TitleNormalizing the Microenvironment Overcomes Vessel Compression and Resistance to Nano-immunotherapy in Breast Cancer Lung Metastasis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsMpekris F, Panagi M, Voutouri C, Martin JD, Samuel R, Takahashi S, Gotohda N, Suzuki T, Papageorgis P, Demetriou P, Pierides C, Koumas L, Costeas P, Kojima M, Ishii G, Constantinidou A, Kataoka K, Cabral H, Stylianopoulos T
JournalAdv Sci (Weinh)
Volume8
Issue3
Pagination2001917
Date Published2021 Feb
ISSN2198-3844
Abstract

Nano-immunotherapy regimens have high potential to improve patient outcomes, as already demonstrated in advanced triple negative breast cancer with nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel and the immune checkpoint blocker (ICB) atezolizumab. This regimen, however, does not lead to cures with median survival lasting less than two years. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of resistance to and development of strategies to enhance nano-immunotherapy in breast cancer are urgently needed. Here, in human tissue it is shown that blood vessels in breast cancer lung metastases are compressed leading to hypoxia. This pathophysiology exists in murine spontaneous models of triple negative breast cancer lung metastases, along with low levels of perfusion. Because this pathophysiology is consistent with elevated levels of solid stress, the mechanotherapeutic tranilast, which decompressed lung metastasis vessels, is administered to mice bearing metastases, thereby restoring perfusion and alleviating hypoxia. As a result, the nanomedicine Doxil causes cytotoxic effects into metastases more efficiently, stimulating anti-tumor immunity. Indeed, when combining tranilast with Doxil and ICBs, synergistic effects on efficacy, with all mice cured in one of the two ICB-insensitive tumor models investigated is resulted. These results suggest that strategies to treat breast cancer with nano-immunotherapy should also include a mechanotherapeutic to decompress vessels.

DOI10.1002/advs.202001917
Alternate JournalAdv Sci (Weinh)
PubMed ID33552852
PubMed Central IDPMC7856901