Increased Tim-3 + T cells in PBMCs during nivolumab therapy correlate with responses and prognosis of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients

Abstract

The recent development of immune checkpoint inhibitors for many types of cancers has prompted us to identify markers that predict patients with clinical benefits. Several trials on nivolumab for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have been performed worldwide, and the identification of markers specific to ESCC is urgently needed. We conducted a clinical trial on nivolumab for advanced ESCC (JapicCTI-No.142422) and investigated markers using peripheral blood collected from 20 patients enrolled in our institute, including 1 with a complete response (CR), 5 with a partial response (PR), 6 with a stable disease (SD), and 8 with a progressive disease (PD) as clinical responses. The expression of surface molecules and cytokine production by T cells were analyzed using flow cytometry, and clinicopathological factors and general blood parameters were examined. Albumin, neutrophils, %Tim3, %OX40, %CD103, %CD45RA⁻CD27⁻, and IL-1b after the first cycle of nivolumab treatment, but not at baseline, distinguished CR/PR from SD/PD patients. When markers to distinguish longer survivors with nivolumab therapy were analyzed, changes in these levels between baseline and after the first cycle of nivolumab treatment, but not levels at each period, were indicative, similar to the tumor burden. Among them, elevations in %Tim-3⁺CD4 had a marked impact on survival rates. In conclusion, dynamic elevations in %Tim-3 in T cells in the early period of nivolumab therapy have potential as a marker for the clinical responses and prognosis of advanced ESCC patients.

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Role of allergen-specific T-follicular helper cells in immunotherapy

Purpose of review The discovery of novel T-cell subsets including follicular helper T (Tfh) cells has broadened our knowledge on the complex immune networks in allergic diseases. This review summarizes the evidence for Tfh cells in controlling immune responses to allergens with a particular focus on immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and discusses the implication of such regulation in allergen-specific immunotherapy. Recent findings Tfh cells support the production of IgE in animal models for allergic diseases. Among Tfh cells, the type 2 subset (Tfh2) is considered as the major player that secretes IL-4 and promotes the isotype switching to IgE. In human inflammatory airway diseases, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, and nasal polyps, the increased frequencies of circulating or tissue Tfh2 cells have been reported. Notably, the frequencies of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus group 1 (Der p 1)-specific IL-4+ Tfh cells in blood positively correlated with serum Der p-specific IgE levels in allergic rhinitis patients. After allergen immunotherapy (AIT), Der p 1-specific IL-4+ Tfh cells declined in allergic rhinitis patients, which associated with the remission of clinical symptoms. Summary Allergen-specific IL-4+ Tfh cells contribute to the production of allergen-specific IgE and correlate with clinical efficacy of AIT in allergic rhinitis patients, which suggest allergen-specific Tfh cells as a promising therapeutic target and biomarker for AIT in allergic rhinitis. Correspondence to Zheng Liu, MD, PhD, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China. E-mail: zhengliuent@hotmail.com Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Dermoscopy improves diagnostic accuracy for clinically amelanotic nodules

Australasian Journal of Dermatology, EarlyView.


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Facial angiofibromas treated by rapamycin 0.05% ointment and a combined laser therapy

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2MZlSJb

Pathomorphological criteria of use efficiency of resorbable and permanent implants in aesthetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2MyyaeJ

Structural changes of hair shaft after application of chemical hair straighteners: Clinical and histopathological study

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, EarlyView.


https://ift.tt/2ONau3y

Reconstructive considerations in low and middle-income countries

Purpose of review Surgical mission trips in head and neck surgery are common. There are an increasing number of surgical groups performing complex reconstructions in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Consideration of reconstructive options that are location and patient specific are critical for optimum patient care and local physician education. Recent findings The pectoralis muscle regional flap is a versatile and reliable option and has been shown to reconstruct defects in nearly every head and neck subsite. Additional regional flap options described are the supraclavicular island flap and submental island flap. There are 15 published case series describing experience with performing microvascular reconstructions in LMIC. The average success rate was 87.1%. Both loupe and microscope magnification are used. Summary Complex reconstructions are successfully being performed in LMIC. Although microvascular reconstruction is being utilized by some groups, local and patient-specific factors should be carefully considered, as many regional and local flap options available provide the same reconstruction benefit while minimizing operating room time, resources, and postoperative care needs. Correspondence to Chad Zender, MD, University Hospitals Ear, Nose and Throat Institute, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Tel: +1 216 844 5307; fax: +1 216 201 5157; e-mail: chad.zender@uhhospitals.org Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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