Current and Future Research in Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors

A special issue of Current Oncology (ISSN 1718-7729). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuro-Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 13737

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Division of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, The University of British Columbia, 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z4E6, Canada
Interests: brain tumour; primary brain tumours; metastatic brain tumours; patient-reported outcomes

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. In recent years, immunooncologic (OI) therapies have become standard of care for several cancers, and potential additional indications are being explored through clinical trials. The development of effective IO strategies in neuro-oncology has been met with several distinct challenges, given the distinct biology of nervous system tumours and the brain itself. Dedicated clinical and preclinical efforts to best understand how to harness these therapies to treat nervous system cancers are ongoing.

Topics explored in this issue will include, but will not be limited to, the following:

Scope of work:

  • The immunobiology of CNS tumours
  • Translational models of immunotherapy for brain tumours
  • Unique challenges and considerations in designing clinical trials for immunotherapy in neuro-oncology
  • Clinical research in immunooncology for brain tumours: insights gained, current efforts, future directions 
  • Current practices and potential applications of immunotherapy in specific CNS cancer populations
  • Diffuse glioma
  • Rare tumours
  • Pediatric brain tumours 
  • Brain metastases

Dr. Rebecca Harrison
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Review

49 pages, 4543 KiB  
Review
Bispecific T-Cell Engagers and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapies in Glioblastoma: An Update
by Roa Alsajjan and Warren P. Mason
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(9), 8501-8549; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30090619 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3006
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. The prognosis is extremely poor even with standard treatment of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recurrence is inevitable within months, and treatment options are very limited. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. The prognosis is extremely poor even with standard treatment of maximal safe resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recurrence is inevitable within months, and treatment options are very limited. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CART) and bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs) are two emerging immunotherapies that can redirect T-cells for tumor-specific killing and have shown remarkable success in hematological malignancies and been under extensive study for application in glioblastoma. While there have been multiple clinical trials showing preliminary evidence of safety and efficacy for CART, bispecific TCEs are still in the early stages of clinical testing, with preclinical studies showing very promising results. However, there are multiple shared challenges that need to be addressed in the future, including the route of delivery, antigen escape, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and toxicity resulting from the limited choice of tumor-specific antigens. Efforts are underway to optimize the design of both these treatments and find the ideal combination therapy to overcome these challenges. In this review, we describe the work that has been performed as well as novel approaches in glioblastoma and in other solid tumors that may be applicable in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research in Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors)
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22 pages, 779 KiB  
Review
Neurologic Complications of Cancer Immunotherapy
by Aseel N. Alsalem, Leslie A. Scarffe, Hannah R. Briemberg, Ashley E. Aaroe and Rebecca A. Harrison
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(6), 5876-5897; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30060440 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2293
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment over the past decade. As it is increasingly introduced into routine clinical practice, immune-related complications have become more frequent. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential, with the goal of reduced patient morbidity. This review aims to discuss the [...] Read more.
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment over the past decade. As it is increasingly introduced into routine clinical practice, immune-related complications have become more frequent. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential, with the goal of reduced patient morbidity. This review aims to discuss the various clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatments, and prognosis of neurologic complications associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive T-cell therapies, and T-cell redirecting therapies. We also outline a suggested clinical approach related to the clinical use of these agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research in Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors)
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15 pages, 601 KiB  
Review
Translational Models in Glioma Immunotherapy Research
by Alexander L. Ren, Janet Y. Wu, Si Yeon Lee and Michael Lim
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(6), 5704-5718; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30060428 - 11 Jun 2023
Viewed by 2146
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic domain for the treatment of gliomas. However, clinical trials of various immunotherapeutic modalities have not yielded significant improvements in patient survival. Preclinical models for glioma research should faithfully represent clinically observed features regarding glioma behavior, mutational load, tumor [...] Read more.
Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic domain for the treatment of gliomas. However, clinical trials of various immunotherapeutic modalities have not yielded significant improvements in patient survival. Preclinical models for glioma research should faithfully represent clinically observed features regarding glioma behavior, mutational load, tumor interactions with stromal cells, and immunosuppressive mechanisms. In this review, we dive into the common preclinical models used in glioma immunology, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and highlight examples of their utilization in translational research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research in Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors)
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Graphical abstract

20 pages, 314 KiB  
Review
The Role of Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Rare Central Nervous System Tumors
by Andrew Rodriguez, Carlos Kamiya-Matsuoka and Nazanin K. Majd
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(6), 5279-5298; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30060401 - 25 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2115
Abstract
Establishing novel therapies for rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors is arduous due to challenges in conducting clinical trials in rare tumors. Immunotherapy treatment has been a rapidly developing field and has demonstrated improvements in outcomes for multiple types of solid malignancies. In [...] Read more.
Establishing novel therapies for rare central nervous system (CNS) tumors is arduous due to challenges in conducting clinical trials in rare tumors. Immunotherapy treatment has been a rapidly developing field and has demonstrated improvements in outcomes for multiple types of solid malignancies. In rare CNS tumors, the role of immunotherapy is being explored. In this article, we review the preclinical and clinical data of various immunotherapy modalities in select rare CNS tumors, including atypical meningioma, aggressive pituitary adenoma, pituitary carcinoma, ependymoma, embryonal tumor, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor, and meningeal solitary fibrous tumor. Among these tumor types, some studies have shown promise; however, ongoing clinical trials will be critical for defining and optimizing the role of immunotherapy for these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research in Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors)
23 pages, 1064 KiB  
Review
Pediatric Brain Tumours: Lessons from the Immune Microenvironment
by Betty Yao, Alberto Delaidelli, Hannes Vogel and Poul H. Sorensen
Curr. Oncol. 2023, 30(5), 5024-5046; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol30050379 - 15 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2217
Abstract
In spite of recent advances in tumour molecular subtyping, pediatric brain tumours (PBTs) remain the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. While some PBTs are treatable with favourable outcomes, recurrent and metastatic disease for certain types of PBTs remains challenging and is [...] Read more.
In spite of recent advances in tumour molecular subtyping, pediatric brain tumours (PBTs) remain the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. While some PBTs are treatable with favourable outcomes, recurrent and metastatic disease for certain types of PBTs remains challenging and is often fatal. Tumour immunotherapy has emerged as a hopeful avenue for the treatment of childhood tumours, and recent immunotherapy efforts have been directed towards PBTs. This strategy has the potential to combat otherwise incurable PBTs, while minimizing off-target effects and long-term sequelae. As the infiltration and activation states of immune cells, including tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour-associated macrophages, are key to shaping responses towards immunotherapy, this review explores the immune landscape of the developing brain and discusses the tumour immune microenvironments of common PBTs, with hopes of conferring insights that may inform future treatment design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current and Future Research in Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors)
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