Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in upper tract urothelial carcinomas: Current knowledge and future directions

Jonathan Thouvenin, Nieves Martínez Chanzá, Omar Alhalabi, Hervé Lang, Nizar M. Tannir, Philippe Barthélémy, Gabriel G. Malouf

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) represents a rare and aggressive malignancy arising from the renal pelvis or ureter. It can develop sporadically or have a hereditary origin, such as Lynch syndrome, caused by DNA mismatch repair deficiency, leading to microsatellite instability phenotype. According to molecular characterization studies, UTUC presents different mutational profiles as compared to urinary bladder urothelial carcinomas. In particular, it has been reported that UTUC harbored a higher level of FGFR3 alterations associated with a T-cell depleted immune microenvironment. The therapeutic landscape in urothelial carcinoma is rapidly evolving, with immune checkpoint inhibitors forming part of the standard of care. A greater understanding of the molecular alterations and immune microenvironment leads to the development of new treatment combinations and targeted therapy. This review summarizes the available evidence concerning the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and the biological rationale underlying their use in high-grade UTUC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number4341
JournalCancers
Volume13
Issue number17
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2021

Keywords

  • Epigenetic
  • Genetic
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • Immunotherapy
  • Upper tract urothelial carcinoma
  • UTUC

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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