2022
Maximizing the value of phase III trials in immuno-oncology: A checklist from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)
Atkins MB, Abu-Sbeih H, Ascierto PA, Bishop MR, Chen DS, Dhodapkar M, Emens LA, Ernstoff MS, Ferris RL, Greten TF, Gulley JL, Herbst RS, Humphrey RW, Larkin J, Margolin KA, Mazzarella L, Ramalingam SS, Regan MM, Rini BI, Sznol M. Maximizing the value of phase III trials in immuno-oncology: A checklist from the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC). Journal For ImmunoTherapy Of Cancer 2022, 10: e005413. PMID: 36175037, PMCID: PMC9528604, DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005413.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPhase III trialsImmunotherapy of cancerIII trialsCurative responseImmune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapyCell death protein 1Checkpoint inhibitor monotherapyDefinitive predictive biomarkersDurable clinical benefitProgression-free survivalMinority of patientsDeath protein 1Variety of indicationsClinical trial designAnimal tumor modelsLimited Phase IDrug development programsImmunotherapy combinationsInvestigational chemotherapyImmunotherapy fieldInhibitor monotherapyOverall survivalDismal prognosisClinical benefitSurvival outcomesFirst-In-Human Phase I Study of the OX40 Agonist MOXR0916 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Kim TW, Burris HA, de Miguel Luken MJ, Pishvaian MJ, Bang YJ, Gordon M, Awada A, Camidge DR, Hodi FS, McArthur GA, Miller WH, Cervantes A, Chow LQ, Lesokhin AM, Rutten A, Sznol M, Rishipathak D, Chen SC, Stefanich E, Pourmohamad T, Anderson M, Kim J, Huseni M, Rhee I, Siu LL. First-In-Human Phase I Study of the OX40 Agonist MOXR0916 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clinical Cancer Research 2022, 28: of1-of12. PMID: 35699599, PMCID: PMC9662912, DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-4020.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAdverse eventsImmune activationT cellsMost common treatment-related adverse eventsCommon treatment-related adverse eventsSolid tumorsTreatment-related adverse eventsRenal cell carcinoma patientsNon-small cell lung carcinomaRegulatory T cell functionTriple-negative breast cancerPD-1/PD-L1 antagonistsDose-escalation stageInfusion-related reactionsAdvanced solid tumorsRefractory solid tumorsCell carcinoma patientsDose-limiting toxicityEffector T cellsSubset of patientsFavorable safety profileHuman phase IPD-L1 antagonistsT cell functionCell lung carcinoma
2021
Resistance mechanisms to checkpoint inhibitors
Weiss SA, Sznol M. Resistance mechanisms to checkpoint inhibitors. Current Opinion In Immunology 2021, 69: 47-55. PMID: 33676271, DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.02.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsImmune checkpoint inhibitorsPD-1/PD-L1 axisMultiple immune checkpoint inhibitorsPD1/PD-L1PD-L1 axisHuman translational studiesPre-clinical studiesPre-clinical animalResistance mechanismsCheckpoint inhibitorsPD-L1Clinical outcomesTreatment failureClinical trialsTranslational studiesCancer treatmentPotential mechanismsInhibitorsPatientsClinicTrialsAntibodies
2020
Defining tumor resistance to PD-1 pathway blockade: recommendations from the first meeting of the SITC Immunotherapy Resistance Taskforce
Kluger HM, Tawbi HA, Ascierto ML, Bowden M, Callahan MK, Cha E, Chen HX, Drake CG, Feltquate DM, Ferris RL, Gulley JL, Gupta S, Humphrey RW, LaVallee TM, Le DT, Hubbard-Lucey VM, Papadimitrakopoulou VA, Postow MA, Rubin EH, Sharon E, Taube JM, Topalian SL, Zappasodi R, Sznol M, Sullivan RJ. Defining tumor resistance to PD-1 pathway blockade: recommendations from the first meeting of the SITC Immunotherapy Resistance Taskforce. Journal For ImmunoTherapy Of Cancer 2020, 8: e000398. PMID: 32238470, PMCID: PMC7174063, DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000398.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsBiomarkers, TumorFemaleHumansImmunotherapyMaleNeoplasmsProgrammed Cell Death 1 ReceptorConceptsCancer immunotherapyClinical definitionNew agentsPD-1/PD-L1 blockadePD-1 pathway blockadeConsensus clinical definitionPD-L1 blockadeDeath receptor-1Immunotherapy of cancerStandard of careClinical trial designTreatment discontinuationMechanisms of resistancePathway blockadeClinical trialsConfirmatory scanPrimary resistancePatient benefitSecondary resistanceTrial designTreatment approachesUnmet needReceptor 1Tumor resistancePattern of response
2019
A First-in-Human Study and Biomarker Analysis of NKTR-214, a Novel IL2Rβγ-Biased Cytokine, in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors
Bentebibel SE, Hurwitz ME, Bernatchez C, Haymaker C, Hudgens CW, Kluger HM, Tetzlaff MT, Tagliaferri MA, Zalevsky J, Hoch U, Fanton C, Aung S, Hwu P, Curti BD, Tannir NM, Sznol M, Diab A. A First-in-Human Study and Biomarker Analysis of NKTR-214, a Novel IL2Rβγ-Biased Cytokine, in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors. Cancer Discovery 2019, 9: 711-721. PMID: 30988166, DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-18-1495.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNKTR-214Tumor biopsiesDurable disease stabilizationImmuno-oncology agentsMulticenter phase IPathway-targeted agentsTreatment tumor biopsiesPhase II doseActivation of CD8Metastatic solid tumorsNatural killer cellsOutpatient regimenCheckpoint inhibitorsDisease stabilizationRegulatory cellsEffector phenotypeKiller cellsTreatment algorithmImmune activationTumor shrinkagePharmacodynamic markersImmune cellsClinical activityIL2 receptorHuman studiesOphthalmic Immune-Related Adverse Events of Immunotherapy: A Single-Site Case Series
Kim J, Materin MA, Sznol M, Kluger H, Weiss S, Chow J, Stoessel K, Kombo N, Del Priore L, Pointdujour-Lim R. Ophthalmic Immune-Related Adverse Events of Immunotherapy: A Single-Site Case Series. Ophthalmology 2019, 126: 1058-1062. PMID: 30735682, PMCID: PMC6933747, DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2019.01.031.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2018
Fibrinogen-like Protein 1 Is a Major Immune Inhibitory Ligand of LAG-3
Wang J, Sanmamed MF, Datar I, Su TT, Ji L, Sun J, Chen L, Chen Y, Zhu G, Yin W, Zheng L, Zhou T, Badri T, Yao S, Zhu S, Boto A, Sznol M, Melero I, Vignali DAA, Schalper K, Chen L. Fibrinogen-like Protein 1 Is a Major Immune Inhibitory Ligand of LAG-3. Cell 2018, 176: 334-347.e12. PMID: 30580966, PMCID: PMC6365968, DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.11.010.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsFibrinogen-like protein 1MHC-IILAG-3Major histocompatibility complex class IILymphocyte activation gene-3Histocompatibility complex class IILiver-secreted proteinsImmune inhibitory receptorsProtein 1Immune evasion mechanismsCell immunityTumor immunityPoor prognosisCancer immunotherapyCancer patientsInhibitory receptorsEvasion mechanismsHuman cancer cellsCell activationClass IIMouse tumorsMonoclonal antibodiesCancer cellsInhibitory ligandsInhibitory functionEvaluation of classical clinical endpoints as surrogates for overall survival in patients treated with immune checkpoint blockers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kaufman HL, Schwartz LH, William WN, Sznol M, Fahrbach K, Xu Y, Masson E, Vergara-Silva A. Evaluation of classical clinical endpoints as surrogates for overall survival in patients treated with immune checkpoint blockers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal Of Cancer Research And Clinical Oncology 2018, 144: 2245-2261. PMID: 30132118, DOI: 10.1007/s00432-018-2738-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsImmune checkpoint blockersOS hazard ratioPFS hazard ratioHazard ratioOverall survivalPFS ratesOS ratesCheckpoint blockersPooled analysisClinical endpointsSolid tumor patientsChemotherapy armTreatment armsOdds ratioTumor patientsPredictive valueChemotherapySystematic reviewImperfect surrogatePatientsEndpointBlockersCongress proceedingsSurvivalArmBullous disorders associated with anti–PD-1 and anti–PD-L1 therapy: A retrospective analysis evaluating the clinical and histopathologic features, frequency, and impact on cancer therapy
Siegel J, Totonchy M, Damsky W, Berk-Krauss J, Castiglione F, Sznol M, Petrylak DP, Fischbach N, Goldberg SB, Decker RH, Stamatouli AM, Hafez N, Glusac EJ, Tomayko MM, Leventhal JS. Bullous disorders associated with anti–PD-1 and anti–PD-L1 therapy: A retrospective analysis evaluating the clinical and histopathologic features, frequency, and impact on cancer therapy. Journal Of The American Academy Of Dermatology 2018, 79: 1081-1088. PMID: 30025829, DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.07.008.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdrenal Cortex HormonesAgedAntibodies, MonoclonalAntibodies, Monoclonal, HumanizedAntineoplastic Agents, ImmunologicalB7-H1 AntigenDrug EruptionsFemaleHumansLichenoid EruptionsMaleMiddle AgedNeoplasm ProteinsNeoplasmsNivolumabPemphigoid, BullousProgrammed Cell Death 1 ReceptorRetrospective StudiesSkin Diseases, VesiculobullousTertiary Care CentersTreatment OutcomeConceptsPD-L1 therapyAnti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapyBullous disordersBullous eruptionPD-1/PD-L1 therapyCell death ligand-1 therapyAnti-programmed cell death 1Cancer therapyDeath ligand 1 therapySingle tertiary care centerLinear IgA bullous dermatosisYale-New Haven HospitalDistinct therapeutic challengesInterruption of immunotherapyPositive tumor responseSteroid-sparing agentTertiary care centerIgA bullous dermatosisCell death 1New Haven HospitalStable diseaseSystemic corticosteroidsSystemic steroidsMaintenance therapyL1 therapyCollateral Damage: Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Induced With Checkpoint Inhibitors
Stamatouli AM, Quandt Z, Perdigoto AL, Clark PL, Kluger H, Weiss SA, Gettinger S, Sznol M, Young A, Rushakoff R, Lee J, Bluestone JA, Anderson M, Herold KC. Collateral Damage: Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Induced With Checkpoint Inhibitors. Diabetes 2018, 67: dbi180002. PMID: 29937434, PMCID: PMC6054443, DOI: 10.2337/dbi18-0002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAnimalsAntineoplastic Agents, ImmunologicalAutoimmune DiseasesB7-H1 AntigenDiabetes Mellitus, Type 1Genetic Predisposition to DiseaseGenotypeHLA-DR4 AntigenHumansHypoglycemic AgentsInsulinInsulin SecretionIsoantibodiesKetosisModels, ImmunologicalNeoplasmsPancreasPancreatitisProgrammed Cell Death 1 ReceptorConceptsInsulin-dependent diabetesCheckpoint inhibitorsAdverse eventsHLA-DR4Classic type 1 diabetesPD-L1 checkpoint inhibitorsEvidence of pancreatitisImmune adverse eventsSolid organ cancersType 1 diabetesPeridiagnosis periodPositive autoantibodiesL1 antibodyInsulin-DependentHigh riskPatientsDiabetesCancerInhibitorsKetoacidosisAutoimmuneAutoantibodiesPancreatitisComplicationsSyndromeFirst-in-Class ERK1/2 Inhibitor Ulixertinib (BVD-523) in Patients with MAPK Mutant Advanced Solid Tumors: Results of a Phase I Dose-Escalation and Expansion Study
Sullivan RJ, Infante JR, Janku F, Wong DJL, Sosman JA, Keedy V, Patel MR, Shapiro GI, Mier JW, Tolcher AW, Wang-Gillam A, Sznol M, Flaherty K, Buchbinder E, Carvajal RD, Varghese AM, Lacouture ME, Ribas A, Patel SP, DeCrescenzo GA, Emery CM, Groover AL, Saha S, Varterasian M, Welsch DJ, Hyman DM, Li BT. First-in-Class ERK1/2 Inhibitor Ulixertinib (BVD-523) in Patients with MAPK Mutant Advanced Solid Tumors: Results of a Phase I Dose-Escalation and Expansion Study. Cancer Discovery 2018, 8: 184-195. PMID: 29247021, DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-1119.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAminopyridinesFemaleHumansMagnetic Resonance ImagingMaleMiddle AgedMitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3Mitogen-Activated Protein KinasesMutationNeoplasm StagingNeoplasmsProtein Kinase InhibitorsPyrrolesTomography, X-Ray ComputedTreatment OutcomeYoung AdultConceptsCommon treatment-related adverse eventsSolid tumorsHuman dose-escalation studyMulticenter phase I trialTreatment-related adverse eventsDose-escalation cohortsDose-expansion cohortsMutant solid tumorsPhase II doseAcceptable safety profileAdvanced solid tumorsDose-escalation studyPhase I trialPotent preclinical activityTreatment of patientsSolid tumor malignanciesERK1/2 kinase inhibitorEvaluable patientsDose expansionExpansion cohortAdverse eventsPartial responseDose escalationI trialSafety profile
2017
Workshop on challenges, insights, and future directions for mouse and humanized models in cancer immunology and immunotherapy: a report from the associated programs of the 2016 annual meeting for the Society for Immunotherapy of cancer
Zloza A, Karolina Palucka A, Coussens LM, Gotwals PJ, Headley MB, Jaffee EM, Lund AW, Sharpe AH, Sznol M, Wainwright DA, Wong KK, Bosenberg MW. Workshop on challenges, insights, and future directions for mouse and humanized models in cancer immunology and immunotherapy: a report from the associated programs of the 2016 annual meeting for the Society for Immunotherapy of cancer. Journal For ImmunoTherapy Of Cancer 2017, 5: 77. PMID: 28923102, PMCID: PMC5604351, DOI: 10.1186/s40425-017-0278-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsImmunotherapy of cancerCancer immunologyHumanized modelImmunotherapy researchImmune-targeted therapiesAntitumor immune responseCancer immunotherapy researchCancer immunotherapyImmune responseMurine modelMouse modelImmunotherapyPredictive valueSubsequent panel discussionNational HarborAnnual MeetingImmunologyDrug developmentCancerMiceFuture directionsImmunocompetentTherapyCancer modelingPhase Ib Study of Utomilumab (PF-05082566), a 4-1BB/CD137 Agonist, in Combination with Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Tolcher AW, Sznol M, Hu-Lieskovan S, Papadopoulos KP, Patnaik A, Rasco DW, Di Gravio D, Huang B, Gambhire D, Chen Y, Thall AD, Pathan N, Schmidt EV, Chow LQM. Phase Ib Study of Utomilumab (PF-05082566), a 4-1BB/CD137 Agonist, in Combination with Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors. Clinical Cancer Research 2017, 23: 5349-5357. PMID: 28634283, DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1243.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAgedAged, 80 and overAntibodies, MonoclonalAntibodies, Monoclonal, HumanizedAntineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy ProtocolsCombined Modality TherapyDiagnostic ImagingDrug MonitoringFemaleHumansImmunoglobulin GMaleMaximum Tolerated DoseMiddle AgedMolecular Targeted TherapyNeoplasm StagingNeoplasmsRetreatmentT-Lymphocyte SubsetsTreatment OutcomeTumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9ConceptsAdvanced solid tumorsSolid tumorsTreatment-emergent adverse eventsPeripheral blood CD8Phase Ib studyTreatment-related discontinuationsDose-limiting toxicityCostimulatory receptor 4Event continual reassessment methodT cell costimulatory receptor 4Clin Cancer ResSupport further investigationBlood CD8Partial responseAdverse eventsDose escalationReceptor 4Clinical activityT cellsIb studyCombination treatmentContinual reassessment methodPatientsGrade 1Cancer ResThe Phoenix Rises: The Rebirth of Cancer Immunotherapy
Blasutig IM, Farkona S, Buchbinder EI, Luke JJ, Sharma P, Sznol M. The Phoenix Rises: The Rebirth of Cancer Immunotherapy. Clinical Chemistry 2017, 63: 1190-1195. PMID: 28515097, DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2016.267849.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEndocrine-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint blockade and expert insights on their management
Sznol M, Postow MA, Davies MJ, Pavlick AC, Plimack ER, Shaheen M, Veloski C, Robert C. Endocrine-related adverse events associated with immune checkpoint blockade and expert insights on their management. Cancer Treatment Reviews 2017, 58: 70-76. PMID: 28689073, DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.06.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsImmune-related adverse eventsImmune checkpoint inhibitorsCytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4Checkpoint inhibitorsEndocrine eventsAdverse eventsTypes of irAEsEndocrine-related adverse eventsT-lymphocyte antigen-4Replacement of hormonesDeath receptor-1Target organ damageClose patient monitoringImmune checkpoint blockadeNon-specific symptomsAppropriate laboratory testingImmune checkpoint proteinsCheckpoint blockadeGrade 1/2Organ damageClinical benefitAdrenal glandAntigen-4Endocrine functionGastrointestinal tractResults from an Integrated Safety Analysis of Urelumab, an Agonist Anti-CD137 Monoclonal Antibody
Segal NH, Logan TF, Hodi FS, McDermott D, Melero I, Hamid O, Schmidt H, Robert C, Chiarion-Sileni V, Ascierto PA, Maio M, Urba WJ, Gangadhar TC, Suryawanshi S, Neely J, Jure-Kunkel M, Krishnan S, Kohrt H, Sznol M, Levy R. Results from an Integrated Safety Analysis of Urelumab, an Agonist Anti-CD137 Monoclonal Antibody. Clinical Cancer Research 2017, 23: 1929-1936. PMID: 27756788, DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-1272.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTreatment-related adverse eventsAdverse eventsPharmacodynamic activityCommon treatment-related adverse eventsLiver function test abnormalitiesImmuno-oncology agentsSerious adverse eventsAdvanced solid tumorsHepatic adverse eventsClin Cancer ResSignificant transaminitisMonotherapy studiesAdvanced cancerTest abnormalitiesIFN-inducible genesStandard treatmentClinical evaluationUrelumabSafety dataAgonist antibodySolid tumorsCancer ResDoseDosesWeeks
2016
Phase I trial of daily triapine in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy for advanced-stage malignancies
Kunos CA, Chu E, Beumer JH, Sznol M, Ivy SP. Phase I trial of daily triapine in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy for advanced-stage malignancies. Cancer Chemotherapy And Pharmacology 2016, 79: 201-207. PMID: 27878356, PMCID: PMC5226891, DOI: 10.1007/s00280-016-3200-x.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPhase I trialSolid tumor malignanciesI trialObjective responseTumor malignancyDaily days 1Frequent grade 3Advanced-stage malignanciesDose-finding phase I trialResultsThe MTDStable diseasePrimary endpointSecondary endpointsVulvar cancerElectrolyte abnormalitiesAdverse eventsCisplatin chemotherapyUterine cervixGrade 3Day 1Day 2Day 3PatientsMalignancyDifferent schedules
2015
Cancer Immunotherapy: Past Progress and Future Directions
Atkins MB, Sznol M. Cancer Immunotherapy: Past Progress and Future Directions. Seminars In Oncology 2015, 42: 518-522. PMID: 26320057, DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2015.05.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchPrecipitation of Autoimmune Diabetes With Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy
Hughes J, Vudattu N, Sznol M, Gettinger S, Kluger H, Lupsa B, Herold KC. Precipitation of Autoimmune Diabetes With Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy. Diabetes Care 2015, 38: e55-e57. PMID: 25805871, PMCID: PMC4370325, DOI: 10.2337/dc14-2349.Peer-Reviewed Reviews, Practice Guidelines, Standards, and Consensus StatementsCombination Therapy with Anti–CTLA-4 and Anti–PD-1 Leads to Distinct Immunologic Changes In Vivo
Das R, Verma R, Sznol M, Boddupalli CS, Gettinger SN, Kluger H, Callahan M, Wolchok JD, Halaban R, Dhodapkar MV, Dhodapkar KM. Combination Therapy with Anti–CTLA-4 and Anti–PD-1 Leads to Distinct Immunologic Changes In Vivo. The Journal Of Immunology 2015, 194: 950-959. PMID: 25539810, PMCID: PMC4380504, DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1401686.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAntibodies, MonoclonalAntigens, SurfaceAntineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy ProtocolsCTLA-4 AntigenCytokinesGene Expression ProfilingGene Expression Regulation, NeoplasticHumansImmunophenotypingIpilimumabLymphocytes, Tumor-InfiltratingNeoplasmsNivolumabProgrammed Cell Death 1 ReceptorSignal TransductionT-Lymphocyte SubsetsConceptsPD-1T cellsCTLA-4Checkpoint blockadeCombination therapyReceptor occupancyCombination immune checkpoint blockadeCTLA-4 immune checkpointsPD-1 receptor occupancyTransitional memory T cellsAnti-PD-1 therapyAnti CTLA-4Immune-based combinationsPD-1 blockadeSoluble IL-2RImmune checkpoint blockadeNK cell functionMemory T cellsTherapy-induced changesT cell activationTumor T cellsHuman T cellsRemarkable antitumor effectImmunologic changesImmunologic effects