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Y. Sekido

Moderator of

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    MO19 - Lung Cancer Immunobiology (ID 91)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Mini Oral Abstract Session
    • Track: Biology
    • Presentations: 13
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      MO19.01 - Epigenetic Targeting of CD1d increases anti-tumour iNKT activity in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (ID 3373)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): É.F. Dockry

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Immunotherapy is now accepted as the fourth most important modality for malignant tumours, and is currently being applied in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). CD1d, a MHC class-like molecule, presents glycolipids to natural killer T (NKT) cells. In doing so, CD1D contributes to their anti-tumour activity. CD1d is expressed in certain tumour types, and there is increasing evidence that CD1d acts as a target for NKT-mediated cell killing, however most human and mouse solid tumours are CD1d-negative. Recently evidence has indicated that CD1d expression is epigenetically regulated through HDAC1/2 and Spl.

      Methods
      CD1d levels were examined at the mRNA level by RT-PCR. To determine whether CD1d expression is subject to epigenetic regulation, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines were treated with various epigenetic modifying agents. The A549 (adenocarcinoma) and SK-MES-1 (Squamous cell carcinoma) cell lines were treated with HDACi, (a) SAHA at a dose of 5 µM for 24 h. Treatments with other epigenetic modifyng agents such as trichostatin A (TSA) and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors are currenly ongoing. iNKT cells were co-cultured wiht NSCLC cells to examine their antitumourigenic activity using a CD107a externalised assay.

      Results
      Using RT-PCR it was possible to confirm that SAHA significantly induced CD1d expression in both A549 and SKMES cell lines (p ≤ <0.005). RT-PCR was also performed on A549 and SKMES cell lines that had been allowed to recover, following treatment with SAHA. A549 cells showed a statistically significant induction in recovered SAHA-treated cells (p < 0.05). Using flow cytometry the cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) activity of iNKTs was measured. While there was a slight induction of CD107a-bearing iNKT cells, it is believed that treatment with HDACi will increase the anti-tumour activity of these cells. This work is ongoing at present.

      Conclusion
      CD1d expression is significantly induced using the HDACi, SAHA. This induction is present in A549 cells treated with SAHA and allowed to recover; indicating that SAHA may possibly be used to increase the anti-tumourigenic activity of iNKT cells. These results may have important consequences for treating patients with combined epigenetic targeting agents and immunotherapy.

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      MO19.02 - The Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Octogenarians with Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy (ID 3155)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): M. Lee, K. Kadota, H. Ujiie, N.P. Rizk, W.D. Travis, V.W. Rusch, M. Sadelain, P.S. Adusumilli

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      The elderly have less-robust immune responses to infections, immunizations, and tumors, compared with younger people. Furthermore, preclinical studies have indicated that immunotherapeutic interventions are less effective in older animals. Considering the effects of age-associated changes in immune function, most clinical trials of cancer-related immunotherapy have been conducted in relatively young patients. With the increasing focus on immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we investigated the relationship between patient age and tumor immune parameters in stage I NSCLC.

      Methods
      Tissue microarrays from patients with stage I NSCLC (n=1371; 1995-2009; median follow-up, 3.5 years) were constructed, and immunohistochemical analyses for immune cell infiltration (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, FoxP3) were performed. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: (1) ≤65 years old, (2) 66-79 years old, and (3) ≥80 years old. Stains were analyzed for immune cell infiltration (low vs high) in the tumor nest. The Chi-Square test was used to analyze the association between immune parameters and age group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate recurrence-free survival (RFS).

      Results
      In total, 1116 patients with stage I lung adenocarcinoma and 255 patients with stage I squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled. Patients aged ≥80 years did not have a significantly poorer prognosis (n=155; 5-year RFS, 76.0%) than the patients in the two younger groups (p=0.65; Figure 1A). There were no statistically significant differences in numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in the tumor nest between the three groups (Figure 1B), nor was there a statistically significant difference between the elderly group and the younger patients when effector regulatory immune response ratios were compared (FoxP3/CD3 ratio; high vs low, p=0.85). Figure 1

      Conclusion
      In this large cohort of stage I NSCLC patients selected for surgical resection, the tumor microenvironment among elderly patients resembles other age groups. Our study provides important information while considering immunotherapy in elderly patients with lung cancer.

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      MO19.03 - The effects of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) receptor inhibitors on the immune system in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (ID 3152)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): T. Meniawy, R. Lake, A.K. Nowak

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have an important role in the treatment of NSCLC, particularly in the context of activating mutations, but resistance invariably develops. Recently, the immune checkpoint blockers anti-PD1 and anti-PDL1 were the first immunotherapies to demonstrate activity in advanced lung cancer. As immunotherapies such as anti-CTLA4, anti-PD1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies enter clinical practice, there is potential to combine immunotherapies with TKIs to improve patient outcomes. The immune effects of EGFR-TKIs have not been elucidated, and the aim of this study is to examine the effect of TKIs on the immune response in patients with NSCLC, to provide a rationale and pilot data to underpin future clinical development of combinations of TKIs and immunotherapy.

      Methods
      Patients with advanced NSCLC who were commencing an EGFR-TKI were included in this prospective study. Eligible patients had a confirmed diagnosis of NSCLC, were treated with a single-agent EGFR-TKI , had no concurrent autoimmune disease and received no chemotherapy within 21 days, or corticosteroid therapy within 3 days of study entry. Peripheral blood samples were collected before commencing a TKI and 7 days, 21 days and 8 weeks after start of treatment. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and immediately frozen for subsequent analysis by 8-colour flow cytometry for relevant surface and intracellular marker expression. 4 panels were developed to examine the activation and proliferation status of effector CD8[+] T and CD4[+] T-regulatory cells (Tregs), enumeration of dendritic cells and B-cells, as well as the inhibitory pathway programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 on T cells and antigen-presenting cells. Changes in immune parameters will be correlated with overall survival (OS) and radiological response (RECIST 1.1 criteria) at 8 weeks post-treatment.

      Results
      33 eligible patients were prospectively enrolled. Histopathology was adenocarcinoma (n=23), squamous cell carcinoma (n=7) and NSCLC not otherwise specified (NOS, n=3)). 12 patients had an activating EGFR mutation, 11 were EGFR wild type, and mutation-status was unknown in 10. 6 patients received the TKI gefitinib and 4 received erlotinib as first-line treatment for EGFR-mutation positive disease. 22 patients received erlotinib and 1 patient received afatinib as second or subsequent line therapy. At time of this report, 22/33 patients were deceased. Median OS from study entry was: all patients (7.7 months); mutation-positive (11.1 months); and mutation negative (4.4 months). Samples for 13 patients (2 were mutation-positive) have been analysed for effector T cell and Treg panels and no significant changes were seen between baseline and subsequent time points. Data will be presented for all samples.

      Conclusion
      This is the first study to explore to the immune effects of EGFR-TKIs. Initial results have not revealed a significant effect on peripheral T-cells, and analysis of remaining patient samples and other panels is in progress. An understanding of the immune effects of targeted therapies will be crucial in the rational development of strategies for incorporating immunotherapy into the anti-EGFR treatment paradigm, in an era of promising immunotherapy and checkpoint blockade approaches.

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      MO19.04 - DISCUSSANT (ID 3902)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): D.P. Carbone

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Abstract not provided

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      MO19.05 - EGFR signaling effects on NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity via NKG2D ligands-NKG2D interaction in non-small cell lung cancer cells (ID 2221)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): R. Okita, Y. Nojima, K. Yasuda, A. Maeda, T. Yukawa, S. Saisho, Y. Hirami, K. Shimizu, M. Nakata

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor Gefitinib interrupts signaling through the EGFR in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with EGFR driver mutation and has shown impressive activity in terms of clinical benefit for patients with NSCLC, however, almost all patients develop resistance to this drug. Although much research is focusing on the mechanisms of drug resistance in tumor cell, the role of EGFR signaling in tumor escape from the host immune system is poorly understood. NK cell activity is promoted via NK group 2, member D (NKG2D) on NK cells. The engagement between NKG2D and its ligands enhances cell-mediated cytotoxicity and cytokine production against transformed cells. Both MHC class I-related chain A and B (MICA/B) and UL16 binding protein (ULBP)s are expressed by intestinal epithelial and at low levels also by other non-malignant cell types. Primary tumor cells and tumor cell lines frequently express NKG2D ligands, but the mechanisms responsible for the induction of NKG2D ligands during oncogenesis are also poorly understood. Here we demonstrate Gefitinib downregulates NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligand MICA/B and ULBPs, resulting in attenuation of NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in NSCLC cells.

      Methods
      Possible influences of Gefitinib on expressions of MHC class I, MICA/B and ULBP1-3 in 5 NSCLC cell lines (A549, PC-9, RERF-LC-KJ, RERF-LC-AI, and LC2/ad) were investigated by flow cytometry. We also assessed whether genetic silencing of EGFR using siRNA of EGFR affected on the expression of NKG2D ligands. To ask the main downstream pathway of EGFR regulating the expression of NKG2D ligands, the cells were treated with PI3K-AKT inhibitor LY294002 or MEK inhibitor PD98059 then the expression of NKG2D ligands was analyzed. NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against cancer cells was assessed by [51]Cr release assay or flow cytometry based CD107a degranulation assay.

      Results
      Gefitinib downregulated NKG2D ligands in NSCLC cell lines. In line with these results, siRNA-mediated silencing of EGFR downregulated the expression of NKG2D ligand. Among the major downstream pathways activated by EGFR signaling, the expression of NKG2D ligands was mainly regulated by the PI3K-AKT pathway. Treatment with EGF promoted MICA/B expression in 2 of 5 cell lines, while EGF decreased MICA/B in 1 of 5 cell lines. These observations further emphasize that EGFR signaling is one of the major pathways regulating the expression of NKG2D ligands in NSCLC cells. As expected, inhibition of EGFR signaling-downregulated NKG2D ligands attenuated NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

      Conclusion
      We conclude that EGFR signaling directly regulates the expression of NKG2D ligands and that this may influence the recognition of tumor cells by the innate immune system.

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      MO19.06 - The role of fibroblast growth factor-9 in the regulation of the tumour-specific immune response in malignant mesothelioma (ID 3237)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): S. Lansley, A.L. Tan, J. Varano, S. Karabela, G. Stathopoulos, J. Creaney, Y.G. Lee

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Identifying key molecules in the pathobiology of malignant mesothelioma is needed to develop new therapies and biomarkers. Fibroblast growth factor-9 (FGF-9) is an exciting and novel target uncovered from our global gene profiling of human MPM samples. Recently FGF-9 has been implicated in cancer development and neoplastic transformation of embryonic fibroblasts. We have verified over-expression of FGF-9 in MPM over other cancers and benign pleuritis in five separate cohorts of human pleural tissues and effusions. Our preliminary in vitro work demonstrated that FGF-9 induces mesothelioma cell proliferation and matrix invasion. We therefore hypothesised that antagonising FGF-9 may reduce tumour aggressiveness, growth and induce tumour regression in vivo.

      Methods
      To study the ‘necessity’ of FGF-9 in MPM development in vivo we transfected the mouse MM cell line, AB1, with shRNA directed against murine FGF-9 (or control vector expressing a scrambled sequence). For the heterotopic model murine AB1-FGF-9 knock-down cells (or controls) were injected (5x10[5 ]cells) subcutaneously into the flank of Balb/c mice. Tumour dimensions were measured thrice weekly and animals sacrificed when tumours reached 100mm[2] and tumour tissues harvested. FGF-9 expression in tumour tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. For orthotopic experiments, Balb/c mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 5x10[5 ]AB1-FGF-9 knock-down cells (or controls). At day 13, animals were sacrificed and the number of peritoneal tumour nodules enumerated by blinded investigators. To determine whether the immune system plays a role in the regulation of AB1 MM tumour growth, 5x10[5 ]AB1-FGF-9 knock-down cells (or controls) were injected subcutaneously into nude mice. To elucidate the immune cells involved in AB1 MM tumour growth regulation, T cells were depleted in Balb/c tumour bearing mice using specific antibodies to CD4 and CD8 and tumour growth monitored. T cell depletion was confirmed using flow cytometry.

      Results
      Heterotopic tumour growth was significantly retarded in mice inoculated with AB1-FGF-9 knockdown cells compared to the scrambled vector and parent MM cells (p<0.001). A significant reduction in the number, and hence tumour burden, of tumour nodules was also observed for AB1-FGF-9 knockdown tumours in the orthotopic peritoneal model compared to controls (p<0.001). When grown in nude mice, which lack a functional T cell repertoire, AB1-FGF-9 knockdown tumours grew at a similar rate to that of the parent and vector controls which was suggestive of a role of the immune response in the regulation of MM tumours lacking FGF-9. AB1-FGF-9 knockdown tumours demonstrated significantly greater tumour burden in mice depleted of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, either alone or in combination, when compared to saline controls which is highly suggestive of a T cell-mediated immune response to these tumours. These results also suggest that FGF-9 inhibits the tumour-specific immune response in MM.

      Conclusion
      In combination with our previous in vitro data which clearly demonstrated the proliferative and invasive properties of FGF-9, we suggest that FGF-9 has an important role in the pathobiological characteristics of MM in vivo and represents a novel therapeutic target.

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      MO19.07 - Lung Cancer-Initiating Cells Avoid Immune Recognition (ID 3314)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): J.C. Steel, B.J. Morrison, J.C. Morris

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Increasing evidence supports the concept of a unique population of cells within a tumor with stem cell-like characteristics. These cancer-initiating cells (CICs) are thought to be responsible for tumor organization, maintenance, progression and recurrence, as well as contributing to radiation and chemotherapy resistance. In this study we outline a new characteristic of CICs, one in which the CIC can subvert the host immune response. We pose that this characteristic is essential for the establishment of a tumor in an immunocompetent host and may represent a mechanism in which lung tumors may gain resistance to immune based therapies.

      Methods
      We examined whether lung CICs could be enriched from murine and human cell lines through the use of tumorsphere culture assays. We vaccinated mice against the HPV E7 antigen and challenged mice with HPV E6/7 expressing murine lung cancer cells (TC-1) enriched for CICs. We also examined ex-vivo the capacity of CD8 and NK cells derived from vaccinated mice to lyse CICs. We examined by flow cytometry the expression of MHC-I and NK activating ligands. We examined the effect of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) on MHC-I expression by CICs and determined whether increased MHC-I by CICs would inhibit tumor formation in an immunocompetent animal.

      Results
      We showed that both murine and human lung cancer cells can be grown and maintained in tumorsphere culture conditions. The resulting cells were enriched for CICs as evidenced by increased OCT4, NANOG, and/or SOX2 expression. Additionally, tumorsphere cultures of murine tumor lines had increased tumor take in immunocompetent animals, however this was significantly less than that seen in immunodeficient mice; indicating that true CICs must be able to thwart the immune response to establish tumors. In order to further examine this, we vaccinated mice with HPV E7 peptides and challenged with TC-1 non-CICs or CICs. We showed that mice challenged with CICs had no survival advantage compared to non-vaccinated animals; whereas those animals challenged with non-CICs exhibited a vaccine induced survival advantage. Further we showed ex-vivo that CICs were resistant to lysis from CD8+ T-cells compared to the non-CICs. Next, we showed that both murine and human lung CICs have down-regulated expression of MHC-I as well as a number of ligands for NK cell activating receptors, essentially making them “opaque” to the immune system and therefore less susceptible to CTL or NK cell lysis. Further, we demonstrate that IFN-γ increases MHC-I expression on CICs and restores sensitivity to CTL killing. Finally, we demonstrate that decreased MHC-I expression is a critical component of the ability of CICs to establish tumor in immunocompetent hosts.

      Conclusion
      Increasing evidence indicates that CICs are critical players in the development and establishment of cancers. In this study we demonstrated that these cells also subvert tumor immune surveillance and play a key role in the resistance of tumors to cancer vaccines through their ability to escape host immune responses. Our results demonstrated that modulation of MHC-I on CICs can alter their susceptibility to T-cell mediated lysis thus opening a new target for cancer vaccine strategies.

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      MO19.08 - DISCUSSANT (ID 3903)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): E. Quoix

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Abstract not provided

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      MO19.09 - Molecular correlates of PD-L1 status and predictive biomarkers in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with the anti-PDL1 antibody MPDL3280A (ID 1653)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): S.N. Gettinger, M. Kowanetz, J. Soria, L. Gandhi, L. Horn, M.S. Gordon, D. Spigel, C. Cruz, P. Conkling, S. Antonia, H. Koeppen, Y. Xiao, A. Mokatrin, X. Shen, G. Fine, R.S. Herbst

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      In NSCLC, antitumor immune response may be inhibited by PD-L1 expression. MPDL3280A, a human monoclonal antibody containing an engineered Fc-domain designed to optimize efficacy and safety, aims to restore tumor-specific T-cell immunity by blocking PD-L1 binding to its receptors, PD-1 and B7.1.

      Methods
      Patients with squamous or nonsquamous NSCLC received MPDL3280A IV q3w up to 1 year as part of a phase I dose escalation/expansion study. Objective response rate (ORR) was assessed by RECIST v1.1 and included unconfirmed/confirmed responses. EGFR and KRAS status was initially assessed locally by investigators. Archival tumor tissues were evaluated centrally by IHC for PD-L1 and CD8. A qPCR-based gene expression panel measuring ≈90 immune-related genes was used to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment at baseline and during MPDL3280A treatment.

      Results
      41 NSCLC patients first dosed at 1-20 mg/kg prior to Aug 1, 2012, were evaluable for efficacy with an ORR of 22%. Baseline tumor samples were available for IHC (n=33) and for gene expression analysis (n=29). Of patients with available tissue, 5 were PD-L1 tumor status positive and 28 were PD-L1 tumor status negative. Relationship between PD-L1 status and EGFR/KRAS status is described below (table). Elevated baseline PD-L1 expression was associated with response to MPDL3280A (80% ORR vs 14% ORR for PD-L1negative patients), and PD-L1 expression coordinated with CD8+ T cells. A Th1-type T-cell gene signature (including CD8, Granzyme-B and EOMES) was associated with treatment response. Non-responders exhibited at least a 2-fold higher ratio over CD8 of genes associated with immunosuppression, including RORC, FOXP3, TGFb1 and IL10 compared with responders. On treatment, responding tumors across indications showed increasing PD-L1 expression and a Th1-dominant immune infiltrate, providing evidence for adaptive PD-L1 up-regulation.

      Conclusion
      PD-L1 expression and a Th1 driven T-cell gene signature correlated with response to MPDL3280A in NSCLC, and MPDL3280A therapy led to T-cell reactivation and restored antitumor immunity. Additionally, expression of immune suppressive factors in NSCLC tumors is associated with a lack of benefit from MPDL3280A. These data provide mechanistic insights into immunotherapy and patient selection for MPDL3280A monotherapy. Preliminary observations suggest clinical activity and molecular characteristics may be associated with PD-L1 tumor expression. Updated data will be presented. Table: Relationship between PD-L1 status and EGFR/KRAS mutational status

      PD-L1-Positive (n = 5) PD-L1-Negative (n = 28) PD-L1 Unknown (n = 7) Overall (n = 40)*
      EGFRm, n 1 2 1 4
      EGFR WT, n 2 20 4 26
      EGFR Unknown, n 2 6 2 10
      KRASm, n 1 4 1 6
      KRAS WT, n 2 8 3 13
      KRAS Unknown, n 2 16 3 21
      * 1 patient had missing data.

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      MO19.10 - Prevalence and prognostic association of PD-L1 protein and immune gene expression in NSCLC (ID 2437)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): M. Kowanetz, D.S. Shames, H. Koeppen, Y. Xiao, C. Behrens, R. Desai, L. Fu, C. Chappey, A. Mokatrin, E.E. Kadel, A. Do, O.T. Brustugun, M. D’arcangelo, T. Boyle, D.S. Chen, G. Hampton, L.C. Amler, F.R. Hirsch, P.S. Hegde, I.I. Wistuba

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1, CD274, B7-H1) is an immune checkpoint molecule that binds to the receptors PD-1 and B7.1 on activated T cells. Binding negatively regulates T-cell function in both physiological and pathological conditions. Recent clinical studies have suggested that numerous cancers, including NSCLC, may utilize PD-L1 expression to escape T-cell mediated cytotoxic activity. Inhibition of PD-L1 can restore anti-tumor immunity, leading to clinical responses. A better understanding of PD-L1 expression patterns, co-expression with other immune markers and actionable disease associated biomarkers may provide insight into the future design of cancer immunotherapy trials in NSCLC.

      Methods
      Expression of PD-L1 was measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in archival tumors and, in some cases, in paired metastases in 2 FFPE NSCLC tumor tissue collections. Set 1 (N=561) was collected from patients who were eligible for surgery with curative intent from 2003 to 2005 at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The samples from Set 2 (N=300) contained surgically resected NSCLC tissue collected between 2006 and 2011 (UCCC and Norwegian Radium Hospital). PD-L1 expression was analyzed in both malignant and non-malignant cells (e.g., infiltrating immune cells). In addition, a multiplex qPCR assay that measures ≈90 immune-related genes was used to characterize the tumor immune microenvironment in the NSCLC tumor samples. Disease associated biomarkers, including the mutation status of EGFR and KRAS, as well as expression of MET (by IHC) were also evaluated.

      Results
      Prevalence of PD-L1 was comparable between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (≈30% in tumor cells; ≈45% and ≈50%, respectively, in immune cells). PD-L1 prevalence varied depending on the pathological stage, and was higher in Stages I-IIIA than in Stages IIIB-IV. Similarly, the prognostic value of PD-L1 varied by both stage and histology. In adenocarcinoma, tumors with PD-L1–positive tumor cells had a higher frequency of KRAS mutation and high Met expression, and a lower frequency of EGFR mutation compared with PD-L1–negative tumors. In contrast, tumors with PD-L1–positive and PD-L1–negative immune cells had a comparable frequency of high Met expression. Expression of PD-L1 was frequently co-localized with CD8+ T-cell infiltrates. Gene expression profiling revealed differences in the tumor immune environment, including genes associated with cytotoxic T-cells, between adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. PD-L1 protein and immune gene expression associations with patient characteristics will be described in further detail.

      Conclusion
      These data provide a comprehensive description of PD-L1 expression in the context of disease biology utilizing large independent cohorts of well-characterized lung cancer tissues. The results highlight the complexity of the tumor immune environment in NSCLC with particular emphasis on the association with factors such as pathological stage, histology and oncogenic mutational status. These analyses may help guide future development of immunotherapy trials in NSCLC.

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      MO19.11 - Clinicopathological and prognosis features of PD-L1 in NSCLC patients in Chinese population. (ID 1302)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): S. Li, F. Zhou

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      Programmed Death Ligand-1 is a ligand for Programmed cell death protein 1 which is a key receptor regarding one of the immune checkpoints. PD-L1 expression in tumor is known to correlate with post-operative survival in different set of cancer patients. In the present study, we investigated PD-L1 expression of tumor cells in specimens acquired from non-small cell lung cancer patients and analyzed the correlation between the PD-L1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative prognosis of 208 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer patients.

      Methods
      PD-L1 expression in 208 specimens of NSCLC was assessed through an immunohistochemical process and inspected double-blinded.

      Results
      PD-L1 expression is associated with clinicopathological features (histology, P=0.047 and differentiation, P=0.023). No significant association observed between PD-L1 expression and post-operative prognosis. However, subgroup analysis of squamous carcinoma patients with positive PD-L1 protein expression showed a tendency of poor overall survival and disease-free survival compared with those with negative PD-L1 protein expression.

      Conclusion
      we have shown for the first time that PD-L1 expression is associated with clinicopathological features (histology and differentiation). In the subgroup analysis of squamous carcinoma patients, patients with positive PD-L1 expression showed a tendency to be associated with poorer survival compared with those with negative PD-L1 expression, which suggested that patients with squamous carcinoma might be the most benefit population in the anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

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      MO19.12 - Prognostic Impact of Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ID 2896)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): A.J. Bograd, K. Kadota, J. Nitadori, L. Cherkassky, V.W. Rusch, W.D. Travis, M. Sadelain, P.S. Adusumilli

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background
      The prognostic significance of the tumor immune microenvironment in lung adenocarcinoma has been established by us (CCR 2011, JCO 2013, Oncoimmunology 2013) and others. Here, we investigate whether tumor-infiltrating immune cells correlate with prognosis, independent from TNM staging, in lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

      Methods
      All available tumor slides from therapy-naive, surgically resected solitary lung SCCs (n=485; 1999-2009) were reviewed. Tissue microarrays were constructed using 451 cases (stage I, 255; II, 131; III, 65) from 3 representative tumor areas. Immunostaining for CD3 (pan T cell marker), CD45RO (memory T cell), CD8 (cytotoxic T cell), CD4 (helper T cell), FoxP3 (regulatory T cell), CD20 (B cell), CD68 (macrophage), and CD10 (neutrophil) was performed. For each case, the average number of cells positive for T cell markers was recorded as the ratio to CD3+ lymphocytes, and classified as low or high by use of the median. CD20, CD68, and CD10 were classified as low or high by the number of positive cells (≥20, ≥50, and ≥10, respectively) as our recent publication (JCO 2013). Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method; multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

      Results
      Five-year OS was 59% for the entire cohort and 68% for stage I patients. Analysis of single immune cell infiltration revealed that high CD10+ neutrophil count was correlated with lower OS (5-year OS, 53%; n=160) than low CD10+ count (5-year OS, 61%; n=286; p=0.006). Analysis of biologically relevant immune cell combinations identified 2 significant factors of prognosis: (1) patients with high CD4+ and high FoxP3+ T cell ratios had worse prognosis (5-year OS, 52%; n=140) than the other groups (5-year OS, 62%; n=304; p=0.008), and (2) patients with high CD10+ neutrophil and low CD20+ B lymphocyte counts had worse prognosis (5-year OS, 43%; n=102) than the other groups (5-year OS, 63%; n=340; p<0.001). These results were confirmed in a subgroup analysis limited to stage I patients (p=0.020 for high CD4/high FoxP3+ ratios; p=0.007 for high CD10+/low CD20+ counts). In multivariate analysis, high CD4+/high FoxP3+ ratios (HR=1.58; p=0.001) and high CD10+/low CD20+ counts (HR=1.71; p<0.001) remained significantly associated with poorer survival (Table).

      Table. Multivariate analysis for overall survival
      Variable HR 95% CI p
      High CD4+/high FoxP3+ ratios 1.58 1.21–2.06 0.001
      High CD10+/low CD20+ counts 1.71 1.28–2.27 <0.001
      Age (>65 years old) 1.51 1.09–2.09 0.014
      Sex (male vs. female) 1.31 1.01–1.69 0.043
      Smoking pack years (>90) 1.01 1.00–1.01 0.003
      Stage (II and III vs. I) 1.53 1.16–2.02 0.002
      Lymphovascular invasion 1.38 1.02–1.88 0.040

      Conclusion
      High CD4+/high FoxP3+ ratios and high CD10+/low CD20+ counts are significant factors of prognosis for lung SCC, independent of TNM staging. Targeting regulatory T cells or enhancing tumor-specific B-cell responses may thus have applicability for the treatment of lung SCC.

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      MO19.13 - DISCUSSANT (ID 3904)

      10:30 - 12:00  |  Author(s): J. Lesterhuis

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Abstract not provided

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    P3.02 - Poster Session 3 - Novel Cancer Genes and Pathways (ID 149)

    • Event: WCLC 2013
    • Type: Poster Session
    • Track: Biology
    • Presentations: 1
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      P3.02-004 - Dysregulation of Hippo tumor-suppressive pathway in malignant mesothelioma (ID 1039)

      09:30 - 16:30  |  Author(s): Y. Sekido

      • Abstract

      Background
      Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive tumor caused by asbestos exposure after a long latency. The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene is mutated in around 50% of MPM cases, which encodes Merlin that regulates the Hippo tumor-suppressive signaling pathway. We previously reported occasional genetic alteration in the LATS2 and SAV1 genes in MMs, which encode components of the Hippo pathway. The LATS2 inactivation was shown to lead to constitutive activation of YAP, a prooncogenic protein and transcriptional coactivator, which enhances multiple cell cycle regulation genes including cyclin D1 (CCDN1). To further delineate the exact inactivation mechanism of this pathway in MMs, we analyzed MM cell lines for other multiple components that regulate activation or inactivation of this pathway.

      Methods
      We studied several new components that have been identified to be involved in the Hippo signaling pathway including a LIM protein Ajuba. Expression analyses such as conventional western blot and real time RT-PCR were performed. Using MPM cell lines and their transplanted mouse models, biological assays were conducted to study the effects of cell proliferation, motility and invasion after the induction of overexpression or knockdown of candidate genes. Immunohistochemical analysis with primary MPM tissues and xenografts was also carried out.

      Results
      We found that the expression of Ajuba was significantly down-regulated in 6 of 20 MM cell lines compared to an immortalized normal mesothelial cell line, MeT-5A. Interestingly, the 6 cell lines with low Ajuba expression showed decreased phosphorylation (activation) levels of YAP. We infected the MM cells with Ajuba-expressing lentivirus and found that exogenous Ajuba increased phosphorylation (inactivation) of YAP and inhibited cell proliferation. Dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that Ajuba suppressed the promoter activities of YAP-transcriptional targets including CCND1. Knockdown of LATS2 effectively increased these promoter activities, suggesting the mediation of LATS2 for Ajuba to inhibit this cascade. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed frequent downregulation of Ajuba in primary MMs.

      Conclusion
      Inactivation of Hippo signaling is a key mechanism for MPM cell proliferation and progression. Our findings suggest that Ajuba is also one of the target components for Hippo signaling inactivation; Ajuba negatively regulates YAP in the presence of LATS2, and thus the downregulation of Ajuba serves to enhance constitutive activation of YAP in MM cells. Our study also indicates that a strategy to normalize this signaling cascade may be the rationale for developing a new target therapy against MPMs.