ABSTRACT
Skin cancer has the highest incidence of all cancers, and their incidence are increasing in both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Alternative adjuvant treatment strategies appropriate for their management are needed. Modifiable lifestyle factors influence disease outcomes, either improving or worsening outcomes. Exercise is an example of a modifiable lifestyle factor, and can be prescribed as an adjuvant therapy in other cancer types to improve immune function and overall clinical outcomes. The initial aim of the review was to investigate the T-cell specific mechanisms of exercise which affect clinical/disease outcomes in skin cancer. Study quality was assessed by a modified Covidence quality assessment template with animal-model study specific criteria. A total of 10 articles were included; all articles were murine model studies investigating melanoma. Eight studies (n=8) employed a randomised controlled trial design, with two bio-informatics studies, and one study using human data which could solidify a link to human health. While the review focussed initially on T-cells, many studies reported significant changes in NK cells, and as they share the same haematopoietic lineage/ common lymphoid progenitor as T cells, the data was included in the analyses. Most studies indicated that exercise reduced melanoma tumour burden. Exercising prior to melanoma inoculation was most effective for delaying carcinogenesis and reducing tumour burden. Synergism was a topic identified in studies; PD-1/PD-L1 treatment, and exercise were not synergistic. Conversely, exercise and mental stimulation were synergistic, and the temperature at which exercise was conducted significantly reduced tumour burden. Several murine studies reported that exercise improved clinical outcomes in melanoma, and that long-term exercise was more effective in reducing tumour burden. Further studies are required to investigate this relationship in humans, and in other types of skin cancer.
Subject(s)
Exercise , Killer Cells, Natural , Skin Neoplasms , T-Lymphocytes , Skin Neoplasms/immunology , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Humans , Animals , Killer Cells, Natural/immunology , Exercise/physiology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Melanoma/immunology , Melanoma/therapy , Mice , Disease Models, AnimalABSTRACT
The innate immune system, composed of neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), mast cells (MCs), and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), is the first line of defense. Growing evidence demonstrates the crucial role of innate immunity in tumor initiation and progression. Several studies support the idea that innate immunity, through the release of pro- and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines and tumor growth factors, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis, progression, and prognosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM). Cutaneous melanoma is the most common skin cancer, with an incidence that rapidly increased in recent decades. Melanoma is a highly immunogenic tumor, due to its high mutational burden. The metastatic form retains a high mortality. The advent of immunotherapy revolutionized the therapeutic approach to this tumor and significantly ameliorated the patients' clinical outcome. In this review, we will recapitulate the multiple roles of innate immune cells in melanoma and the related implications for immunotherapy.
Subject(s)
Immunity, Innate , Immunotherapy , Melanoma , Humans , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/immunology , Melanoma/pathology , Immunotherapy/methods , Skin Neoplasms/immunology , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Animals , Dendritic Cells/immunology , Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant , Mast Cells/immunologyABSTRACT
Skin cancer comprises one-third of all diagnosed cancer cases and remains a major health concern. Genetic and environmental parameters serve as the two main risk factors associated with the development of skin cancer, with ultraviolet radiation being the most common environmental risk factor. Studies have also found fair complexion, arsenic toxicity, indoor tanning, and family history among the prevailing causes of skin cancer. Prevention and early diagnosis play a crucial role in reducing the frequency and ensuring effective management of skin cancer. Recent studies have focused on exploring minimally invasive or non-invasive diagnostic technologies along with artificial intelligence to facilitate rapid and accurate diagnosis. The treatment of skin cancer ranges from traditional surgical excision to various advanced methods such as phototherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination therapy. Recent studies have focused on immunotherapy, with the introduction of new checkpoint inhibitors and personalized immunotherapy enhancing treatment efficacy. Advancements in multi-omics, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence have further deepened the understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumoral growth and their interaction with therapeutic effects, which has paved the way for precision oncology. This review aims to highlight the recent advancements in the understanding and management of skin cancer, and provide an overview of existing and emerging diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic modalities, while highlighting areas that require further research to bridge the existing knowledge gaps.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/prevention & control , Immunotherapy/methods , Artificial IntelligenceABSTRACT
In the field of gynecologic cancer, low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) has been poorly understood and underinvestigated until recently. Similarly, understanding of the distinct properties and therapeutic sensitivities of gynecologic melanoma and cervical neuroendocrine tumors has recently accelerated. For each of these rare cancers, we explore the epidemiology and natural history, discuss the prognosis, diagnostic testing, and contemporary molecular classification, and then deliberate existing and emerging therapeutic strategies. In LGSOC, we focus on the clinical relevance of recent molecular studies that shed light on the importance of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway gene mutation and chromosome 1 copy-number change on prognosis and MEK inhibitor sensitivity. We also discuss the relative chemoresistance of this disease and the fact that attention is shifting to combinations of molecular therapies such as endocrine agents plus cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors or MEK inhibitors plus FAK inhibitors. Gynecologic tract melanomas harbor a lower frequency of canonical BRAF mutations, and have lower tumor mutational burden and immune cell infiltration than cutaneous melanomas (CMs). As a result, patients with this disease are less likely to respond to BRAF/MEK or immune checkpoint inhibition than patients with CM. Emerging strategies include the combination of antiangiogenic agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the use of adoptive cellular therapies. In cervical neuroendocrine cancer, we discuss the use of surgery in early-stage disease, and the uncertainties regarding the role of radiotherapy. We also explore the evidence for chemotherapy and emerging investigational strategies including the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors. For all situations, we explore the shared decision-making process with the patient.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Humans , Female , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/epidemiology , Melanoma/pathology , Genital Neoplasms, Female/therapy , Genital Neoplasms, Female/pathology , Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics , Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology , Ovarian Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neoplasm Grading , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/therapy , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/pathology , Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/genetics , Prognosis , Neuroendocrine Tumors/therapy , Neuroendocrine Tumors/genetics , Neuroendocrine Tumors/pathology , Neuroendocrine Tumors/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Lower extremity nodular melanoma (NM) is a common malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. We aims to identify the prognostic factors and develop a nomogram model to predict overall survival (OS) in patients with lower extremity NM. A total of 746 patients with lower extremity NM were selected and randomly divided into a training set (522 cases) and a validation set (224 cases) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results(SEER) database. The training set underwent univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify independent prognostic factors associated with patient outcomes, and to develop a nomogram model. The effectiveness of the nomogram was subsequently validated using the validation set. Multivariable Cox regression analysis of the training set indicated that age, ulceration, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, primary site of first malignant tumor, and Breslow thickness were independent variables associated with OS. In the training set, the area under the curve (AUC) of the nomogram for predicting 3-year and 5-year OS was 0.796 and 0.811, respectively. In the validation set, the AUC for predicting 3-year and 5-year OS was 0.694 and 0.702, respectively. The Harrell's C-index for the training set and validation set were 0.754 (95% CI: 0.721-0.787) and 0.670 (95% CI: 0.607-0.733), respectively. Calibration curves for both training and validation sets showed good agreement. In this study, we develop and validate a nomogram to predict OS in patients with lower extremity NM. The nomogram demonstrated reasonable reliability and clinical applicability. Nomograms are important tools assessing prognosis and aiding clinical decision-making.
Subject(s)
Lower Extremity , Melanoma , Nomograms , SEER Program , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Melanoma/mortality , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/pathology , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/epidemiology , Male , Female , SEER Program/statistics & numerical data , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Skin Neoplasms/mortality , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Aged , Adult , Aged, 80 and overABSTRACT
Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a method for eradicating tumor tissues through the use of photothermal materials and photosensitizing agents that absorb light energy from laser sources and convert it into heat, which selectively targets and destroys cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. MXenes have been intensively investigated as photosensitizing agents for PTT. However, achieving the selectivity of MXenes to the tumor cells remains a challenge. Specific antibodies (Ab) against tumor antigens can achieve homing of the photosensitizing agents toward tumor cells, but their immobilization on MXene received little attention. Here, we offer a strategy for the selective ablation of melanoma cells using MXene-polydopamine-antiCEACAM1 Ab complexes. We coated Ti3C2Tx MXene with polydopamine (PDA), a natural compound that attaches Ab to the MXene surface, followed by conjugation with an anti-CEACAM1 Ab. Our experiments confirm the biocompatibility of the Ti3C2Tx-PDA and Ti3C2Tx-PDA-antiCEACAM1 Ab complexes across various cell types. We also established a protocol for the selective ablation of CEACAM1-positive melanoma cells using near-infrared irradiation. The obtained complexes exhibit high selectivity and efficiency in targeting and eliminating CEACAM1-positive melanoma cells while sparing CEACAM1-negative cells. These results demonstrate the potential of MXene-PDA-Ab complexes for cancer therapy. They underline the critical role of targeted therapies in oncology, offering a promising avenue for the precise and safe treatment of melanoma and possibly other cancers characterized by specific biomarkers. Future research will aim to refine these complexes for clinical use, paving the way for new strategies for cancer treatment.
Subject(s)
Indoles , Melanoma , Polymers , Polymers/chemistry , Indoles/chemistry , Indoles/pharmacology , Humans , Melanoma/pathology , Melanoma/drug therapy , Melanoma/therapy , Cell Line, Tumor , Photosensitizing Agents/chemistry , Photosensitizing Agents/pharmacology , Photosensitizing Agents/therapeutic use , Titanium/chemistry , Animals , Mice , Carcinoembryonic Antigen/immunology , Photothermal TherapyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy improves recurrence-free survival (RFS) in resectable stage III cutaneous melanoma. However, accurately predicting individual recurrence risk remains a significant challenge. We investigated circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) as a biomarker for recurrence in measurable stage IIIB/C melanoma patients undergoing neoadjuvant immunotherapy. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected pre-neoadjuvant treatment, pre-surgery and/or six weeks post-surgery from 40 patients enrolled in the OpACIN-neo and PRADO clinical trials. Patients received two cycles of ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) and nivolumab (anti-PD-1) before surgery. Cell free DNA (cfDNA) underwent unbiased pre-amplification followed by tumour-informed mutation detection using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) with the Bio-Rad QX600 PCR system. RESULTS: Pre-treatment ctDNA was detectable in 19/40 (48%) patients. Among these, 17/19 (89%) zero-converted within six weeks of surgery and none recurred. Positive ctDNA post-surgery (N = 4), irrespective of pre-treatment ctDNA status, was 100% predictive of recurrence (sensitivity 44%, specificity 100%). Furthermore, ctDNA cleared prior to surgery in 7/9 (78%) patients who did not recur, warranting further investigation into ctDNA-guided surgical management. CONCLUSION: Post-surgery ctDNA positivity and zero-conversion are highly predictive of recurrence, offering a window for personalised modification of adjuvant therapy.
Subject(s)
Circulating Tumor DNA , Immunotherapy , Melanoma , Neoadjuvant Therapy , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Neoplasm Staging , Humans , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/blood , Melanoma/pathology , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/drug therapy , Circulating Tumor DNA/blood , Circulating Tumor DNA/genetics , Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Immunotherapy/methods , Aged , Adult , Biomarkers, Tumor/blood , Skin Neoplasms/blood , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/geneticsABSTRACT
Fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) recently entered the cancer therapeutics field as a method to resensitize treatment-resistant melanoma patients to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Kim and colleagues extend its utility to other solid tumors, including esophageal and hepatocellular carcinomas.1.
Subject(s)
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation , Immunotherapy , Fecal Microbiota Transplantation/methods , Humans , Immunotherapy/methods , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/immunology , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/immunology , Neoplasms/therapy , Neoplasms/immunology , Esophageal Neoplasms/therapy , Esophageal Neoplasms/immunology , Esophageal Neoplasms/microbiology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/microbiology , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Liver Neoplasms/immunology , Animals , Feces/microbiologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) and acquired nevi are prevalent in pediatric populations, with distinct characteristics and management considerations. This chapter aims to equip pediatricians with knowledge to discern between benign and high-risk nevi, facilitating appropriate referrals and management within primary care settings. Risk factors associated with malignant melanoma (MM) underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and early referral to dermatology for suspicious lesions. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings highlight the variability in CMN presentation and the evolving diagnostic strategies, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary approaches to optimize patient outcomes. SUMMARY: Management of CMN involves tailored surveillance and intervention strategies, with an emphasis on early identification of high-risk features for MM and neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM). Pediatricians play a crucial role in advocating for sun protection practices and facilitating timely referrals, thereby contributing to the overall well being of pediatric patients with nevi.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Nevus, Pigmented , Referral and Consultation , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Nevus, Pigmented/diagnosis , Nevus, Pigmented/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Child , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/therapy , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Using a patient's lymphocytes is approved to treat melanoma and has wider applications.
Subject(s)
Adoptive Transfer , Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating , Melanoma , Humans , Melanoma/therapy , Adoptive Transfer/methodsABSTRACT
Immune checkpoint (IC) blockade and adoptive transfer of tumor-specific T-cells (ACT) are two major strategies to treat metastatic melanoma. Their combination can potentiate T-cell activation in the suppressive tumor microenvironment, but the autoimmune adverse effects associated with systemic injection of IC blockers persist with this strategy. ACT of tumor-reactive T-cells defective for IC expression would overcome this issue. For this purpose, PD-1 and TIGIT appear to be relevant candidates, because their co-expression on highly tumor-reactive lymphocytes limits their therapeutic efficacy within the tumor microenvironme,nt. Our study compares the consequences of PDCD1 or TIGIT genetic deletion on anti-tumor properties and T-cell fitness of melanoma-specific T lymphocytes. Transcriptomic analyses revealed down-regulation of cell cycle-related genes in PD-1KO T-cells, consistent with biological observations, whereas proliferative pathways were preserved in TIGITKO T-cells. Functional analyses showed that PD-1KO and TIGITKO T-cells displayed superior antitumor reactivity than their wild-type counterpart in vitro and in a preclinical melanoma model using immunodeficient mice. Interestingly, it appears that TIGITKO T-cells were more effective at inhibiting tumor cell proliferation in vivo, and persist longer within tumors than PD-1KO T-cells, consistent with the absence of impact of TIGIT deletion on T-cell fitness. Taken together, these results suggest that TIGIT deletion, over PD-1 deletion, in melanoma-specific T-cells is a compelling option for future immunotherapeutic strategies.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor , Receptors, Immunologic , Animals , Mice , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/genetics , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism , Receptors, Immunologic/genetics , Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism , Melanoma/immunology , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/pathology , Melanoma/therapy , Gene Deletion , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Mice, Knockout , Mice, Inbred C57BL , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Cell Line, Tumor , Humans , Lymphocyte Activation/immunologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mucosa melanoma is a rare condition with aggressive behavior and a less favorable prognosis compared to cutaneous melanoma. The objective of this study was to estimate the overall survival and clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with mucosal melanoma in a Colombian hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Fundación Valle del Lili, a single center located in Cali, Colombia. Patients aged ≥ 18 years, both sexes, diagnosed with mucosal melanoma by histopathology study were included between 2010-2019. Patients who received extra-institutional treatment or whose vital status was unknown during follow-up were excluded. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records and laboratory and pathology databases. A descriptive analysis was performed. Survival analysis was conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were included. Median age was 63 years old (IQR: 57-68) and 52.2% were woman. Clinical stage was 34.8% early, 26.1% locally advanced and 39.1% metastatic. The main primary locations were nasopharynx (30.4%), genitals (26.1%), rectum (21.7%), oral cavity (13%) and paranasal sinuses (8.7%). The majority received surgery (30.4%) and immunotherapy (26.1%) as first line treatment. Overall survival at one year was 80.8%, at three years 44.3%, and at five years 36.9%. CONCLUSION: Mucosal melanoma is a rare, aggressive disease with adverse oncological outcomes due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. This study provides real-world data in a single-center of Colombia.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Mucous Membrane , Humans , Melanoma/mortality , Melanoma/pathology , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/epidemiology , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Colombia/epidemiology , Aged , Mucous Membrane/pathology , Prognosis , Survival Rate , Neoplasm Staging , Kaplan-Meier EstimateABSTRACT
Uveal and conjunctival melanomas are relatively rare tumors; nonetheless, they pose a significant risk of mortality for a large number of affected individuals. The pathogenesis of melanoma at different sites is very similar, however, the prognosis for patients with ocular melanoma remains unfavourable, primarily due to its distinctive genetic profile and tumor microenvironment. Regardless of considerable advances in understanding the genetic characteristics and biological behaviour, the treatment of uveal and conjunctival melanoma remains a formidable challenge. To enhance the prospect of success, collaborative efforts involving medical professionals and researchers in the fields of ocular biology and oncology are essential. Current data show a lack of well-designed randomized clinical trials and limited benefits in current forms of treatment for these tumors. Despite advancements in the development of effective melanoma therapeutic strategies, all current treatments for uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma (CoM) remain unsatisfactory, resulting in a poor long-term prognosis. Ongoing trials offer hope for positive outcomes in advanced and metastatic tumors. A more comprehensive understanding of the genetic and molecular abnormalities involved in the development and progression of ocular melanomas opens the way for the development of personalized therapy, with various potential therapeutic targets currently under consideration. Increased comprehension of the molecular pathogenesis of UM and CoM and their specificities may aid in the development of new and more effective systemic therapeutic agents, with the hope of improving the prognosis for patients with metastatic disease.
Subject(s)
Conjunctival Neoplasms , Melanoma , Uveal Neoplasms , Humans , Melanoma/pathology , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/genetics , Uveal Neoplasms/genetics , Uveal Neoplasms/therapy , Uveal Neoplasms/pathology , Conjunctival Neoplasms/therapy , Conjunctival Neoplasms/pathology , Conjunctival Neoplasms/genetics , PrognosisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Both immunotherapy (IO) and targeted therapy (TT) are used as adjuvant (adj) treatment for stage III melanoma, however, data describing real-world outcomes are limited. In addition, a significant proportion of patients relapse, for whom best management is unclear. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy, and safety of adj anti-PD1 IO and TT in a real-world cohort of patients with resected stage III melanoma, and further delineate patterns of recurrence and treatment strategies. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 130 patients who received adj therapy (100 anti-PD1 IO and 30 TT). RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 30 months, median relapse-free survival (RFS) was 24.6 (95% CI, 17-not reached [NR]) versus 64 (95% CI, 29.5-NR) months for the TT and IO groups, respectively (p = 0.26). Median overall survival (OS) was NR for either subgroup. At data cutoff, 77% and 82% of patients in TT and IO arms were alive. A higher number of grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were noted in the IO group (11% vs. 3%), however, a higher proportion of patients permanently discontinued adj therapy in the TT group (43% vs. 11%) due to toxicity. Strategies at relapse and outcomes were variable based on location and timing of recurrence. A significant number of patients who relapsed after adj IO received a second round of IO. Among them, patients who were off adj IO at relapse had superior second median RFS (mRFS2), compared to those who relapsed while on adj IO; mRFS2 was NR versus 5.1 months (95% CI, 2.5-NR), respectively, p = 0.02. CONCLUSION: In summary, both TT and IO yielded prolonged RFS in a real-world setting, however, longer follow-up is needed to determine any potential OS benefit. Adj therapy, particularly TT, may not be as well tolerated as suggested in clinical trials, with lower completion rates (59% vs. 74%) in a real-life setting. Overall, patients who relapse during adj therapy have poor outcomes, while patients who relapse after discontinuation of adj IO therapy appear to benefit from IO re-treatment.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Neoplasm Staging , Humans , Melanoma/mortality , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/drug therapy , Melanoma/pathology , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Aged , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant/methods , Adult , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/mortality , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Treatment Outcome , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Immunotherapy/methods , Aged, 80 and overABSTRACT
The NCCN Guidelines for Cutaneous Melanoma (termed Melanoma: Cutaneous) provide multidisciplinary recommendations for diagnostic workup, staging, and treatment of patients. These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on the update to neoadjuvant systemic therapy options and summarize the new clinical data evaluated by the NCCN panel for the recommended therapies in Version 2.2024 of the NCCN Guidelines for Cutaneous Melanoma.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Skin Neoplasms , Humans , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/pathology , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Staging , Medical Oncology/standards , Medical Oncology/methodsABSTRACT
Melanoma, a malignant skin cancer arising from melanocytes, exhibits rapid metastasis and a high mortality rate, especially in advanced stages. Current treatment modalities, including surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy, offer limited success, with immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) being the most promising. However, the high mortality rate underscores the urgent need for robust, non-invasive biomarkers to predict patient response to adjuvant therapies. The immune microenvironment of melanoma comprises various immune cells, which influence tumor growth and immune response. Melanoma cells employ multiple mechanisms for immune escape, including defects in immune recognition and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which collectively impact treatment efficacy. Single-cell analysis technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), have revolutionized the understanding of tumor heterogeneity and immune microenvironment dynamics. These technologies facilitate the identification of rare cell populations, co-expression patterns, and regulatory networks, offering deep insights into tumor progression, immune response, and therapy resistance. In the realm of biomarker discovery for melanoma, single-cell analysis has demonstrated significant potential. It aids in uncovering cellular composition, gene profiles, and novel markers, thus advancing diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Additionally, tumor-associated antibodies and specific genetic and cellular markers identified through single-cell analysis hold promise as predictive biomarkers. Despite these advancements, challenges such as RNA-protein expression discrepancies and tumor heterogeneity persist, necessitating further research. Nonetheless, single-cell analysis remains a powerful tool in elucidating the mechanisms underlying therapy response and resistance, ultimately contributing to the development of personalized melanoma therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers, Tumor , Immunotherapy , Melanoma , Single-Cell Analysis , Tumor Microenvironment , Humans , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/immunology , Melanoma/diagnosis , Single-Cell Analysis/methods , Immunotherapy/methods , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Skin Neoplasms/therapy , Skin Neoplasms/immunology , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Animals , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology , PrognosisABSTRACT
Rationale: Surgical resection is a primary treatment for solid tumors, but high rates of tumor recurrence and metastasis post-surgery present significant challenges. Manganese (Mn2+), known to enhance dendritic cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy by activating the cGAS-STING pathway, has potential in post-operative cancer management. However, achieving prolonged and localized delivery of Mn2+ to stimulate immune responses without systemic toxicity remains a challenge. Methods: We developed a post-operative microenvironment-responsive dendrobium polysaccharide hydrogel embedded with Mn2+-pectin microspheres (MnP@DOP-Gel). This hydrogel system releases Mn2+-pectin microspheres (MnP) in response to ROS, and MnP shows a dual effect in vitro: promoting immunogenic cell death and activating immune cells (dendritic cells and macrophages). The efficacy of MnP@DOP-Gel as a post-surgical treatment and its potential for immune activation were assessed in both subcutaneous and metastatic melanoma models in mice, exploring its synergistic effect with anti-PD1 antibody. Result: MnP@DOP-Gel exhibited ROS-responsive release of MnP, which could exert dual effects by inducing immunogenic cell death of tumor cells and activating dendritic cells and macrophages to initiate a cascade of anti-tumor immune responses. In vivo experiments showed that the implanted MnP@DOP-Gel significantly inhibited residual tumor growth and metastasis. Moreover, the combination of MnP@DOP-Gel and anti-PD1 antibody displayed superior therapeutic potency in preventing either metastasis or abscopal brain tumor growth. Conclusions: MnP@DOP-Gel represents a promising drug-free strategy for cancer post-operative management. Utilizing this Mn2+-embedding and ROS-responsive delivery system, it regulates surgery-induced immune responses and promotes sustained anti-tumor responses, potentially increasing the effectiveness of surgical cancer treatments.
Subject(s)
Dendrobium , Hydrogels , Manganese , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Microspheres , Polysaccharides , Animals , Mice , Hydrogels/chemistry , Manganese/chemistry , Polysaccharides/chemistry , Polysaccharides/pharmacology , Dendrobium/chemistry , Macrophages/immunology , Macrophages/drug effects , Melanoma/immunology , Melanoma/drug therapy , Melanoma/therapy , Immunotherapy/methods , Dendritic Cells/immunology , Dendritic Cells/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Female , Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage , Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology , Melanoma, Experimental/immunology , Melanoma, Experimental/therapy , Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapyABSTRACT
Targeted NGS allows a fast and efficient multi-gene analysis and the detection of key gene aberrations in melanoma. In this study, we aim to describe the genetic alterations in a series of 87 melanoma cases using the oncomine focus assay (OFA), relate these results with the clinicopathological features of the patients, and compare them with our previous study results in which we used a smaller panel, the oncomine solid tumor (OST) DNA kit. Patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma at our center from 2020 to 2022 were included and DNA and RNA were extracted for sequencing. Common mutated genes were BRAF (29%), NRAS (28%), ALK, KIT, and MAP2K1 (5% each). Co-occurring mutations were detected in 29% of the samples, including BRAF with KIT, CTNNB1, EGFR, ALK, HRAS, or MAP2K1. Amplifications and rearrangements were detected in 5% of cases. Only BRAF mutation showed a significant statistical association with sun exposure. For patients with a given genetic profile, the melanoma survival and recurrence-free survival rates were equivalent, but not for stage and LDH values. This expanded knowledge of molecular alterations has helped to more comprehensively characterize our patients and has provided relevant information for deciding the best treatment strategy.
Subject(s)
Melanoma , Mutation , Humans , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/pathology , Melanoma/therapy , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Aged , Spain , Adult , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods , Aged, 80 and over , Feasibility Studies , Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/genetics , Skin Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a highly aggressive and fatal tumor in the eye, and due the special biology of UM, immunotherapy showed little effect in UM patients. To improve the efficacy of immunotherapy for UM patients is of great clinical importance. Single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq) provides a critical perspective for deciphering the complexity of intratumor heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment(TME). Combing the bioinformatics analysis, scRNA-seq could help to find prognosis-related molecular indicators, develop new therapeutic targets especially for immunotherapy, and finally to guide the clinical treatment options.
Subject(s)
Immunotherapy , Melanoma , Single-Cell Analysis , Tumor Microenvironment , Uveal Neoplasms , Humans , Uveal Neoplasms/genetics , Uveal Neoplasms/therapy , Uveal Neoplasms/immunology , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Tumor Microenvironment/genetics , Melanoma/therapy , Melanoma/genetics , Melanoma/immunology , Single-Cell Analysis/methods , Immunotherapy/methods , Sequence Analysis, RNA , Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics , Genetic Heterogeneity , Animals , Computational Biology/methods , Gene Expression Regulation, NeoplasticABSTRACT
The therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic adenoviruses (OAs) relies on efficient viral transduction and replication. However, the limited expression of coxsackie-adenovirus receptors in many tumors, along with the intracellular antiviral signaling, poses significant obstacles to OA infection and oncolysis. Here, we present sonosensitizer-armed OAs (saOAs) that potentiate the antitumor efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy through sonodynamic therapy-augmented virus replication. The saOAs could not only efficiently infect tumor cells via transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis but also exhibit enhanced viral replication and tumor oncolysis under ultrasound irradiation. We revealed that the sonosensitizer loaded on the viruses induced the generation of ROS within tumor cells, which triggered JNK-mediated autophagy, ultimately leading to the enhanced viral replication. In mouse models of malignant melanoma, the combination of saOAs and sonodynamic therapy elicited a robust antitumor immune response, resulting in significant inhibition of melanoma growth and improved host survival. This work highlights the potential of sonodynamic therapy in enhancing the effectiveness of OAs and provides a promising platform for fully exploiting the antitumor efficacy of oncolytic virotherapy.