bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective validation of a serum miRNA panel for early detection of gastric cancer.
Authors: Zhou Lihan , So Jimmy , Kapoor Ritika , Zhu Feng , Zou Ruiyang , Koh Calvin J , Rha Sun Young , Chung Hyun Cheol , Yoong Joanne , Yap Celestial T , Rao Jaideepraj , Chia Chung-King , Tsao Stephen , Shabbir Asim , Lam Kong-Peng , Hartman Mikael , Yong Wei Peng , Too Heng-Phon , Yeoh Khay Guan
Published: May 2019

4065

Background: High mortality from gastric cancer is related to the late manifestation of its symptoms. A blood-based non-invasive biomarker with the ability to detect all stages of gastric cancer could significantly improve patient outcomes. We aimed to develop a novel serum miRNA assay for diagnosis of gastric cancer. Methods: We conducted a multi-center study involving 892 gastric cancer and control subjects from Singapore and Korea to develop a multi-target miRNA assay. Using RT-qPCR, we quantified the expressions of 578 serum miRNAs and constructed a 12-miR biomarker panel through multi-variant data analysis. The results were generated with the use of a logistic-regression algorithm, with the value of 40 or more considered to be positive. We subsequently validated this multi-miR assay in a large prospective cohort involving 4566 subjects and compared its performance with traditional markers such as H.Pylori and Pepsinogen. All participants underwent gastroscopy independent of the assay results. Results: Of the 4566 subjects that underwent gastroscopy and histopathological examination in the prospective cohort, 125 were diagnosed with gastric cancer. The 12-miR assay achieved an Area-Under-Curve (AUC) of 0.84, significantly outperforming (p-value < 0.01) that of H.Pylori (AUC of 0.64) and Pepsinogen (AUC of 0.62). The sensitivity of the miRNA assay in detecting early (stage 0-2) and late (stage 3-4) stage gastric cancer was 82.6% (95% CI, 68.6% to 92.2%) and 88.4% (95% CI, 78.4% to 94.9%) respectively at a specificity of 70.0% (95% CI, 67.8% to 71.9%). In comparison, H.Pylori showed a sensitivity of 80.4% at a specificity of 44.3% whereas the Pepsinogen showed sensitivity of 9.52% at a specificity of 95.3%. Using the miRNA assay as a pre-screening tool could potentially reduce number of endoscopy needed by 62% in detecting one case of gastric cancer. Conclusions: Our serum miRNA panel is a useful, non-invasive screening test for gastric cancer. It is cost-effective as it can reduce unnecessary diagnostic endoscopy.
Neoadjuvant epirubicyn, oxaliplatin, capecitabine and radiation therapy (NEOX-RT) followed by surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC): A phase II multicentric study.
Authors: De Paoli Antonino , Navarria Federico , Torrisi Elena , Polesel Jerry , Fort Eleonora , Foltran Luisa , Palazzari Elisa , Innocente Roberto , Cannizzaro Renato , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Tonin Dino , Ubiali Paolo , Lonardi Sara , Bergamo Francesca , Galuppo Sara , Bellucco Claudio , Merigliano Stefano , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Bertola Giulio , Buonadonna Angela
Published: May 2019

4066

Background: This study evaluates the feasibility, safety and efficacy of a trimodality treatment, with surgery postponed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT), in LAGC. Methods: Patients (pts) with cT3-4 and/or N+ LAGC were eligible. Staging included endoscopic ultrasound, PET-CT and laparoscopy. Three cycles of EOX (Epirubicyn 50mg/m2,q21 days, Oxaliplatin 130mg/m2,q21 days, and Capecitabine 625mg/m2 bid, by continuous oral administration (c.a.), followed by IMRT with 45Gy/25 frs, concurrent Capecitabine 625mg/m2 bid c.a. and weekly Oxaliplatin 30mg/m2 for 5 wks, was planned. Early PET-CT was performed after the 2nd EOX cycle to assess response or disease progression. Restaging was repeated after CT and CRT. Surgery was planned 4-6 wks after CRT, 22 wks from the start of NEOX-RT. Pathologic complete response (pCR) was the primary endpoint. Results: From November 2008 to March 2016, 51 pts (5 G-E Junction, 17 Cardia, 15 Corpus, 14 Antrum) entered the study. The NEOX-RT program was completed in 46 pts (90%) who proceeded to surgery and are assessable. Grade 3-4 toxicity (NCI-CTC criteria v.3) occurred in 13/51 pts (25%) during EOX, including 1 toxic death, and 9.5% CT cycles required dose modification, resulting in a CT compliance of 90%. No pts had progression during CT. Persistent G2-G3 toxicity occurred in 32/46 pts (69%) during CRT. However, 41/46 pts (89%) received the planned 45Gy with Capecitabine at dose ≥75% and 4-5 cycles of weekly Oxaliplatin in 52% pts. Curative resection (R0) rate was 89%; 4 pts (8.7%) had peritoneal carcinomatosis at surgery done after a median of 23 wks. pCR was reported in 9/46 pts (19.6%). Major postop complications occurred in 5 pts (11%). At median f-up of 62 mos (23-109), 5-yr OS and DFS in all and pCR pts were 58%, 100% and 51%, 75%, respectively. Conclusions: This trimodality program was feasible and safe. Most pts completed the planned treatment. The pCR rate of 19.6% was remarkable and met the hypothesis of pCR = 20%. A high R0 rate was also reported and delayed surgery didn’t increase complications. The notable survival rates are available to be compared with ongoing phase III trials. Clinical trial information: 2008-002715-40.
A landscape of circulating tumor DNA in esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Authors: Mody Kabir , Manochakian Rami , Ahn Daniel H. , Roberts Ali , Nagy Rebecca , Lanman Richard B. , Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza
Published: May 2019

4070

Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is a lethal malignancy with limited treatment options. Genomic analyses have led to the elucidation of numerous dysregulated genes in esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the potential for advancement of targeted therapies in this disease. Data regarding circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) plasma analysis in EC in real-world clinical practice is limited. Methods: We performed ctDNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis in patients (pts) with EC (January 2015- February 2018). ctDNA analysis was performed using Guardant 360 (Guardant Health, CA) which detects single nucleotide variants and insertion/deletion mutations, and specific amplifications and fusions, in up to 73 different genes. The mutant allele fraction (MAF) for detected alterations was calculated relative to wild type in ctDNA. Therapeutic relevance was defined as alterations within OncoKB levels 1-3B and R1. Results: Among 450 pts, 487 total samples were analyzed (77% AC, 31% SCC). ctDNA NGS revealed at least one genomic alteration (excluding variants of uncertain significance and synonymous mutations) in 81% of pts (90% AC, 88% SCC). Median number of alterations per AC patient was 4 [range, 1-59] and a median MAF of 0.84% (range, 0.02% - 83.7%); SCC was 5 [range, 1-26], with a median MAF of 0.99% (range, 0.01% - 85.2%). The total number of unique alterations was 1,162. The most commonly altered genes in AC: TP53 (70%), KRAS (20%), ERBB2 (18%), EGFR (16%), PIK3CA (16%); in SCC: TP53 (88%), PIK3CA (24%), CCND1 (23%), KRAS (21%), EGFR 15%). Therapeutically relevant alterations will be described. Conclusions: ctDNA plasma profiling of pts with EC is a feasible alternative and non-invasive method to gather comprehensive genomic data. Further large comparison studies to assess landscape of genomic alterations observed through ctDNA versus tissue-based assays, in addition to studies of targeted therapy outcomes based on ctDNA-detected alterations, are needed.
Efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in patients with PD-L1 positive advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC): A prospective cohort study.
Authors: Kang Junho , Yoo Changhoon , Jeong Jae Ho , Kang Boyeong , Hong YunJin , Kim Kyu-Pyo , Ryoo Baek-Yeol
Published: May 2019

4082

Background: For patients with advanced BTC, standard chemotherapy has limited benefit and no molecular targeted agents have been approved. Pembrolizumab is an anti PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor which has shown modest activity for advanced BTC patients in prior single-arm phase I/II studies. Considering the heterogeneity of BTC, more data are needed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of pembrolizumab in unresectable or metastatic BTC. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 39 patients with PD-L1 positive BTC who received pembrolizumab in Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea were included (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03695952). PD-L1 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry and PD-L1 positive tumors were defined as the expression of PD-L1 in ≥ 1% of tumor cells. Pembrolizumab was given at a fixed dose of 200 mg intravenously, every 3 weeks. Results: The median age was 61 years old (range, 41-76) and 22 (56.4%) patients were male. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) was the most common type (n = 18, 46.2%), followed by gallbladder cancer (n = 12, 30.8%) and extrahepatic CCA (n = 9, 23.1%). Most of the patients had distant metastasis (n = 37, 94.9%). Pembrolizumab was administered as 2nd-, 3rd- and 4th or greater line chemotherapy in 18 (46.2%), 16 (41.0%) and 5 (12.8%) patients, respectively, and median 2 cycles (range 1-10) of pembrolizumab were given. In 36 patients whose response was assessable, partial response (PR) and stable disease were achieved in 4 (11.1%) and 13 (36.1%), respectively. In 19 (52.8%) patients, progressive disease was the best response. In patients with PR, the median time to response was 2.1 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.4 – 3.9). With a median follow-up duration of 4.4 months (95% CI, 2.4 – 6.4), median progression-free survival and overall survival was 1.5 months (95% CI, 0.4 – 2.6) and 4.3 months (95% CI, 2.6 – 6.1), respectively. No grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were reported and grade 1/2 fatigue (n = 4, 10.3%) was the most common AE. Conclusions: In PD-L1 positive BTC, pembrolizumab showed modest efficacy with 11.1% of response rates although our patients were heavily pretreated. Considering the limited therapeutic options and poor survival for these patients, further evaluation of immunotherapy including biomarker analysis is needed.
Efficacy and safety of FOLFIRINOX in advanced biliary tract cancer after failure of gemcitabine plus cisplatin: A phase II trial.
Authors: Belkouz Ali , Vos-Geelen Judith de , Eskens Ferry , Mathot Ron A.A. , van Gulik Thomas , van Oijen Martijn G.H. , Punt Cornelis J. A. , Wilmink Johanna , Kluempen Heinz-Josef
Published: May 2019

4086

Background: Currently there is no established standard treatment after failure of gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GemCis) for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). Based on the efficacy of FOLFIRINOX in advanced pancreatic cancer, which has histological and prognostic similarities with BTC, a Phase 2 study was conducted to determine whether FOLFIRINOX is effective and safe in BTC. Methods: Patients with BTC and an ECOG PS of 0/1 who had disease progression or unacceptable adverse events (AEs) after at least 3 cycles of GemCis were included. Patients received oxaliplatin 85 ml/m2, irinotecan 180 mg/m2, leucovorin 400 mg/m2, fluorouracil bolus at 400 mg/m2, followed by fluorouracil continuous infusion of 2400 mg/m2 over 46-hour every 2 weeks. This phase 2 study was conducted according to the two-stage Simon’s Design. Stage 2 was activated if at least 1 objective response rate (ORR) or 2 stable diseases were observed among 10 patients in stage 1 and a maximum of 3 patients had severe AEs within the first 6 weeks of treatment. If more than 4 patients required a dose reduction in stage 1, stage 2 was initiated with a standard dose reduction (fluorouracil bolus was omitted and irinotecan reduced to 140 mg/m2). Primary outcome was ORR per RECIST 1.1 and secondary outcomes were overall (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and safety profile. Results: Forty patients were screened and 30 patients were included between May 2016 and July 2018. Median age was 60 years and 63% of patients were males. In stage 1, 5 patients required a dose reduction within the first 6 weeks due to AEs, leading to initiation of stage 2 with modified FOLFIRINOX after inclusion of 10 patients. The partial response rate was 10% (3/30), disease control rate 67% and median OS and, PFS were 10.7 and 6.2 months, respectively. Most common grade 3/4 adverse events include neutropenia (50%), anemia (17%), diarrhea (13%), thrombocytopenia (10%), and deviated liver function tests (10%). Conclusions: This is the first Phase 2 study with modified FOLFIRINOX in BTC showing promising disease control rate, OS, and PFS, with an acceptable safety profile. Modified FOLFIRINOX is currently tested as a first-line treatment for patients with BTC in the ongoing randomized prospective Phase 2/3 AMEBICA trial (NCT02591030). Clinical trial information: NCT02456714.
Profiling of 3,634 cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) to identify genomic alterations (GA), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and genomic loss of heterozygosity (gLOH).
Authors: Javle Milind M. , Murugesan Karthikeyan , Shroff Rachna T. , Borad Mitesh J. , Abdel-Wahab Reham , Schrock Alexa Betzig , Chung Jon , Goyal Lipika , Frampton Garrett M. , Kelley Robin Kate , Miller Vincent A. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. , Ali Siraj Mahamed , Albacker Lee A.
Published: May 2019

4087

Background: The management of CCA has evolved as targeted and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPI) therapies have emerged. We used comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) to characterize the genomic alterations (GA) that have potential to personalize therapy for CCA. Methods: 3634 CCA underwent hybrid capture based CGP on 0.8-1.1 Mb of the coding genome to identify GAs in exons and select introns in up to 404 genes, TMB, microsatellite status (MSI) and % monoallelic genome (gLOH). PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC (Dako 22C3). Results: 52% of CCA were female with a median age of 62 years (range 16 - > 89). The most common biopsy sites were liver (74%), lymph node (4%), bile duct (3.3%), and lung (2%). MSI-high was rare (1%), 118 and 47 cases had TMB > 10 and > 20 mut/mb respectively. Of the latter, 51% (24/47) were MSI-H. PD-L1 amplification (AMP) was present in 0.27%. Of 490 CCA tested, 43 (9%) were positive for PD-L1 expression. 11% of cases had gLOH > 16%, only 2 cases had both TMB > 20 and gLOH > 16%. GA were most common in TP53 (31%), CDKN2A (29%), KRAS (20%) and ARID1A (17%). Potentially targetable GAs included FGFR2 (11%, 85% fusions), BRAF (5%, 50% V600E), ERBB2 (5%, 72% AMP), MET (2%, 90% AMP), EGFR (0.52%) and rarer ( < 0.5%) FGFR3, RET, FGFR1, ALK, and ROS1 fusions. The FGFR2 fusions had 128 unique 3’ partner genes including BICC1 (26%), CCDC6 (3.2%), AHCYL1 (2.6%) and KIAA1217 (2.6%). FGFR2 fusions occurred in a mutually exclusive fashion from high gLOH (p < 0.002), but not high TMB. GA in IDH1 (15%) were mutually exclusive of FGFR2 fusions (p < 1e-13), but co-occurred with PBRM1 GA (23%, p < 1e-21), ARID1A (26% p < 1e-10). IDH1 GA had gLOH similar to the overall CCA population but were enriched for low TMB (p < 1e-3). Conclusions: Nearly 20% of CCA cases harbor targetable kinase GA, half of which were FGFR2 fusions. Independently, an additional 10% (gLOH) and 1% (high TMB, MSI and/or PD-L1 AMP) may benefit from PARP inhibitors and ICPI respectively. Independently, co-mutation of IDH1 and PBRM1/ARID1A defines a class of CCA that warrants further investigation for sensitivity to PARP inhibitors and may serve as a paradigm for other tumors (ie. gliomas) with a similar co-occurrence landscape.
Novel staging system using carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECCC) and its implications on overall survival (OS).
Authors: Tella Sri Harsha , Yadav Siddhartha , Kommalapati Anuhya , Mahipal Amit
Published: May 2019

4091

Background: Optimal management of ECCA patients with elevated CA19-9 remains undefined. We hypothesized CA 19-9 elevation as a marker of aggressive biology in ECCA and that inclusion of CA 19-9 in the staging may improve OS discrimination. Methods: Patients with ECCA with CA 19-9 levels reported to the National Cancer Database (years 2004-2015) were included. The patients were classified based on their CA19-9 levels and a new staging system was proposed. Based on the current knowledge, we considered 37 U/ml as our cut off. Kaplan Meier method was used to compare OS between the groups. The net reclassification improvement (NRI) model was used to assess the predictive improvement in the proposed survival model. Results: A total of 2100 patients met the inclusion criteria: 601 (32%) and 1436 (68%) had normal and elevated CA19-9 levels, respectively. Rates of chemo (p=0.16) and radiation therapy (p=0.07) were similar between groups, but patients with elevated CA19-9 were less likely to undergo resection. Resected patients with CA19-9 elevation had higher 30-day mortality (p=0.02) and lower median OS (p<0.01). Patients with elevated CA 19-9 levels had decreased stage-specific survival in all stages (p<0.01). On adjusted analysis, CA19-9 elevation independently predicted poor OS (HR: 1.67 [1.42-1.97]) with impact resembling nodal metastasis, positive resection margin, lymphovascular invasion, and non-receipt of surgery or chemotherapy (p<0.01). CA 19-9 included proposed staging system (Table) had a better OS discrimination over AJCC 7th edition. The new staging system had a concordance of 60% as opposed to 58% for the AJCC staging, leading to an improvement of 2% (p<0.01). NRI of 46% (95% CI: 39-57) indicates that the new staging system is substantially effective at re-classifying events at 12 months as compared to AJCC staging. Conclusions: Elevated CA19-9 was found to be an independent risk factor for mortality in ECCA and its inclusion in the newly proposed staging system markedly improved OS discrimination.[Table: see text]
Clinical and prognostic significance of serum levels of fatty acid binding proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Authors: Abugabal Yehia I. , Kaseb Ahmed Omar , Rashid Asif , Pestana Roberto , Abdel-Wahab Reham , Xiao Lianchun , Qayyum Aliya , Girard Lauren , Raghav Kanwal Pratap Singh , Morris Jeffrey , Wolff Robert A. , Yao James C. , Amin Hesham M. , Hassan Manal
Published: May 2019

4099

Background: Limited data are available about the prognostic effect of fatty acid binding proteins (FABP) in viral and non-viral-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies suggested that selected FABP could be a potential target markers for HCC chemotherapy response and may correlated with presence of cirrhosis and poor outcome. We aimed to test the association between plasma levels of Liver (L)-FABP, Heart (H)-FABP, and Adipose (A) FABP and HCC. Methods: we enrolled 767 HCC patients from MD Anderson Cancer Center. Under IRB approval, baseline patients’ characteristics were retrieved from medical records and blood samples were collected and tested form plasma levels of L-, A-, H-, FABPs. Descriptive statistics were performed and the median values of FABPs among 200 normal controls (NC) were used as cutoff values of FABPs. Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan Meier curve and log rank test. Results: FABPs were highly expressed in HCC cases than controls. Mean values (±SE) of AFABP, HFABP, and LFABP were significantly higher in cases [25.6 (.7), 10.8 (.5), and 47.8 (1.9)] than controls [19.1 (.8), 7.7 (2), 22. 9 (.5)], P < .001. All FABPs were significantly associated with cirrhosis, higher Child Pugh Score (CTP), advanced stage in Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage (BCLC), higher AFP levels, vascular invasion and thrombosis, and tumor nodularity. Median OS (months) (95%CI) were significantly short in patients with higher level of AFABP, HFABP, and LFABP [9.3 (6.8-11.9), 9.4 (6.8-11.9), and 11.1 (8.8-13.3)] as compared to patients with low levels [16.4 (13.8-18.9), 16.4 (14.2-18.6), and 17.9 (14.9-20.9) respectively (P < .01). The significance was observed in non-viral related HCC for LFABP and HFABP, but not AFBABP. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, we describe the largest study correlating FABPs levels with clinical and prognostic characteristics of HCC. Higher levels were associated with poor survival. These findings suggest that LFABP and HFABP may be used as potential prognostic biomarkers for non-viral-related HCC.
An open label, single-arm, two-stage, multicenter, phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TLC388 as second-line treatment in subjects with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (TCOGT1Z14).
Authors: Chen Ming-Huang , Chou Wen-Chi , Hsiao Chin-Fu , Liu Yi-Chang , Hsu Chiun , Yanshen Shan , Hung Yi-Ping , Hsieh Chia-Hsun , Chiu Chao-Hua , Liu Ta-Chih , Cho Shih-Feng , Liu Tsang-Wu , Chao Yee
Published: May 2019

4101

Background: Therapeutic options for metastatic poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) after prior platinum‐based chemotherapy are unknown. Camptothecin analogs, like topotecan and irinotecan, are approved chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NEC is considered to have similar biological behavior to SCLC. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of TLC388 (Lipotecan) Hydrochloride, which is a novel camptothecin analog, in pretreated metastatic NEC patients. Methods: This single-arm, 2-stage, phase 2 clinical trial was conducted at 4 community and academic centers in Taiwan. Patients aged 20 years or older enrolled between July 2015 to May 2018 had confirmed metastatic NEC with prior systemic therapy with etoposide plus cisplatin. Patients received intravenous 40 mg/m2 of TLC388 on Days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxic effects. Results: twenty-three patients with a median age of 61 (range, 44-73) years, including 18 men (78%), were enrolled. Patients received a median of 2 (range, 0-6) treatment cycles. Among 20 evaluable patients, three patients showed a stable disease and no patient a complete or partial remission, resulting in a disease control rate of 15%. Median PFS was 1.8 (95% CI, 0.4-15) months and median OS was 4.3 (95% CI, 1.7-15) months. The most common treatment-related hematologic adverse events at grade 3 or higher were leukopenia (22.7%), anemia (31.8%), and thrombocytopenia (18.2%), respectively. Conclusions: TLC388 shows modest antitumor activity in metastatic NEC. Clinical trial information: NCT02457273.
Surgery and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy: An effective multimodal approach for metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Authors: Frilling Andreja , Clift Ashley , Al-Nahhas Adil , Baum Richard P. , Kaemmerer Daniel
Published: May 2019

4113

Background: Neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) of the pancreas (PanNEN) or small bowel (SBNEN) frequently present with metastases at initial diagnosis, undermining the efficacy of surgical treatment. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with radiolabelled somatostatin analogues, 90Y-DOTATOC and 177Lu-DOTATATE, has been shown to achieve prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in a substantial number of non-surgical patients with advanced NEN. Our aim was to prospectively determine the efficacy of a combination of radical loco-regional surgery and 177Lu PRRT in patients with metastasised NEN. Methods: A set of inclusion criteria was defined (e.g. PanNEN or SBNEN, G1/G2 NEN, initial tumour diagnosis, treatment naïve patient, stage IV NEN, positivity on 68Ga DOTATATE or DOTATOC PET/CT, eligibility for surgery and PRRT). Patients underwent PRRT within 3 months following surgery. Follow-up included biochemistry and imaging. Outcome measures included 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS and PFS from initial diagnosis. Results: Forty-one patients met eligibility criteria and were included. There were 26 males (63.4%) and median age at surgery was 58.8 years (range 32.1-78.3). All patients with SBNEN underwent right hemicolectomy, terminal ileal resection and mesenteric lympadenectomy. In PanNEN patients either Whipple procedure or distal pancreatectomy and peripancreatic lymphadenectomy were performed. The median number of PRRT cycles was 4 (range 2-6). Post-treatment mortality was 0%. Surgical morbidity was 12% (all grade 1 according Clavien-Dindo) and transient grade 1 toxicity occurred post PRRT in 40%. There was no grade 3 toxicity. Median follow-up was 5.48 years (range 0.53 – 11.98). Median PFS and OS were 3.33 years and 9.07 years, respectively. Progression-free survival (with 95% CI) was at 1-, 3-, and 5-years 80% (68.7-92.6), 60.9% (45.9-75.9) and 43.3% (27.4-59.3), respectively. Overall survival (with 95% CI) at 1-, 3-, and 5-years was 97.6% (93-100), 97.6% (93-100), and 95% (87-100), respectively. Conclusions: Radical loco-regional surgery for primary tumours combined with PRRT provides a novel, highly efficacious approach in metastasised NEN.
Variation in the surgical management of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
Authors: Reames Bradley Norman , Blair Alex , Krell Robert Wallace , Padussis James , Thayer Sarah P. , Falconi Massimo , Wolfgang Christopher Lee , Weiss Matthew J. , Are Chandrakanth , He Jin
Published: May 2019

4122

Background: Recent reports suggest patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) may become candidates for curative resection following neoadjuvant therapy, with encouraging survival outcomes. Yet the optimal management approach for LAPC remains unclear. We sought to investigate surgeon preferences for the management of patients with LAPC. Methods: An extensive electronic survey was systematically distributed by email to an international cohort of pancreas surgeons. Data collected included surgeon practice characteristics, preferences for staging and management, and 6 clinical vignettes (with detailed videos of post-neoadjuvant arterial and venous imaging) to assess attitudes regarding eligibility for surgical exploration. Results: A total of 150 eligible responses were received from 4 continents. Median duration in practice was 12 years (IQR 6-20) and 75% respondents work in a university setting. Most (84%) are considered high volume, 33% offer a minimally-invasive approach, and 48% offer arterial resection in selected patients. A majority (70%) always recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 62% prefer FOLFIRINOX. Preferences for duration of neoadjuvant therapy varied widely: 39% prefer ≥2 months, 41% prefer ≥4 months, and 11% prefer 6 months or more. Forty-one percent frequently recommend neoadjuvant radiation, and 51% prefer standard chemoradiotherapy. Age ≥80 years and CA 19-9 of ≥1000 U/mL were commonly considered contraindications to exploration. In 5 clinical vignettes of LAPC, the proportion of respondents that would offer exploration following neoadjuvant varied extensively, from 15% to 54%. In a vignette of oligometastatic pancreatic liver metastases, 32% would offer exploration if a favorable biochemical and imaging response to therapy is observed. Conclusions: In an international cohort of high volume pancreas surgeons, there is substantial variation in attitudes regarding staging preferences and surgical management of LAPC. These results underscore the importance of coordinated multi-disciplinary care, and suggest an evolving concept of “resectability.” Patients and their oncologists should have a low threshold to consider a second opinion for the surgical management of LAPC, if desired.
A phase Ib dose-escalation and cohort-expansion study of safety and activity of the transforming growth factor (TGF) β receptor I kinase inhibitor galunisertib plus the anti-PD-L1 antibody durvalumab in metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Authors: Melisi Davide , Hollebecque Antoine , Oh Do-Youn , Calvo Emiliano , Varghese Anna M. , Borazanci Erkut Hasan , Mercade Teresa Macarulla , Simionato Francesca , Park Joon Oh , Bendell Johanna C. , Faivre Sandrine J. , Zhao Yumin , Gueorguieva Ivelina , Man Michael , Estrem Shawn , Benhadji Karim Adnane , Lanasa Mark , Guba Susan C. , Garcia-Carbonero Rocio
Published: May 2019

4124

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by a highly immunosuppressive microenvironment, and immune checkpoint inhibitors as monotherapy have been ineffective to date. TGFβ is commonly viewed as a powerful immunosuppressive cytokine, and inhibition of its signaling reverses this suppression and activates adaptive immune responses. A combination of TGFβ and PD-L1 inhibition may act synergistically to induce immune restoration and to improve antitumor responses. This Phase 1b study (NCT02734160) evaluated the combination of galunisertib plus durvalumab in recurrent or refractory metastatic PC. Methods: Eligible patients (pts) were ≥18 years old, had ECOG status ≤1, and had not received treatment with anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or TGFβ R1 kinase inhibitors. The primary objective was to assess the safety and the recommended dose of galunisertib given 14 days on/14 days off in combination with durvalumab 1500 mg every 4 weeks. Four dose levels of galunisertib were tested in the dose escalation portion of the study: 50 mg QD, 50 mg BID, 80 mg BID and 150 mg BID, followed by the cohort expansion portion of the study at the recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D). Secondary objectives included preliminary assessment of activity by response rate, (RECIST v1.1), median PFS (mPFS), and OS (mOS). Results: 42 pts (25F/17M) were treated in the study (median age 56.5 y; 71.4% had received ≥2 prior systemic regimens). There was no dose limiting toxicity and galunisertib 150 mg BID was chosen as the RP2D. In the 32 pts treated at this dose, Grade ≥3 related AEs included AST and GGT elevations (2 pts each), and ALT and alkaline phosphatase elevations, and neutropenia (1 pt each). One partial response and 7/32 stable diseases were observed (disease control rate 25%); mPFS was 1.9 months (95% CI: 1.5, 2.2) and mOS was NR (95% CI: 3.6, NR). Biomarker data will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: The combination of galunisertib plus durvalumab had an acceptable tolerability and safety profile. The activity of this combination in second and third line PC patients warrants further consideration. Clinical trial information: NCT02734160.
NEONAX trial: Neoadjuvant plus adjuvant or only adjuvant nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine for resectable pancreatic cancer, a phase II study of the AIO pancreatic cancer group (AIO-PAK-0313)—Safety interim analysis.
Authors: Uhl Waldemar , Ettrich Thomas Jens , Reinacher-Schick Anke C. , Algül Hana , Friess Helmut , Kornmann Marko , Koenig Alexander , Ghadimi Michael , Wittel Uwe A , Gallmeier Eike , Wille Kai , Geissler Michael , Schimanski Carl Christoph , Prasnikar Nicole , Tannapfel Andrea , Perkhofer Lukas , Berger Andreas W. , Seufferlein Thomas
Published: May 2019

4128

Background: Survival in pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is still poor even after curatively intended resection. Perioperative treatment approaches improve outcome in various tumor entities. Data on perioperative treatment in resectable PDAC are limited and there is a debate whether neoadjuvant treatment might impair subsequent surgery by adding perioperative morbidity or mortality. Methods: NEONAX is a randomized phase II study (planned 166 patients) of perioperative gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (Arm A: 2 pre- and 4 post-operative cycles, Arm B: 6 cycles adjuvant) for patients with primarily resectable PDAC. Primary objective is DFS at 18 months after randomization. Secondary objectives are 3-year OS-rate and DFS-rate, progression during neoadjuvant therapy, R0/R1 resection rate and QoL. Results: NEONAX was initiated in March 2015 in 26 centers for PDAC surgery in Germany. The data represent the safety interim analysis (IA) of the first 48 patients. 25 patients were randomized to Arm A and 23 to Arm B. Patients’ median age was 65.3 years (56.3% males, 43.8% females, 85.4% ECOG 0). Out of 25 patients in Arm A 20 patients (80%) underwent surgery, compared to 21 of 23 patients (91.3%) in Arm B with upfront surgery. Reasons for no resection were intraoperatively determined small liver metastases (2 cases, Arm A), withdrawal of informed consent (2 cases in each arm) and 1 patient with uncontrolled cholestasis (arm A). Postoperative complications occurred in 45% of arm A and 42.8% of arm B. (pancreatic fistula: 15% in arm A and 9.5% in arm B, infections: 10% in arm A and 9.5% in arm B) All resected patients were alive 60 days after surgery. At least 1 adverse event (AE) NCI-CTCAE ≥ grade 3 occurred in 60% of the perioperative and 39.1% of adjuvant treatment arm. Most common AEs were neutropenia (16.7%), fatigue (10.4%) and infections (10.4%). Conclusions: There was an increase in NCI-CTCAE ≥ grade 3 events in the perioperative arm, but this was manageable and did not result in increased peri- or postoperative mortality. 8% of patients in the perioperative arm did not get resected due metastases detectable during surgery, but not on preoperative imaging immediately prior to surgery. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether these metastases were preexistent or developed during neoadjuvant treatment. In conclusion, the first interim analysis of the NEONAX trial shows that this protocol can be safely applied to patients with resectable PDAC in a perioperative setting. Clinical trial information: NCT02047513.
Association of BRCA-mutant pancreatic cancer with high tumor mutational burden (TMB) and higher PD-L1 expression.
Authors: Seeber Andreas , Puccini Alberto , Xiu Joanne , Goldberg Richard M. , Grothey Axel , Shields Anthony Frank , Salem Mohamed E. , Battaglin Francesca , El-Deiry Wafik S. , Tokunaga Ryuma , Philip Philip Agop , Marshall John , Kocher Florian , Hall Michael J. , Korn Wolfgang Michael , Lenz Heinz-Josef , Spizzo Gilbert
Published: May 2019

4133

Background: In the U.S. 56,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019. Prognosis in pancreatic cancer is poor. Therefore, new treatment strategies are urgently needed to improve survival. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have been described to be the most common genetic mutations involved in familial pancreatic cancer. The optimal treatment regimen to use in BRCA-mutant pancreatic cancer has still to be established. Moreover, no data are available on association of BRCA mutation with immune-associated markerssuch as tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI) or PD-L1 expression. Methods: Tumor samples of 2824 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma were analyzed for BRCA mutation by NGS and for other genes (MiSeq on 47 genes, NextSeq on 592 genes) at Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ. TMB was calculated based on somatic nonsynonymous missense mutations, and MSI was evaluated by NGS of known MSI loci. PD-L1 expression was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Results: In 4.4% (N = 124) of all pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples BRCA mutations were detected. BRCA2 mutations were more common: 3.1% (N = 89) vs 1.1% BRCA1 mutations (N = 35). BRCA mutations were associated with younger age ( BRCA1: 61 yrs for mutated vs. 64 for wild-type, p = 0.07; BRCA2: 61 yrs vs. 64, p = 0.002; both: p < 0.001). BRCA mutations were associated with higher MSI-H frequency (4.8% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.002), elevated PD-L1 expression (22% vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and higher TMB (mean 8.7 mut/MB vs. 6.5, p < 0.001); the differences remain significant in MSS tumors (p < 0.05). BRCA-mutant pancreatic carcinomas showed a significantly lower mutation frequencies in TP53 (59% vs 73%, p = 0.001), CKDN2A (13% vs 25%, p = 0.006), but higher frequencies in APC (6.5% vs 2.2%), KMT2A (1.9% vs 0.2%), AMER1 (1.9 vs 0.5%) and SETD2 (3.7% vs 0.4%) mutations (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusions: BRCA mutations are found in a significant subgroup of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and these carcinomas are associated with an immunogenic tumor profile. These data suggest evaluating PARP inhibitors in combination with immunotherapy in patients with BRCA-mutant pancreatic adenocarcinoma especially in tumors that are MSS.
Clinical and immune responses using anti-CD3 x anti-EGFR bispecific antibody armed T cells (BATs) for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Authors: Lum Lawrence G. , Le Tri Minh , Choi Minsig , Thakur Archana , Reilley Matthew , Kunk Paul Raymond , Deol Abhinav , Ballen Karen K. , Kindwall-Keller Tamila L. , Schalk Dana , Kubicka Ewa , Huang Manley , Philip Philip Agop , Aoun Hussein , Dyson Gregory , Liu Qin , Shields Anthony Frank
Published: May 2019

4135

Background: Conventional chemotherapy (chemo) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) has dismal responses and poor survival rates. Arming activated T cells (ATC) with anti-CD3 x anti-EGFR bispecific antibody (BATs) makes every ATC into an EGFR-specific cytotoxic T cell that secretes cytokines, proliferates, and kills tumor. Methods: We report on 5 phase I (P1) and 15 phase II (P2) patients. In our phase I study, BATs were used to treat LAPC or MPC patients at Karmanos Cancer Institute (NCT0140874) in a dose escalation involving 3 weekly infusions of 1, 2, and 4 x 1010 BATs/infusion, followed by a booster infusion at 3 months (mos) for a total of up to 8 x 1010 BATs. No dose limiting toxicities were observed in the outpatient infusions. Fifteen patients treated on a phase II (NCT02620865) at KCI and (NCT03269526) at University of Virginia received biweekly infusions of 1010 BATs/infusion over 4 weeks for a total of 8 x 1010 EGFR BATs. Results: Four patients had stable disease (SD) for 6.1, 6.5, 5.3, and 36 mos. Two patients had complete responses (CR) when chemo was restarted after BATs. The median overall survival (OS) for 17 evaluable patients (3 of 4 infusions in the P1 and all 8 infusions in the P2) was 31 mos, and the median OS for all 20 patients (3 in the P2 who did not complete 8 infusions) is 14.5 mos (95% CI, 7.5-45.2 mos). Patient IT20104 had an apparent “pseudoprogression” after 3 BATs infusions, but achieved a CR after restarting capcitabine and is alive off therapy at 54 mos (24 mos after stopping capecitabine). Immune evaluations on the P1 patients show specific cytotoxicity to MiaPaCa-2 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) increased from 21% to 31% 2 weeks after the 3rd infusion, and IFN-γ EliSpots increased from < 20 to 1000 IFN-γ EliSpots/106 PBMC (p < 0.03). Patient IT 20121 (SD for 36 mos) increased IFN-γ EliSpots from 250 to 3200/106 PBMC after 8 infusions. Innate cytotoxicity responses in the P1 patients increased significantly after infusions (p < 0.04). Levels of IP-10 increased significantly (p < 0.04), and levels of IL-8 decreased but not significantly (p < 0.07). Conclusions: Infusions of BATs are safe and induce endogenous adaptive anti-tumor responses. Targeting PC with BATs may stabilize disease, leading to improved OS, as well as evidence that BATs infusions can induce anti-tumor activity and immunosensitize tumors to subsequent chemo. Clinical trial information: NCT014084,NCT03269526,NCT02620865.
A phase II study of RC48-ADC in HER2-positive patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
Authors: Sheng Xinan , Zhou Ai-Ping , Yao Xin , Shi Yanxia , Luo Hong , Shi Benkang , Liu Jiyan , Yu Guohua , He Zhisong , Hu Changlu , Han Weiqing , Fang Jianmin , Guo Jun
Published: May 2019

4509

Background: Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the third largest cancer type with HER2 positive cancer. RC48-ADC is a novel humanized anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). This study was to evaluate the activity of RC48-ADC in HER2-positive patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC). Methods: This study is an open-label, multicenter, single-arm, non-randomized phase II study. Eligibility criteria include: histologically confirmed UC, HER2-positive (IHC 2+ or 3+), ECOG PS 0-1, treated with ≥1 prior systemic treatment. The patients received RC48-ADC treatment alone (2 mg/kg IV infusion, q2w) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, withdrawal, or study termination. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Progress-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety was also assessed. Results: Patient enrollment for this study was completed in November 2018. A total of 43 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 64 years old. At baseline, most patients (37/43) had visceral metastasis. Fourteen (32.6%) patients had received ≥ 2 lines treatment and 8 (18.6%) patients had prior immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy in second line treatment. The objective response rate was 60.5% (95% CI: 44.4%, 75.0%) and the DCR was 90.7% (39/43). As of Jan 23, 2019, the median PFS for the overall study population was not yet reached, and the median PFS was 7.8 months (95% CI: 4.9, 10.7) for the 9 patients who started RC48-ADC prior to Jun 30, 2018. The ORR was 70.6% (12/17) in patients with HER2 FISH+ or IHC3+. The ORR was 64.9% (24/37) in patients with visceral metastasis and was 70.0% (14/20) in liver metastasis patients especially. The ORR was 64.3% in patients post to ≥ 2 lines treatment and 75.0% in patients post to immunotherapy. Common treatment-related AEs were leukopenia (51.2%), hypoesthesia (41.9%), alopecia (41.9%), neutropenia (37.2%), fatigue (34.9%), ALT increase (32.6%), and AST increase (32.6%); Most were Grade 1 or 2. Conclusions: RC48-ADC has demonstrated a clinically meaningful ORR of 60.5% in pretreated HER-2 positive mUC patients including those who underwent failure to the immunotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03507166.
Active surveillance in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): Results from the Canadian Kidney Cancer information system (CKCis).
Authors: Kushnir Igal , Basappa Naveen S. , Ghosh Sunita , Lalani Aly-Khan A. , Soulieres Denis , Bjarnason Georg A. , Wood Lori , Dawe David , Kollmannsberger Christian K. , Heng Daniel Yick Chin , Kapoor Anil , Hansen Aaron Richard , Pouliot Frederic , Reaume M. Neil
Published: May 2019

4516

Background: Active surveillance (AS) is a commonly used strategy in patients (pts) with low tumor burden or slow growing disease. However, few studies have assessed AS for mRCC compared to immediate treatment. We aimed to assess the outcomes and safety of AS in comparison to immediate systemic treatment for mRCC pts. Methods: Using CKCis, mRCC pts diagnosed between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016 were identified. AS strategy was defined as: (1) start of systemic therapy ≥6 months after diagnosis of mRCC; or (2) never receiving systemic therapy for mRCC with an overall survival (OS) ≥1 yr (OS ≥ 1 yr a surrogate to exclude pts not started on treatment due to poor prognosis). Pts starting systemic treatment < 6 months after diagnosis of mRCC were defined as receiving immediate systemic treatment. OS and time until 1st line treatment failure (TTF) between the two cohorts were compared. Results: A total of 863 pts met criteria for AS (cohort A). Of these, 370 started treatment ≥ 6 months after their initial diagnosis (cohort A1) and 493 never received systemic treatment and were alive for ≥1 year (cohort A2). 848 pts received immediate systemic treatment (cohort B). Median age for pts in cohort A and B was 65.1 (19.0-91.5) vs. 62.2 yrs (23.1-87.1) (p < 0.0001). Sex distribution was not statistically different. Pts in cohort A had fewer sites of metastatic disease vs. cohort B ( < 0.0001) and 23% of pts in cohort A had metastasectomy vs. 5% in cohort B (P = < 0.0001). Five-year OS probability was significantly greater for cohort A than for cohort B (70.2% vs. 32.1%; P < 0.0001). After adjusting for IMDC risk criteria and age, both OS (HR 0.46, 0.38-0.56, P < 0.0001) and TTF (HR 0.79, 0.69-0.92, P = 0.0021) were greater in cohort A1 vs. B. For cohort A1 the median time on AS was 14.2 m (range 6 – 71). Conclusions: Based on the largest analysis of AS in mRCC to date, our data suggest that a subset of pts may be safely observed without immediate initiation of systemic therapy. Prospective validation is required in the contemporary immunotherapy era.
Treatment (tx) characteristics of patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) receiving checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) monotherapy in a US clinical practice.
Authors: Morgans Alicia K. , Rahma Osama E. , Mhatre Shivani K. , Chuo Ching-Yi , Davies Jessica , Martinalbo Jorge , Davarpanah Nicole N. , Pachynski Russell
Published: May 2019

4526

Background: Approval of anti–PD-L1/anti–PD-1 CPI agents has changed the mUC tx landscape, but real-world (RW) tx patterns are not well described. Here, we describe pt characteristics, time on tx (TOT), tx-cycle distribution, relative dose intensity (RDI) and subsequent tx for pts receiving atezolizumab (atezo), nivolumab (nivo) or pembrolizumab (pembro) monotherapy. Methods: Pts diagnosed with mUC who completed atezo, nivo or pembro in the first-line (1L) or prior-platinum second-line and beyond (2L+) settings by April 30, 2018, were identified from the US-based Flatiron Health electronic health record–derived database. TOT was defined as time from first to last CPI administration + 1 cycle, tx cycles as number of CPI doses received during TOT and RDI as ratio of actual to planned dose per week to reflect any dose interruption. Results: RW data from pts receiving atezo, nivo and pembro were analyzed (Table). Up to 38% of pts had ECOG PS > 1. Median TOT ranged from 2.1-2.8 mo, with overlapping 95% CIs; mean TOT ranged from 2.7-4.1 mo. Over 50% of pts had ≤ 4 tx cycles. 21%-38% of pts did not have RDI within 95%-105% of the labeled dose. Most common subsequent txs were platinum-based chemotherapy combinations with gemcitabine or taxanes (post–1L CPI) and taxane monotherapy or other CPI monotherapy/combinations (post–2L+ CPI). Conclusions: Here, we present the largest analysis of RW CPI use in mUC to date. Overall, this unadjusted descriptive analysis showed relative comparability of pt and tx characteristics and TOT across CPI-treated groups. Insights into RW tx allow for an understanding of how clinical trial data translate to broader pt populations, including those with ECOG PS > 1, and may be useful for practitioners. [Table: see text]