bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune-mediated adverse events following concomitant radiotherapy and immunotherapy in patients with melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma: A preliminary report from an evolving retrospective registry.
Authors: Andreatos Nikolaos , Roopkumar Joanna , Khorana Alok A. , Funchain Pauline
Published: May 2020

3144

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) potentiates immune-mediated responses against tumor antigens, an effect that is enhanced by checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) and may hold therapeutic promise. However, the mechanisms underlying this abscopal effect can theoretically increase the rate of immune-mediated adverse events (irAEs). We estimated the incidence of irAEs in a single-institution cohort treated with concomitant RT and immunotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively screened 731 patients that received RT and CPIs at our institution. Patients diagnosed with melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) who underwent RT concurrently or within 30 days of CPI administration were eligible. A radiation period (RP) comprised the interval between the first and last treatment days (≤90 days); a patient could contribute multiple RPs. Data on new irAEs diagnosed within 3 months after RT and relevant demographic and clinicopathologic variables were collected; univariate analysis was performed with the chi-squared test. Results: 35 patients (23 male, 12 female) contributed 43 RPs; mean age was 65.5 years (range: 39-90). Five had MCC, and 30 had melanoma (24 cutaneous, 1 uveal and 5 urogenital melanomas). PD-1 inhibitors were most commonly employed (22 RPs), followed by ipilimumab-nivolumab (14 RPs), ipilimumab (4 RPs), and avelumab (3 RPs). CPIs were administered concurrently with RT in 32 RPs and sequentially in 11 RPs. Fourteen RPs comprised intracranial radiation. Importantly, 45.7% of patients (16/35) experienced irAEs, which manifested within a month of RT in 25.7% (9/35). Four patients experienced grade ≥3 irAEs leading to hospitalization; one died of respiratory failure after developing pneumonitis. On univariate analysis, no significant association between tumor type, CPI regimen, concurrent RT, intracranial vs. extracranial RT, and irAE incidence was noted. A trend for increased irAEs within the ipilimumab-nivolumab group was observed (p = 0.27). Conclusions: Almost half of patients developed new irAEs following RT, with 25% (4/16) of cases warranting hospitalization; these incidence rates appear to exceed rates from historical data and raise concerns about the additive toxicity of CPIs and RT. Comparison to non-RT cohorts and survival analyses are ongoing.
First-in-human phase I study of ARV-110, an androgen receptor (AR) PROTAC degrader in patients (pts) with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) following enzalutamide (ENZ) and/or abiraterone (ABI).
Authors: Petrylak Daniel Peter , Gao Xin , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Garfield Mary Harlow , Taylor Ian , Dougan Moore Marcia , Peck Ronald Alan , Burris Howard A.
Published: May 2020

3500

Background: Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) protein degraders induce selective degradation of targeted proteins by engaging the ubiquitin proteasome system. ARV-110 is an orally bioavailable PROTAC that specifically degrades AR ≥ 95% and achieves anti-tumor activity in ENZ-naïve and -resistant prostate cancer xenograft models. Methods: To define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of ARV-110, pts with ≥ 2 prior therapies for mCRPC, including ENZ and/or ABI, received ARV-110 orally once daily. Dose escalation is per 3+3 design. Endpoints include dose limiting toxicities (DLTs), adverse events (AEs), pharmacokinetics (PK), biomarkers (e.g., AR mutation analysis), RECIST and PSA response. Results: By January 2020, 18 pts were dosed: 35 mg (N = 3), 70 mg (N = 4), 140 mg (N = 8), 280 mg (N = 3). 12 pts received both ENZ and ABI; 14 received prior chemotherapy. 1 of 18 pts experienced a DLT (280 mg) of Grade (Gr) 4 elevated AST/ALT followed by acute renal failure while taking rosuvastatin (ROS). A 2nd pt had Gr 3 AST/ALT with ROS that resolved off ROS, permitting ARV-110 retreatment. ROS plasma concentrations demonstrated significant increases concurrent with AST/ALT elevations in both pts. Subsequently, ROS was prohibited without further ≥Gr 2 AST/ALT AEs. No other related Gr 3/4 AEs were reported. ARV-110 PK was generally dose proportional and at 140 mg reached levels associated with preclinical anti-tumor activity. 15 pts were evaluable for PSA response (excludes 1 pt stopped after 1 dose for early progression and 2 pts initiated 2 weeks before cutoff, all at 140 mg). Of these, 8 pts initiated dosing at ≥140 mg. 2 pts achieved confirmed PSA declines of >50%, both at 140 mg. Prior therapy in both pts included ENZ and ABI, chemotherapy, bicalutamide and radium-223 plus other regimens. 1 pt had 2 AR mutations known to confer ENZ resistance. The 2nd pt also achieved an unconfirmed RECIST partial response (confirmatory scan pending). Both responses were ongoing at data cutoff (8+ and 21+ weeks of treatment). Conclusions: To date, ARV-110 has an acceptable safety profile. Concurrent ROS is now prohibited. MTD has not yet been established; determination of RP2D continues. ARV-110 demonstrates antitumor activity in mCRPC after ENZ/ABI with 2 ongoing confirmed PSA responses, one of which was associated with tumor reduction. Updated data for this first PROTAC in clinical testing will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT03888612 .
Results from a phase I, open-label study of ceralasertib (AZD6738), a novel DNA damage repair agent, in combination with weekly paclitaxel in refractory cancer (NCT02630199).
Authors: Lee Jeeyun , Tae Kim Seung , Smith Simon , Mortimer Peter G. , Loembé Bienvenu , Hong Jung , Kozarewa Iwanka , Pierce Andrew , Dean Emma
Published: May 2020

3503

Background: Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3 Related (ATR) is an apical kinase with a critical role in the DNA-damage response. During normal DNA replication, ATR is recruited at stalled replication forks which can progress to double strand breaks if left unrepaired. AZD6738 is an oral inhibitor of the serine/threonine protein kinase ATR, a member of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase related kinase (PIKK) family. Methods: Eligible patients (pts) with advanced solid tumours were administered AZD6738 in combination with fixed dose paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 D1, D8, D15 in 28-day cycles. The dose of AZD6738 was escalated to reach a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in a rolling 6 design. The trial evaluated safety, MTD, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). Translational studies on plasma samples included cytokine analysis, panel sequencing of ctDNA, as well as IHC and immunofluorescence of immune cell markers. Results: 58 pts (34 melanoma, 15 gastric cancer (GC), 4 sarcoma, 3 colon cancer, 1 neuroendocrine and 1 hepatocellular cancer) were enrolled in 7 dose cohorts ranging 40mg OD to 240 mg BID. One dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of neutropenic fever occurred in each cohort of n = 6 evaluable pts at AZD6738 160 mg BD and 240 mg BD days 1-14. Per protocol, the maximum tolerated dose of AZD6738 is 240 mg BID days 1-14. The most common toxicities (all causality, all grade) were: anorexia/nausea (n = 15, 26%), leukopenia (n = 11, 19%) and anemia (n = 11, 19%). 51 pts are evaluable for efficacy; we observed 1 complete response (1.9 %, melanoma), 12 confirmed partial responses (23.5%; 2 gastric, 10 melanoma all of which were post-immunotherapy), 18 stable disease (35.3%) and 20 disease progression (39.2%). The overall confirmed response rate from the dose escalation is 25.5%. Genomic analysis of baseline plasma (27 pts) revealed enrichment of NF1 somatic mutations and activating NRAS mutations amongst melanoma pts (6/18 and 4/18, respectively). Cyclical changes in interleukin-12 levels were observed in three pts with disease control which could reflect an immunological component to the mechanism of response. We will present a comprehensive case report of a patient with dramatic and durable response. Conclusions: We conclude that AZD6738 can be safely combined with weekly paclitaxel and propose a recommended phase II dose and schedule. The combination of AZD6738 and paclitaxel demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity with durable responses, especially in melanoma pts after failing anti-PD1 therapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02630199 .
Phase I monotherapy dose escalation of RGX-202, a first-in-class oral inhibitor of the SLC6a8/CKB pathway, in patients with advanced gastrointestinal (GI) solid tumors.
Authors: Bendell Johanna C. , Strauss James Fredric , Fakih Marwan , McRee Autumn Jackson , Hendifar Andrew Eugene , Rosen Lee S. , Cercek Andrea , Rowinsky Eric Keith , Szarek Michael , Gonsalves Foster , Kurth Isabel , Andreu Celia , Busby Robert , Spector Scott , Darst David Martin , Tavazoie Masoud , Raza Syed , Lebaka Narayan , Wasserman Robert , Janjigian Yelena Yuriy
Published: May 2020

3504

Background: About 65% of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients (pts) have creatine kinase B (CKB) expressing tumors. CKB expressing (CKB+) GI cancer cells import creatine via the creatine transporter SLC6a8 and utilize it to generate intracellular ATP. RGX-202, a small molecule inhibitor of SLC6a8, reduces intracellular creatine and ATP levels, leading to apoptosis. RGX-202 treatment triggers complete tumor regressions in multiple CKB+ preclinical models, including KRAS mutant CRC. Methods: RGX-202-001 is a phase I escalation/expansion study of RGX-202 +/- FOLFIRI in pts with advanced GI tumors. The primary safety objective during dose escalation is to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), or the maximum tested dose at which multiple dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) are not observed. The primary efficacy objective is to estimate the antitumor activity of RGX-202 by RECIST. Results: As of January 31, 2020, 17 pts have been treated in 4 single agent dose escalation cohorts: 600 mg BID (3 pts), 1200 mg BID (4 pts), 2400mg BID (5 pts) and 3600mg BID (5pts) given continuously. No DLTs were observed and an MTD was not reached. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurring in > 2 pts are shown in the Table. There were no Grade 4 TRAEs. At the highest dose, 2 of 3 CRC pts had prolonged disease control: a patient with a KRAS G13D mutant cancer had SD for 14 weeks; and a patient with KRAS G12V mutant (MSS) cancer had a confirmed PR ongoing at 30 weeks. Exposure to RGX-202 was greater than dose-proportional and the average AUC0-24 ranged from ~15,700 ng-hr/mL in cohort 1 to 241,097 ng-hr/mL in in Cohort 4. Serum and urine creatine levels, pharmacodynamic markers of SLC6a8 inhibition, correlated with systemic exposure to RGX-202. Conclusions: Among 17 patients treated with single agent therapy, no DLTs occurred; notably, exposures predicted to be sufficient to inhibit human tumor growth from preclinical models were achieved along with concomitant pharmacodynamic effects. These data, along with a durable PR observed in the highest dose cohort, support further development of RGX-202. Consequently, dose escalation in combination with FOLFIRI in patients with advanced GI cancers is underway with plans for expansion in CKB+ CRC pts. Clinical trial information: NCT03597581 . [Table: see text]
Phase I study of rucaparib and irinotecan in advanced solid tumors with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) mutations.
Authors: Dhawan Mallika Sachdev , Rahimi Roshun , Karipineni Silpa , Wilch Lauren , Zigman Erika , Aggarwal Rahul Raj , Grabowsky Jennifer A. , Munster Pamela N.
Published: May 2020

3513

Background: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) are approved for multiple tumor types with HRD mutations. In efforts to prolong durations of response, combination treatments of PARPi and chemotherapy are being explored. However, expected overlapping toxicities have previously limited the tolerability of PARPi-chemotherapy combinations. Preclinical studies suggest that the inhibition of PARP will prevent the repair of topoisomerase induced DNA strand breaks. In this Phase I trial, we test whether pulse dosing and alternate treatment schedules of rucaparib and irinotecan are safe and tolerable. Methods: Rucaparib and irinotecan were dose escalated in a 3+3 design. Patients with advanced solid tumors and somatic or germline known or suspected pathogenic mutations in HRD were accepted on trial. 15 patients have been enrolled in 3 cohorts and treated with rucaparib 400 mg BID (days 1-7) and irinotecan 65 mg/m2 (cohort 1) or 100 mg/m2 (cohort 2) every 2 weeks or 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks (cohort 2i). Results: Tumor types on trial are heterogeneous and include pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC: 3), cholangiocarcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma of the pancreas, ovarian cancer/primary peritoneal carcinoma (3), prostate cancer, small bowel carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, testicular cancer, triple negative breast cancer, and urothelial carcinoma. 14/15 patients had 3+ prior lines of therapy. Mutation types include: 7 ATM, 3 BRCA1, 3 BRCA2, 1 CHEK2, and 1 PALB2. All patients were previously exposed to platinum chemotherapies; 8/15 had progressive disease while on platinum. 5/15 patients had prior PARPi with progression. There were 3 DLT events, all of which were related to grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Of the 13 patients evaluable for response, there was one confirmed partial response (PR). 5 patients have remained on study for longer than 6 months and 3 patients with ATM mutations have remained on study for longer than one year (primary peritoneal cancer, small bowel carcinoma, PNET). 4/5 patients with clinical benefit had prior platinum progression and 1/5 had previously progressed on a PARPi. Our current recommended phase 2 dose is rucaparib 400 mg BID days 1-7 and irinotecan 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Conclusions: The pulse dosing schedule of rucaparib and irinotecan has allowed for long term tolerability and exposure to both agents with encouraging efficacy in patients with ATM mutations. Further testing of PARPi and topoisomerase inhibitors at this schedule in patients with ATM mutations is planned. Clinical trial information: NCT03318445 .
Acquired genomic alterations in circulating tumor DNA from patients receiving abemaciclib alone or in combination with endocrine therapy.
Authors: Goetz Matthew P. , Hamilton Erika Paige , Campone Mario , Hurvitz Sara A. , Cortes Javier , Johnston Stephen R. D. , Jerusalem Guy Heinrich Maria , Graham Hillary , Wang Hong , Litchfield Lacey , Jansen Valerie Malyvanh , Martin Miguel
Published: May 2020

3519

Background: An understanding of the mechanisms of acquired resistance to CDK4 & 6 inhibitors, either alone or with endocrine therapy (ET), is an unmet need. Abemaciclib is a CDK4 & 6 inhibitor approved for treatment of HR+, HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC). Here we evaluated acquired genomic alterations detected in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from patients (pts) treated with abemaciclib + nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor (AI) or placebo + AI in MONARCH 3 or abemaciclib monotherapy in nextMONARCH 1. Methods: MONARCH 3 randomized postmenopausal women with HR+, HER2- ABC with no prior systemic therapy in the advanced setting to abemaciclib (150 mg Q12H) or placebo + AI. nextMONARCH 1 randomized women with HR+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer who had progressed on or after prior ET and CT to abemaciclib (150 mg Q12H) + tamoxifen, abemaciclib (150 mg Q12H), or abemaciclib (200 mg Q12H) + loperamide. Plasma from pts in the abemaciclib or placebo + AI arms (MONARCH 3) or abemaciclib monotherapy arms (nextMONARCH 1) was analyzed by the Guardant360 assay to identify potential tumor-related genomic alterations including point mutations, indels, amplifications, and fusions acquired at EOT in comparison with baseline. Results: For MONARCH 3, commonly acquired alterations at EOT included ESR1 (17%), TP53 (10%), EGFR (8%), FGFR1 (7%), and PDGFRA (7%) in the abemaciclib + AI arm, and ESR1 (31%), TP53 (10%), and BRCA1 (7%) in the placebo + AI arm. Acquired alterations more frequent for abemaciclib + AI pts included RB1 (6%), MYC (5%), and AR (5%), compared to 0% in the placebo + AI arm (p = 0.008 RB1; p = 0.015 MYC or AR). In contrast, acquired ESR1 alterations were less frequent with abemaciclib + AI vs placebo + AI (17% vs 31%, p = 0.038). In nextMONARCH 1, the most commonly acquired alterations with abemaciclib monotherapy were in TP53 (10%), EGFR (9%), RB1 (9%), MYC (9%), and MET (8%). In addition, acquired alterations in ESR1 (6%) and AR (3%) were also found. PIK3CA alterations were not frequently acquired (abemaciclib + AI 1%, placebo + AI 6%, abemaciclib monotherapy 5%). Conclusions: Acquired genomic alterations potentially associated with emerging mechanisms of resistance to abemaciclib alone or in combination with AI may include RB1, MYC, or AR alterations, while the acquisition of ESR1 alterations was less common in pts treated with abemaciclib + AI compared to placebo + AI. These findings are hypothesis-generating and provide insight into mechanisms of resistance to abemaciclib vs ET. Clinical trial information: NCT02246621, NCT02747004 .
Pharmacokinetics, safety, and early activity of a nanoparticle micellar formulation of docetaxel in women with metastatic breast cancer: Results of two randomized trials (phase I and II).
Authors: Joerger Markus , Bjermo Helena , Blom Per , Heldring Nina Anna
Published: May 2020

3526

Background: Docetaxel micellar (DM) is a nano-sized particle formulation of docetaxel in which a retinoic acid derivative is used as solubilizer with a high drug to excipient ratio possibly resulting in reduced systemic toxicity or hypersensitivity reactions due to the excipient. DM is given without standard use of premedication, avoiding steroid-associated immunosuppression. Here we present the pharmacokinetics (PK) after a single dose of DM or polysorbate-solubilized docetaxel (D) as well as safety and early activity including overall response rate (ORR) in female patients with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: The PK study was a two-cycle, cross-over study where 30 patients were included and randomized to either DM followed by D or D followed by DM, both given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion at a dose of 100mg/m2. The phase II study was a prospective, multicenter, open-label, third-party blinded, randomized, parallel group, active-controlled study including 200 patients to compare the early activity and safety of DM and D, both given as 100 mg/m2 1-hour intravenous infusion every 21 days (1 cycle) for a total of 6 cycles. Results: Bioequivalence of total docetaxel in plasma, AUC0-last and Cmax, was demonstrated for DM compared to D. The incidence of adverse events was higher in the D arm than in the DM arm for the majority of SOCs and PTs in the phase II study. Overall, Grade 3 or 4 AEs were reported for 82.7% of patients from DM arm and 99.0% of patients from D arm. Twelve (12.2%) patients in the DM arm and 24 (24.0%) patients in the D arm needed at least one dose reduction due to AEs. The primary efficacy endpoint in the phase II study was based on the assessment according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Soldid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and non-inferiority was not reached based on the pre-defined non-inferiority margin. A post-hoc analysis investigating the ORR based on tumour assessment at the end of chemotherapy, and non-inferiority of DM as compared to D was shown (ITT population). Conclusions: DM is bioequivalent to D regarding total drug in plasma and provides a docetaxel formulation that spares patients steroid premedication. An improved safety profile for DM compared to D was shown while additional efficacy data is needed for future development of DM. Eudra CT: 2012-005161-12 and 2013-004889-33. Clinical trial information: 2012-005161-12 and 2013-004889-33 .
Exosomal circular RNAs derived from serum: Promising biomarkers for therapeutic targets and prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Authors: Yang Sujin , Tang Jinhai
Published: May 2020

3528

Background: Exosomes are well known by the "exosomal shuttle" that delivers oncogenic microRNAs (miRNAs), mRNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) and proteins to the recipient cells and tumor microenvironment, and may be used as promising biomarkers for disease diagnosis. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis to use stable exosomal circRNAs as new biomarkers for predicting the development, metastasis and therapeutic targets of TNBC. Methods: A strategy combining RNA-sequencing technique, bioinformatic analysis and RT-qPCR was used to determine the level of differential expressed circRNAs in serum exosomes samples (n = 43) from TNBC patients compared with non-TNBC patients. The expression of circHSDL2 were also detected in tumor tissues (n = 20) from TNBC patients and breast cancer cell lines by qRT-PCR. Cell cycle analysis, the wound healing assays and transwell assays were used to investigate the function of circHSDL2 in proliferation, invasion and metastasis of TNBC cells. FISH, dual-luciferase reporter and functional assays were performed to confirm the interaction between circHSDL2 and let-7a-2-3p in TNBC cells. Results: We profiled the circRNAs in the serum exosomes samples from TNBC patients and non-TNBC patients by RNA sequencing and detected 803 significantly differentially-expressed circRNAs. After bioinformatic analysis, circHSDL2 was chose to further study. RT-qPCR results showed that higher expression of circHSDL2 in TNBC cell lines and tumor tissues from TNBC patients. Moreover, overexpression of circHSDL2 promoted TNBC cells proliferation and invasion, while knockdown of circHSDL2 inhibited TNBC cells proliferation and invasion. Mechanistically, circHSDL2 acted as a "miRNAs sponge" to absorb let-7a-2-3p; let-7a-2-3p inhibited TNBC cell invasion and metastasis. Kaplan-Meier plots showed lower expression of let-7a-2-3p was connected to poor prognosis in TNBC metastasis patients from TCGA database. Conclusions: The expression of circHSDL2 was found significantly upregulated in serum exosomes and tumor tissues from TNBC patients. Moreover, circHSDL2 could promote cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in TNBC cells. CircHSDL2 might be function as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) by targeting let-7a-2-3p in the progression of TNBC. Therefore, this study provides a fresh perspective on novel therapeutic targets and potential biomarkers for TNBC from exosomal circRNAs.
Subcellular partitioning of Kaiso (ZBTB33) as a biomarker to predict overall breast cancer survival.
Authors: Singhal Sandeep K , Sens Donald , Sens Mary Ann , Byun Jung , Yancey Ryan , Caban Ambar , Boisvert Heike , Hennek Stephanie , Bobrow Mark , Ahmed Shakir , White Jason , Aukerman Andrew , Yates Clayton , Vanguri Rami , Bareja Rohan , Lenci Romina , Siervi Adriana De , Napoles Anna , Vohra Nasreen A. , Gardner Kevin
Published: May 2020

3534

Background: The epigenetic transcriptional regulator, Kaiso (ZBTB33) has been identified as a member of the C2H2 zinc finger proteins containing a BTB/POZ -zinc finger family of transcription factors that are implicated in development of cancer. Although, our understanding of clinical relevance of subcellular distribution (cytoplasmic/nuclear) Kaiso in the growth and survival of human Breast cancer (BC) is limited. Methods: We examined a cohort of 555 BC patients who underwent surgery for their primary BC in Greenville, NC using AI and SM approach. Results: The sub-classification BC shows, cytoplasmic Kaiso is differentially enriched in ER- BC (p=0.001) compared nuclear Kaiso (p=0.8) and is significantly enriched in the more aggressive classes LumB (p=0.0017), HER2+ (p=0.05) and TNBC (p=6.1e-07) with respect to LumA BC patients. Additionally, the survival analysis of different compartments of Kaiso demonstrates that high cytoplasmic Kaiso (HR = 16.29 (7.6 – 34.8), p = 5.5e−13) is much more predictive of poor survival compared to nuclear Kaiso (HR = 2.83 (2.02 – 3.8), p = 6.1e−11). At gene expression level, ZBTB33 mRNA levels do not correlate with either nuclear (Spearman correlation: -0.03157, p= 0.7267) or cytoplasmic levels (Spearman correlation: -0.03526, p= 0.6962) of Kaiso. Surprisingly, ZBTB33 mRNA abundance is predictive of poor overall BC survival as demonstrated in two independent publicly available BC cohorts Metabric (HR = 2.14 (1.49 − 3.08), p = 2.7e−05) and Gyorffy B et al. (HR = 1.81 (1.55 − 2.12), p = 2.5e−14). Nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of Kaiso do not show significant differences based on race p=0.27 and p=0.1 respectively. Conclusions: Our data suggest subcellular distribution of high Kaiso is associated with poor prognosis of BC survival and subcellular localizations of Kaiso may play differential biological roles in BC prognosis.
A pan-cancer analysis of ARID1A as a potential biomarker for immune checkpoint therapy.
Authors: Yang Dongyong , Xu Yuan , Huang Linlin , Guo Zhifeng , Fan Jimin , Chen Tingting , Xie Wenzhuan , Huang Mengli
Published: May 2020

3540

Background: AT-rich interactive domain 1A (ARID1A), encoding a subunit of the BAF (SWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complex, is correlated with the origination and progress of tumor. Previous research on ARID1A gene revealed that ARID1A deficiency was associated with mismatch repair (MMR) and higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) level in cancer, which might cooperate with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Methods: Next generation sequencing (NGS) data of 10336 pan-cancer patients were obtained from the MSK-IMPACT Clinical Sequencing cohort (MSKCC). NGS data of 15849 pan-cancer patients from Chinese clinical dataset were analyzed to explore the association between ARID1A gene mutation and TMB. TMB was defined as total number of somatic non-synonymous mutations in coding region. 853 advanced NSCLC patients from two independent cohorts (OAK study cohort and POPLAR study cohort) were used to analyze the correlation between ARID1A alteration and the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapies (ICIs). Results: In total, 8.62% (891/10336) of pan-cancer patients in MSKCC harbored ARID1A mutation and 8.47% (3188/37628) in Chinese cohort. In MSKCC cohort, the highest ARID1A mutation frequency tumor type was endometrial cancer (31.64%, 69/218), bladder cancer (26.95%, 114/423) and hepatobiliary cancer (17.18%, 61/355) come in second and third, respectively. While in Chinese cohort, the top three ARID1A mutation frequency tumor types were endometrial cancer (39.29%, 88/224), gastric carcinoma (17.80%, 318/1787) and urothelial carcinoma (17.18%, 83/483), respectively. ARID1A gene mutation was also associated with higher TMB in the Chinese pan-cancer cohort (P < 0.0001). The highest medium TMB level of ARID1A mutation tumor type was Urothelial carcinoma with 18.63 Muts/Mb (n = 65). In addition, the TMB level and prognositic analysis were performed on patients in two independent NSCLC cohorts with ICIs, TMB level of ARID1A mutant group was higher than wild-type group with significant difference (P < 0.0001). The overall survival (OS) of ARID1A mutation group were significantly shorter than wild-type group (OS, median, 6.80 vs 10.28 months; HR, 1.47; P = 0.0474), and a decreasing trend on progression-free survival (PFS) without significant difference (median, 1.46 vs 2.99 months; HR, 1.27; P = 0.1584). Conclusions: The results indicated that ARID1A gene mutation was associated with a higher TMB level in Chinese pan-cancer patients, and patients harboring these genes mutations might easily benefit from ICIs.
First in-human study of in vivo imaging of ex vivo labeled CAR T cells with dual PET-MR.
Authors: Singla Ritu , Wall Dominic M , Anderson Samuel , Zia Nicholas , Korte James C , Kravets Lucy , McKiernan Gerard , Butler Jeanne , Gammilonghi Amanda , Arora Jyoti , Solomon Ben J , Hicks Rodney J. , Cain Timothy , Darcy Phillip K. , Cullinane Carleen , Neeson Paul J. , Ramanathan Rajesh , Shukla Ravi , Bansal Vipul , Harrison Simon J.
Published: May 2020

3557

Background: This is a first in human in-vivo biodistribution of ex-vivo labelled CAR T cells assessed in a cohort of patients. Cells were labelled with novel Cu-64 labelled superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) and infused IV into patients with solid tumors & tracked using clinical dual PET-MR. The study validates the clinical translation of CAR T cell in-vivo tracking in real time. Methods: Cu-64 radioisotope was bound to silica coated SPION using electrolysis plating with tin & palladium seeding. Cellular uptake of Cu-64 SPION was facilitated with a transfecting agent. Functional assays including 51Chromium release, cytometric bead array demonstrated that labelling process did not affect cytotoxicity & cytokine secretion (TNFα & IFN-g). T cells were transduced with retroviral vector constructs encoding for second-generation chimeric T-cell receptor specific for carbohydrate Lewis Y antigen. Modified T-cells were expanded ex-vivo & were labelled with Cu-64 (~300 MBq) prior to re-infusion (3 x108 labelled cells). Scanning is performed with Siemens 3T dual PET-MR scanner. Results: In this first in human in-vivo study (HREC/16/PMCC/30) a cohort of patients received ex-vivo labelled CAR T cells to determine how many labelled cells distribute to solid tumor sites within 3-5 days. Our results demonstrate that cells can be efficiently labelled (≤60%) with high cell viability (≥85%) at a sensitivity sufficient to detect labelled cells at tumor site for up to 5 days. An observed trend in SUVmean & SUVmax provided insight into efficacy & individual response to therapy. Early time points showed moderate uptake of labelled cells in lungs posterior basal segments without increased activity over next few days, suggesting a transient process. Mild, diffuse bone marrow & relatively intense uptake of labelled cells in liver & spleen suggests margination of cells to reticulo-endothelial system. Distinct PET signal at some of the tumor sites at 24 h suggests antigen specific localization & time taken to reach these sites. Excretion via hepatobiliary indicated reabsorption from GI tract & re-circulation of labelled cells. Minimal uptake in brain & heart supported safety profile of labeling agent. Conclusions: This is first in human in-vivo study to provide highly valuable visual and dynamic data in real time and provides insight into individual responses to therapy. CAR T cell functionality largely remain unchanged due to labeling process. The findings indicate that labelled cells traffic to tumor sites at later time points & remain persistent for extended period of time.
Exomes and transcriptomes to reveal actionable findings in patients with negative-targeted panel sequencing.
Authors: Zhao Eric Y. , Torchia Jonathon , Fortuna Alexander , Torti Dax , Yu Celeste , Shah Elizabeth , McCarthy Aoife , Stockley Tracy , Sabatini Peter , Bartlett John , Siu Lillian L. , Bedard Philippe L. , Pugh Trevor John
Published: May 2020

3562

Background: Next generation sequencing targeted panels increasingly inform clinical decisions, but may miss actionable findings detectable by whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA-seq. There has been no direct comparison of WES plus RNA-seq against targeted panel sequencing to determine its added utility. To address this, we performed WES and RNA-seq analysis in a cohort of 100 patients with no actionable findings on prior panel sequencing. Methods: Ontario-wide Cancer Targeted Nucleic Acid Evaluation (OCTANE; NCT02906943) has sequenced 2,106 patients using a 161-gene Oncomine or 555-gene Hi5 panel. 100 patients (98 Hi5, 2 Oncomine) were chosen for further sequencing. Tumor (100x coverage) and normal (50x) exomes and tumor transcriptomes were sequenced on Illumina HiSeq2500 or NextSeq550. Interpretation included knowledgebase annotation (e.g. OncoKB, CIViC), mutation signatures, homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) scores, gene expression, and pathway analysis. Findings were deemed “actionable” if they could directly inform management or trial eligibility. Results: WES and RNA-seq identified one or more novel actionable findings in 38 patients. Of these, the main actionable finding was tumor mutation burden (TMB), mutation signature, or HRD score in 19 (50%), a copy number variant in 16 (42%), a fusion in 2 (5%), and a point mutation in 1 (2.6%). WES identified a MALAT1-GLI1 fusion in a cancer of unknown primary (CUP) whose transcriptome was consistent with gastric cancer, together suggesting the diagnosis of a rare gastroblastoma. To date, two cases have received exome-supported targeted therapy: (1) a metastatic high grade serous ovarian cancer, HRD-high, treated with olaparib then cisplatin for a combined 15 months, and (2) a metastatic neuroendocrine rectal tumor with RICTOR amplification treated with everolimus starting in Dec 2016 until last follow-up in Sep 2019. Of 62 patients with no actionable finding, expanded sequencing identified one or more known cancer drivers in 25 (40%): 17 CNVs, 3 fusions, and 5 point mutations or indels. In 16 patients, an oncogenic variant found on panel was not captured by WES, and may represent artifacts, germline mutations, or subclonal/localized variants. Conclusions: WES and RNA-seq expanded detection of actionable biomarkers and oncogenic mutations, especially CNV, TMB/signatures, and HRD. Two cases have undergone exome-supported targeted treatment. We performed the first WES of a rare gastroblastoma, originally a CUP but reclassified by expanded fusion detection and RNA-seq.
Adding precision to 2018 ASCO/CAP HER2 testing guidelines in breast cancer with genomic profiling.
Authors: Brufsky Adam , Crozier Jennifer A. , Chuba Paul J. , Lee Sung Ho , Menicucci Andrea , Kling Heather M. , Yoder Erin , Audeh William ,   FLEX Investigators' Group
Published: May 2020

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Background: Biological heterogeneity of HER2 positive breast cancers has been suggested by a modest benefit of HER2-targeted therapies reported in the APHINITY and ExteNET trials. This highlights the need for improved biomarkers that more precisely identify patients who benefit from HER2-directed agents. The 80-gene molecular subtyping signature (80GS) classifies breast tumors into Luminal, HER2 or Basal type based on the gene expression of downstream signaling pathways. Previous work showed a substantial proportion of tumors identified as HER2 equivocal or HER2 positive by 2013 ASCO/CAP guidelines may be reclassified as non-HER2 type by 80GS. In 2018, ASCO/CAP HER2 IHC/ISH classification guidelines were revised to reduce the frequency of HER2 equivocal cases, for which treatment recommendations have been ambiguous. Here we evaluated concordance between HER2 status by 2018 ASCO/CAP guideline classification and 80GS molecular subtyping. Methods: Pathology reports are provided by physicians for samples that are tested with the 70-gene risk of distant recurrence signature (70GS) and 80GS as part of routine diagnostic care. This analysis includes data sent to Agendia (Irvine, CA) from January 2019 to January 2020. HER2 IHC/ISH results based on ASCO/CAP 2018 guidelines were available for 1453 samples. Results: Of 1453 samples, 1336 (92%) were HER2 negative, 99 (7%) were HER2 positive, and 18 (1.2%) were HER2 equivocal under 2018 guidelines. 80GS reclassified 57 of 99 (58%) HER2 positive tumors as Luminal and 11 of 99 (11%) as Basal; the remaining 31% were confirmed HER2. Furthermore, 55 of 99 (55%) HER2 positive tumors were also ER and PR positive by IHC, with 48 (87%) of these reclassified as Luminal type. Of HER2 negative tumors, 80GS classified 94 of 1336 (7%) as Basal and 2 of 1336 (0.15%) as HER2. Of HER2 equivocal tumors, 16 of 18 (89%) reclassified as Luminal and 2 of 18 (11%) as Basal. Conclusions: In this real-world diagnostic dataset, 2018 ASCO/CAP guidelines resulted in few HER2 equivocal tumors overall, confirming the positive impact of the revised guidelines. However, 80GS reclassified 69% of HER2 positive tumors to non-HER2 molecular subtypes, suggesting these tumors may have suboptimal responses to HER2-directed therapy compared to HER2 enriched. All HER2 equivocal tumors reclassified to non-HER2 subtypes. Molecular classification by 80GS adds further precision in classifying HER2 positive patients and potential to predict responsiveness to HER2-targeted therapies. Further studies are warranted to validate the utility of HER2 status based on 80GS.
89Zr-durvalumab PD-L1 PET in recurrent or metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
Authors: Verhoeff Sarah , van de Donk Pim P , Aarntzen Erik H.J.G. , Miedema Iris Harriëtte Cornelia , Oosting Sjoukje , Voortman Jens , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Slingerland Marije , Heskamp Sandra , Van Herpen Carla M.L.-
Published: May 2020

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Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) targeting programmed cell death protein-1/ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) have shown activity in R/M squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Positron-emission-tomography (PET) with 89Zr-labeled anti-PD-L1 antibodies could aid in predicting response to ICI. We present the dose-finding results of the first-in-human 89Zr-durvalumab PD-L1 PET-imaging in patients with SCCHN participating in the ongoing phase II PINCH study (NCT03829007). Methods: Following baseline [18F]FDG-PET and CT/MRI imaging, patients with incurable R/M SCCHN received 37 MBq 89Zr-durvalumab and protein dose 2mg, 10mg or 50mg durvalumab. 89Zr-durvalumab PD-L1 PET-scan was acquired day 5 post-injection. Plasma pharmacokinetic analyses were performed at day 0 and 5. Standardized uptake values (SUV, mean ± SD) were measured in [18F]FDG-positive tumor lesion, liver, spleen, bone marrow and bloodpool. PD-L1-expression was assessed on archival tumor tissue using the Ventana PD-L1 (SP263) assay. Results: 14 patients were enrolled and no adverse events were reported. High tracer-retention was observed in liver and spleen, most prominent in patients receiving 2 or 10mg durvalumab. 89Zr-durvalumab accumulation within tumors and between patients was heterogeneous and not all [18F]FDG-positive lesions showed 89Zr-durvalumab uptake. Tumor lesions were visualized best using 10 or 50mg durvalumab (SUVpeak 2mg: 3.86 ± 0.79, 10mg: 7.46 ± 2.18, 50mg: 5.57 ± 1.74). Tumor-to-blood-ratios for 10mg durvalumab were highest (2mg: 2.27 ± 0.33, 10mg: 3.44 ± 0.76, 50mg: 1.73 ± 0.99; p = 0.019). PK-analyses confirmed visual prolonged tracer-retention in bloodpool with increasing protein dose. PD-L1-expression was equally distributed amongst dose-groups. Conclusions: This is the first study to show feasibility of 89Zr-durvalumab PD-L1 PET in SCCHN patients, demonstrating the highest tumor-to-blood radio with a total dose of 10mg durvalumab. So far, no correlation of tumor PD-L1 expression with 89Zr-durvalumab-uptake and PD-L1 expression on archival tissue was found. Next step will be to correlate 89Zr-durvalumab PD-L1 PET tumor uptake with durvalumab treatment response in the phase 2 part of the PINCH study. Clinical trial information: NCT03829007 .
Hyperprogression in cancer patients on immunotherapeutic agents.
Authors: Dey Sumi , Munavar Ali Midhhath Afza , Gunchick Valerie , Bugbee Joshua , Sahai Vaibhav
Published: May 2020

3575

Background: Patients (pts) treated with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) may uncommonly experience accelerated progression in their tumor burden when compared to their rate of progression prior to receiving CPI. This hyperprogression has been varyingly defined and no biomarker has yet been identified. Methods: We reviewed the database from the Tumor Response Assessment Core (TRAC) at University of Michigan to identify these patients. Hyperprogression was defined as increase in tumor burden per specific immune RECIST criteria by at least 40% from baseline on the first follow-up scan with a minimum increase of 10 mm, and at least 2 times rate of growth than observed prior to start of CPI therapy. Results: Out of 741 pts who underwent baseline and 1st follow-up assessment enrolled on 118 trials, 302 (34.4%) pts received immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy/targeted agents across 49 trials. Of them, 15 pts (5%) with 5 females (33%) and median age of 63 years (range, 44 -72) met criteria for hyperprogression. The primary cancers included lung (5), colorectal (2), renal (2), biliary (1), pancreatic (1), esophageal (1), bladder (1), small bowel (1), and melanoma (1). The median time to hyperprogression was 67 (range 42-110) days, and the mean survival was 7.9 months from trial enrollment. We did not identify any clinical factor or specific CPI therapy that associated with hyperprogression. Exploratory biomarker analysis of genomic (gene panel assay) and immune subsets of tissue microenvironment (multiplex staining) is underway. Conclusions: This is the largest cohort investigated for hyperprogression across multiple cancers in literature. The rate of hyperprogression observed is less than previously reported in literature, and physicians need to be aware of this possibility while administering CPI to their patients.
Preclinical evaluation of XPO1 inhibition in Wilms tumors.
Authors: Ortiz Michael Vincent , Siddiquee Armaan , You Daoqi , Mundi Prabhjot Singh , Marks Lianna , Guillan Kristina , Diolaiti Daniel , Aburi Mahalaxmi , Califano Andrea , Dela Cruz Filemon S. , Kung Andrew
Published: May 2020

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Background: XPO1 is a nuclear export protein that selectively transports tumor and growth regulatory proteins out of the nucleus, thereby effectively inhibiting their function. We previously utilized the Virtual Inference of Protein-activity by Enriched Regulon analysis (VIPER) algorithm to discover that malignant rhabdoid tumors were dependent upon XPO1 inhibition and then evaluated a preclinical cohort using selinexor (KPT-330), the first-in-class selective inhibitor of nuclear export, to demonstrate that XPO1 inhibition was sufficient to cause cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and disease control in multiple cell line and patient derived xenograft (PDXs) models. Our subsequent analysis revealed that the most common childhood kidney tumor, Wilms tumor, has even high higher inferred activity of XPO1 than rhabdoid tumors leading to our hypothesis that XPO1 inhibition is an effective therapeutic strategy to treat Wilms tumors. Methods: A panel of 9 Wilms tumor cell lines and 3 Wilms tumor PDXs were genomically characterized and tested to evaluate the pre-clinical efficacy of XPO1 inhibition in Wilms tumors. Results: Proliferation rate, increased XPO1 protein expression, and loss of function mutations in TP53 correlated with in vitro Wilms tumor cell line sensitivity to selinexor. Evaluation of co-segregation of all single nucleotide variant changes using with inferred activity of XPO1 on VIPER in all TGCA tumors demonstrates a strong association with TP53 alterations. XPO1 inhibition was effective in all Wilms tumor models tested, most significantly in MSKREN-57196, a favorable histology Wilms tumor PDX with somatic 1q gain as well as WTX and MYCN mutations, as well as in MSKREN-31827, a diffusely anaplastic TP53 mutant Wilms tumor PDX. Eltanexor (KPT-8602) is an XPO1 inhibitor with decreased CNS penetration and an improved toxicity profile; this drug was tested in these in vivo models and found to be at least as effective as selinexor. Conclusions: Somatic 1q gain in favorable histology Wilms tumors and TP53 mutations in diffusely anaplastic Wilms tumors have a particularly poor prognosis in the relapsed setting. Our study demonstrates that XPO1 inhibition may provide a rational therapeutic option to treat such high-risk Wilms tumors. Future clinical trials evaluating XPO1 inhibitors should evaluate its efficacy in children with relapsed Wilms tumors.
A phase Ib study of oral Chk1 inhibitor LY2880070 in combination with gemcitabine in patients with advanced or metastatic cancer.
Authors: Chu Quincy S. , Jonker Derek J. , Provencher Diane M. , Miller Wilson H. , Bouganim Nathaniel , Shields Anthony Frank , Shapiro Geoffrey , Sawyer Michael B. , Lheureux Stephanie , Samouelian Vanessa , Gotlieb Walter H. , Esfahani Khashayar , Zaknoen Sara L. , Smith Patricia S , Owen Joel , Fortier Caroline , Stille John R. , Vincett Darcy , Oza Amit M.
Published: May 2020

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Background: LY2880070 (LY) is an oral, selective competitive inhibitor of checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1). Chk1 inhibitors are known to increase the anti-tumor efficacy of agents such as gemcitabine (GEM), which induce replication stress. Synergy between these two agents has been applied to the clinical setting. Methods: This two-part, open-label multi-center study explores the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and anti-tumor activity of LY in patients with advanced or metastatic cancers. The primary objective of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for multiple escalating oral doses of LY in combination with GEM. Secondary objectives were to: 1) Characterize the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and overall safety profile for LY; 2) Evaluate the PK of LY; and 3) Evaluate the anti-tumor activity of LY. Patients received LY in a variety of different dose regimens, in combination with GEM (50 to 800 mg/m2) on days 1, 8, and 15 (optional) of a 21-day cycle. Results: The combination of LY with GEM required lower doses of both LY (vs 200 mg BID monotherapy RP2D dose) and GEM (vs approved doses). The dose levels explored ranged from LY:GEM of 10 mg QD:800 mg/m2 to 50 mg BID:100 mg/m2. BID dosing of LY was implemented in order to maximize the total daily dose and avoid the adverse events that appeared to correlate with Cmax. Treatment-emergent adverse events in > 40% of patients included vomiting, nausea, and fatigue. DLTs included reduced platelet count (Gr2), fatigue (Gr3), diarrhea (Gr3), and thrombocytopenia (x2, Gr2). The t1/2 of LY was ~ 5 h, and was not significantly affected by combination with GEM. Two patients had a best overall response of SD for a duration of ≥ 6 cycles, and a confirmed PR was observed in an ovarian cancer patient who had failed multiple regimens. Conclusions: LY was tolerated in combination with lower dose GEM. The toxicity profile can be modulated by changing the dosing frequency from QD to BID while administering the same daily dose. LY may be good candidate for combination therapy with DNA damaging agents. Clinical trial information: NCT02632448 .