCT02813785) explored the efficacy and safety of single-agent atezolizumab vs.docetaxel as second-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) in East Asian patients.Methods: Key eligibility criteria for this phase Ⅲ, open-label, randomized study included age ≥18 years;histologically documented advanced NSCLC per the Union for International Cancer Control/American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system(7th edition);Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1;and disease progression following platinum-based chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic NSCLC. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive either atezolizumab(1,200 mg) or docetaxel(75 mg/m^(2)). The primary study endpoint was overall survival(OS) in the intention-to-treat(ITT) population with wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor expression(ITT EGFR-WT) and in the overall ITT population.Results: Median OS in the ITT EGFR-WT population(n=467) was 12.3 [95% confidence interval(95% CI),10.3-13.8] months in the atezolizumab arm(n=312) and 9.9(95% CI, 7.8-13.9) months in the docetaxel arm[n=155;stratified hazard ratio(HR), 0.82;95% CI, 0.66-1.03]. Median OS in the overall ITT population was 12.5(95% CI, 10.8-13.8) months with atezolizumab treatment and 11.1(95% CI, 8.4-14.2) months(n=377) with docetaxel treatment(n=188;stratified HR, 0.87;95% CI, 0.71-1.08). Grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events(TRAEs) occurred in 18.4% of patients in the atezolizumab arm and 50.0% of patients in the docetaxel arm.Conclusions: IMpower210 did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint of OS in the ITT EGFR-WT or overall ITT populations. Atezolizumab was comparatively more tolerable than docetaxel, with a lower incidence of grade3/4 TRAEs.

Prognostic value of programmed death.1, programmed death-ligand 1, programmed death-ligand 2 expression, and CD8(+) T cell density in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes from patients with stage T1.4N+M0 gastric adenocarcinoma

Background: Anti-programmed death-1/programmed death-ligand 1(PD-1/PD-L1) immunotherapy has been proved to be effective on gastric cancer in ongoing clinical trials. However, the value of PD-L1 in predicting responses of patients with gastric cancer to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy is controversial. Some studies suggested that intra-and inter-tumoral heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression might explain the controversy.This study aimed to analyze the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, and PD-1 as well as CD8(+) T-cell density in primary tumors and lymph nodes from patients with stage T1-4 N+M0 gastric adenocarcinoma to explore the heterogeneity of PD-1 signaling pathway molecules.Methods: In primary tumors and metastatic as well as non-metastatic lymph nodes from patients with stage T1-4 N+M0 gastric adenocarcinoma, we detected PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression with immunohistochemistry. CD8(+)T-cell density in primary tumors and PD-1 expression on CD8(+)T cells were detected with immunofluorescence. Univariate analysis was used to determine the prognostic values of them. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to identify independent risk factors that affect patients' overall survival and disease-free survival.Results: Among 119 eligible patients who had undergone surgical resection, the positive rate of PD-L1 was higher in metastatic lymph nodes than in primary tumors(45.4% vs. 38.7%, P = 0.005); the positive rate of PD-1 on CD8(+)T cells was significantly higher in primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes than in tumor-free lymph nodes(both P < 0.001). The intensity of PD-1 expression on CD8(+) T cells in primary tumors and in metastatic lymph nodes were stronger than that in tumor-free lymph nodes from the same patient. Beside, the positive rate of PD-L2 did not show any differences between primary tumors and metastatic lymph nodes. In multivariate analysis, PD-L1 expression,PD-L2 expression, a low density of CD8(+) T cells in primary tumors, and PD-1 expression on CD8(+) T cells in primary tumors were associated with poor prognosis.Conclusion: The expression of PD-L1 is heterogeneous in primary tumors and in metastatic lymph nodes from patients with stageT1-4 N+M0 gastric adenocarcinoma, which might explain the inconsistent results in assessing the prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in previous studies.

Use of programmed cell death protein ligand 1 assay to predict the outcomes of non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

The recent discovery of immune checkpoints inhibitors, especially anti-programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1)and anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1(PD-L1) monoclonal antibodies, has opened new scenarios in the management of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) and this new class of drugs has achieved a rapid development in the treatment of this disease. However, considering the costs of these drugs and the fact that only a subset of patients experience long-term disease control, the identification of predictive biomarkers for the selection of candidates suitable for treatment has become a priority. The research focused mainly on the expression of the PD-L1 receptor on both tumor cells and/or immune infiltrates determined by immunohistochemistry(IHC). However, different checkpoint inhibitors were tested, different IHC assays were used, different targets were considered(tumor cells, immune infiltrates or both) and different expression thresholds were employed in clinical trials. In some trials the assay was used prospectively to select the patients, while in other trials it was evaluated retrospectively. Some confusion emerges, which makes it difficult to easily compare the literature data and to translate them in practice management. This mini-review shows the possibilities and pitfalls of the PD-L1 expression to predict the activity and efficacy of anti PD1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of NSCLC.

B细胞在荷瘤小鼠PD-(L)1抗体治疗中的作用

目的探讨肿瘤浸润性B细胞对程序性死亡受体(配体)1[programmed death(ligand)1,PD-(L)1]抑制剂治疗效果的影响,阐明B细胞影响免疫治疗的潜在机制。方法通过使用公共数据库中的黑色素瘤患者免疫治疗队列,分析B细胞与无进展生存时间(progression-free survival,PFS)以及免疫治疗响应的关系;使用TC-1和B16-OVA肿瘤细胞对6~8周龄雌性C57BL/6小鼠的皮下及肝脏进行荷瘤,构建肿瘤模型。比较B细胞清除对PD-(L)1抗体治疗效果的影响;对第15天的TC-1肿瘤微环境(tumor microenvironment,TME)进行流式细胞术检测,明确T细胞的数目、功能及表型变化;通过流式细胞术及实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,qPCR)检测B细胞表面分子以及细胞因子。结果基于ICBatlas公共数据库中的ERP105482数据分析,肿瘤中CD19高表达的黑色素瘤患者PFS较低表达者更长(753 d vs 95 d,HR=0.3,95%CI:0.13~0.65,P=0.003)。B细胞在免疫治疗应答的患者中显著富集(P=0.01)。在小鼠TC-1肝脏荷瘤模型中,PD-(L)1抗体治疗后肿瘤质量明显减小(P<0.01),而B细胞的清除削弱了治疗效果。B细胞通过促进T细胞浸润和功能来增强PD-(L)1抗体治疗,且治疗后B细胞亚群发生变化,表现为PD-1低表达亚群增加(P<0.01)。结论PD-(L)1抗体治疗后,B细胞亚群中PD-1表达的下降可能是B细胞促进PD-(L)1抗体治疗效果的潜在机制。

Comprehensive insights into the effects and regulatory mechanisms of immune cells expressing programmed death-1/programmed death ligand 1 in solid tumors

The programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1)signaling pathway is an important mechanism in tumor immune escape,and expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells has been reported more frequently.However,accumulating evidence suggests that PD-1/PD-L1 is also widely expressed on immune cells,and that regulation is also critical for tumor immune responses.In this review,we emphasized that under solid tumor conditions,the immunoregulatory effects of immune cells expressing PD-1 or PD-L1,affected the prognoses of cancer patients.Therefore,a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate PD-1 or PD-L1 expression on immune cells would provide clear insights into the increased efficacy of anti-PD antibodies and the development of novel tumor immunotherapy strategies.

PD-1抑制剂预防肝细胞癌消融术后复发的临床研究

目的探讨程序性细胞死亡受体-1(PD-1)抑制剂用于肝细胞癌(HCC)消融术后预防复发的有效性和安全性。方法前瞻性选择2021年1月至2023年3月在首都医科大学附属北京佑安医院行肝动脉栓塞(TAE)序贯局部消融术(微波消融或射频消融)治疗后达到完全消融的HCC患者63例,根据患者意愿将患者非随机分配至试验组(n=31)或对照组(n=32),试验组术后接受PD-1抑制剂辅助治疗(卡瑞利珠单抗治疗200 mg,每3周1次),对照组无辅助治疗。Kaplan-Meier法绘制累计复发率曲线,Log-rank检验比较两组生存率差异;Cox回归分析得出影响HCC患者局部消融术后无复发生存期(RFS)的独立危险因素。结果两组治疗后随访2~15个月,中位随访8个月。试验组复发率明显低于对照组(41.94%vs 68.75%,χ^(2)=4.59,P=0.03)。试验组中1~2级免疫相关不良事件发生率为92.59%(25/27),≥3级为7.41%。肿瘤最大径(HR=0.49,95%CI 0.25-0.98,P<0.05)与抗PD-1辅助治疗(HR=0.41,95%CI 0.20-0.85,P<0.05)是HCC患者消融术后RFS的独立影响因素(P<0.05)。结论本研究的短期结果表明,PD-1抑制剂用于HCC根治性消融术后的肿瘤预防复发安全、有效。