bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DREAMM-2: Single-agent belantamab mafodotin (GSK2857916) in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) and high-risk (HR) cytogenetics.
Authors: Cohen Adam D. , Trudel Suzanne , Lonial Sagar , Libby Edward N. , Lee Hans Chulhee , Besemer Britta , Facon Thierry , Nooka Ajay K. , Callander Natalie Scott , Chari Ajai , Gupta Ira , Paul Sofia , Opalinska Joanna , Richardson Paul G.
Published: May 2020

8541

Background: Patients with RRMM and HR cytogenetics have a poor prognosis and need effective therapies. In DREAMM-2 (NCT03525678), single-agent belantamab mafodotin (an immunoconjugate targeting B-cell maturation antigen) demonstrated clinically meaningful activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with heavily pretreated RRMM ( Lancet Oncol.2020). We present outcomes in patients with HR-cytogenetics (9-month follow-up). Methods: Patients with RRMM received single-agent belantamab mafodotin (2.5 or 3.4 mg/kg). For this post hoc analysis, HR-cytogenetics included t(4;14), t(14;16), 17p13del, or 1q21+ (tested locally). Results: The median number of cycles was 3 (2.5: range: 1–15) and 4 (3.4: range: 1–14). Overall response rate (ORR; ≥partial response [PR] per independent review committee) was 27% in the 2.5 mg/kg group (22% with ≥very good partial response [VGPR]) and 40% in the 3.4 mg/kg group (27% with ≥VGPR). The median duration of response (DoR) was not reached in the 2.5 mg/kg group and was 6.2 months in the 3.4 mg/kg group. The most common adverse events ( > 30% in either group) were consistent with the overall population ( Lancet Oncol.2020): keratopathy (2.5: 59%;3.4: 79%), thrombocytopenia (2.5: 44%; 3.4: 65%), nausea (2.5: 27%; 3.4: 33%), anemia (2.5: 24%; 3.4: 42%), and blurred vision (2.5: 20%; 3.4: 42%). Conclusions: Patients with HR-cytogenetics maintain deep and durable clinical responses with single-agent belantamab mafodotin, comparable to that reported in the overall population. The safety profile remained consistent with previous reports. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline (205678). Drug linker technology licensed from Seattle Genetics; monoclonal antibody produced using POTELLIGENT Technology licensed from BioWa. Clinical trial information: NCT03525678 . [Table: see text]
Prevalence and significance of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate prognosis (CHIP) in multiple myeloma.
Authors: Padrnos Leslie Jane , LaPlant Betsy , Kumar Shaji , Henderson Kimbery , Dispenzieri Angela , Lasho Terra L. , Patnaik Mrinal , Stewart A. Keith
Published: May 2020

8542

Background: Clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is defined by the presence of leukemia-associated somatic mutations in clonally expanded hematopoietic stem cells with a VAF of ≥2%. CHIP has been associated with myeloid malignancies and increased all cause mortality largely from atherovascular disease. The prevalence and impact of CHIP in patients with myeloma (MM) is yet to be defined. Aims: Evaluate the prevalence and significance of CHIP in 101 lenalidomide exposed patients with multiple myeloma. Methods: 101 MM patients, the majority exposed to > 2 years of lenalidomide (Len), with stored mononuclear blood samples were identified for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) using a panel encompassing 42 gene mutations associated with CHIP. Electronic medical records were reviewed and outcomes of secondary malignancy, macrocytosis, thrombosis and mortality were extracted. Results: Thirty of 101patients were found to have CHIP with the most frequent mutations: DNMT3A (12%), TET2 (5%), and TP53 (4%). One third of patients with CHIP had > 1 mutation (37%). At 68 months median follow up over a quarter of patients experienced thrombosis (31%) and 13% developed subsequent malignancy/premalignant condition including myelodysplastic syndrome (3%). There was no significant difference in age, gender, duration of Len prior to NGS testing, thrombosis complication, or survival in those with versus without a CHIP mutation. At last F/U 30% had died, 25% remained on therapy, 27% were on maintenance therapy and 11% were on observation alone. Conclusions: CHIP mutations are common in plasma cell neoplasms, with 30% of patients in this study retrospectively found to have CHIP mutations by NGS testing. CHIP mutations have been associated with cardiovascular events and malignancy development, however no associations were identified in this small study. Limitations to this study include small sample size, retrospective nature and duration of follow up. Further study of this very common finding in MM patients regarding timing of development and subsequent impact of these mutations could help risk stratify and inform therapy selection. [Table: see text]
The significance of beta-II microglobulin (β2M) and International Staging System (ISS) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients (pts.) with renal impairment (RI).
Authors: Lin Gloria , Hari Parameswaran , Chhabra Saurabh , Hamadani Mehdi , D'Souza Anita , Szabo Aniko , Dhakal Binod
Published: May 2020

8544

Background: ISS stage which underlies prognostic models used in MM, is derived from albumin and β2M at diagnosis. β2M, a low molecular polypeptide, is present on all nucleated cells and is elevated in pts. with RI. In MM, although the association between β2M and prognosis has been interpreted to reflect a higher tumor burden, RI by itself may explain at least in part the higher levels of β2M seen with this disease. Historically, those presenting with MM and severe RI had a poor prognosis and quite likely the β2M elevation irrespective of kinetics predicted poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the significance of β2M and ISS staging in MM patients in the setting of RI in the modern era when renal recovery is more common after induction. Methods: MM pts. treated at our institution from 2012-2014 were included and divided into two groups by creatinine (Cr) level at diagnosis: < 2 and ≥2 mg/dl. Demographic and disease characteristics were compared between the two groups using ANOVA and chi-square tests as appropriate. COX regression was used for the multi-variate analysis for survival and the effect of β2M levels, adjusting for albumin levels, on survival was allowed to vary by Cr level to evaluate potential interaction. Results: Of 201 total pts., 163 (81.6%) had Cr < 2 mg/dL and 38 (18.4%) ≥ 2mg/dL at diagnosis with higher β2M and ISS stage in Cr≥2 group. On adjusted analysis, albumin was significantly associated with overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio, HR 0.60; 95% CI 0.36-1; p = 0.04); however, β2M was associated with OS only when Cr < 2 mg/dl (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06-1.19; p < 0.0001) but not when Cr≥2 mg/dl (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.91-1.06; p = 0.65) with significant interaction (p = 0.004). Likewise, the effect of β2M on progression-free survival was significant when Cr < 2 (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.05-1.19; p = 0.0002), but not Cr≥2 (HR 1.02; 95% CI 0.97-1.08; p = 0.42) with significant interaction (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Our results show that in the era of modern induction therapy and rapid improvement in kidney function, a high β2M may not impact prognosis as adversely, at least in those with RI, since an elevated β2M may be disproportionate to true tumor burden. Thus, ISS staging in these patients should be reevaluated after induction and potential renal recovery. Novel biomarkers may refine MM staging independent of the level of kidney function.
Evaluation of minimal residual disease in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients treated with venetoclax or placebo in combination with bortezomib and dexamethasone: BELLINI study analyses.
Authors: Moreau Philippe , Harrison Simon J. , Cavo Michele , de La Rubia Javier , Popat Rakesh , Hungria Vania , Salwender Hans , Suzuki Kenshi , Kim Inho , Spencer Andrew , O'Dwyer Michael , Hong Wan-Jen , Jalaluddin Muhammad , Yang Xiaoqing , Pauff James Michael , Maciag Paulo Cesar , Ross Jeremy A. , Kumar Shaji
Published: May 2020

8547

Background: Venetoclax (Ven) is a selective, potent BCL-2 inhibitor that has synergistic activity with bortezomib (B) and dexamethasone (d). In the Phase 3 BELLINI trial, addition of Ven to Bd significantly improved median progression-free survival (PFS) and response rates, including minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity, but resulted in increased mortality vs placebo (Pbo). Here, we determine whether MRD negativity was associated with longer PFS and OS in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) patients treated with Ven+Bd in the BELLINI dataset. Methods: In BELLINI (NCT02755597), RRMM patients (pts) sensitive or naïve to proteasome inhibitors with 1-3 prior lines of therapy were randomized 2:1 to Ven (800 mg) or Pbo plus B (1.3 mg/m2) and d (20 mg). Next-gen sequencing MRD assessments were done on bone marrow aspirates at the time of suspected CR/sCR, and 6- and 12-months post confirmation of CR/sCR. Patients with a missing or indeterminate assessment were considered MRD positive. Evaluation of MRD in biomarker-defined subgroups (cytogenetics and BCL2 expression) was also performed and will be presented. Results: In total, 291 pts were randomized; 194 to Ven, 97 to Pbo. As of 13 Sep 2019, the median follow-up was 29 months. Ven + Bd demonstrated significantly higher MRD negativity rates ( < 10−5), including a higher proportion of pts achieving sustained MRD negativity (Table). In the Ven arm, the median (m)PFS was not reached for MRD negative pts vs 16.2 months for MRD positive pts (HR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.10-0.54, p < 0.001). While the mOS was not reached in the Ven arm, OS was significantly longer for MRD negative vs MRD positive pts (HR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.80, p = 0.0194). Conclusions: The addition of Ven to Bd resulted in deep and durable responses, including higher rates of MRD negativity. MRD negativity in the context of Ven was associated with prolonged survival in patients with RRMM, consistent with the broader MRD body of evidence with other therapies in MM. Clinical trial information: NCT02755597 . [Table: see text]
Castleman disease spectrum.
Authors: Khor Johnson , Pierson Sheila K. , Powers Victoria , Tamakloe Mark-Avery , Gorzewski Alexander , Floess Katherine , Ziglar Jasira , Haljasmaa Eric , Ren Yue , Casper Corey , Lechowicz Mary Jo , Uldrick Thomas S. , Chadburn Amy , Srkalovic Gordan , Lim Megan S. , Li Hongzhe , Jaffe Elaine S. , Van Rhee Frits , Fajgenbaum David C.
Published: May 2020

8548

Background: Castleman disease (CD) describes a group of lymphoproliferative disorders that share characteristic histopathology. Unicentric CD (UCD) and idiopathic multicentric CD (iMCD) are differentiated by the number of enlarged lymph node (LN) regions: UCD involves 1 region and iMCD involves > 1 region. UCD typically has mild or no symptoms whereas iMCD requires abnormal labs and symptoms for diagnosis and can progress to life-threatening multi-organ failure. Review of an international natural history registry of CD revealed patients across a broad spectrum with regards to number of enlarged LN regions and disease severity. We hypothesize that there is a positive correlation between disease activity and the number of enlarged LNs and that the spectrum of CD is more complex than a binary UCD-iMCD dichotomy. Methods: Herein, enrolled UCD and iMCD patients whose diagnosis was confirmed by an expert-panel were selected for analysis (N = 81). A standardized disease activity score (scale 0-1) was computed for each patient using available diagnostic values of C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, and albumin (CHA score). Results: We looked at the association between number of enlarged LNs and CHA and found a significant positive correlation (R = 0.65, p < 0.0001). Given this, we divided the cohort into groups of mild, moderate, and extensive lymphadenopathy according to the number of regions of enlarged LNs at the time of diagnosis: group 1 (1 enlarged LN region); group 2 (2-4 enlarged LN regions); and group 3 (≥5 enlarged LN regions). We identified 20 patients in group 1, 19 in group 2, and 42 in group 3 with no statistical differences in sex, race, or age at diagnosis. Histopathological subtype differed significantly among groups. Group 1 was 89% hyaline vascular (HV)/ hypervascular (HpV) and 11% mixed (Mx); group 2 was 74% HV/HpV, 21% Mx, and 5% plasmacytic (Pl); and group 3 was 64% HV/HpV, 32% Mx, and 5% Pl. We then looked at CHA score in these groups and found that group 3 patients have a significantly greater CHA score (median [IQR]: 0.46 [0.49]) than both group 2 (0.08 [0.14]) and group 1 (0.0 [0.10]) (adjusted p < 0.001 for both) while there was no difference between groups 1 and 2. Conclusions: These results suggest that disease severity is positively associated with the number of enlarged LNs. The different proportions of histopathological subtypes between the three groups could indicate different pathologic mechanisms are involved. Further work is needed to determine if patients with a few enlarged LNs exhibit disease more closely to UCD or iMCD and to understand long-term outcomes for these patients.
Randomized phase II clinical trial of cisplatin/carboplatin and etoposide (CE) alone or in combination with nivolumab as frontline therapy for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC): ECOG-ACRIN EA5161.
Authors: Leal Ticiana , Wang Yating , Dowlati Afshin , Lewis DeQuincy Andrew , Chen Yuanbin , Mohindra Amit Ramesh , Razaq Mohammad , Ahuja Harish G. , Liu Jijun , King David M. , Sumey Christopher Joseph , Ramalingam Suresh S.
Published: May 2020

9000

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibition is now given in combination with chemotherapy for first line (1L) therapy of extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). We conducted a randomized phase II study of nivolumab (anti-PD1) in combination with platinum-etoposide (CE) as 1L treatment for patients with ES-SCLC (EA5161, NCT03382561). Methods: Patients with measurable (RECIST v1.1) ES-SCLC, ECOG performance status 0 or 1, who had not received prior systemic treatment for ES-SCLC were enrolled. Patients were randomized 1:1 to nivolumab 360 mg + CE every 21 days for 4 cycles followed by maintenance nivolumab 240 mg every 2 weeks until progression or up to 2 years (arm A) or CE every 21 days for 4 cycles followed by observation (arm B). Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) was permitted at the investigator’s discretion. Investigator’s choice of cisplatin or carboplatin was allowed across both arms. The primary endpoint was PFS in eligible and treated patients. Secondary endpoints included OS, ORR, and safety. Adverse events (AEs) were graded per NCI-CTCAE v4.0. Results: This study was activated in May 2018 and completed accrual in December 2018. 160 patients were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between arms. In the ITT population (n = 160), nivolumab + CE significantly improved the PFS compared to CE with HR 0.65 (95% CI, 0.46, 0.91; p = 0.012); mPFS 5.5 versus 4.6 months, respectively. Secondary endpoint of OS was also improved with nivolumab + CE versus CE with HR 0.67 (95% CI, 0.46, 0.98; p = 0.038); mOS 11.3 versus 8.5 months. Among patients who initiated study therapy, nivolumab + CE significantly improved the PFS compared to CE with HR 0.68 (95% CI, 0.48, 1.00; p = 0.047); mPFS 5.5 versus 4.7 months, respectively; in this population, OS was also improved with nivolumab + CE versus CE with HR 0.73 (95% CI, 0.49, 1.11; p = 0.14); mOS 11.3 versus 9.3 months. The ORR was 52.29% versus 47.71%. The incidence of treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs was 77% versus 62% and AEs leading to discontinuation 6.21% versus 2.07%. Ten patients remain on maintenance nivolumab. Lethal adverse events independent of treatment were similar between the two arms (9 in arm A; 7 in arm B). Conclusions: The addition of nivolumab to CE as 1L treatment for ES-SCLC significantly improved PFS and OS. No new safety signals were observed. Clinical trial information: NCT03382561.
Role of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with pathological stage I NSCLC with high-risk features.
Authors: Arjyal Lubina , Uprety Dipesh , Frankki Susan M , Borgert Andrew J , Marinier David E.
Published: May 2020

9022

Background: Lobectomy is the current standard of care for patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There is a lack of prospective data on the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) in patients with negative margins but with high-risk features: lympho-vascular invasion (LVI) or visceral pleural invasion (VPI). We aimed to investigate the benefit of adjuvant CT in patients with pathological stage I NSCLC with high-risk features. Methods: The 2016 National Cancer Database was queried to identify patients with pathological stage I NSCLC (8th edition AJCC staging) diagnosed from 2010-2015 who received lobectomy/pneumonectomy with clear surgical margins. Patients were stratified into high risk (tumor size ≥2 cm with LVI and/or VPI) or low risk group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and propensity score matched Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were used to compare overall survival between those who received adjuvant CT and those who did not. Results: 34,556 patients were identified with 1114 (3.2%) receiving adjuvant CT. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, high risk tumors (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] = 1.31 [1.25-1.38]) and lack of adjuvant chemotherapy (1.25 [1.09-1.44]) were associated with worse overall survival (OS). Additionally, male sex, age ≥ 60 years, higher comorbidity burden, lack of insurance, low facility volume, low median income, non-squamous histology were associated with worse OS. After propensity score matching, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of the high risk subgroup (n = 2923) showed a significant difference in overall survival (OS) between those who received adjuvant CT (n = 1032, 5 year OS, 74.7%; 95% CI, 70.9%-78.0%) and those who did not (n = 1891, 5 year OS, 66.9%; CI, 63.9%-69.6%; p = 0.0002). In patients with no high risk factors for recurrence (n = 384), OS was not significantly different between the patients who received adjuvant CT (n = 78, 5 year OS, 75.8%; CI, 61.3%-85.5%) and those who did not receive adjuvant CT (n = 306, 5 year OS, 77.1%; CI, 70.0%-82.7%; p = 0.3). Conclusions: Our study showed better survival with adjuvant CT in patients with pathological stage I NSCLC who have tumor size greater than 2 cm, LVI and/or VPI.
Efficacy of DNA versus RNA NGS-based Methods in MET Exon 14 skipping mutation detection.
Authors: Jurkiewicz Magdalena , Saqi Anjali , Mansukhani Mahesh M , Hodel Vaishali , Krull Anamaria , Shu Catherine A. , D’Silva Fernandes Helen
Published: May 2020

9036

Background: Exon 14 skipping mutations in the mesenchymal-epithelial transition ( MET) gene are reported in 2-5% of lung adenocarcinomas and are mutually exclusive of other driver mutations. Small-molecule MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors, capmatinib and tepotinib, showed durable responses in previously treated and treatment-naïve patients harboring MET-exon-14 skipping mutations. Studies suggest that for detection of MET-ex14 mutations, DNA-based assays alone may be sub-optimal when compared to RNA-based NGS assays. We compared the performance of DNA and RNA-based assays for detection of MET-ex14 variants. Methods: We examined NGS-based profiling data of lung adenocarcinomas (or when this diagnosis could not be excluded) to identify MET-ex14 mutations missed by DNA but identified by RNA analysis. The carcinomas were profiled by a DNA-based NGS panel that targets MET exons 2, 14, 16, 18 and 19. Cases without driver mutations were reflexed to an NGS-based RNA fusion panel (Archer’s Anchored Multiplex PCR). Results: Over a 21-month period, MET-ex14 skipping events were detected in 16/644 (2.5%) lung carcinomas by DNA profiling. RNA analysis on driver-negative cases identified 9 additional MET-ex14 mutations. All 16 MET-ex14 DNA variants occurred at or around the intron 14 splice donor site, as the assay did not include the intron 13 splice acceptor site. Clinical characteristics of the MET positive cohort include a male to female ratio of 0.8:1.0, an average age of 76.5 years and 52% non-smoker status. All tumors were adenocarcinomas (including one with a < 10% spindle/pleomorphic component) with the exception of 3 adenosquamous carcinomas and 1 squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: DNA based NGS-panels can potentially miss MET-ex14 skipping events in lung carcinomas, when the primers do not target both 3′ splice site of intron 13, and the 5′ splice site of intron 14. A reflex work flow interrogating RNA fusions can potentially capture such events. The clinical and molecular characterization of the variants detected only by RNA NGS assays warrants further exploration.
Clinical characteristics, genomic features, and recurrence risk of early-stage MET exon 14 mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Recondo Gonzalo , Guo Robin , Cravero Paola , Ricciuti Biagio , Falcon Christina , Vokes Natalie , Kris Mark G. , Leonardi Giulia Costanza , Lamberti Giuseppe , Nguyen Tom , Venkatraman Deepti , Sholl Lynette Marie , Drilon Alexander E. , Awad Mark M.
Published: May 2020

9042

Background: MET exon 14 alterations occur in ~3% of patients (pts) with NSCLC. Although clinical and genomic features of MET exon 14 mutant (mut) NSCLC are better characterized in the metastatic setting, less is known about early-stage disease for this molecular subtype. Methods: Clinicopathologic and genomic data were collected from patients (pts) with resected stage I-III MET exon 14 mutant NSCLC at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). We estimated the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients from the date of surgical resection. The prevalence of MET exon 14 mutations in stage I-III NSCLC was assessed using OncoPanel NGS v3.0 at DFCI. Results: The prevalence of MET exon 14 alterations in resected tumors of pts with stage I-III NSCLC at DFCI using Oncopanel v3 was 2.8% (17/613) overall: 2.9% (16/542) in non-squamous and 1.4% (1/71) in squamous histology. We identified 131 pts with resected stage I-III (I = 73, II = 28, III = 30) MET exon 14 mut NSCLC at DFCI (Oncopanel v1-v3) and MSKCC (MSK-IMPACT), with a median age of 71 years (yrs) (range: 43-88). There were no significant differences in sex, smoking status, or type of MET alteration across stages. In stage I resected tumors there was a higher proportion of adenocarcinoma histology compared to stages II and III (p = 0.009). The median harmonized TMB (mTMB) was similar across stages (p = 0.43). Common genomic co-alterations included MET amplification (amp) (5.3%), CDK4/ 6 amp (19.1%), MDM2 amp (35.1%), TP53 mut (17.6%) and CDKN2A/ B loss (9.2%). The median DFS in stage I, II, and III NSCLC was 8.3 yrs (95% CI: 3.1-8.3), 2.6 yrs (95% CI: 1.0-2.6), and 2.1 yrs (95% CI: 0.7-2.7), respectively (p = 0.017). The median OS in stage I, II, and III NSCLC was 9.2 yrs (95% CI: 8.5 -10.5), not reached (NR) (95% CI: NR-NR), and 4.1 yrs (95% CI: 3.6-4.1), respectively (p = 0.052). Concurrent MET amp was independently associated with worse DFS (HR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.8-13.1; p = 0.002) in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: MET exon 14 mutations are present in 2.8% of resected stage I-III NSCLCs. Given the prevalence of this molecular alteration in early-stage NSCLC, clinical trials exploring the role of adjuvant and neoadjuvant MET targeted therapies in this population may be warranted.
CCTG BR.34: A randomized trial of durvalumab and tremelimumab +/- platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with metastatic (Stage IV) squamous or nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Leighl Natasha B. , Laurie Scott Andrew , Goss Glenwood D. , Hughes Brett Gordon Maxwell , Stockler Martin R. , Tsao Ming Sound , Kulkarni Swati , Blais Normand , Joy Anil A. , Mates Mihaela , Rana Punam , Yadav Sunil , Underhill Craig , Lee Christopher W. , Bradbury Penelope Ann , Hiltz Andrea , Dancey Janet , Ding Keyue , Vera Badillo Francisco Emilio ,   Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group
Published: May 2020

9502

Background: First-line therapy for advanced NSCLC includes PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy, and in combination with chemotherapy. Combination ICI have also demonstrated better survival compared to chemotherapy (CM-227). In CCTG BR.34, we compared overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving first-line durvalumab plus tremelimumab (DT) with or without platinum doublet chemotherapy (CT). Methods: This international, open-label, randomized trial accrued 301 participants from Canada and Australia, with stage IV NSCLC, EGFR/ALK wildtype, ECOG PS 0/1. Patients were randomized to DT for 4 cycles or DT+CT (pemetrexed- or gemcitabine-platinum), with ongoing D or D + pemetrexed (non-squamous) maintenance until disease progression. Stratification factors included histology, stage IVA v. IVB and smoking status. The primary endpoint was OS; secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR = CR + PR) and adverse events (AEs). Results: At a median follow up of 16.6 months, no significant difference in OS was seen between the two treatment arms, with a median OS of 16.6 months with DT+CT v. 14.1 months with DT, (estimated HR 0.88, 90% CI 0.67-1.16). PFS was significantly improved in the DT+CT arm (stratified HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52-0.88; medians 7.7 v. 3.2 months). ORR was higher in the DT+CT arm, 28% v. 14%, (odds ratio 2.1, p=0.001). Preplanned subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant differences in treatment outcomes by plasma TMB (<20 v. ≥20 mut/Mb, Guardant OMNI), age, sex, or smoking status. There was a trend to improved OS with DT+CT in the subgroup with PD-L1 TPS≥50%, (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.40-1.04, p=0.07). Plasma TMB<20 mut/Mb was associated with shorter survival in both treatment groups (HR 1.99, 95% 1.3-3.1). Toxicity was greater in the DT+CT arm, with grade≥3 adverse events in 82% v. 70%, (p=0.02), most commonly dyspnea, nausea and cough. The incidence of immune-related adverse events was similar between arms (colitis 11%, pneumonitis 6%, endocrinopathy 21%). Grade 5 events occurred in 2.7%, (5 with DT+CT, 3 with DT). Conclusions: The addition of CT to first-line DT did not improve OS in advanced NSCLC. CT+DT improved ORR and PFS, and was associated with greater toxicity. No differential effects were seen by PD-L1 TPS nor bTMB. These data suggest that adding chemotherapy to ICI may be beneficial in those with PD-L1 TPS >=50%, and warrant further analysis in independent datasets. Clinical trial information: NCT03057106 .
Intracranial activity of selpercatinib (LOXO-292) in RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients on the LIBRETTO-001 trial.
Authors: Subbiah Vivek , Gainor Justin F. , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Tan Daniel Shao-Weng , Owen Dwight Hall , Cho Byoung Chul , Loong Herbert H. F. , McCoach Caroline Elizabeth , Weiss Jared , Kim YuJung , Bazhenova Lyudmila , Park Keunchil , Daga Haruko , Besse Benjamin , Gautschi Oliver , Ng Sarah , Huang Xin , Drilon Alexander E.
Published: May 2020

9516

Background: Patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC have an ~50% lifetime prevalence of developing central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Selpercatinib is a highly selective oral RET inhibitor with CNS penetration. Its intracranial antitumor activity was previously demonstrated in an orthotopic RET fusion-positive preclinical model. The activity of selpercatinib in RET fusion-positive NSCLC patients with CNS metastases was evaluated as a prespecified subgroup analysis in LIBRETTO-001, a registrational phase 1/2 trial (NCT03157128). Methods: This global (89 sites, 16 countries) trial enrolled patients with advanced RET-altered solid tumors, including patients with RET fusion-positive advanced NSCLC with baseline CNS metastases. The selpercatinib recommended phase 2 dose was 160 mg twice daily, dosed orally in 28-day cycles. CNS metastases were assessed by MRI/CT scan at baseline, then every 8 weeks for 1 year, and every 12 weeks thereafter. The primary endpoint for this analysis was intracranial objective response rate (ORR, confirmed; RECIST v1.1) as assessed by independent review committee (IRC). Secondary endpoints included intracranial duration of response (DoR) by IRC. To be included in the efficacy analysis, patients were required to have adequate follow-up time (opportunity for ≥6 months follow-up from the first dose). Analyses were based on 17Jun2019 data cutoff date. Results: 79 patients with RET fusion-positive NSCLC and baseline CNS metastases were enrolled. Per IRC, 22 of 79 patients had measurable (≥10 mm) CNS disease; 14 of the 22 patients had adequate follow-up time for analysis. This efficacy-evaluable population had a median age of 64 yrs (range 43-80), ECOG PS 0/1 = 21% / 79%, and all had prior systemic therapy. 5 of the 14 patients received prior intracranial radiotherapy; all radiotherapy was completed > 2 months prior to selpercatinib. The intracranial ORR in the 14 patients was 93% (n = 13; 95% CI = 66.1 – 99.8), including 2 complete responses (14%) and 11 partial responses (79%). The median intracranial DoR was 10.1 months (95% CI = 6.7 – NE), with CNS progression events (n = 5) or death (n = 1) reported in 6 of 13 responders. The remaining responders (n = 7) were ongoing and censored. Presentation will include updated IRC data as of 16Dec2019. Conclusions: Selpercatinib had marked intracranial anti-tumor activity in RET fusion-positive NSCLC patients with CNS metastases. Tumor responses were durable, independently-confirmed, and observed in patients with prior systemic chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03157128 .
Capmatinib in patients with METex14-mutated or high-level MET-amplified advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): results from cohort 6 of the phase 2 GEOMETRY mono-1 study.
Authors: Groen Harry J.M. , Akerley Wallace L. , Souquet Pierre Jean , Laack Eckart , Han Ji-Youn , Smit Egbert F. , Mansfield Aaron Scott , Garon Edward B. , Wolf Juergen , Tan Daniel Shao-Weng , Heist Rebecca Suk , Waldron-Lynch Maeve , Le Mouhaer Sylvie , Nwana Ngozi , Giovannini Monica , Orlov Sergey
Published: May 2020

9520

Background: Capmatinib (INC280) has shown promising efficacy in patients (pts) with MET exon 14 ( METex14)–mutated NSCLC who were pretreated (cohort 4) or treatment (tx)-naïve (cohort 5b) in the ongoing, multicohort, phase 2 GEOMETRY mono-1 study. We report the results for pts enrolled in the expansion cohort 6 with either high-level MET amplification (gene copy number [GCN] ≥10) or METex14 mutation (any MET GCN) whose disease progressed on 1 prior line of systemic therapy. Methods: Adult pts (≥18 years), ECOG PS 0–1 who had ALK and EGFR wt, stage IIIB/IV NSCLC (any histology) received capmatinib tablets 400 mg twice daily (with or without food). Key efficacy endpoints were overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) by blinded independent review committee (BIRC) per RECIST v1.1. Other secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed ORR, DOR, disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS; BIRC and investigator assessment) and safety. Results: As of Jan 6, 2020, 34 NSCLC pts with METex14 mutation (n = 31) or high-level MET amplification (n = 3) were included in this analysis. Tx was ongoing for 38.2% of pts. In METex14-mutated NSCLC pts, per BIRC assessment: ORR was 48.4%, median DOR was 6.93 months (mo, not yet mature, 95% CI: 4.17–NE) and median PFS was 8.11 mo (not yet mature, 95% CI: 4.17–9.86). Investigator-assessed responses were similar to BIRC assessment (Table). Only 3 pts with high-level MET amplification were included in this cohort due to challenges in enrollment. All 3 pts had stable disease per BIRC assessment and were on treatment for 48, 85 and 97 days. Most common AEs (≥25%, all grades, N = 34) were peripheral edema (64.7%), nausea (35.3%), fatigue (29.4%), back pain (26.5%) and vomiting (26.5%). Data for pts with brain metastasis will be presented at the ASCO 2020 meeting. Conclusions: Capmatinib was confirmed to be efficacious in 2nd line, METex14-mutated NSCLC pts. This is the first cohort where capmatinib has been administered without fasting restriction and data confirm the favorable safety profile. Clinical trial information: NCT02414139 . [Table: see text]
Tumor antigen expression and survival of patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving viagenpumatucel-L (HS-110) plus nivolumab.
Authors: Morgensztern Daniel , Waqar Saiama Naheed , Bazhenova Lyudmila , McDermott Lori , Hutchins Jeff , Taylor David H , Robinson Fred L , Dowdell Alexa K , Piening Brian , Harb Wael A. , Pennell Nathan A. , Cohen Roger B.
Published: May 2020

9546

Background: Viagenpumatucel-L (HS-110) is an allogeneic cellular vaccine derived from a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line transfected with gp96-Ig fusion protein. Gp96-Ig functions as an antigen chaperone for dendritic cell activation and direct CD8+T cell expansion via cross presentation. DURGA is a multi-cohort study evaluating HS-110 plus anti-PD-1 mAbs in patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC. We report on Cohort A, which enrolled previously-treated pts who had not received an anti-PD(L)1 prior to study entry. Methods: Primary objectives were safety and objective response rate (ORR). Overall Survival (OS) was a secondary endpoint. Pts received 1 X 107 HS-110 cells intradermally every week for 18 wks and nivolumab until tumor progression. To determine cancer testis antigen (CTA) overexpression from baseline pt tumor samples, hybrid-capture RNA-seq libraries were prepared from macrodissected formalin fixed paraffin embedded tumor tissue and sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000. Gene-level transcripts were quantified using the Salmon software package. Results: 47 pts were enrolled into Cohort A. ORR and clinical benefit rate (CR + PR + SD) were 21% and 43%, respectively, with a 17.2 month median duration of response. Median OS was 28.7 months (mos), with a median follow up of 15.7 mos. One and 2-year survival were 57% and 36%, respectively. A prespecified exploratory analysis of CTA expression level in baseline pt tumor tissue was performed. 50% of pts shared at least 8 of the 39 total antigens overexpressed by HS110. Although there was no difference in ORR between these groups, mOS was higher in pts with tumors that shared ≥ 8 antigens with HS-110 (not reached (NR) [95%CI: 10.3 mos, NR] vs 6.7 mos [95%CI: 1.4 mos, NR]), p = 0.028. Pts whose tumors expressed the ZNF492 antigen also had improved OS (NR [95%CI: 11.6 mos, NR] vs 7.2 mos [95%CI: 1.6 mos, NR]), p = 0.03. All pts experienced at least one adverse event (AE), and the most common AEs were fatigue (28%), arthralgia (19%) and cough (17%). There were 2 grade 5 AEs not related to treatment. Conclusions: The combination of HS-110 and nivolumab appears safe and well tolerated. OS was improved in pts whose tumors express ≥ 8 shared antigens with HS110, as well as in those who specifically expressed ZNF492. Further exploration of antigen expression as a predictor for treatment outcome with HS110 plus nivolumab is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT02439450 .
Primary efficacy and biomarker analyses from the VISION study of tepotinib in patients (pts) with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with METex14 skipping.
Authors: Le Xiuning , Felip Enriqueta , Veillon Remi , Sakai Hiroshi , Cortot Alexis B. , Garassino Marina Chiara , Mazieres Julien , Viteri Ramirez Santiago , Senellart Helene , Van Meerbeeck Jan , Reinmuth Niels , Conte Pier Franco , Kowalski Dariusz , Cho Byoung Chul , Straub Josef , Scheele Jürgen , Juraeva Dilafruz , Bruns Rolf , Heymach John , Paik Paul K.
Published: May 2020

9556

Background: Preliminary tepotinib data showed durable activity in pts with NSCLC with METex14 skipping prospectively identified by liquid (L+) or tissue (T+) biopsy. Having met target enrollment of ≥60 L+ pts & ≥60 T+ pts, we report primary data. Methods: VISION Cohort A enrolled pts with advanced EGFR/ALK wt, METex14 skipping NSCLC (asymptomatic brain metastases [BM] allowed), who received oral tepotinib 500 mg QD. On-study treatment decisions were based on investigator assessment (INV) of response. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) by independent review committee (IRC) analyzed in 3 primary ITT sets: L+ and/or T+, L+, T+. 2ary endpoints included ORR by INV, duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR), PFS, OS, & safety. Preplanned analyses were performed in pts with BM at baseline (BL). BL/on-treatment ctDNA plasma samples (L+) were analyzed using a 73-gene NGS panel (Guardant360). Deep molecular responses (MR), defined as > 75% depletion of METex14, were compared with objective responses (OR). Results: By data cut-off (1 Oct 19) 151 pts received tepotinib (safety set); 99 L+/T+, 66 L+, 60 T+ pts comprised the 3 ITT sets with ≥6-month [m] follow-up. Across treatment lines (n = 44 1L, n = 55 ≥2L), primary ORR & mPFS [95% CI] in 99 L+/T+ pts were 43% [34–54] & 8.6 m [6.9–11.0] by IRC and 56% [45–66] & 9.5 m [6.7–13.5] by INV. ORR was similar in L+ or T+ pts (table) or in T+L− pts (n = 25): 40% [21–61] by IRC and 48% [28–69] by INV. Only 2 pts were T−L+. Outcomes were also comparable in pts with BM (n = 11): IRC ORR 55% [23–83] & mPFS 10.9 m [8.0–ne]. 34/51 pts (67%) with matched BL/on-treatment L+ samples had deep MR strongly associated with clinical response: 32/34 pts (94%) with MR had disease control (INV), including 29/34 pts (85%) with OR; 2/34 pts had progressive disease. Further biomarker data will be presented. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were reported by 37/151 pts (25%). 13 pts (9%) discontinued due to TRAEs. Conclusions: Tepotinib is a promising targeted therapy with durable clinical activity and manageable toxicity in pts with METex14 skipping NSCLC L+ or T+, including pts with BM. High ORR & DCR in pts with ctDNA molecular responses support that MET inhibition in METex14+ tumor cells can lead to clinical benefit. Clinical trial information: NCT02864992 . [Table: see text]
RELAY+: Exploratory study of ramucirumab plus gefitinib in untreated patients (pts) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Nishio Makoto , Nishio Kazuto , Reck Martin , Garon Edward B. , Imamura Fumio , Kawaguchi Tomoya , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Ikeda Satoshi , Hirano Katsuya , Visseren-Grul Carla M , Widau Ryan C , Zimmermann Annamaria H. , Homma Gosuke , Enatsu Sotaro , Nakagawa Kazuhiko
Published: May 2020

9564

Background: The phase III randomized part of the RELAY study (Part B; RELAY; NCT02411448) showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) for ramucirumab (RAM) plus erlotinib (ERL) vs placebo plus ERL in 449 untreated pts with EGFR-mutated metastatic NSCLC (median PFS: 19.4 vs 12.4 months; stratified hazard ratio: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.46–0.76, p<0.0001; 1-year PFS rate: 71.9% vs 50.7%). Here we report initial results from RELAY+ (additional cohort of RELAY; Part C), an open-label, single-arm, exploratory study evaluating RAM plus gefitinib (GEF) in East Asian pts. Methods: Previously untreated East Asian pts with metastatic NSCLC and EGFR exon 19 deletions (Ex19del) or exon 21 substitution mutation (Ex21.L858R) received RAM (10 mg/kg Q2W) plus GEF (250 mg/day) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The 1-year PFS rate (primary endpoint, assuming a 1-year PFS rate of 55% for RAM+GEF), tumor response, biomarkers, and safety were assessed. EGFR T790M status (baseline/30-day follow-up) was assessed in liquid biopsy samples by Guardant360 NGS. Results: In total, 82 pts were enrolled (Japan: 68; Taiwan: 8; Korea: 6); 65.9% were female, 65.9% were never-smokers, and 43.9% had Ex19del. With median follow-up of 13.8 months (range: 2.6–20.2; censoring rate: 58.5%), the overall 1-year PFS rate (95% CI) was 65.0% (52.4–75.1), 67.2% (48.6–80.3) in pts with Ex19del (n=36), and 63.4% (45.0–77.1) in pts with Ex21.L858R (n=46). The objective response rate was 70.7% (95% CI: 59.6–80.3), disease control rate was 98.8% (95% CI: 93.4–100.0), and duration of response was immature at this point in time with a censoring rate of 56.9% where the median point estimate was 13.6 months (95% CI: 11.1–18.2). Post-progression EGFR T790M was seen in 7 of 9 (78%; 95% CI: 45.3–93.7) pts with 30-day follow-up NGS results in which EGFR activating mutation was detected. Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events reported in >5% of pts were ALT increased (23.2%), hypertension (22.0%), and AST increased (12.2%). Conclusions: With a 1-year PFS rate of 65.0%, the primary endpoint of RELAY+ was met. The efficacy of RAM+GEF in RELAY+ was similar to that of RAM+ERL in RELAY, and the safety profile of the combination was similar to that of the individual drugs. Clinical trial information: NCT02411448 .
Outcomes to first-line pembrolizumab in patients with PD-L1-high (≥50%) non-small-cell lung cancer and a poor performance status.
Authors: Alessi Joao Victor Machado , Ricciuti Biagio , Jimenez Aguilar Elizabeth , Hong Fangxin , Wei Zihan , Nishino Mizuki , Plodkowski Andrew J. , Sawan Peter , Luo Jia , Rizvi Hira , Carter Brett W. , Heymach John , Altan Mehmet , Hellmann Matthew David , Awad Mark M.
Published: May 2020

9568

Background: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) have been excluded from immunotherapy clinical trials. We sought to evaluate clinical outcomes to first-line pembrolizumab in patients with advanced NSCLC, a PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) of ≥50%, and an ECOG PS of 2. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with metastatic NSCLC and a PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) of ≥50% (negative for genomic alterations in EGFR and ALK) who received treatment with first-line commercial pembrolizumab. Clinical outcomes were compared in patients based on ECOG PS. Results: Among 234 patients, 83.3% (N = 195) had an ECOG PS of 0 or 1, and 16.7% (N = 39) had an ECOG PS of 2. The baseline clinicopathological characteristics were balanced between the ECOG PS 0-1 vs 2 groups in terms of age, sex, tobacco use, histology, KRAS mutation status, presence of other potentially targetable driver mutations ( BRAF, MET, HER2, RET), history of central nervous system (CNS) disease, and PD-L1 TPS distribution. Compared to patients with an ECOG PS of 0-1, patients with an ECOG PS of 2 had a significantly lower objective response rate (ORR 43.1% vs 25.6%; P = 0.04), a numerically shorter median progression free survival (mPFS 6.6 months vs 4.0 months; P = 0.09), and a significantly shorter median overall survival (mOS 20.3 months vs 7.4 months; P < 0.001). Upon disease progression, patients with an ECOG PS of 2 were significantly less likely to receive second-line systemic therapy compared to patients with an ECOG PS of 0-1 (55.5% vs 14.3%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Although a subset of patients with an ECOG PS of 2 can respond first-line pembrolizumab, clinical outcomes in this population are poor, and use of second-line systemic therapy is infrequent.
Efficacy and safety of alflutinib (AST2818) in patients with T790M mutation-positive NSCLC: A phase IIb multicenter single-arm study.
Authors: Shi Yuankai , Hu Xingsheng , Zhang Shucai , Lv Dongqing , Zhang Yiping , Yu Qitao , Wu Lin , Liu Li , Wang Xiang , Ma Zhiyong , Cheng Ying , Niu Hongrui , Wang Dong , Feng Ji Feng , Huang Cheng , Liu Chunling , Zhao Hui , Li Jingzhang , Zhang Xiaodong , Jiang Yong
Published: May 2020

9602

Background: Alflutinib (AST2818) is a third generation EGFR-TKI. This phase IIb, multicenter, single arm study (ALSC003, NCT03452592) aimed to assess the efficacyand safety of Alflutinib in patients with EGFR T790M mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutated NSCLC who progressed after first/second-generation EGFR-TKIs therapy or primary EGFR T790M mutation positive received 80 mg Alflutinib orally once daily. Tumor tissue samples underwent central laboratory testing for EGFR T790M mutation. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Efficacy was assessed by independent radiological review committee per RECIST 1.1. Safety was assessed by NCI CTCAE version 4.03. Results: From Jun 4, 2018 to Dec 8, 2018, 220 patients were enrolled with a median age of 61.0 (range 29 to 80) years. According to the AJCC version 8 staging system, 212 (96.4%) cases were in stage IV, and 8 (3.6%) cases in stage III. All patients had EGFR T790M mutation. By April 12, 2019, the ORR was 73.6% (95% CI 67.3–79.3). The DCR estimated at 6 and 12 weeks were 87.3% (95%CI 82.1-91.4) and 82.3% (95%CI 76.6-87.1), respectively. The median PFS was 7.6 months (95% CI 7.0–NA). Median OS and DoR have not been reached. 209 (95.0%) patients had at least one adverse events (AEs), which were mostly grade 1 or 2 and well tolerable. The most common AEs were increased aspartate aminotransferase (33 [15.0%]), upper respiratory tract infection (33 [15.0%]), and cough (33 [15.0%]). Grade 3 to 5 AEs occurred in 42 (19.1%) patients. The most common one was elevated γ-glutamyltransferase (n = 4). There were 3 deaths patients, 2 of which possibly not be related to the study drug, and 1 could not be determined. No interstitial pneumonia was reported. Conclusions: Alflutinib has promising efficacy and acceptable safety profile for the treatment of EGFR T790M mutated NSCLC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT 03452592 .
Effect of genomic and transcriptional alterations in first-line chemotherapy on subsequent immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
Authors: He Yayi , Li Xiaobin , Dang Shiying , Liu Guifeng , Song Lele , Zhu Bo , Zhou Caicun
Published: May 2020

9614

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that first-line immunotherapy has better therapeutic response than second-line immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. However, the mechanism behind this observation has not been elucidated. The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of unfavorable influence that the first-line chemotherapy exerts on subsequent immunotherapy. Methods: 29 NSCLC patients without tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-related driver gene (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, RET, BRAF, C-MET) mutations were enrolled in this study. Paired cancer tissues before and after chemotherapy were collected, and NGS-based WES and mRNA sequencing were performed. Sequencing data were analyzed with R packages and statistics analysis was performed with SPSS 20 software. P ≤ 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: We found that the total number of SNV/INDEL mutations and the tumor mutational burden (TMB) decreased significantly following chemotherapy. The decrease of mutation burden correlated well with therapeutic response: patients with partial response (PR) exhibited significant decrease while patients with stable disease (SD) or progression of disease (PD) did not. Meanwhile, a sharp decrease in common mutations before and after chemotherapy was observed in PR and PD patients, but not SD patients, suggesting that mutational change reflected the therapeutic response. The change in copy number variations (CNVs) exhibited similar trends and correlation with therapeutic response. Subsequent analysis on mRNA levels revealed a sharp decrease in the expression levels of genes related to antigen processing and presentation as well as other factors relevant to immunotherapy response. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the genes with decreased expression mainly represented immune-related signaling pathways or biological processes. Conclusions: Our study revealed a possible mechanism underlying unsatisfactory multiple-line immunotherapy following chemotherapy, and indicated that first-line chemotherapy may influence the tumor microenvironment to exert unfavorable influence on subsequent immunotherapy.