bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of radiation dose-dependent enhancement of fatty acid oxidation in radiation surviving/resistant lung cancer cells.
Authors: Li Shangbiao , Zhu Xiaoxia , Wang Lijuan , Zheng Zhihao
Published: May 2020

e21724

Background: Radiotherapy plays a critical role in the integrated management of lung cancer. However, radioresistance limits the long-term control. Exploring the dynamic changes of metabolic reprogramming in radiation surviving/resistant (S/R) lung cancer cells is helpful to clarify the metabolic mechanism of radiation resistance and to develop new targets for intervention and early detection. Methods: Cell lines were irradiated with different doses (2Gy × 20F, 2Gy × 30F, 2Gy × 40F) in conventional dose fractionation. The cellular radiosensitivity was verified by colony formation assay and neutral comet assay. Cell proliferation ability was determined by EdU assay. Metabonomic analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed metabolites between high-dose radiation-resistant cells and their parent cells. Lipid droplet content was detected by Oil Red O (ORO) staining. Cell oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was measured by Seahorse XF24e analyzer. Western blot was used to detect the expression of metabolic enzymes. The growth of xenograft tumors from these cell lines in BALB/c nude mice were measured after the treatment of radiation (2Gy×5F), Etomoxir, or radiation combined with Etomoxir. Results: Compared with parent cells, the radioresitance of S/R lung cancer cells after different doses of radiationwas significantly increased with the increase of radiation exposure. ORO staining showed that fatty deposition of radiation S/R cells was obviously higher than their parent cells, and more fatty deposition in cells received higher dose of radiation. The ketone body metabolism-related substances, including acetoacetic acid, a metabolite of FAO, were significantly enriched in high-dose radiation-resistant cells. The expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase1 (CPT1) and the OCR in radiation S/R cells were also radiation-dose dependently increased. Etomoxir, an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation, significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity and decreased the OCR and DNA repair ability of various S/R cells exposed to radiation. We further confirmed that Etomoxir could significantly inhibit proliferation of radiation S/R cells in vivo, which also presented with radiation-dose dependent model. Conclusions: The enhancement of radiation dose-dependent FAO promotes radiation surviving/resistance of lung cancer cells. CPT1A, a key metabolic enzyme mediating FAO, may be a potential target for treatment of radiation resistant lung cancer. Funding: 81972853, 81572279, 2016J004, LC2019ZD009, 2018CR033.
Efficacy and safety of bevacizumab biosimilar FKB238 versus originator bevacizumab: Results from a phase III trial in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC).
Authors: Syrigos Konstantinos N. , Fu Dongyue , Jones Stephanie , Bashir Zahid ,   on behalf of the FKB238-002 Investigators
Published: May 2020

e21728

Background: Bevacizumab (bev) is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody that binds selectively to VEGF-A and prevents it from interacting with its receptors, thereby inhibiting formation of new tumor vasculature to block tumor growth. FKB238, a bev biosimilar, has similar pharmacokinetic and safety profiles to originator bev (o-bev). This phase 3 trial (NCT02810457) compared the efficacy and safety of FKB238 with o-bev in patients with advanced/recurrent non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NS-NSCLC). Methods: This global, multicenter, double-blind, parallel, randomized, comparative clinical trial enrolled and randomized 731 patients with advanced/recurrent NS-NSCLC to receive 15 mg/kg intravenous (IV) infusion of either FKB238 (N = 364) or o-bev (N = 367). All patients received IV infusions of paclitaxel (200 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 6.0) immediately prior to investigational drugs for 4-6 cycles. FKB238 and o-bev were administered on day 1 of each 21-day cycle until objective progressive disease or other discontinuation criteria were met. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) based on blinded independent central review assessment for the intent-to-treat population was 51.6% and 53.7% for patients in the FKB238 and o-bev arms, respectively. The FKB238/o-bev ORR ratio was 0.96 (90% CI: 0.86 to 1.08) and the 90% CI fell within the pre-specified equivalence margin. The estimated proportion of patients alive and progression free at 12 months was 25.0% in the FKB238 arm vs 25.3% in the o-bev arm (HR of 0.97, 95% CI 0.82-1.16). The estimated median progression-free survival was 7.72 months in the FKB238 arm and 7.62 months in the o-bev arm. TEAEs were reported for 94.2% (FKB238) and 95.1% (o-bev) of patients. TEAEs ≥ grade 3 were reported for 53.6% (FKB238) and 55.5% (o-bev) of patients. SAEs were reported for 25.1% and 26.0% of patients treated with FKB238 and o-bev, respectively. Conclusions: There were no meaningful differences in efficacy and safety between FKB238 or o-bev in patients with NS-NSCLC. ORR efficacy equivalence was demonstrated, and the safety profiles of both drugs were similar. Clinical trial information: NCT02810457.
Comparative effectiveness of immune-checkpoint inhibitors as first-line treatment for advanced nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer patients: A network meta-analysis and a systematic review.
Authors: Bitton Roberto Jorge , Jacob Natalia , Carrera Juan Manuel , Perez Ezequiel Cayetano
Published: May 2020

e21731

Background: Over the last decade six different immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have obtained approval in 42 tumor types, several of them are indeed competing for the same indication and there is a lack of direct comparative data to guide the medical oncologist. Network meta-analysis (NMA) is a technique developed as an extension of pairwise meta-analysis to allow comparisons of multiple treatments, using both direct and indirect evidence. This NMA evaluates the effectiveness of several ICIs, either in combination or as single agents, as frontline therapy for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) through Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central register of Controlled trial databases, Clinicaltrial.gov database and ASCO abstracts (up to June 2019), to identify phase III RCTs on advanced non-squamous NSCLC in the first-line setting. Both the search and study screening were performed for two independent reviewers. NMA of survival outcomes in different subsets of PD-L1 expression groups was performed and ICIs indirect comparisons were performed. Results: 6 RCTs with 5860 patients were included for the NMA. ICIs were evaluated in combination with several chemotherapy regimens and in the case of Nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab. Atezolizumab was evaluated in one of the RCTs in combination with chemotherapy and bevacizumab. Both Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab were evaluated as monotherapy, either in a separate treatment arms within a trial or in a separate trial. Overall ICI in combination improved survival across PD-L1 expression level subgroups compared with chemotherapy (platinum doublets +/- bevacizumab). Indirect comparisons of ICIs in combination therapy for first-line treatment in advanced non-squamous NSCLC showed little evidence of differences between pembrolizumab or atezolizumab in combination with chemotherapy and nivolumab/ipilimumab. Evaluated as monotherapy pembrolizumab seems to have more evidence of effectiveness than nivolumab. Conclusions: ICIs in combination therapy improve survival in previously untreated advanced NSCLC across PD-L1 expression levels compared with standard first line chemotherapy regimens. There is little evidence of survival difference between pembrolizumab and atezolizumab in combination, and nivolumab requires a combination with ipilimumab to reach similar levels of effectiveness.
ROS1 immunohistochemistry as a screening tool for detection of ROS1 rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer: Comparison between SP384 and D4D6 clones.
Authors: Chang Yi-wen , Liang Yun-hsin , Liao Li-rung , Yeh Yi-chen , Chou Teh-Ying
Published: May 2020

e21733

Background: ROS1 rearrangement occurs in approximately 1%-2% of non-small cell lung cancer, and it is predictive of treatment response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The gold standard method to detect ROS1 rearrangement is break-apart fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). ROS1 immunohistochemistry has been proposed as a cost-effective screening test for detection of ROS1 rearrangement. Most studies about the correlation between ROS1 FISH and immunohistochemistry derived from the D4D6 clone anti-ROS1 antibody. Recently, a novel anti-ROS1 antibody (SP384 clone) is available. However, data regarding the performance of this new anti-ROS1 antibody is still limited. In this study, we evaluated the performance of these two anti-ROS1 antibody as a screening tool to detect ROS1 rearrangement. Methods: Two hundred non-small cell lung cancers, including 18 ROS1 FISH-positive and 182 ROS1 FISH-negative samples, were studied. All specimens were stained with D4D6 clone and SP384 clone anti-ROS1 antibodies. The stained slides were scored by a pathologist using the H-score method, which was defined as the sum of products of multiplying intensity (0, 1, 2, and 3) by extent of each staining intensity (%). Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cut-off value that discriminates between ROS1-rearranged and non-rearranged tumors. Results: There was high correlation between the H-score of D4D6 clone and SP384 clone (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient = 0.862, P-value < 0.001). The SP384 clone showed a higher H-score than D4D6 clone (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P-value < 0.001). ROC analysis showed H-score of ≥ 150 was the optimal cut-off value for both D4D6 clone and SP384 clone to discriminate between ROS1-rearranged and non-rearranged tumors. Using this cut-off value, the D4D6 clone showed 100% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity; the SP384 clone showed 100% sensitivity and 95.1% specificity. The areas under ROC curve for D4D6 clone and SP384 clone were 0.992 and 0.990, respectively. Conclusions: The performance of D4D6 clone or SP384 clone is comparable. ROS1 IHC with either D4D6 clone or SP384 clone is a cost-effective screening tool for the presence of ROS1 rearrangements. [Table: see text]
The effect of under and uninsured status on survival in lung cancer while adjusting for other mortality risk factors.
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed K. , Herndon Dana , Schmidt Monica , Manning Matthew A.
Published: May 2020

e21734

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the US. Significant improvements in survival have occurred with improved treatments. Payer status has been recognized as a barrier to treatment access across multiple cancer types including lung. This study aims to evaluate the impact of payer on 2-year survival rates for patients presenting in one health system with newly diagnosed lung or bronchus cancer. Methods: This is a retrospective survival analysis. There were 1,681 patients with lung cancer (small and non-small) under observation from time of first diagnosis. The first diagnosis date in the Cone health system defined study entry. Failure was defined as death during the 2-year observation period with right censoring after 2-years. Patients were categorized as underinsured if they had no insurance or Medicaid while those with commercial and Medicare were considered having full coverage. Cox proportional hazard models were used reporting hazard ratios. Results: Mortality rates per 10 patients diagnosed with lung or bronchus cancers were 3.5 for those with commercial insurance, 3.8 for Medicare, 3.3 for Medicaid and 5.4 for uninsured patients. Of those patients considered underinsured, 56.7% presented with stage IV cancer compared to those with full coverage (41.4%)*. 40.7% of those without insurance or underinsured were current tobacco product users compared to 25.1% of those with full coverage. Cox proportional hazard models revealed the risk of death is 1.34* times (95% CI 1.07-1.68) greater for underinsured patients compared to those with full coverage. The model adjusted for age, race, gender, marital status, language, Gini coefficient, Elixhauser comorbidity index, illicit drug use, cigarette smoker, smokeless tobacco user, alcohol use, PCP on record, and religion. However, when we add the AJCC stage to this model, the underinsured estimate is no longer statistically significant (1.23; 95% CI 0.92-1.65). Conclusions: Patients without insurance are diagnosed at later stages of disease. This late diagnosis is the primary driver of poor survival. Although being underinsured or uninsured is associated with a greater risk of death after diagnosis, adjusting for stage mitigates this effect. These findings support the need for equal access to early screening and diagnosis regardless of payer. *statistically significant at p < 0.05.
Single-institution outcomes with less than two-year anti-PD-1 antibody therapy in metastatic melanoma.
Authors: Lama Tamang Tsering G. , Fruehauf John P. , Ejadi Samuel
Published: May 2020

e22001

Background: Optimal duration of anti-PD-1 antibody therapy remains undefined. Currently, treatment is given up to two years in metastatic melanoma based on clinical trials. However, recent observations suggest that anti-PD-1 antibodies may work as well if given for shorter time periods. To better understand duration of anti-PD-1 antibody treatment, we reviewed outcomes for patients who discontinued immunotherapy earlier than 2 years in our Cancer Center. Methods: This is a retrospective, single-institution review of metastatic melanoma patients who received anti-PD-1 antibodies from January 2010 to December 2019. We further identified the patients discontinuing treatment before completion of 2 years for reasons other than disease progression. Duration was categorized into three groups: < 6 months (A), 6-12 months (B) and > 12 months (C) and outcomes were analyzed. Progression free survival (PFS) was defined as the time from the initiation of anti-PD1-therapy to the date of progression as determined by treating physician based on radiological, biochemical and/or clinical criteria. Results: 25 patients with mean age 69 years (49-91; N = 19 > 60yo) were identified. Number of patients who received anti-PD-1 antibodies were N = 8, N = 9 and N = 8 in in groups A, B and C respectively. 44% of patients discontinued treatment after achieving either partial or near complete remission, whereas the remaining 66% of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Majority of patients who stopped treatment due to adverse events were older than 60 (71.4%). In 29 months of median follow up (range 11-54), none of patients who received treatment in group B progressed, whereas in groups A and C, 25% percentage progressed in each group with 80% PFS at 12.8 months and 88% PFS at 26 months respectively. 12.5% of patients in group A had progression at 12 months follow up, where no progression was noticed in groups B and C during the same time period. Conclusions: Retrospective analysis of our experience supports other retrospective findings that treatment with anti-PD-1 antibodies more than 12 months might not add further benefit in responding or non-progressing older patients though further study with longer follow up is required.
Real-world experience of talimogene laherparepvec in patients receiving immunotherapy in metastatic melanoma.
Authors: Behera Tapas Ranjan , Song Jung Min , Ko Jennifer S. , McNamara Michael J. , Funchain Pauline , Gastman Brian
Published: May 2020

e22003

Background: Talimogene laherparepvec (TVEC) is an oncolytic herpes virus approved by the FDA for intralesional therapy in unresectable metastatic melanoma. However, little is known regarding the effectiveness of TVEC+checkpoint inhibition (CPI) outside of clinical trials. We present outcomes of the largest single institution experience with TVEC in the context of different immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: All patients with stage III-IV unresectable melanoma having received TVEC were evaluated. Patient demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, TVEC treatment response and outcomes were assessed. Final analysis included those who received TVEC adjacent to CPI with a minimum 6-month follow-up, excluding patients on clinical trials. Response was estimated by sequential measurement of injectable on-target lesions. Results: A total of 62 patients received TVEC from 2016 to 2019, of which 43 remained excluding Merkel cell carcinoma, patients on trials, and TVEC monotherapy. Of 30 patients with available treatment response data and at least 6-months follow-up, median age was 68.5 years (30-99 years), 40% were female, 16 (53.3%) stage IV. Median follow-up was 17.5 months (6-43 months). At 6 months, 20 (67.7%) patients were alive; at 1 year, 17 (56.7%) patients were alive. Eighteen patients received pembrolizumab, 7 nivolumab and 5 ipilimumab/nivolumab. Median number of TVEC doses received was 8 (3-31 doses). Median time on TVEC therapy was 4 months (1-26 months). Overall response rate for on-target lesions was 24 (80%), with complete local response (CR) in 15 (50%), partial response (PR) in 9 (30%), and progressive disease (PD) in 6 (20%). Median time to response was 6 weeks (2-17 weeks); 5 in CR, 6.5 in PR and 5.5 in PD groups. Adverse events were mostly mild and limited to constitutional symptoms. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the largest real-world experience assessing TVEC in patients receiving CPI. Local overall response rate appears higher in comparison to historic numbers for TVEC monotherapy. The findings demonstrate that TVEC is an effective and safe treatment for metastatic melanoma and has robust outcomes in real-life clinical settings.
Outcome of metastatic melanoma following immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment by tumor infiltrating lymphocyte of primary cutaneous site.
Authors: Hegde Upendra P. , Holmes Aaron N. , Stevenson Christina Elizabeth , Masternak Sophie , Bethany Cucka
Published: May 2020

e22005

Background: TIL include antigen specific clonal T cells responding to tumor antigens (TA) in the tumor microenvironment. Biological relevance of TIL at the PCM following ICI treatment of MM is not clear. Since there is overlap of TA between primary and its metastasis, we hypothesized that TIL at PCM site may serve as a biomarker of response to ICI treatment of MM. Methods: We did a retrospective analysis of MM patients (pts.) receiving ICI treatment between 2012 and 2019 following an IRB approved protocol. Response and survival at 12, 24 and 36 months (mths) was correlated with PCM site TIL. Pts. who received at least one dose of ICI for MM were eligible and those with metastasis from unknown PCM, received anti-BRAF treatment or lacked information on TIL at PCM were excluded. Pts. were stratified as group (gr.) A, B and C representing brisk, non-brisk and absent TIL respectively. Responses defined by RECIST criteria (response, no response, stable disease) as well as overall survival calculated from time of initiation of ICI to death from any cause (OS) at 12, 24 and 36 mths was correlated to TIL at PCM. Results: 42 pts. received ICI for MM between 2012-2019 meeting the eligibility criteria. Median age is 68 years (yrs.) (63, 71 and 73 yr. respectively for group A, B and C), 27 male, 15 women. The median thickness of PCM was 3.5, 3.75 and 4.75 mm in group A, B and C respectively. 11 of 14, 9 of 16 and O of 12 pts. responded to ICI while 2, 5, 14 and 1,2, 0 patients showed no response and stable disease respectively. O.S. at 12, 24, and 36 mths. was 12/14, 11/16 and 1/12 pts.; 10/14, 7/16, 0/12 pts. and 8/14, 6/16 and 0/12 pts. respectively in three groups. Conclusions: Brisk and absent TIL correlated with favorable and unfavorable response to ICI treatment of MM while non-brisk TIL showed intermediate outcomes. Larger data set could help validate our findings.
The relationship between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, PD-L1 expression, and clinical outcomes of Asian melanoma patients treated with anti-PD-1 antibody.
Authors: Lee Soo Jung , Chae Yee Soo , Kim Jong Gwang , Kang Byung Woog , Baek Jin Ho , Choi Hyeokjin , Lee In Hee , Jeong Ji Yun
Published: May 2020

e22010

Background: Clinical feature of Asian melanoma patients are distinct from those of Western patients. Acral and mucosal melanomas, which are common in Asian populations, predominantly occur in sun-protected areas. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors are standard treatment for inoperable melanoma, however, they are less effective against acral and mucosal melanomas. The aim of our study is to investigate the expression, clinical significance and association of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in Asian melanoma patient treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. Methods: Patients with unresectable stage III or metastatic stage IV melanoma who began anti-PD-1 antibody therapy between February 2016 and September 2018 were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate PD-L1 expression and stromal CD8+ TIL, and PD-1+ TIL densities within the intratumoral regions and associated stromal regions. Baseline characteristics and blood parameters including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were assessed, and outcome and adverse events were evaluated according to subtypes. Results: Of the 57 cases, the most common type was acral melanoma (n = 28, 49.1%) followed by mucosal melanoma (n = 19, 33.3%) and cutaneous (n = 10, 17.5%). The overall response was 8.8 % and disease control rate was 33.3%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 18.0 months (95% confidence interval, 12.57 to 23.43), and there was no difference in PFS according to subtypes. Overall, 29.8% (n = 17) showed PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and 26.3% in immune cells. PD-L1, CD8+TIL, LDH and BRAFV600 statues were not associated with response or survival. NLR (≥ 5) were independent poor prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. Conclusions: In our study, anti-PD-1 therapy showed less effective compared to western patients. High NLR (≥ 5) could predict response of anti-PD-1 therapy in patients with Asian melanoma. Considering the differences in genetic backgrounds and therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy, specialized therapeutic strategies for Asian melanoma should be established.
Adjuvant systemic therapies for melanoma in Alberta: An early descriptive analysis of population characteristics and treatment outcomes.
Authors: Rigo Rodrigo , Koczka Kim , Batra Atul , Cheung Winson Y. , Monzon Jose Gerard , Cheng Tina
Published: May 2020

e22013

Background: Adjuvant immunotherapies and adjuvant targeted therapy for melanoma became available in clinical practice in 2018 in Alberta, Canada. We describe the delivery of adjuvant systemic therapy, local-regional treatment, recurrence patterns, and treatment toxicity, in tertiary academic centers. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who received adjuvant systemic therapy for melanoma in Alberta. Adjuvant systemic treatment options included Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, and Dabrafenib/Trametinib. Results: From September 2017 to January 2020, 71 patients were identified. Forty-one (61%) were male with a median age of 60 years (15-88). Seven (9.8%), 26 (36.6%), 27 (38%), 4 (5.6%), and 3 (4.2%) patients were stage IIIA, IIIB, IIIC, III-unspecified, and IV, respectively. BRAF mutations were detected in 31 (50.8%) patients. The median time from last surgical procedure to start of treatment was 10.8 weeks (4-28), with a median follow up time of 12 months. Sixty-one patients (85.9%) received Nivolumab, four (5.6%) patients received Pembrolizumab, and four (5.6%) Dabrafenib/Tremetinib. Twenty-eight (87.5%) of 32 patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy did not complete elective regional lymph node dissection. Only two patients received adjuvant radiation. Local-regional surveillance with regular nodal ultrasound was not consistently performed. Seven (9.8%) patients had clinical or radiographic finding of enlarged regional lymph node while on treatment. At time of analysis, thirteen (18.3%) patients have completed adjuvant therapy, 18 (25.3%) discontinued therapy, and 39 (54.9%) patients were still on treatment. Eleven (15.4%) patients discontinued treatment due to toxicity, 8 (13.1%) from Nivolumab, 3 (75%) from Dabrafenib/Trametinib. Nine (12.6%) patients relapsed on treatment, of those, five (55.5%) had incidental findings on baseline imaging. Hypothyroidism affected 11 (15.4%) patients, hypophysitis and other immune-related side effects were described in 14 (19.7%) cases. Conclusions: Our cohort reflects excellent patient selection and delivery of adjuvant therapy consistent with clinical trial data. Surgical and radiation oncology care has adapted, and differs from trial procedure. Adjuvant immunotherapy was used in most patients. There appears to be a higher rate of discontinuation due to toxicity with Dabrafenib/Trametinib. Toxicity and recurrence findings are preliminary and will be updated.
Multiomics profiling of longitudinal melanoma specimens unravels molecular mechanisms of resistance to sequential targeted and cancer immunotherapies.
Authors: Lee Jinho , Labrie Marilyne , Yong Gen , Camp Todd , Ma Hongli , Grout Megan , Xu Wei , Beasley Georgia , Schuchter Lynn Mara , McGettigan Suzanne , O'Rourke Donald M. , Herlyn Meenhard , Corless Christopher L. , Mills Gordon B. , Zhang Gao
Published: May 2020

e22015

Background: We evaluated spatially-resolved protein profiling of longitudinal tumor specimens derived from two patients with metastatic melanoma who progressed on sequential therapies including targeted therapy (TT) and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy targeting T cell-surface antigens (CTLA-4 and PD-1). The purpose of this study was to identify molecular determinants of resistance to sequential TT and ICB therapies. Methods: We performed multiplexed and multidimensional spatial protein profiling using NanoString’s GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) platform and single-cell level imaging analysis with Cyclic Immunofluorescence (CycIF) to simultaneously determine dynamic changes in tumor intrinsic signaling pathways and immune response in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Results: The first patient presented with a BRAFV600E-positive brain metastasis. This patient was sequentially treated with ipilimumab (Ipi), the combination of dabrafenib and trametinib, and pembrolizumab (Pembro) and progressed despite of high expression of CD56 NK cell after all treatments. In addition, CycIF analysis revealed drug resistance in a subpopulation of cells that had continued activation of mTOR (pS6) and EGFR pathways. The second patient presented with dermal metastases on the flank with NRASQ61K mutation. This patient was sequentially treated with Pembo, Talimogene Laherparepvec, the combination of Ipi plus nivolumab, and two different investigational agents combined with Pembro. This patient displayed stable disease (SD) on Pembro but eventually progressed on the subsequent therapies. DSP analysis demonstrated CD68/CD40 myeloid cell infiltrates as well as HLA-DR and CD44 in the TME after the last treatment. CycIF analysis revealed dynamic changes in tumoral characteristics including DNA damage and proliferation during treatment. Furthermore, the analysis suggested that there might be a resistant subpopulation in the last tumor biopsy, which is in line with progression of the disease. Conclusions: In this study, we conducted detailed analyses on serial specimens from two patients to precisely define the spatial distribution of immune responses and cancer signaling pathways. The findings propose that concurrent proteomics analysis and immune monitoring of longitudinal tumor biopsies can be informative in clinical evaluation in order to identify salvage therapies to overcome drug resistance.
Salvage chemotherapy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma after progression on immunotherapy.
Authors: Shah Payal , Boland Patrick , Pavlick Anna C.
Published: May 2020

e22019

Background: Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have dramatically altered the prognosis of metastatic melanoma (MM); however, fifty percent of patients will not respond to ICI. For these patients, the next choice of treatment includes targeted therapy or a clinical trial if eligible. If these treatment choices have already been utilized or are not available to the patient, there may be value in attempting a course of salvage chemotherapy (CTX). Limited clinical trial evidence has demonstrated unexpected efficacy of CTX after prior progression on ipilimumab, offering higher disease control rates than expected from what is seen in first-line chemotherapy. The phenomenon of a “priming” effect of ICI on CTX efficacy has been shown in patients of various solid tumors after progression on anti-PD1/PD-L1 therapy. The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of salvage CTX after prior ICI therapy for patients with MM. Patients with ocular melanoma were excluded, as this tumor subtype is known to have reduced response to immunotherapy. Methods: By retrospective analysis, patients were included under an IRB approved waiver of consent. We identified patients with MM treated with ICI therapy between Jan, 2011 and July, 2019 who were subsequently treated with salvage CTX as a result of progression of disease (POD). Salvage CTX included dacarbazine, carboplatin, temozolomide, paclitaxel, or a combination. We assessed response rate, duration of response, and time to progression (TTP) from the onset of salvage CTX. Results: A total of 22 patients who satisfied the above criteria were identified. The majority of this population had a course of single agent ICI as well as a course of combination ICI prior to salvage CTX (72.7%, n = 16/22). 13 (59.1%) patients had POD on salvage CTX with a median TTP of 10.9 weeks. 9 (40.9%) patients responded to salvage CTX. 3 (13.6%) patients achieved a complete response, 4 (18.2%) patients achieved a partial response and 2 (9.1%) patients achieved stable disease. Mean durability of response was 53.6 weeks, ranging from 7-194 weeks. Conclusions: ICI “priming” prior to salvage CTX efficacy may improve disease responsiveness to CTX. This sequence of therapy may offer patients another reasonable treatment option. Despite the small sample size of this study, a prospective clinical trial in MM exploring CTX following ICI progression should be considered.
Patterns of disease presentation, treatment choices and survival in real world for patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma: A prospective observational study by Spanish Melanoma Group (GEM-1801).
Authors: Marquez-Rodas Ivan , Berciano Guerrero Miguel Ángel , Muñoz-Couselo Eva , Manzano Mozo Jose Luis , CEREZUELA Fuentes Pablo , Crespo Guillermo , Puértolas Teresa , Berrocal Alfonso , Soria Ainara , Majem Margarita , Bellido Lorena , Espinosa Enrique , García Castaño Almudena , Gutierrez Sanz Lourdes , Medina Javier , Fernandez-Morales Luis Antonio , Aguado De La Rosa Carlos , López Castro Rafael , Ayala de Miguel Pablo , Martin-Algarra Salvador ,   Spanish Melanoma Group
Published: May 2020

e22022

Background: In the past decade, melanoma treatment has improved due to the advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. There are few data, however, about the treatment elections and the outcomes of the patients in the real world setting, specifically in a prospective manner. Methods: GEM1801 is a prospective cohort study that analyses the clinical and pathological disease presentation patterns, the different lines of treatment choices and the health outcomes derived from these treatments in 400 patients (pts) diagnosed with resected stage III (N = 47) and irresectable III/IV melanoma (N = 353). Here we focus on the pts diagnosed with advanced melanoma and the first line (1L) treatments. Results: Pts diagnosed after Jan 2018 were included from 35 hospitals in 15 different Spanish regions (recruitment Aug 2018 to Aug 2019). A survival cutoff was made by January 2020. 55.2% pts were male; median age was 65.1 (23.3- 95.2). 66% were cutaneous, 5.4% acral, 2.8% uveal, 17.3% non-disclosed and 4.2% were classified as “other” subtypes. According to AJCC 8th edition, 9.3% were unresectable IIIB/C/D and 90.7% IV (27.5% A, 16.6% B, 37.5% C and 18.4% D). ECOG was 0-1 in 85%; LDH levels were available in 282 pts (79.9%), being normal in 61.7%, > 1x to 2x ULN in 29.8% and > 2x ULN in 8.5%. BRAF was evaluated in 344 pts (97.5%), being 52.9% mutated. Median survival follow up was 9.7 months (0.2-24) with 73.9% patients alive at time of analysis (over 345 pts with data available). Median overall survival was not reached, with a median follow up of 9.7 months (0.2-24.0). 72.2% of pts were alive at the time of analysis. Table summarize the 1L options according to BRAF status in the 326 pts with data available (17 received no systemic treatment and in 10 was unknown). Conclusions: this study reflects real world data in a representative cohort of pts with melanoma in Spain. Survival results, pending on more follow up, could be considered consistent with the results of modern clinical trials. TT is the most frequent 1L choice for patients with BRAF+ melanoma (almost 2/3 of cases). In terms of IT, monotherapy based in anti PD-1 is the most frequent 1L choice, with a rank between 75-90% of cases. [Table: see text]
Real-world patterns of molecular testing in advanced melanoma (advMel): adherence to guidelines.
Authors: Olszanski Anthony J. , Farma Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2020

e22031

Background: National guidelines (eg, NCCN and ESMO) recommend BRAF mutation testing to inform treatment (tx) decisions in high-risk stage III or IV cutaneous melanoma, but few studies have evaluated its implementation in a real-world setting. Here we report the testing patterns for BRAF and other mutations in advMel via an electronic health record (EHR)–derived database, to assess guideline adherence and implications for patient (pt) care. Methods: This retrospective observational study used Flatiron Health’s nationwide longitudinal database comprising de-identified EHR structured and unstructured data, curated via technology-enabled abstraction. Pts with stage III or IV cutaneous melanoma at initial diagnosis, or a locoregional or distant recurrence, with ≥ 2 clinic encounters starting January 1, 2011 were included in the advMel cohort. Data through October 2019 were analyzed. Results: A total of 9333 pts from 160 US cancer clinics were in the advMel cohort. Overall, 21% of pts had no evidence of BRAF testing. In the adjuvant setting, the percentage of pts with known BRAF status before initiation of systemic tx increased from 34% prior to the year 2018 to 56% post approval of adjuvant targeted tx in 2018. The rate of known BRAF status before initiation of first line (1L) metastatic tx declined from 80% in 2012 to 62% in 2018. Notably, within 30 days after tx initiation, BRAF status was reported in an additional 17% of pts in 1L metastatic setting. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) overtook polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the most common assay (40% NGS vs 22% PCR in 2018, whilst 8% vs 53% in 2012). Of the 35-day (NGS) or 27-day (PCR) median turnaround time from sample collection to results, 21-25 days occurred from specimen collection to receipt in the lab. Despite this turnaround time, 35% of pts with known BRAF status before tx initiation had NGS testing. Of all pts tested for BRAF, 30% were also tested for NRAS and 32% for KIT. Among pts with a BRAF mutation, concomitant NRAS (1.1%) or KIT (0.6%) mutation was rare. Conclusions: Our real-world analysis shows that BRAF mutation status is known in ≈60% of pts with advMel before initiation of adjuvant or 1L metastatic tx. NGS and PCR are the most common testing platforms, with the use of NGS on the rise. Notably, a prolonged time was observed between collection and lab receipt of the specimen. These results indicate an opportunity for physicians to conduct earlier molecular testing at workup per the guidelines, and for improved logistical efficiency to facilitate timely receipt of genomic results to better inform individualized tx plans.
Bone metastasis as an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with advanced melanoma treated with immune checkpoint blockade.
Authors: Teixeira Marcos Rezende , De Barros E Silva Milton Jos , Pandolfi Natasha Carvalho , Calsavara Vinicius Fernando , Oliveira Thiago Bueno , Tavares Monique Celeste , Rinck José Augusto , Garcia Daniel , Lima Joao Paulo SN , Duprat Joao
Published: May 2020

e22045

Background: Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has changed the natural history advanced melanoma (AM) with response rates about 40% and overall survival in 5 years of more than 30%. Interestingly, the site of metastasis may have impact on immune response due to the quantity and quality of immune infiltrate as we have seen in patients (pts) with liver metastasis treated with ICB. We have hypothesized that bone metastasis(BM) represents an immune less responsive site of disease Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational analysis of patients with AM treated with ICB at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center (AC) in São Paulo, Brazil. We analyze the impact of BM on progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) using Kaplan Meier method, log-rank test and time-dependent COX regression model. Results: We analyzed 170 pts with AM treated with anti-PD1 (79%) or anti-PD1 + anti-CTLA4 (21%) between September 2013 and December 2019. Fifty-five percent in first-line, 22.4% second-line and the remaining in third or more lines of therapy. Ninety- four were male (55.3%), median age of 60.5 years (24.8 to 88.3) and 61 (35.9%) pts had BRAF mutation. Among stage IV patients (94%), 52 (32.4%) were M1c, 36 (22.4%) M1d and 46 (27%) had elevated LDH. Forty-two (26%) pts had BM. The overall response rate was 30.9% for pts with BM compared to 57.7% for pts without BM (p:0.004). In a median follow-up of 23.6 months (95% CI: 18.0-29.1), the median PFS and OS for pts with and without BM were 3.8 x 18.8 months (p 0.005) and 19.4months x not achieved (p 0.001), respectively. The 24-month analysis shows an overall survival rate of 38% for patients with BM compared to 62% for the rest of the cohort population. In a multivariate analysis for overall survival, acral melanoma, elevated LDH, ECOG performance status of 1 or 2 and BM were independent adverse prognostic factors (bone metastasis - HR: 2.3; 95%CI: 1.18-4.1; p:0.013). Conclusions: In this analysis, the presence of bone disease seems to be a worse independent prognostic factor for survival. A hypothesis would be the unfavorable bone microenvironment for the action of the immunotherapy.
Effect of administration of systemic steroids on survival benefit associated with immunotherapy-induced skin toxicity.
Authors: Gulati Nicholas , Donnelly Douglas M. , Qian Yingzhi , Moran Una , Johannet Paul , Pavlick Anna C. , Zhong Judy , Osman Iman
Published: May 2020

e22046

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) improves progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with metastatic melanoma (MM), but treatment may cause serious immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that require the use of immunosuppressive steroids. Skin toxicity (ST), the most common side effect, has been reported to be associated with better response to ICI in some studies but not others. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that the portended survival benefit associated with ICI-related ST reaches a threshold in MM patients, dependent on the severity of the ST. Methods: We analyzed MM patients enrolled prospectively in a clinicopathological database with protocol-driven follow up and treated with ICI at NYULH. The patient and/or physician reported the ST, and an immunologist-dermatologist independently confirmed the event was ICI-related. Severe ST was defined as a skin event that required treatment with systemic steroids. Other site-specific toxicities were recorded using the CTCAE v5.0. We tested the associations between ST and PFS and OS, stratified by no, mild, and severe ST, adjusting for age, gender, number of metastatic sites, LDH, and ECOG score at treatment initiation. Results: The cohort included 256 MM patients (387 lines of ICI treatments). ST was the most common irAE (34%), and was significantly associated with development of endocrine toxicity (P = 0.007). Of the ST events (n = 130), 66% were mild and 34% were severe. Compared to none, mild ST was significantly associated with improved PFS (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.58 [0.38, 0.89], P = 0.01), and a similar trend was observed with OS (aHR = 0.68 [0.45, 1.03], P = 0.06). However, the positive effect was reduced to insignificant (PFS P = 0.53; OS P = 0.25) in patients who developed severe ST irAEs that required systemic steroids. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that ICI-induced ST is a complex phenomenon and might explain the discordance of reported data. While the worse outcome in patients with severe ST compared to mild may stem from steroidal immunosuppression, a threshold may also exist wherein severe ST itself might contribute to a relative reduction in ICI efficacy. More research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms that link ST and response to ICI in order to better characterize and treat skin irAEs without systemically suppressing anti-tumor immunity.
Role of glutamine metabolism in CD8+PD-1+TIM-3+ T cells in ICI resistant melanoma.
Authors: Thapaliya Samjhana , Gastman Brian , Phoon Yee Peng , Li Chuan , Zhou Beiyan , Funchain Pauline , Richardson Brian , Cameron Mark , Cameron Cheryl
Published: May 2020

e22055

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting checkpoints has achieved cures in half of stage IV melanoma patients yet there remains a critical need to identify why other half remain either ICI resistant or relapse. Recent studies show that multiple subpopulations of tumor-infiltrating CD8+PD-1+ T cells, previously known to be exhausted, are in fact metabolically active. We have identified a sub population of CD8+PD-1+ T cells resistant melanoma that are metabolically active, highly proliferative; and has high glutamine metabolic pathway. Rapidly proliferating cells utilize the glucose-lactic acid pathway for faster energy production and can metabolize glutamine for energy. A recent study showed that glutamine metabolism blockade improves immunotherapy response by enhancing cytotoxic T cell function. However, the role of glutamine in dysfunctional CD8+T cells has not be studied. Methods: Using patient-derived ICI resistant tumors (n = 8), tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were isolated and sorted for total CD8+ T cells for single cell RNA sequencing, and then into CD8+PD-1+TIM-3+ T cells for bulk RNA analysis. FACS analysis was performed to assess the protein expression of SLC1A5 (a major glutamine transporter) and ki67. Seahorse Fuel Flex Test was employed to examine oxidative phosphorylation and mass spectrometry analysis was performed on sorted CD8+PD-1+TIM-3 TILs to assess the glutamine and lactic acid content. Results: A volcanic plot from bulk RNAseq data demonstrated an increase in glutamine pathway activity as well as the expression of SLC1A5 in CD8+PD-1+TIM3+ T cells compared to the peripheral CD8+ T cells. Similarly, scRNAseq analysis showed an increased expression of ki67 and SLC1A5 in MAD CD8+ T cells compared to the effector and naïve CD8+ T cells. FACS analysis of TILs gated for CD3+CD8+,showed an increased protein expression of SLC1A5 and ki67 in the PD-1+TIM-3+ population. A seahorse assay using sorted CD8+PD-1+ TIM3+ TILs from human samples confirmed an increased oxidative consumption rate (OCR) and increased dependency of glutamine metabolism in MAD CD8+ T cells compared to healthy CD8+ T cells. Importantly, mass spectrometry of CD8+PD-1+ TIM3+ T cells showed a significant increase in glutamine and lactate supporting our hypothesis that MAD CD8+ T cells have increased glutamine metabolism due to anaerobic glycolysis. Conclusions: Glutamine is a major metabolic source for rapidly proliferating CD8+PD-1+TIM-3+ dysfunctional T cells and inhibition of glutamine metabolism can be leveraged as immunotherapy in ICI resistant melanoma.
The value of lymph node ultrasound and whole body PET/CT in stage IIB/C patients prior to SLNB.
Authors: Stahlie Emma H.A. , Van Der Hiel Bernies , Bruining Annemarie , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , Schrage Yvonne , van Houdt Winan J. , Van Akkooi Alexander Christopher Jonathan
Published: May 2020

e22079

Background: Stage IIB/IIC (pT3b-T4N0) patients are known to have high-risk primary tumors, even higher risk than some stage IIIA/B melanomas (AJCC Staging System 8th edition), however they follow the same routine to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as more low-risk tumors. A priori the risk of finding SLNB or other metastases is much higher for these thick and/or ulcerated primary melanomas compared to the thinner ones. Guidelines are not conclusive regarding the use of preoperative imaging in these cases. Recently, a trend to more frequently use cross-sectional imaging has been noticed. However, others have previously shown that preoperative ultrasound was the most sensitive. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the value of ultrasound (US) and Positron Emission Tomography/Computerized Tomography (PET/CT) prior to SLNB for stage IIB/C (pT3b-T4N0) melanoma patients. Methods: Starting 2019-04, all patients with a pT3b melanoma or higher (8th AJCC) were included. All patients underwent US and PET/CT before their planned lymphoscintigraphy and routine SLNB. Suspected metastases were confirmed with cytologic puncture. Results: A total of 20 patients were screened. Seven patients (35%) had metastases detected by imaging: one by PET/CT, three by US and three by both imaging modalities. Three of these metastases were detected by US as well as PET/CT. All metastases were nodal. For all seven patients treatment was altered to lymph node dissection with adjuvant therapy. Of the 13 patients in whom no metastases were identified by imaging, six (46%) still had a positive sentinel node (SN). Conclusions: This study showed that this select group of patients had a high risk of metastases prior to SLNB and that all recurrences except one, were detected by ultrasound. This suggests that nodal staging with US is sufficient and can replace the need for SLNB when metastases is proven with cytology. Despite negative imaging, SLNB cannot be foregone for pT3b-pT4N0 melanoma patients, as many still have an involved SN. Cross-sectional imaging can be reserved for patients after positive cytology or SN to confirm the absence of distant visceral metastases.