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Liver Research
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Liver Research
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Anti-PD-1 synergizes with RFA to suppress abscopal tumors and induce durable memory against recurrence in HCC

Authors: Kai Lei; Shuang Li; Jiale Chen; Zebin Chen; Fang Wang; Xuezhen Zeng;

Anti-PD-1 synergizes with RFA to suppress abscopal tumors and induce durable memory against recurrence in HCC

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the first-line treatment for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, recurrence after curative RFA remains a significant challenge for HCC patients. Although RFA induces an immune response, the anti-tumor effect is often limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Enhancing anti-tumor immunity is essential to improve treatment efficacy and prevent recurrence. In this study, we explore the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of the combination of RFA and anti-PD-1 in suppressing abscopal and recurrent tumors. METHODS: We established a bilateral subcutaneous HCC mouse model and performed complete RFA on the right-flank tumor. Anti-PD-1 or anti-IgG was administered post-RFA. Tumor growth, immune cell profiles, and molecular pathways were assessed using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry staining, RNA-sequencing, and Western blot. Chemokines released by the tumor were detected by ELISA. An in vivo tumor rechallenge experiment was performed after a complete tumor regression to evaluate the immune memory induced by the RFA+anti-PD-1 treatment. RESULTS: RFA combined with anti-PD-1 significantly suppressed abscopal tumor growth and prolonged survival. Compared with RFA monotherapy, the infiltration of CD8(+)T cells and dendritic cells was significantly increased in the combined treatment group, while PMN-MDSCs were markedly reduced. Mechanistically, the chemokine signaling pathway and JAK-STAT signaling pathway were activated in the tumor of the RFA+anti-PD-1 group with upregulation of CXCL10 to recruit CD8(+)T cells. In addition, the combination therapy induced durable immune memory that inhibited rechallenge tumor outgrowth. CONCLUSIONS: Our study discovered that RFA combined with anti-PD-1 induced anti-tumor immunity to inhibit abscopal tumors and durable immune memory to prevent recurrence, suggesting RFA+anti-PD-1 as a potential therapeutic strategy for multifocal HCC and preventing recurrence.

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Keywords

Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (αPD-1), Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), Abscopal effect, Original Article, RC799-869, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Diseases of the digestive system. Gastroenterology

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green
gold