Impact of acetaminophen on the efficacy of immunotherapy in cancer patients
Annals of Oncology, 2022
Bessede A., Marabelle A., Guégan J., Danlos F., Cousin S., Peyraud F., Chaput N., Spalato M., Roubaud G., Cabart M., Khettab M., Chaibi A., Rey C., Nafia I., Mahon F., Soria J., Italiano A.
| Disease area | Application area | Sample type | Products |
|---|---|---|---|
Oncology Immunotherapy | Patient Stratification |
Abstract
Background: Acetaminophen (APAP) use has been associated with blunted vaccine immune responses. This study aimed to assess APAP impact on immunotherapy efficacy in patients with cancer.
Patients and methods: Exposure to APAP was assessed by plasma analysis and was correlated with clinical outcome in three independent cohorts of patients with advanced cancer who were treated with immune checkpoint blockers (ICB). APAP immunomodulatory effects were evaluated on a pre-clinical tumor model and on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors.
Results: Detectable plasma APAP levels at treatment onset was associated with a significantly worse clinical outcome in ICB-treated cancer patients, independently of other prognostic factors. APAP significantly reduced ICB efficacy in the pre-clinical MC38 model, as well as the production of PD1 blockade-related interferon-γ secretion by human PBMCs. Moreover, reduction of ICB efficacy in vivo was associated with significantly increased tumor infiltration by regulatory T cells (Tregs). Administration of APAP over 24 h induced a significant expansion of peripheral Tregs in healthy individuals. In addition, interleukin-10, a crucial mediator of Treg-induced immune suppression, was significantly upregulated upon treatment with ICB in cancer patients taking APAP.
Conclusion: This study provides strong pre-clinical and clinical evidence of the role of APAP as a potential suppressor of antitumor immunity. Hence, APAP should be used with caution in patients treated with ICB.