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Multiplexed Immunofluorescence Analysis and Quantification of Intratumoral PD-1+ Tim-3+ CD8+ T Cells
Published on: February 8, 2018
PD‑1/PD‑L1 inhibitor‑based immunotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic triple‑negative breast cancer: A
Yonghui Chen1, Liji Shi1, Weihua Yin1,2
1School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Yichun College, Yichun, Jiangxi 336000, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that is negative for oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. Locally advanced and metastatic TNBC not only have a worse prognosis and are more invasive than TNBC, but are also the most immunogenic subtypes of breast cancer. There is still a lack of clarity regarding the optimal treatment of locally advanced or metastatic TNBC. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor-based immunotherapy [i.e., immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs)] alone or in combination with other therapies for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic TNBC. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and MEDLINE databases were searched up to July 19, 2023 to identify studies that examined the efficacy and safety of ICIs for treating TNBC. The primary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary outcomes were safety and adverse events. The data were analysed using Review Manager 5.4. A total of 8 studies (3,338 patients) were included in the present meta-analysis. Compared with other therapies, ICIs had a significantly different effect on OS [hazard ratio (HR)=0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.69-1.00; P<0.05; I2=59%] in patients with locally advanced or metastatic TNBC. In addition, ICIs significantly prolonged PFS compared with other therapies (intent-to-treat: HR=0.81; 95% CI=0.75-0.88; P<0.00001; I2=0%). Immunotherapy based on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors showed variable efficacy on OS and PFS in TNBC, while a significant improvement was observed for PD-L1(+). Future studies should focus on PD-L1 subgroup status, which may help optimize personalized treatment regimens for TNBC.
Insights
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) significantly improve progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Further research into PD-L1 status is recommended for personalized TNBC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Breast Cancer Research
Background:
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with limited treatment options.
- Locally advanced and metastatic TNBC present significant clinical challenges due to invasiveness and poor prognosis.
- The immunogenic nature of TNBC suggests potential benefit from immunotherapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor-based immunotherapy (ICIs) for locally advanced or metastatic TNBC.
- To compare ICI-based treatments with other therapies in terms of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).
- To identify factors influencing treatment response, such as PD-L1 expression status.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 8 studies involving 3,338 patients with locally advanced or metastatic TNBC.
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and MEDLINE databases up to July 19, 2023.
- Analysis of primary outcomes (PFS, OS) and secondary outcomes (safety, adverse events) using Review Manager 5.4.
Main Results:
- ICIs demonstrated a significant improvement in OS compared to other therapies (HR=0.83; P<0.05).
- ICIs significantly prolonged PFS in patients with locally advanced or metastatic TNBC (HR=0.81; P<0.00001).
- Efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors varied, with a notable improvement observed in PD-L1 positive patients.
Conclusions:
- ICI-based immunotherapy offers significant survival benefits for patients with locally advanced or metastatic TNBC.
- PD-L1 expression status is a critical factor that may guide personalized treatment strategies for TNBC.
- Future research should prioritize investigating PD-L1 subgroup status to optimize ICI therapy in TNBC.
