bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I study of BI 754091 plus BI 754111 in Asian patients with gastric/gastroesophageal junction or esophageal cancer.
Authors: Yamaguchi Kensei , Kang Yoon-Koo , Oh Do-Youn , Kondo Shunsuke , Rha Sun Young , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Morimoto Manabu , Hara Hiroki , Lin Chia-Chi , Tachibana Yoshifumi , Hou Jianrui , Elgadi Mabrouk M. , Kitano Shigehisa
Published: January 2021

212

Background: Dual blockade of immune checkpoint molecules, PD-1 and LAG-3, has been proposed to restore T-cell function and thus enhance antitumor responses. This Phase I trial evaluated BI 754091 (anti-PD-1) with BI 754111 (anti-LAG-3) antibodies in Asian pts with advanced solid tumors (NCT03433898). Here, we present results from pts with anti-PD-(L)1 inhibitor-naïve gastric/gastroesophageal junction or esophageal cancer (Cohorts A and B). Methods: In Parts 1 and 2 (dose escalation), the recommended dose for the combination was determined as BI 754091 240 mg + BI 754111 600 mg IV Q3W. In Part 3, the combination was assessed in expansion cohorts including pts with gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer (Cohort A) and esophageal cancer (Cohort B). Eligible pts had received ≥1 line of prior systemic therapy but no prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. The primary endpoint in Part 3 was objective response (OR; confirmed complete response or partial response [PR]) per RECIST 1.1. Results: In Cohort A/B, 36/37 pts were treated:26/31 (72/84%) male, median age 60/63 years. Patients were enrolled in Taiwan (1/7 pts, 3/19%), Japan (12/27 pts, 33/73%) or Korea (23/3 pts, 64/8%). The median number of regimens of prior systemic therapy was 2/2 (Cohorts A/B, range: 16/14). All pts in Cohort B had squamous cell carcinoma. At the time of analysis, pts in Cohort A/B had undergone a median of 84/73 days on treatment (range: 31346/8325), from the start of treatment until the date of snapshot, death or discontinuation. Confirmed OR (PR) was observed in 4/7 pts in Cohorts A/B; overall response rate (ORR) was 11% and 19%. Stable disease (SD) was observed in 10/8 (28/22%) pts in Cohorts A/B and overall disease control rate was 39/41%. In Cohorts A/B, adverse events (AEs) and treatment-related AEs were experienced by 30/34 (83/92%) and 12/22 (33/59%) pts, respectively. The most commonly reported AEs were pyrexia (25/19%), decreased appetite (17/19%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (11/14%), anemia (11/11%) and nausea (6/14%). In Cohort A/B, 9/15 (25/41%) pts experienced immune-related AEs, most commonly rash in Cohort A (4 pts; 11%) and hyperthyroidism in Cohort B (4 pts; 11%). In Cohorts A/B, 2/6 (6/16%) patients experienced AEs leading to discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions: Treatment was well tolerated and preliminary antitumor activity was seen. Addition of LAG3 did not improve ORR beyond that expected for an anti-PD-1 monotherapy in gastric and esophageal cancer without patient selection. Clinical trial information: NCT03433898. [Table: see text]
A multi-institutional phase Ib/II trial of first-line triplet regimen (Pembrolizumab, Trastuzumab, Chemotherapy) for HER2-positive advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer (PANTHERA Trial): Molecular profiling and clinical update.
Authors: Rha Sun Young , Lee Choong-kun , Kim Hyo Song , Kang Beodeul , Jung Minkyu , Kwon Woo Sun , Bae Woo Kyun , Koo Dong-Hoe , Shin Su-Jin , Jeung Hei-Cheul , Zang Dae Young , Chung Hyun Cheol
Published: January 2021

218

Background: We report the updated clinical data and molecular profiling results of a multi-institutional phase Ib/II trial of triple combination (pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, and chempotherapy) as first line therapy for HER2 positive advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction (AGC/GEJ) cancer. (PANTHERA trial; NCT02901301). Methods: Pembrolizumab 200mg IV D1, Trastuzumab 6mg/kg (after 8mg/kg load) D1, Capecitabine 1000mg/m2 bid D1-14, and Cisplatin 80mg/m2 D1 every 3 weeks was selected as recommended phase II dose. The primary endpoint for phase II was ORR per RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included PFS, OS, DOR, safety, and predictive biomarker analysis by targeted NGS. Results: At the time of data lock on Aug 31, 2020, total of 43 patients were treated with median follow up of 18.2 months, and 3 patients remained on the treatment, and 6 patients finished 2-year treatment without progression. ORR was 76.7% (CR 16.3%, PR 60.5%, conversion surgery 4.6%) with 26 pts (56.6%) showing more than 50% of tumor burden reduction. Median PFS was 8.6 months (95% CI 7.2-16.5) and median OS was 19.3 months (95% CI 16.5-NR). There were no MSI-H/dMMR or EBV-positive pts. No patient discontinued pembrolizumab because of immune-related adverse events. Clinical features including PD-L1 status (55.3% of pts ≥ CPS 1 and 13.2% of pts ≥ CPS 10 among available 38 pts), metastatic organ or baseline tumor burden was not related to the survival. Ninety-eight tumor tissues from 39 pts (paired tumor tissues from 22 pts) were analyzed with targeted NGS. Although every pts were HER2 IHC-positive, baseline HER2 amplification by NGS was related to the survival ( HER2 amp (n=8) vs HER2 non-amp (n=23); mPFS, not reached vs 7.7 months, P=0.0178; mOS, not reached vs 17.9 months, P=0.044) but no other signaling pathways predicted pts’ survival. HER2 mutations including L869R or D769H were related to the acquired resistance. High TMB showed a tendency toward better survival (mPFS; High (n=7) vs Low (n=24) TMB, 22.0 vs 8.2, P=0.2835) due to small number of patients. Updated immune markers and serial NGS analyses will be presented. Conclusions: First-line triplet regimen (Pembrolizumab, Trastuzumab, and Chemotherapy) showed promising efficacy based on HER2 amplification by NGS regardless of PD-L1 status in AGC/GEJ cancer. Correlative biomarkers found from NGS study need to be validated through on-going phase III Keynote-811 study. Clinical trial information: NCT02901301. [Table: see text]
The immune checkpoint CD73 (NT5E) in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC): Biological characterization and clinical implications.
Authors: Salati Massimiliano , Spallanzani Andrea , Gelsomino Fabio , Botticelli Andrea , Cerbelli Bruna , Riggi Laura , Bocconi Alessandro , D'Onofrio Raffaella , Benatti Stefania , Luppi Gabriele , Dominici Massimo
Published: January 2021

235

Background: CD73, an ecto-5’-nucleotidase (NT5E), serves as an immune checkpoint by generating adenosine, which in turn leads to immune-suppression and immune-escape. Elevated tissue levels of CD73 have been linked to poor patient survival across several cancer types and CD73 blockade is currently being tested in clinical trials. The biological role of CD73 and its translational relevance is largely unexplored in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). Methods: Data mining from transcriptomics big data sources including GEPIA2, HPA and Coexpedia platforms was performed to extract relevant information regarding CD73 expression profile, co-expressed network, association with clinico-pathologic features and survival of GAC. Difference between groups were evaluated by Student's t-test, while correlation analysis was performed through Pearson’s coefficient. Kaplan-Meier methods was used to estimate survival and log-rank test to make comparison between curves. Results: RNA sequencing expression data of 9,736 tumors and 8,587 normal tissue samples from the TCGA and the GTEx projects were analyzed. CD73 mRNA was significantly more expressed in tumour (n = 408) compared to paired normal samples (n = 211) (16.19 vs 3.5 transcripts/million; p < 0.001) and its expression level increased with pathologic stage (from stage I to III). CD73 gene was listed among the top-ten survival-associated genes (p = 4.74e-5) in GAC and together with FGF1 it displayed the greatest survival contribution in this disease among clinically validated genes. Regarding its impact on survival, GAC patients with high CD73 expression (n = 192) experienced a poorer overall survival (OS) compared to the low CD73 group (n = 192) (HR 1.9; log-rank p < 0.001), while regarding relapse-free survival (RFS), the unfavourable value of CD73 expression emerged after 20 months (HR 1.3; log-rank p = 0.23). The prognostic role on OS was validated in a cohort of 354 GAC, where high CD73 expression resulted in 5-year OS of 19% vs 46% (p = 0.00010). When inquiring for context-associated co-expression networks, Caveolin 1 (score = 10.939), FOS-like antigen 1 (score = 7.525) and plasminogen activator urokinase receptor (score = 7.422) were top-ranked co-expressed genes. Conclusions: In this hypothesis-generating analysis, we provided insights into CD73 expression pattern, co-expression networking and prognostic significance in GAC. Future studies in clinically annotated populations are warranted to confirm the value of CD73 in GAC.
Association of B cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) with clinical benefit to programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade therapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Authors: Guo Jhe-Cyuan , Hsu Chia-Lang , Huang Yen-Lin , Lin Chia-Chi , Huang Ta-Chen , Chang Chun-Jung , Kuo Hung-Yang , Hsu Chih-Hung
Published: January 2021

237

Background: Previous studies have indicated B cells as potential predictive markers for anti-PD-1 blockade therapy in several cancer types. The study explored whether B cells in TME and B cell related gene signatures are associated with clinical benefit (CB) for ESCC patients receiving anti-PD-1/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy. Methods: Sixty-six ESCC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade-based immunotherapy were enrolled. Tumor response was evaluated per RECIST 1.1, and CB was defined as complete response, partial response or stable disease at least 6 months. Transcriptome of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded ESCC tissues were generated by NanoString nCounter platform with Human PanCancer Immune Profiling panel (n=25), Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the differential immune-related pathways, and CIBERSORT was applied to estimate the levels of infiltrating immune cells. The expression of CD20 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) (n=66). Results: Of 66 enrolled patients (M: F= 65: 1, median age of 59), 44 and 22 were of recurrent and de novo metastatic ESCC. Forty and 26 received PD-1/PD-L1 blockade alone and PD-1/PD-L1-based combination immunotherapy, respectively. The response rate was 17%, and the CB rate was 24%. The median progression-free-survival (PFS) and overall survival are 1.8 and 5.5 months, respectively. B cell signature was significantly increased in patients with CB ( P < 0.05) and associated with longer progression-free survival and overall survival (both P < 0.05). The genes related to B cells, B cell functions, and T cell functions were up-regulated in patients with CB compared to that with non-CB (all P < 0.05). Naïve B cells and plasma cells were significantly increased in patients with CB (both P < 0.05). The expression levels of stromal CD20 by IHC trended to increase in patients with CB ( P = 0.08). Conclusions: B cells in tumor microenvironment may be associated with CB of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in patients with ESCC. (Funded by MOST 105-2314-B-002 -186 -MY3; MOHW107-TDU-B-211-114017; MOST 108-2314-B-002 -076 -MY3; MOST 107-2314-B-002-199 -).
Nivolumab (NIVO) plus ipilimumab (IPI) combination therapy in patients (Pts) with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC): Long-term results from CheckMate 040.
Authors: El-Khoueiry Anthony B. , Yau Thomas , Kang Yoon-Koo , Kim Tae-You , Santoro Armando , Sangro Bruno , Melero Ignacio , Kudo Masatoshi , Hou Ming-Mo , Matilla Ana , Tovoli Francesco , Knox Jennifer J. , He Aiwu Ruth , El-Rayes Bassel F. , Acosta-Rivera Mirelis , Lim Ho Yeong , Memaj Arteid , Sama Ashwin Reddy , Hsu Chiun
Published: January 2021

269

Background: NIVO 1 mg/kg + IPI 3 mg/kg Q3W (4 doses) followed by NIVO 240 mg Q2W is approved in the US for sorafenib-treated pts with aHCC based on initial results from CheckMate 040 (NCT01658878), which reported objective response rate (ORR) of 32% and median overall survival (mOS) of 22.8 months (mo).1 We present 44-mo long-term follow-up results from the CheckMate 040 NIVO+IPI cohort. Methods: Pts were randomized to 3 arms: [A] NIVO 1 mg/kg + IPI 3 mg/kg Q3W (4 doses) or [B] NIVO 3 mg/kg + IPI 1 mg/kg Q3W (4 doses), each followed by NIVO 240 mg Q2W, or [C] NIVO 3 mg/kg Q2W + IPI 1 mg/kg Q6W. Treatment continued until intolerable toxicity or disease progression. Safety and tolerability, ORR (blinded independent central review per RECIST v1.1), duration of response (DOR), disease control rate (DCR), and OS were assessed. Data cutoff was May 26, 2020. Results: 148 pts were randomized. Minimum follow-up was 44 mo. mOS remained at 22.2 mo in arm A, 12.5 mo in arm B, and 12.7 mo in arm C; 36-mo OS rates were 42%, 26%, and 30%, respectively. Durable responses were achieved across treatment arms, with DOR approaching 4 years in some cases. DCR was higher in arm A than arms B and C. In all arms, responses were observed regardless of baseline programmed death ligand 1 expression ( < 1% or ≥ 1%) or baseline alpha-fetoprotein level ( < 400 µg/L or ≥ 400 µg/L). Pts with hepatitis B or C virus (HBV or HCV) etiology had higher ORR than uninfected pts in arms B (29% vs 43% vs 9%) and C (31% vs 42% vs 0%). ORR was independent of etiology in arm A (HBV, 32%; HCV, 29%; uninfected, 31%). Additional efficacy data are in the table. There were no additional discontinuations due to treatment-related adverse events or immune-mediated adverse events (IMAEs) since the primary analysis. IMAEs were reported more frequently in arm A than arms B and C; the most common were rash, hepatitis, and adrenal insufficiency. Most IMAEs were reversible and resolved when treated using established algorithms. Conclusions: At a minimum follow-up of 44 mo, second-line NIVO1+IPI3 continued to demonstrate clinically meaningful responses and long-term survival benefit in aHCC. The safety profile was manageable and no new safety signals were identified with longer follow-up. Clinical trial information: NCT01658878. [Table: see text]
Efficacy and safety of lenvatinib in the real-world treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: Results from a Canadian multicenter database (HCC CHORD).
Authors: Amaro Carla Pires , Allen Michael J , Knox Jennifer J. , Tsang Erica S , Lim Howard John , Lee-Ying Richard M. , Qian Jessica , Meyers Brandon M. , Thawer Alia , Al-Saadi Sulaiman Mohammed Saif , Hsu Tina , Ramjeesingh Ravi , Karachiwala Hatim , Abedin Tasnima , Tam Vincent C. ,   HCC CHORD Consortium
Published: January 2021

275

Background: The REFLECT trial establishedlenvatinib (LEN) as a first-line treatment option for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared to sorafenib (S), LEN has a higher objective response rate (ORR) and progression-free survival (PFS) with a slightly different toxicity profile. The aim of this study was to gather data regarding the efficacy and safety of LEN when used in the real-world treatment of HCC. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine LEN use in HCC patients treated outside of Asia. Methods: HCC patients treated with LEN from 10 cancer centers in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia between July 2018 to July 2020 were included. Overall survival (OS), PFS, disease control rate (DCR) and ORR were retrospectively analyzed and compared across first- and second-to-fourth line use of LEN. ORR was determined radiographically according to the treating physician´s opinion in clinical notes and not RECIST 1.1 or mRECIST. Toxicities were also examined. Results: A total of 220 patients were included in this analysis. Median age was 67 years, 80% were men and 25.5% East Asian. The most frequent causes of liver disease were hepatitis C (37%) and B (26%). 62% of patients received any localized treatment before LEN, of those 26% had TACE, 15% TARE and 7.7% had liver transplant. Before starting LEN 29% of patients were ECOG 0 and 59% were ECOG 1. Most patients were Child-Pugh A (81%) and BCLC stage C (75.5%). Main portal vein invasion was present in 14% of the patients. Median follow-up was 4.5 months. A total of 173 patients (79%) received LEN as first line therapy and 47 patients (21%) were treated in second-to-fourth line. Of patients receiving LEN in first line, 22 (13%) started treatment with S, but switched to LEN before progression due to poor tolerance of S. ORR, DCR, PFS and OS are shown in the table. Toxicities occurred in 86% of patients and led to dose reductions in 76 (35%) patients and drug discontinuation in 53 (24%) patients. The most common side effects were fatigue (59%), hypertension (41%), decreased appetite (25%) and diarrhea (22%). Conclusions: Outcomes of HCC patients treated in Canada with LEN in the first line are comparable to those demonstrated in the REFLECT trial, despite the inclusion of Child-Pugh B and ECOG >1 patients. LEN use in second or later lines also showed similar outcomes, although more conclusions are difficult to draw due to the small numbers. LEN appears to be effective and safe in real world practice outside of Asia in first- and second-to-fourth line treatment of HCC. [Table: see text]
Anlotinib plus TQB2450 in patients with advanced refractory biliary tract cancer (BTC): An open-label, dose-escalating, and dose-expansion cohort of phase Ib trial.
Authors: Zhou Jun , Gong Jifang , Cao Yanshuo , Peng Zhi , Yuan Jiajia , Wang Xicheng , LU Ming , Shen Lin
Published: January 2021

292

Background: Anti-angiogenic agents have been clinically investigated in combination with anti-PD-1/L1 mAbs due to their immuno-modulatory effects. Anlotinib (A), a potent oral multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has anti-angiogenic properties and anti-tumor efficacy with a favorable toxicity profile. The combination of A and TQB2450 (T), an anti-PD-L1 mAb, exhibited superior tumor growth suppression compared to either monotherapy in murine models. This ongoing phase 1b study cohort is aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of A+T in pts with advanced BTC. Methods: In this study cohort, patients (pts) with previously treated, advanced BTC were enrolled. A 3+3 dose escalation was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) in a dose-escalating stage. Additional pts were enrolled in a dose-expansion stage to further establish the safety and determine the preliminary efficacy. Oral A of 10 and 12 mg was administered once daily for 14 days on / 7 days off with intravenous T of 1200 mg every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) during first cycle (first 3 weeks) to estimate the MTD, RP2D and overall response rate (ORR). Tumor response was assessed according to RECIST version 1.1 and iRECIST. The Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR) and safety. Results:25 pts were enrolled (8 with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [IHCC]; 8 with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma [EHCC]; 9 with gall bladder cancer [GBC]) until August 2020. Median number of prior lines of therapy was 1 (range 1-5). During dose-escalation, no DLT was observed and 12 mg anlotinib was determined as RP2D for expansion. Among 24 evaluable pts (with at least once tumor assessment), 3 had achieved complete response (CR) and 7 had partial response (PR), which were all treated by 12 mg anlotinib plus TQB2450, 8 had stable disease (SD) and 6 had progression disease (PD). ORR was 41.67% and DCR was 75%. 10 pts were still on treatment. The median PFS was 240 days (95% CI, 83~NR).Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 83.3% of pts (G3/4 in 16.7% [4/24], and leading to treatment discontinuation in 4.2% [1/24]). The most common TRAEs were hypertension (33.3%), decreased white blood cell counts (25.0%), increased TBIL (20.8%), decreased neutrophil counts (20.8%), increased DBIL (12.5%), and increased IBIL (12.5%). Conclusions: A+T had a manageable safety profile and encouraging antitumor efficacy in pts with previously treated, advanced BTC. No unexpected AEs were identified beyond the established safety profile for each agent. Clinical trial information: NCT03996408.
Use of yttrium-90 (Y90) glass microspheres (TheraSphere) as neoadjuvant to transplantation/resection in hepatocellular carcinoma: Analyses from the LEGACY study.
Authors: Lewandowski Robert , Johnson Guy E. , Kim Edward , Riaz Ahsun , Bishay Vivian , Padia Siddharth , Salem Riad
Published: January 2021

300

Background: The objective of the LEGACY study was to assess the Objective Response Rate (ORR) and Duration of Response (DoR) following treatment with Yttrium-90 (Y90) glass microspheres in patients with unresectable solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of the analyses presented here are to evaluate ORR, DoR, and Overall Survival (OS) by transplant/resection status and to compare these outcomes with patients who did not go on to transplantation/resection after receiving treatment with Y90. Methods: LEGACY is a single-arm, multicenter, retrospective study of patients with unresectable HCC who received treatment with Y90 glass microspheres (TheraSphere) at one of three sites in the United States. LEGACY included all consecutive eligible patients who received treatment between January 2014 and December 2017 and met the eligibility criteria (Child-Pugh A; ECOG score of 0 or 1; BCLC A or C; and a solitary tumor > 2 and ≤8 cm). Primary efficacy endpoints included ORR and DoR. ORR included patients who achieved either a complete response or partial response based on localized mRECIST; response was assessed via blinded, independent, central review. Secondary endpoints include OS and number and type of subsequent treatments, including transplantation and resection. Results: Among all 162 patients enrolled in LEGACY, ORR was 72.2% (117/162; 95% CI = 64.9%, 78.5%); the majority of patients experienced DoR ≥ 6 months (89/117, 76.1%, 95% CI = 67.6%, 82.9%). Median follow-up time for all 162 patients enrolled in LEGACY was 29.9 months by reverse Kaplan-Meier analysis; 3-year OS was 86.6%. For 45/162 (27.8%) of patients, Y90 treatment served as neoadjuvant therapy; 34 went on to transplantation (21.0%) and 11 (6.8%) went on to resection. For neoadjuvant treatment, ORR was 80.0% (36/45, 95% CI = 66.2, 89.1), DoR ≥ 6 months was 30.6% (11/45, 95% CI = 18.0, 46.9), and 3-year OS was 92.8% (95% CI = 74.2, 98.2). Of these 45 patients, 35 patients achieved complete response (CR), 1 achieved partial response (PR), and 9/45 (20.0%) were deemed not evaluable as they underwent surgery prior to the 6-month mark and did not have imaging assessments post-Day 46. These nine patients were censored, lowering the DoR; however, histopathology revealed that 7/9 (77.8%) achieved complete pathologic necrosis, 1/9 (11.1%) had extensive pathologic necrosis, and 1 (11.1%) had partial pathologic necrosis. For the 117/162 (72.2%) patients who did not go on to surgical treatment, ORR was 91.5% (107/117, 95% CI = 85.0, 95.3), DoR ≥ 6 months was 72.9% (78/117, 95% CI = 63.8, 80.4), and 3-year OS was 83.5% (95% CI = 72.2, 90.5). Conclusions: Treatment of solitary unresectable HCC with Y90 glass microspheres provides strong ORR, DoR, and OS both as neoadjuvant therapy to transplantation/resection and as treatment in non-surgical candidates.
Phase II study of anlotinib plus sintlimab as second-line treatment for patients with advanced biliary tract cancers.
Authors: Zong Hong , Zhong Qian , Zhao Ruihua , Jin Shuiling , Zhou Chuang , Zhang Xiaojian , Shi Jianxiang , Qiao Shishi , Han Jinming , Jiang Miao
Published: January 2021

307

Background: Gemcitabine combined with cisplatin (GP) has been established as the standard first-line treatment in patients with unresectable biliary tract cancers (BTC), a heterogeneous group of rare and aggressive malignancies arising from the epithelium of the biliary duct system. Nevertheless, there has been no approved standard of care for second-line treatment. In this study, we explored the efficacy and safety of the combination of anlotinib and sintlimab as a novel second-line regimen in BTC. Methods: In this phase II trial, patients with advanced BCT, who experienced progression after first-line chemotherapy, received anlotinib (12 mg, PO, D1-14, Q3W) combined with sintlimab (200 mg, iv, D1, Q3W) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was OS, and the secondary endpoints included ORR, PFS, DCR, and safety. The exploratory endpoint was the correlation of clinical outcomes with biomarkers. Results: From Aug 2019 to Sep 2020, 17 patients were enrolled. 9(52.9%) were men, and the median age was 59(43-69) years. Nine patients were diagnosed with ICC, 2 with ECC, and 6 with GBC. 15 patients were assessable for response. At a median follow-up of 8.76 months (95%CI: 3.60-13.94 months), the primary endpoint OS has not been reached, the median PFS was 6.50 months (95%CI: 3.60-9.40 months). ORR was 40.00%, and DCR was 86.67%. The incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) was 70.60%, and the most common grade 1-2 AEs were hypertension (70.60%), diarrhea (17.65%), and hypothyroidism (17.65%). Conclusions: Anlotinib plus sintlimab demonstrates significant clinical activity and acceptable toxicity in patients with advanced BTC who failed first-line chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR1900022003.
Evaluation of neratinib (N), pembrolizumab (P), everolimus (E), and nivolumab (V) in patients (pts) with fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC).
Authors: Abou-Alfa Ghassan K. , Meyer Tim , Zhang Jie , Sherrin Scott , Yaqubie Amin , Clemens O’Neill Alison , Xu Feng , Eli Lisa D , Harding James J. , O'Reilly Eileen Mary , Lalani Alshad S. , Bryce Richard , Gordan John Dozier
Published: January 2021

310

Background: FLC, a rare liver cancer of young adults, has no effective systemic therapies. Surgical resection is used extensively with non-curative intent. FLC is associated with a DNAJB1- PRKACA chimeric transcript that produces a fusion protein with retained kinase activity and increased expression of several oncogenic signaling pathways including, but not limited to, HER2 ( ERBB2). Methods: N (240 mg oral daily) was studied in FLC pts in the SUMMIT study (NCT01953926); and later under compassionate use for N-based combinations (combo): P (2 mg/kg q3w), E (7.5 mg daily), and V (240 mg q2w) in doublet or triplet regimens. Eligible pts: ≥12y; histologically confirmed FLC; adequate organ function; any number of prior therapies. Primary endpoint: objective response rate (ORR; RECIST v1.1). Secondary endpoints: duration of response; clinical benefit rate (CBR); safety (CTCAE v4.0); somatic and germline sequencing (MSK IMPACT). Results: As of 03-Sep-2020, 15 pretreated pts received N in SUMMIT (confirmed ORR 0%; CBR 13%). Efficacy data for 5 pts from SUMMIT and 2 more pts receiving combo under compassionate use (4 male, 3 female, median age 26 years, median 0 [range 0–4] prior systemic therapies) are in shown in the table. The most common adverse events (AE) with single-agent N (n = 5) were diarrhea (grade 1 80%; grade 2 20%) and nausea (grade 1 60%); other AEs were grade ≤1 in ≤20% of pts. Conclusions: N monotherapy had limited benefit as a single agent in FLC pts. Several case studies evaluating N-based combo with checkpoint inhibitors administered under compassionate use demonstrated that NP led to 1 PR, and the triplet of NPE to prolonged SD. These are case-limited observations but are critical and worth evaluating further in upcoming clinical trials given the continued lack of a standard of care therapy for pts with FLC. Clinical trial information: NCT01953926. [Table: see text]
Silmitasertib (CX-4945) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma: A phase Ib/II study.
Authors: Borad Mitesh J. , Bai Li-Yuan , Chen Ming-Huang , Hubbard Joleen M. , Mody Kabir , Rha Sun Young , Richards Donald A. , Davis S. Lindsey , Soong John , Huang Chi-En C-E , Tse Emmett , Ahn Daniel H. , Chang Heung-Moon , Yen Chia-Jui , Oh Do-Youn , Park Joon Oh , Hsu Chiun , Becerra Carlos Roberto , Chen Jen-Shi , Chen Yen-Yang
Published: January 2021

312

Background: Silmitasertib (CX-4945), an oral small molecule inhibitor of casein kinase 2 (CK2), has exhibited preclinical antitumor activity and strong synergism with gemcitabine + cisplatin. We investigated the safety and efficacy of silmitasertib in combination with gemcitabine + cisplatin in patients with unresectable cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Methods: S4-13-001 is a multicenter, open-label, phase Ib/II study of silmitasertib in combination with gemcitabine + cisplatin in patients with locally advanced or metastatic CCA. The phase Ib portion included dose-escalation, expansion, and exploratory cohorts of silmitasertib with doses ranging from 200 to 1000 mg bid (6 days for the escalation/expansion cohorts and 10 and 21 days’ continuous dosing for the exploratory cohorts). In the phase II portion patients received silmitasertib 1000 mg bid for 10 days in combination with gemcitabine + cisplatin on days 1 & 8 over a 21-day cycle. In this interim analysis, we present findings from the combined population of patients from the phase Ib and II portions of the study. Response to treatment was assessed by RECIST v1.1 every 6 weeks. Primary efficacy outcome measure was progression-free survival (PFS). ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02128282). Results: A total of 87 patients were enrolled and received silmitasertib in the phase Ib (n=50) and phase II (n=37) portions of the study. Of these, 55 patients were evaluable for efficacy with details as follows: median PFS 11.1 (95% CI 7.6–14.7) months; median overall survival (OS) 17.4 (95% CI 13.4–25.7) months; overall response rate (ORR) 32.1%; and disease control rate (DCR) 79.3%. Almost all patients (79/87; 90.8%) evaluable for safety reported ≥1 treatment-related adverse event (TEAE). The most common TEAEs (all grades) with silmitasertib were diarrhea (65.5%), nausea (50.6%), vomiting (33.3%), fatigue (31.0%), and anemia (21.8%). The most common grade ≥3 TEAEs were diarrhea (13.8%), neutropenia (11.5%), nausea (9.2%), anemia (8.0%), and thrombocytopenia (8.0%). Eleven patients (12.6%) discontinued treatment due to TEAEs. Conclusions: Silmitasertib in combination with gemcitabine + cisplatin yields promising preliminary evidence of efficacy in patients with locally advanced or metastatic CCA. Based on these data a randomized phase III trial is planned. Clinical trial information: NCT02128282.
Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) utilizing cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in patients (pts) with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Authors: George Ben , Haberberger James , Ferguson Naomi L , Gjoerup Ole , McGregor Kimberly , Hendifar Andrew Eugene , Laheru Daniel A. , Weekes Colin D. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Hemmerich Amanda
Published: January 2021

421

Background: PDAC has a propensity for early systemic dissemination and most pts with primary tumors radiographically confined to the pancreas harbor micro-metastases. cfDNA based CGP offers a non-invasive mechanism to identify actionable genomic targets in PDAC and account for serial clonal evolution in response to therapeutic selection pressure. We interrogated the Foundation Medicine database to characterize cfDNA based CGP in pts with PDAC. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of pts with PDAC who underwent cfDNA based CGP between May 2016 and February 2020. cfDNA based CGP was done utilizing either the FoundationOne Liquid (F1-Liquid) or the Foundation-ACT (F-ACT) testing platform. Samples were interrogated for exonic and select intronic regions of cancer-related genes for both F1-Liquid (Exons: 70 genes; Select Introns: 7 genes) and F-ACT (Exons: 59 genes; Select Introns: 6 genes). Variant zygosity and somatic/germline status (SGZ) for short variant mutations was computationally predicted without matched normal tissue using an investigational method. A Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) was used to identify latent molecular classes in samples harboring somatic, pathogenic variants (n=613); the Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) was used for model selection. Results: We identified 1,009 pts with cfDNA based CGP - median age was 65, 55% were male, and median cfDNA concentration was 24 ng/µL. cfDNA yield had an influence on the detection of somatic alterations (p <0.001). 613/1009 (60.8%) of pts had at least one somatic alteration detected on cfDNA based CGP. TP53 (53.7%), KRAS (40.3%) and CDKN2A (6.5%) were the most frequently altered genes (Table1). Homologous Recombination DNA Damage Repair (HR-DDR) gene alterations [somatic and/or germline BRCA2, ATM, and CHEK2 alterations], were detected in 12.3% (124/1009) pts – 11.4% (46/403) in KRAS mutated pts and 12.9% (78/606) in KRAS wildtype (WT) pts. Fusions were detected only in KRAS WT pts (1.5%, 6/403). Pts with cfDNA based CGP could be classified into 4 latent classes – class 1 ( KRAS - 100%, TP53 - 100% and CDKN2A – 33.3%), class 2 ( KRAS - 65.7%), class 3 ( KRAS – 68.2%, CDKN2A/B – 7.7% ) and class 4 ( KRAS – 38.5%, TP53 - 26.7%). Conclusions: The putative role of cfDNA based CGP in monitoring therapeutic response and clonal evolution in pts with PDAC may be predicated on cfDNA yield. In clinical scenarios where pre-treatment tissue availability is limited, cfDNA based CGP may be have utility in leveraging the predictive value of somatic and/or germline HR-DDR gene alterations. The prognostic and/or predictive relevance of the four latent classes needs validation in clinically annotated data sets. [Table: see text]
Correlation between comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) utilizing tissue-based testing (T-CGP) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in patients (pts) with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
Authors: George Ben , Haberberger James , Ferguson Naomi L , Gjoerup Ole , McGregor Kimberly , Hendifar Andrew Eugene , Laheru Daniel A. , Weekes Colin D. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Hemmerich Amanda
Published: January 2021

422

Background: Early systemic dissemination is a salient feature of PDAC and the ability to reliably detect as well as monitor cfDNA based alterations may have predictive and/or prognostic value. However, a clear correlation between the clonality of the primary tumor and micro-metastatic disease has not been established in PDAC. We examined the correlation between T-CGP and cfDNA based CGP in pts with PDAC. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of PDAC pts who had both T-CGP (October 2010 – March 2020) and cfDNA based CGP (May 2016 – March 2020), with an average of 645 days between tests (Range: 21 – 2101 days) For T-CGP, exonic regions and select intronic regions of cancer related genes were sequenced to a high uniform depth (>500X median coverage) using FoundationOne Heme (Exons: 315 genes; Select Introns: 28 genes) and FoundationOne CDx (Exons: 310 genes; Select Introns: 34 genes). cfDNA based CGP, was performed using either FoundationOne Liquid (Exons: 70 genes; Select Introns: 7 genes) or Foundation-ACT (Exons: 59 genes; Select Introns: 6 genes) platform. Results: Eighty-one pts were identified with both T-CGP and cfDNA based CGP - median age was 61 years, 59.3% (48/81) were male and 66.2% (49/74) had reported metastatic disease. The median tumor DNA content available for T-CGP analysis was 112.3 ng. The median cfDNA concentration was 1.7 ng/µL, and the number of reported ct-DNA based somatic alterations correlated significantly with the concentration of ct-DNA (Spearman’s R = 0.19, p < 10-8). 75/81 (92.6%) and 41/81 (50.6%) of pts had at least one pathogenic somatic alteration detected by T-CGP and cfDNA based CGP, respectively. KRAS, TP53 and CDKN2A were the most frequently altered genes in both T-CGP and cfDNA based CGP (Table1). Homologous Recombination DNA Damage Repair (HR-DDR) gene alterations [ BRCA2, ATM, and CHEK2 alterations] were detected in 7.4% (6/81) of T-CGP and 7.4% (6/81) cfDNA based CGP, respectively. Two BRAF fusions were detected from samples tested with T-CGP, however these were not detected with the cfDNA assay. Conversely, an ALK-EML4 fusion was detected using both platforms. Conclusions: The concordance between T-CGP and cfDNA based CGP in HR-DDR gene alterations may be indicative of the germline status of some of these alterations; nevertheless, it suggests the predictive utility of cfDNA based CGP in PDAC. The differential prevalence of other gene alterations between the two modalities is likely reflective of the cfDNA yield available for CGP and to a lesser extent, clonal evolution. cfDNA based CGP holds promise as a complimentary predictive tool to T-CGP. [Table: see text]
Evaluation of a sensitive blood test for the detection of colorectal advanced adenomas in a prospective cohort using a multiomics approach.
Authors: Lin Jimmy , Ariazi Eric , Dzamba Michael , Hsu Teng-Kuei , Kothen-Hill Steven , Li Kang , Liu Tzu-Yu , Mahajan Shivani , Palaniappan Krishnan K , Pasupathy Amit , Polonskaia Alina , St. John John , Steiger Dan , Ulz Peter , Wang Irving , Xiao Jiajie , Yang Rui , Putcha Girish , Shaukat, MD, MPH Aasma
Published: January 2021

43

Background: Blood-based screening tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) with high sensitivity and specificity are needed to improve adherence, facilitate early detection, and ultimately reduce mortality from CRC. Current stool-based tests have a sensitivity of 24-42% for colorectal advanced adenomas (AAs), while blood tests that rely on tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation signatures have shown limited sensitivity for AAs. Here we demonstrate the ability to detect AAs from blood using a multiomics test that incorporates both tumor- and immune-derived signatures, and compare it to the performance of a cfDNA methylation-only test. Methods: Participants enrolled in a prospective study (NCT03688906) were included in this analysis. The multiomics test includes signatures for cell-free nucleic acids based on next-generation sequencing, and for plasma proteins based on high-throughput multiplexed assays. Signatures are integrated computationally with a combination of convolutional neural networks and regularized logistic regression. We compared the multiomics test with one based on cfDNA methylation only. Results: This sub-study included 542 participants (AA: n = 122; colonoscopy-confirmed negative controls: n = 420). Participants with AA were 56% male with a mean age of 63 years, and colonoscopy-confirmed negative controls were 54% male with a mean age of 61 years. The multiomics test achieved a sensitivity of 41% (n = 50/122, 95% CI 34-48%) at 90% specificity (377/420). By contrast, the cfDNA methylation-only test achieved a sensitivity of 20% (24/122, 95% CI 15-25%) at 91% specificity (383/420). Performance was also analyzed by histological subtype and location, and superiority of the multiomics test to the cfDNA-methylation-only test was consistently observed. Conclusions: A novel multiomics blood test can detect colorectal AAs at a sensitivity and specificity comparable to existing stool-based tests. Combining signatures from both tumor- and immune-derived sources resulted in AA sensitivity greater than that of cfDNA-methylation alone.
Subgroup analyses of patients (pts) with microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient (MSI-H/dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with nivolumab (NIVO) plus low-dose ipilimumab (IPI) as first-line (1L) therapy:Two-year clinical update.
Authors: Lenz Heinz-Josef , Lonardi Sara , Zagonel Vittorina , Van Cutsem Eric , Limon M. Luisa , Wong Ka Yeung Mark , Hendlisz Alain , Aglietta Massimo , Garcia-Alfonso Pilar , Neyns Bart , Luppi Gabriele , Cardin Dana Backlund , Dragovich Tomislav , Shah Usman , Yang Jing , Memaj Arteid , Overman Michael J.
Published: January 2021

58

Background: In the phase 2 CheckMate 142 trial, NIVO + low-dose IPI had robust, durable clinical benefit and was well tolerated as 1L therapy for MSI-H/dMMR mCRC (median follow-up, 29.0 months [range, 24.2–33.7]) (Lenz et al. J Clin Oncol 2020;38:Abstract 4040; NCT02060188). Objective response rate (ORR) per investigator (INV) was achieved in 69% of pts (95% CI, 53–82); progressive disease rate was 13%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. Median duration of treatment was 19.1 months (95% CI, 11.1–29.0). Grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 22% of pts. We present the post hoc subgroup analyses of efficacy and safety outcomes in pts from the same follow-up based on demographics and baseline disease characteristics. Methods: Pts with MSI-H/dMMR mCRC and no prior treatment for metastatic disease received NIVO 3 mg/kg Q2W + low-dose IPI 1 mg/kg Q6W until disease progression or discontinuation. ORR (primary endpoint, RECIST v1.1) and PFS were assessed per INV. Post hoc subgroup analyses of efficacy (by ECOG performance status [PS], stage at initial diagnosis, primary tumor location, and BRAF/KRAS mutation status) and safety (by age and ECOG PS) are presented. Results: Among 45 treated pts, efficacy (Table) and safety were generally consistent across evaluated subgroups. ORR was similar in pt subgroups by BRAF/ KRAS mutation status, stage at initial diagnosis, primary tumor location, and ECOG PS (Table). Median PFS and OS were not reached (NR) in evaluated subgroups after a minimum follow-up of 24.2 months (Table). Incidence of grade 3–4 TRAEs for subgroups by age and ECOG PS were consistent with the overall population. Conclusions: NIVO + low-dose IPI demonstrated robust, durable clinical benefit; was well tolerated with 2-year follow-up; and was consistent in evaluated subgroups in 1L MSI-H/dMMR mCRC. Clinical trial information: NCT02060188. [Table: see text]
KEYNOTE-177: Phase III randomized study of pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy for microsatellite instability-high advanced colorectal cancer.
Authors: Shiu Kai-Keen , Andre Thierry , Kim Tae Won , Jensen Benny Vittrup , Jensen Lars Henrik , Punt Cornelis J. A. , Smith Denis Michel , Garcia-Carbonero Rocio , Benavides Manuel , Gibbs Peter , De La Fouchardiere Christelle , Rivera Fernando , Elez Elena , Bendell Johanna C. , Le Dung T , Yoshino Takayuki , Yang Ping , Farooqui Mohammed Zulfiqar Husain , Marinello Patricia , Diaz Luis A.
Published: January 2021

6

Background: KEYNOTE-177 (NCT02563002) evaluated the antitumor activity of pembrolizumab (pembro) vs chemotherapy ± bevacizumab or cetuximab (chemo) as first-line therapy for patients with microsatellite-instability high/mismatch repair deficient (MSI-H/dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We present results of the final PFS analysis and analysis of PFS2. Methods: Patients with locally-determined MSI-H/dMMR mCRC and ECOG PS 0 or 1 were randomized 1:1 to first-line pembro 200 mg Q3W for up to 2 years or investigator’s choice of mFOLFOX6 or FOLFIRI Q2W ± bevacizumab or cetuximab (chosen before randomization). Treatment continued until progression, unacceptable toxicity, patient/investigator decision to withdraw, or completion of 35 cycles (pembro only). Patients receiving chemo could crossover to pembro for up to 35 cycles after confirmed PD. Primary end points were PFS (RECIST v1.1, central review) and OS. Secondary end points included ORR (RECIST v1.1, central review) and safety. Exploratory endpoints included duration of response (DOR), PFS2 (time from randomization to progression on next line of therapy or any cause death), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Data cutoff was Feb 19, 2020. Results: At data cutoff a total of 307 patients were randomized (153 to pembro, 154 to chemo). Median (range) study follow-up was 32.4 mo (24.0-48.3). Pembro was superior to chemo for PFS (median 16.5 mo vs 8.2 mo; HR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45-0.80; P= 0.0002). The 12- and 24-mo PFS rates were 55.3% and 48.3% with pembro vs 37.3% and 18.6% with chemo. Confirmed ORR was 43.8% vs 33.1%; median (range) DOR was not reached (2.3+ to 41.4+) with pembro vs 10.6 mo (2.8 to 37.5+) with chemo. PFS2 was longer with pembro vs chemo (median not reached vs 23.5 mo [HR 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45-0.88]). OS analysis is ongoing. Grade ≥3 treatment related adverse event (TRAE) rates were 22% vs 66% for pembro vs chemo. There were no grade 5 TRAEs in the pembro arm and 1 grade 5 intestinal perforation in the chemo arm. HRQoL scores were improved with pembro vs chemo. Conclusions: Pembro provided a statistically significant improvement in PFS vs chemo as first-line therapy for patients with MSI-H/dMMR mCRC, with fewer TRAEs observed. Furthermore, pembro provided a clinically meaningful improvement in PFS2 for patients with MSI-H/dMMR mCRC. Clinical trial information: NCT02563002.
Targeted multiplex proteomics (TMP) and genomics of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC).
Authors: Kam Audrey E. , Khaliq Ateeq M. , Alam Nida , Hayden Dana , Bhama Anuradha R. , Govekar Henry , Pappas Sam , Ritz Ethan M. , Singh Ajaypal , Thyparambil Sheeno P. , Liao Wei-Li , Bhalkikar Anuja , Ling Xuefeng B. , Levy Mia Alyce , Kuzel Timothy , Masood Ashiq
Published: January 2021

97

Background: The incidence and mortality of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) is on the rise. Consequently, there is an urgent unmet need to better understand their unique tumor biology to expand therapeutic options and improve clinical outcomes. Methods: Exploratory Targeted multiplex proteomics (TMP) and targeted 648 gene panel was performed on specimens from 35 patients with resected colon cancer diagnosed at age < = 40 years. TMP panel consisted of 72 proteins involved in differentiation, tumorigenesis, and response to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Clinicopathologic and genomic data were also collected. Results: The median age of diagnosis was 33 years. The cohort included 15 male and 20 female patients. 20 (57%) had left-sided tumors and 6 (17%) had stage IV disease. Notable genomic alterations included mutations in: BRAF V600E (2/35); RAS (15/35); PIK3CA exon 9 or 20 (5/35); and ERBB2 (2/35). One patient exhibited ERBB2 amplification. 9/35 tumors were MSI-H. TMP analysis revealed overexpression of chemotherapy resistance proteins in several patients: ALDH1A1:16/35; ERCC1:1/35; GART:26/35; MDR1:9/35; MGMT:5/35; RRM1:6/35; TUBB3:1/35; TYMS:2/35; XRCC1:11/35. In contrast, some tumors exhibited elevated biomarkers of chemosensitivity: hENT1:8/35; DHFR:12/35; TYMP:15/35; OPRT:8/35; SLFN11:1/35; TLE:11/35; TOPO1:12/35; TOPO2A:1/35. Protein targets of cell signaling pathways were overexpressed in a number of tumors: CAT:16/35; CAV-1: 6/35; CBL:2/35; E-Cadherin: 19/35; HSP90A:16/35; HSP90B:18/35; MET:5/35; NQO1:18/35; paxillin:4/35; SRC:21/35; STAT3:11/35. Regarding EGFR and KRAS, none of the tumors exhibited elevated protein expression level. Furthermore, RAS mutational status did not correlate with the level of EGFR or KRAS protein expression. Antibody drug conjugate biomarkers were observed. HER2 overexpression was noted in one patient who had a confirmed ERBB2 amplification. Regarding immunotherapy targets, PDL-1 protein was not overexpressed in any tumor, whereas MSLN and TROP2 were elevated in 1/35 and 2/35 patients, respectively. Conclusions: TMP analysis of EO-CRC patients revealed marked heterogeneity in the expression of proteins involved in differentiation, tumorigenesis, and response to chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Differential protein expression may provide insight into therapeutic vulnerabilities for EO-CRC. Furthermore, the discordance between detected genomic alterations and protein expression levels highlights the complementary nature of genomic sequencing and TMP analysis.