bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEJ026: Final overall survival analysis of bevacizumab plus erlotinib treatment for NSCLC patients harboring activating EGFR-mutations.
Authors: Maemondo Makoto , Fukuhara Tatsuro , Saito Haruhiro , Furuya Naoki , Watanabe Kana , Sugawara Shunichi , Iwasawa Shunichiro , Tsunezuka Yoshio , Yamaguchi Ou , Okada Morihito , Yoshimori Kouzou , Nakachi Ichiro , Gemma Akihiko , Azuma Koichi , Hagiwara Koichi , Nukiwa Toshihiro , Morita Satoshi , Kobayashi Kunihiko ,   North East Japan Study Group
Published: May 2020

9506

Background: In NEJ026, a phase III trial comparing bevacizumab plus erlotinib (BE) to erlotinib monotherapy (E) for EGFR-mutated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we demonstrated the progression-free survival (PFS) of BE was significantly superior to E (Saito et al. Lancet Oncol. 2019 May;20(5):625-635.). However overall survival analysis were immature at the cutoff date. Methods: Chemotherapy-naïve pts with advanced non-squamous NSCLC harboring EGFR-mutation were randomly assigned to receive either combination with erlotinib (150 mg daily) plus bevacizumab (15 mg/kg iv q3w) or erlotinib (150 mg daily). The primary endpoint was PFS. Secondary endpoints were OS, RR, safety, and QoL. Results: The 226 pts were assigned to BE (n=112) and E (n=114). For the follow-up OS analysis, the data cut-off date was 30 November 2019. Median follow up time was 39.2 months. Median OS was 50.7 months (95% CI, 37.3 months to not reached) with BE and 46.2 months (95% CI, 38.2 months to not reached) with E (hazard ratio, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.68 to 1.48). Twenty-nine patients (25.9%) in BE and twenty-six patients (23.2%) in E were treated by osimertinib as second line treatment. The median survival time between enrollment and progressive disease of second-line treatment (median PFS2) was 28.6 months (95% CI, 22.1 months to 35.9) with BE and 24.3 months (95% CI, 20.4 months to 29.1 months) with E (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.10). In both arms, the median OS of patients with osimertinib second-line treatment were longer than other second-line chemotherapy groups [50.7 months (95% CI, 38.0 months to 50.7 months) vs 40.1 months (95% CI, 29.5 months to not reached), (hazard ratio, 0.645; 95% CI, 0.40 to 1.03), respectively. Conclusion: The additional effect of bevacizumab on erlotinib monotherapy for NSCLC with EGFR mutations gradually decreased in the order of PFS2 and survival, with no significant differences. Clinical trial information: UMIN000017069 .
First-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor with or without aggressive upfront local radiation therapy in patients with EGFRm oligometastatic non-small cell lung cancer: Interim results of a randomized phase III, open-label clinical trial (SINDAS) (NCT02893332).
Authors: Wang Xiaoshan , Zeng Ming
Published: May 2020

9508

Background: The effectiveness of aggressive local therapy for oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. This multi-institutional, randomized, open label, phase III clinical trial was performed to assess upfront stereotactic radiotherapy to all sites at diagnoses in previously untreated EGFRm oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer on progression-free survival and overall survival. Methods: The study was conducted at five centers located in different provinces of China.Eligible participants had pathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma, gene sequencing confirmed EGFRm, stage IV, five or fewer metastatic disease lesions, an ECOG performance status score of ≤ 2, systemic therapy naive, and no brain disease before randomization.Participants were randomized to receive either first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment alone or up front stereotactic radiotherapy to all sites of disease along with TKI treatment.The primary endpoint was progression-free survival and the secondary endpoint was overall survival. Results: From January 2016 to January 2019, 133 participants were enrolled, including 65 (48.8%) in the TKI arm who received standard of care TKI alone and 68 (51.1%) in the stereotactic radiotherapy sites at diagnosis arm who received stereotactic radiotherapy and TKI.At a median follow-up of 19.6 months (IQR 9.4 - 41.0), the median progression-free survival for tyrosine kinase inhibitor alone was 12.5 months, and for tyrosine kinase inhibitor and stereotactic radiotherapy was 20.20months, respectively (HR 0.6188 [95% CI 0.3949-0.9697], log rank P< .001). The median overall survival in the TKI alone arm was 17.40 months, and for TKI and stereotactic radiotherapy arm was 25.50 months, respectively (HR 0.6824 [95% CI 0. 4654-1.001], log rank P< .001). Adverse events were similar between groups, with no grade 5 or deaths due to treatment. Grade 3/4 adverse events with or without radiotherapy included pneumonitis (7.3% vs. 2.9%; P> .05) and esophagitis (4.4%vs. 3.0% P> .05). Conclusions: Upfront stereotactic radiotherapy to sites at diagnosis along with first line TKI improved both progression-free survival and overall survival significantly compared with TKI alone. This finding suggests aggressive local therapy to sites at diagnosis should be explored further in large cohort phase III trials as a standard treatment option in this clinical scenario. Clinical trial information: NCT02893332 .
Safety and preliminary clinical activity of the MET antibody mixture, Sym015 in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with MET amplification/exon 14 deletion (METAmp/Ex14∆).
Authors: Camidge D. Ross , Janku Filip , Martinez-Bueno Alejandro , Catenacci Daniel V.T. , Lee Jeeyun , Lee Se-Hoon , Dowlati Afshin , Rohrberg Kristoffer Staal , Navarro Alejandro , Moon Yong Wha , Awad Mark M. , Heist Rebecca Suk , Poulsen Thomas Tuxen , Yablonovitch Arielle , Fosler Lindsay , Rudbaek Helle , Nygaard Frank , Wood Debra L. , Dalal Rita P. , Felip Enriqueta
Published: May 2020

9510

Background: Sym015, a mixture of 2 humanized antibodies, triggers MET degradation by a unique mechanism with superior specificity compared to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The Sym015-01 phase (P)1a trial met, the primary objective of identifying the recommended P2 dose (RP2D) as 18 mg/kg on cycle 1 day 1 followed by 12 mg/kg Q2W. The P2a was expanded to enroll METAmp/Ex14∆ NSCLC patients (pts) based on preliminary efficacy findings. Here we present interim safety (n = 45) and efficacy (NSCLC cohort, n = 20) results from P2a. Methods: The expansion NSCLC Cohort enrolled pts with METEx14Δ (n = 12) or METAmp (n = 8 defined as > 5 MET copies by NGS or MET/CEP7 ratio > 2.2 updated to ≥3.0 by in situ hybridization; including 1 with METAmp+Ex14Δ). Tumor MET status was confirmed centrally and longitudinal ctDNA was analyzed by Guardant360. Results: By January 2020, 45 pts (median age 61.7 years) have been treated in P2a. Median duration of exposure (DoE) was 3.8 months (m) (n = 45; range 0.4+ to 22 m). Treatment emergent adverse events occurred in 93%, treatment related AEs (TRAE) in 42.2% and TRAE ≥G3 in 13.3% pts. No pts discontinued or died due to TRAE. The most common TRAE in ≥10% pts were fatigue (13.3%) and peripheral edema (11.1%). Of 20 NSCLC pts, 5 had confirmed PR (ORR 25%; 2/8 METAmp and 3/12 METEx14Δ); 11 had SD (DCR 80%; 6/8 METAmp and 5/12 METEx14Δ); 2 had PD (2/12 METEx14Δ); and 2 were not evaluable. 10 NSCLC pts were MET TKI naive (7 METAmp and 3 METEx14Δ) and had 50% ORR and 100% DCR (5 PR and 5 SD; DoR range 1 to 18.3 m; DoE 1.5 to 22 m); 10 NSCLC pts were prior MET TKI treated (9 METEx14Δ and 1 METAmp+Ex14Δ) with DCR 60%, (6 SD; DoE 0.4-9.6 m). Median PFS was 5.5 m overall (95% CI 3.5-9.7 m). Median PFS for MET TKI naive and MET TKI pre-treated NSCLC pts was 6.5 m (95% CI 3.4-21.9 m) and 5.4 m (95% CI 1.2-9.7 m) respectively. Median OS was not reached for overall or for prior MET TKI subgroups. 89% METEx14∆ tumor tissue to blood concordance (8/9 NSCLC pts) was observed. Conclusions: Sym015 was well-tolerated at the RP2D with a response rate similar to MET TKI in MET-treatment naïve METAmp/Ex14Δ NSCLC and seems to delay disease progression in MET TKI pretreated NSCLC pts. Combination with MET TKI to delay or prevent resistance should be further explored. Clinical trial information: NCT02648724 .
Evaluation of blood TMB (bTMB) in KEYNOTE-189: Pembrolizumab (pembro) plus chemotherapy (chemo) with pemetrexed and platinum versus placebo plus chemo as first-line therapy for metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC.
Authors: Garassino Marina Chiara , Gadgeel Shirish M. , Rodriguez-Abreu Delvys , Felip Enriqueta , Esteban Emilio , Speranza Giovanna , Hochmair Maximilian , Powell Steven Francis , Garon Edward B. , Hui Rina , Nogami Naoyuki , Cristescu Razvan , Morrissey Michael , Loboda Andrey , Kobie Julie , Ayers Mark , Piperdi Bilal , Pietanza Maria Catherine , Snyder Alexandra , Reck Martin
Published: May 2020

9521

Background: In a previous analysis of KEYNOTE-189 (NCT02578680), we showed that tissue TMB (tTMB) assessed by whole-exome sequencing was not significantly associated with efficacy in either arm and that pembro + chemo improved outcomes vs placebo + chemo in both the tTMB ≥175 and tTMB < 175 mut/exome subgroups. Here, we explored the association of bTMB with efficacy in KEYNOTE-189. Methods: 616 patients (pts) were randomized 2:1 to pembro + chemo or placebo + chemo. bTMB was assessed in cfDNA using the Guardant Health Omni assay. Association of bTMB (continuous square root transformed) with outcomes in each arm was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models (OS, PFS) and logistic regression (ORR) adjusted for ECOG PS; statistical significance was determined at the 0.05 level without multiplicity adjustment. The clinical utility of bTMB on outcomes was assessed using the cutoff that most closely approximated the 175 mut/exome tTMB cutoff as determined by AUROC analysis. Data cutoff was 21 Sep 2018. Results: 235 (38%) treated pts had evaluable tTMB and bTMB: 160 in the pembro + chemo arm and 75 in the placebo + chemo arm. bTMB as a continuous variable was not significantly associated with OS or ORR for pembro + chemo (one-sided P = .229 and .051) or placebo + chemo (two-sided P = .641 and .069); bTMB was significantly associated with PFS in the pembro + chemo arm (one-sided P = .015) but not the placebo + chemo arm (two-sided P = .058). bTMB and tTMB scores were moderately correlated (r = .61). The bTMB cutoff that most closely approximated tTMB 175 mut/exome was 15 mut/Mb (AUROC 0.81, 95% CI 0.75-0.86). 178 (76%) pts had concordant bTMB and tTMB results—101 low and 77 high by both—whereas 57 (24%) had discordant results—21 high bTMB but low tTMB, 36 low bTMB but high tTMB. Pembro + chemo improved OS, PFS, and ORR vs placebo + chemo for bTMB ≥15 and < 15 mut/exome (Table). Conclusions: Similar to previous findings based on tTMB, bTMB has limited clinical utility in the setting of pembro with pemetrexed and platinum given as first-line therapy for metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC. Clinical trial information: NCT02578680 . [Table: see text]
Brigatinib in Japanese ALK positive NSCLC patients previously treated with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors: J-ALTA.
Authors: Yoshida Tatsuya , Nishio Makoto , Kumagai Toru , Hida Toyoaki , Toyozawa Ryo , Shimokawaji Tadasuke , Goto Koichi , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Ohe Yuichiro , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Kudou Kentarou , Asato Takayuki , Zhang Pingkuan , Seto Takashi
Published: May 2020

9537

Background: Brigatinib is an ALK inhibitor with demonstrated activity against ALK resistance mutations. To evaluate efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a prospective, single-arm, phase 2 study was conducted. We report the efficacy and safety of brigatinib in patients who have progressed on alectinib with or without prior crizotinib and of those who previously received up to two ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with or without prior chemotherapy. Methods: A safety evaluation lead-in was followed by an expansion stage of an ALK TKI-naïve and two ALK TKI-refractory cohorts. The refractory cohorts included patients with stage IIIB, IIIC, or IV NSCLC with ALK rearrangements. This report describes efficacy results from the post-alectinib patients in the expansion cohort and safety results from all refractory patients. The primary endpoint was confirmed objective response rate (ORR) assessed by IRC, secondary endpoints included duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), and intracranial ORR (iORR). Brigatinib was administered at 180 mg QD with 90 mg QD lead-in for the first 7 days, and efficacy was evaluated every 8 weeks. Results: A total of 72 patients were enrolled in 28 sites, including a cohort of 47 patients with prior alectinib, with/without crizotinib between January 2018 and September 2019. The primary analysis of brigatinib in this cohort (data cut-off date 26 September 2019) demonstrated an IRC-assessed, confirmed ORR of 30% and a median DoR of 6.1 months. The median PFS was 7.3 months. Clinically meaningful intracranial efficacy was also observed (see table). Grade ≥3 TEAEs included blood creatine phosphokinase increase (18.1%), lipase increase (13.9%), hypertension (11.1%), amylase increase (4.2%), and pneumonitis (1.4%). Brigatinib also showed anti-tumor activity in patients with refractory secondary mutations in the ALK kinase domain, including G1202R, I1171N, V1180L, and L1196M. Conclusions: Brigatinib showed clinically meaningful efficacy in Japanese patients refractory to prior alectinib (first line or post crizotinib), regardless of prior chemotherapy. The safety profile of brigatinib was consistent with prior studies and no new safety findings were identified. Clinical trial information: NCT03410108 . [Table: see text]
An FDA analysis of the association of tumor growth rate and overall and progression-free survival in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
Authors: Gong Yutao , Mason Jeremy , Shen Yuan-Li , Chang Elaine , Kazandjian Dickran , Blumenthal Gideon Michael , Singh Harpreet , Theoret Marc Robert , Tang Shenghui , Pazdur Richard , Beaver Julia A.
Published: May 2020

9541

Background: Previous studies have suggested that tumor growth rate (g), estimated using prostate-specific antigen values, is associated with overall survival (OS) in prostate cancer (Wilkerson, 2016). We performed a retrospective pooled analysis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to investigate the extent to which g values estimated using radiological tumor measurements in clinical trials are associated with survival. Methods: We identified 24 randomized clinical trials submitted to FDA between 2013 and 2019 investigating either immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) or targeted therapy (TT) in pts with metastatic NSCLC. Of 9934 patients (pts) enrolled, 5532 pts (2401, 1189, and 1942 pts treated with ICI, TT, and chemotherapy respectively) had sufficient data to derive a valid g. The g was evaluated by both type and line of therapy. Pts were then grouped according to quartiles of g, with Q1 being the lowest. We calculated OS and progression-free survival (PFS) for each group via the Kaplan-Meier method, and used the Cox model for group comparison. Results: Median g was 9.7E-4, 1.4E-3, and 2.2E-3/day, and median OS was 34.2, 21.3, and 15.3 months (mo), in pts treated with TT, ICI, and chemotherapy, respectively, regardless of lines of therapy. When treated with the same type of therapy, pts receiving 2nd line therapy had a higher median g than those receiving 1st line. The median survival and log-rank hazard ratios for pts treated with 1st line ICI monotherapy are shown in the Table. Conclusions: TT is associated with the lowest median g, followed by ICI, and then chemotherapy, perhaps due to patient selection, better inherent biology/natural history, or favorable results of TT on selected tumors. Regardless, we found that g is inversely associated with survival, across treatment types. This relationship is also observed in pts treated with the same type and line of therapy (for example, 1st line ICI), where Q1 has the longest survival, followed by Q2, Q3, and then Q4. In summary, our exploratory analysis suggests that g derived from radiological tumor measurements in NSCLC may relate to survival. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate if g might be an earlier endpoint compared to classical response criteria. [Table: see text]
Comparative efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy versus immunotherapy alone in the front-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Authors: Pathak Ranjan , Lopes Gilberto , Yu Han , Ji Wenyan , Aryal Madan , Frumento Katherine Stemmer , Wallis Christopher J.D. , Klaassen Zachary William Abraham , Park Henry Soo-Min , Goldberg Sarah B.
Published: May 2020

9552

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and combination chemotherapy (chemo) plus ICI (Chemo-ICI) have been shown in RCTs to have improved OS compared to chemo in the 1L treatment of advanced NSCLC. However, the benefit of chemo-ICI compared with ICI alone is unknown. Methods: Systematic review using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL was done to identify relevant studies up to December 2019. Phase 3 RCTs that evaluated the efficacy of 1L ICI or chemo-ICI and reported outcomes stratified by PD-L1 status (<1%, 1-49%, ≥50%) were included. ICI was defined as single-agent PD-1 axis inhibitor or dual checkpoint blockade with PD-1 axis inhibitor plus CTLA-4 inhibitor. Comparison for PD-L1<1% included chemo-ICI vs ipi/nivo and for PD-L1 1-49% and PD-L1>50% included chemo-ICI vs ipi/nivo or single-agent ICI. OS, PFS, and ORR were extracted. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was done in Bayesian random-effects regression models. Results: Ten phase 3 RCTs (7971 screened) involving 7,218 patients assigned to ICI (pembro or atezo or ipi/nivo) or chemo-ICI (platinum-doublet + atezo, pembro, or nivo) were included. In PD-L1 <1% patients, NMA comparing chemo-ICI with ipi/nivo failed to show a statistically significant difference in OS, PFS or ORR. In PD-L1 1-49% patients, there was no significant difference between chemo-ICI vs ICI in OS or ORR; PFS could not be analyzed due to lack of available data. In PD-L1 >50% patients, chemo-ICI was associated with improved PFS and ORR compared to ICI alone, but without any OS difference (Table). Conclusions: Although the addition of chemo to ICI appears to improve ORR and PFS in PD-L1 ≥50% patients when compared to ICI alone, chemo-ICI does not confer an OS benefit in the 1L treatment of NSCLC patients regardless of PD-L1 status. Prospective trials comparing chemo-ICI, ICI monotherapy, and combination ICI are needed to confirm these findings. OS, PFS and ORR with chemo-ICI vs ICI. [Table: see text]
Two-year follow-up of bintrafusp alfa, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting TGF-β and PD-L1, for second-line (2L) treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Cho Byoung Chul , Kim Tae Min , Vicente David , Felip Enriqueta , Lee Dae Ho , Lee Ki Hyeong , Lin Chia-Chi , Flor Maria José , Di Nicola Massimo A. , Alvarez Rosa Maria , Dussault Isabelle , Helwig Christoph , Ojalvo Laureen S. , Gulley James L. , Paz-Ares Luis G.
Published: May 2020

9558

Background: Bintrafusp alfa (M7824) is a first-in-class bifunctional fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of the TGF-βRII receptor (a TGF-β “trap”) fused to a human IgG1 mAb blocking PD-L1. Interim analysis of a global phase 1 study (NCT02517398) found an objective response rate (ORR) of 27.5% and a manageable safety profile in patients with NSCLC who received bintrafusp alfa 1200 mg in the 2L setting; median overall survival (OS) was not reached. Here we present the longest efficacy and safety follow-up in a cohort receiving bintrafusp alfa. Methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC unselected for PD-L1 expression level who progressed after first-line standard treatment (no prior immunotherapy) were randomized to receive bintrafusp alfa 500 or 1200 mg (n = 40 each) Q2W until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or trial withdrawal. The primary objective was best overall response (BOR) per RECIST 1.1; secondary and exploratory objectives include safety and OS, respectively. Results: As of October 15, 2019, a total of 40 patients received bintrafusp alfa at the recommended phase 2 dose of 1200 mg Q2W for a median of 17 (range, 2-136) weeks, with a median follow-up of 128 weeks; 18 patients were still alive, 3 patients had an ongoing response, and 1 patient remained on treatment. Results for the 1200 mg dose cohort showed an ORR of 27.5%, and a median duration of response of 18 months. The 18- and 24-month progression-free survival and OS rates were 18.4% and 11.0%, and 49.7% and 39.7%, respectively. Duration of response rates at 18 and 24 months were 42.4% and 21.2%, respectively. Median OS in patients with positive (≥1%) PD-L1 expression was 21.7 months; 6 of 7 patients with high (≥80% with Ab clone 73-10, which is equivalent to ≥50% with 22C3) PD-L1 expression were still alive. The overall safety profile has remained consistent since the interim analysis, with no new safety signals or deaths and 1 additional treatment-related discontinuation (blood alkaline phosphatase increased). Conclusions: After two years of follow-up, bintrafusp alfa continues to show manageable safety with durable responses and encouraging long-term survival, especially in patients with high PD-L1 expression. A study evaluating bintrafusp alfa vs pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for NSCLC is ongoing in patients with high PD-L1 expression (NCT03631706). Clinical trial information: NCT02517398 .
Nivolumab (NIVO) plus ipilimumab (IPI) with two cycles of chemotherapy (chemo) in first-line metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): CheckMate 568 Part 2.
Authors: Gainor Justin F. , Schneider Jeffrey Gary , Gutierrez Martin , Orcutt James Michael , Finley Gene Grant , Otterson Gregory Alan , Rybkin Igor I. , Reddy Pavan S. , Horn Leora , Brahmer Julie R. , Bastos Bruno R. , Awad Mark M. , Hellmann Matthew David , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Ready Neal E. , Spigel David R. , Kasinathan Ravi S. , Dorange Cécile , Borghaei Hossein
Published: May 2020

9560

Background: In Part 1 of the phase II CheckMate 568 study (NCT02659059), NIVO + IPI was active and tolerable in patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC. The addition of chemo to dual immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may further improve initial disease control. We report results from Part 2 of CheckMate 568, which evaluates NIVO + IPI combined with 2 cycles of chemo in pts with advanced treatment-naive NSCLC. Methods: Adult pts with untreated stage IV NSCLC received NIVO 360 mg Q3W + IPI 1 mg/kg Q6W combined with 2 cycles of histology-based platinum-doublet chemo, followed by NIVO + IPI without chemo until disease progression/unacceptable toxicity for ≤ 2 years. The primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) within the first 9 weeks and safety/tolerability. Treatment was considered safe if ≤ 25% of at least 22 evaluable pts had a DLT. DLTs included but were not limited to: uncontrolled grade 3 non-skin treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), grade 4 TRAEs, grade 2 treatment-related pneumonitis not resolved within 14 days, and treatment-related hepatic function abnormalities. Results: In total, 36 pts received treatment; 97% of pts completed 2 cycles of chemo combined with NIVO + IPI. Three pts discontinued IPI while continuing NIVO. Minimum follow-up was 14.9 months. Only 1 (3%) pt experienced a DLT (transient, asymptomatic grade 3 AST and ALT elevation) within the first 9 weeks. The elevation occurred on cycle 1, day 21 and resolved 2 weeks later with discontinuation of IPI, delay of NIVO, and treatment with prednisone; chemo was continued throughout and NIVO was restarted thereafter without recurrent toxicity. Grade 3–4 TRAEs occurred in 21 (58%) pts. Eight (22%) pts experienced a TRAE leading to discontinuation, most commonly colitis, encephalopathy, pneumonitis, and arthralgia (each in 2 [6%] pts); these events occurred outside of the 9-week window for DLT assessment. The most common select TRAEs (defined as AEs of potential immunologic causes) were skin related (18 [50%] pts); the most common grade 3–4 select TRAEs were endocrine (3 [8%] pts), skin related, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary (each in 2 [6%] pts). No treatment-related deaths occurred. Updated safety in addition to efficacy data will be presented. Conclusions: In pts with untreated advanced NSCLC, the addition of 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemo to NIVO + tumor-optimized IPI was tolerable. No unexpected safety signals were observed. Clinical trial information: NCT02659059 .
Phase Ib study of BI 836880, a VEGF/Ang2-blocking nanobody, in combination with BI 754091, an anti-PD-1 antibody: Initial results in patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Girard Nicolas , Wermke Martin , Barlesi Fabrice , Landsteiner Harald Timotheus , Jayadeva Girish , Alt Juergen , Hackanson Björn
Published: May 2020

9566

Background: Preclinical studies show that combining anti-VEGF/Ang2 with anti-PD-1 therapy promotes an immunopermissive state supportive of T-cell-mediated tumor cell destruction. BI 836880 is a humanized bispecific nanobody that targets VEGF and Ang2, and BI 754091 is an anti-PD-1 antibody. Each has shown manageable safety and preliminary activity as monotherapy. Here, we report initial results from a Phase Ib study assessing BI 836880 in combination with BI 754091. Methods: In Part 1 (dose escalation), pts with locally advanced or metastatic (m) non-squamous NSCLC who progressed during/after completion of ≥2 cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) ± a checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) were enrolled. Pts received BI 836880 (cohorts of 360, 500 and 720 mg intravenously [iv] 3-weekly [q3w]) plus fixed-dose BI 754091 (240 mg iv q3w). Dose escalation was guided by Bayesian logistic regression models with overdose control. Primary endpoint in Part 1 was maximum tolerated dose (MTD)/recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), based on dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in Cycle 1. Initial safety and efficacy results of Part 1 are reported here. Part 2 will assess safety and efficacy in 6 expansion cohorts: mNSCLC after CPI monotherapy; mNSCLC after CT + CPI; mSCLC after CT ± CPI; immunotherapy-resistant m-melanoma; recurrent glioblastoma after 1st-line CT; and hepatocellular carcinoma after prior sorafenib or lenvatinib ± subsequent CPI. Results: 12 pts received BI 836880 plus BI 754091 (8 male; median age 59.5 years; 8 had received prior CPI). 4 pts remain on treatment (including 1 treated for 15 cycles). 1 pt had a DLT during Cycle 1 (360 mg; G3 pulmonary embolism). All pts experienced an adverse event (AE; any-cause; safety data cut-off Nov 2019), most commonly (all%/G3%) hypertension (58/25), vomiting (42/0), nausea (33/0), and asthenia (33/0). Hypertension was transient. No G4 AEs were reported; one G5 AE occurred (general physical health deterioration). 5 pts had immune-related AEs (G2 hypothyroidism in 2 pts; G2 pruritus, G1 papular rash, and G2 vomiting). To date (Jan 2020), 2 pts have achieved partial response; 1 pt (500 mg dose; CPI-naïve) had 58% target lesion reduction, and 1 (720 mg; prior CPI) had 35% target lesion reduction. 8 pts had stable disease. Conclusions: MTD/RP2D was BI 836880 720 mg plus BI 754091 240 mg q3w. The combination had a manageable safety profile, and preliminary anti-tumor activity was observed. Expansion cohorts are ongoing. Equal contribution: JA and BH Clinical trial information: NCT03468426 .
Tepotinib in patients (pts) with NSCLC with MET exon 14 (METex14) skipping: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
Authors: Paik Paul K. , Horn Leora , Kowalski Dariusz M. , Patel Jyoti D. , Griesinger Frank , Han Ji-Youn , Smit Egbert F. , Kato Terufumi , Le Xiuning , Scheele Jürgen , Bruns Rolf , Vioix Helene , Pfeiffer Boris M , Cho Byoung Chul
Published: May 2020

9575

Background: In the phase II VISION study (NCT02864992) tepotinib had promising efficacy (response rate of 40–50% & median duration of response >1 y) and tolerable safety in pts with advanced NSCLC with METex14 skipping (3–4% of NSCLC), who are typically elderly with poor prognosis. Pt reported outcomes (PROs) of HRQoL are described here. Methods: Pts with advanced NSCLC positive for METex14 skipping by tissue or liquid biopsy received oral tepotinib 500 mg once daily; PROs were assessed using QLQ-LC13 (lung cancer symptoms), EORTC QLQ-C30 (Global health status [GHS] & 5 functional scales), and EQ-5D-5L (VAS). Questionnaires were completed at baseline (BL) and every 6 weeks (Wk); results were scored from 0–100 (minimal clinically important difference [MCID] ≥10 points). Mean change from BL was analyzed at Wk 12 (predefined analyses). Results: By 19 Jul 19 cut-off, 130 pts across treatment lines were enrolled (median age 74.2 y), with PROs available for 129. Questionnaire completion rates were 90.1% at Wk 12. Symptom burden at BL was moderate for advanced NSCLC; mean change from BL for PROs are shown in the table (better functioning: lower QLQ-LC13 or higher QLQ-C30 scores). For the QLQ-LC13 symptoms, mean changes from BL indicated a meaningful improvement in coughing, with a median time to improvement (2.8 months) paralleling the onset of objective response (within first 3 months), and a numerical improvement in dyspnea (–2.3 at Wk 12) and chest pain (–4.2 at Wk 12). QLQ-C30 values remained stable over treatment as did EQ-5D-5L scores (higher=better): mean (standard deviation, SD) change from BL score (60 [20.4]) was 6 (18.6) at Wk 6 and 5 (20.9) at Wk 12. Conclusions: In this first analysis of PROs in pts with advanced NSCLC with METex14 skipping with a moderate symptom burden, treatment with tepotinib led to a clinically meaningful improvement in coughing symptoms, while maintaining HRQoL. Coupled with the efficacy and safety profile, the predefined HRQoL analysis from the VISION study supports tepotinib as a promising treatment option for this elderly population with METex14+ NSCLC. Clinical trial information: NCT02864992 . [Table: see text]
Clinicopathologic characteristics and immunotherapy outcomes in SMARCA4-mutant (mut) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Alessi Joao Victor Machado , Glass Carolyn , Ricciuti Biagio , Spurr Liam F. , Sholl Lynette M. , Awad Mark M.
Published: May 2020

9577

Background: The catalytic unit of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is encoded by the SMARCA4 gene, which is mutated in ~10% of NSCLCs. We sought to characterize the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes to immune checkpoint inhibition in SMARCA4-mutant NSCLC. Methods: We collected clinicopathologic and genomic data from patients with NSCLC that had undergone targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) by OncoPanel at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. SMARCA4 frameshift, nonsense, and splice-site mutations were considered pathogenic, as were missense mutations if predicted to be pathogenic by Mutation Assessor and Polyphen-2. Clinical outcomes to immune checkpoint inhibition among SMARCA4-mutant NSCLCs were retrospectively assessed. Results: Of 2690 patients with NSCLC, 8% (N = 211) harbored SMARCA4 mutations. Clinicopathological characteristics were balanced between SMARCA4 mut and SMARCA4 wild-type (wt) in terms of age, histology, and PD-L1 expression. We observed a male predominance (P = 0.03), greater use of tobacco (P < 0.001), a higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) (P < 0.001), a higher prevalence of advanced disease (P < 0.001), and a lower prevalence of concurrent targetable driver mutations (P < 0.001) in SMARCA4mut vs SMARCA4wt NSCLCs. Among 513 patients with nonsquamous NSCLC who received immune checkpoint inhibitors, 11% (N = 57) harbored SMARCA4 mutations. From the start of immunotherapy, we observed no difference in overall response rate (ORR 21.5% vs 19.3%; P = 0.3), median progression free survival (mPFS 3.2 months vs 2.1 months; P = 0.4), or median overall survival (mOS 12.0 months vs 8.2 months; P = 0.09) in SMARCA4wt vs SMARCA4mut NSCLC, respectively. However, among KRASmut NSCLC, a concurrent SMARCA4 mut conferred a significantly lower ORR (23.1% vs 0.0%; P = 0.02), a significantly shorter mPFS (4.8 months vs 1.7 month; HR: 0.31 [95% CI: 0.15-0.61]; P < 0.001), and a significantly shorter mOS (15.6 months vs 2.7 months; HR: 0.25 [95%CI: 0.12-0.49]; P < 0.001). The deleterious effect of SMARCA4 mut on immunotherapy outcomes in KRAS mut NSCLC was maintained when controlling for concurrent STK11 mut. Conclusions: SMARCA4 mutations define a genomic subset of NSCLC with unique clinicopathologic characteristics, and confer worse outcomes to immunotherapy in KRAS mut NSCLC.
A phase I, dose-escalation and expansion study of TQ-B3139, a novel ALK TKI, in Chinese ALK or ROS1 positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Ma Yuxiang , Yang Nong , Li Su , Zhao Hongyun , Li Liu , Yang Haiyan , Fang Wenfeng , Zhang Yang , Hong Shaodong , Xiong Yi , Zhou Chunhua , Zhang Yongchang , Zeng Liang , Zhang Li
Published: May 2020

9585

Background: TQ-B3139 is a novel ALK inhibitor with activity 3-7 folds higher than Crizotinib against a broad range of ALK mutations. This phase I study (NCT03099330) is to investigate the safety, and determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D), and pharmacokinetic (PK), clinical efficacy of TQ-B3139 in Chinese NSCLC patients. Methods: Patients with advanced NSCLC and failed at least one systemic anti-cancer treatment were enrolled. TQ-B3139 was administered orally from 50mg~100mg qd and 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 800mg bid, using a PK-guided modified Fibonacci 3+3 dose escalation design. The dose-escalation evaluated patients in 28-day cycles, dose limited toxicities (DLTs) was observed at first cycle. Dose-expansion phase started at dose level which objective response occurs. Treatment was continued until disease progression, death or unacceptable toxicity. Results: Between July 2017 and May 2019, totally 63 patients (59 ALK+, 4 ROS1+) were enrolled. Sixteen patients had prior ALK inhibitor therapy (11 Crizotinib, 5 Ensartinib), and 23 (36.5%) with baseline brain metastasis. Totally, 62 (98.4%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), grade 3-4 TRAEs were observed in 21 (33.3%) patients. One DLT occurred in the 800mg bid dose cohort (grade 3 nausea and vomiting). Top 3 common TRAEs were nausea (all grade 87.3%; grade 3-4 3.2%), diarrhea (84.1%, 6.4%), transaminase elevation (65.1%, 4.8%). AUC and Ctrough at steady state increased proportionally from 200mg to 600mg bid. Absorption saturation was observed in 800mg bid. Base on the safety and PK results, PR2D was decided at 600mg bid. Overall ORR was 73.0% (2 CR, 44 PR); DCR was 85.7% (8 SD). Objective response was observed from dose level 200mg bid cohort, ORR and DCR at ≥200mg bid was 78.0% and 89.8%. For ALK TKI-naïve and -resistant patients, the ORR was 78.7% (37/47) and 56.3% (9/16) respectively. For patients with measurable baseline brain metastasis, the ORR for brain lesions was 80.0% (8/10). At data cut-off (23 Jan 2020), 32 events (50.8%) occurred, the median PFS for all patients was 12.1 months (95%CI 8.5-15.6), for patients at ≥200mg bid dose was 12.2 months. The median PFS was not reached for -naive patients (6 months PFS rate 74.5%, 95%CI 68.1-80.9), and 5.6months (95%CI 1.6-9.5) for ALK TKI-resistant patients. Conclusions: TQ-B3139 was well tolerated in Chinese NSCLC patients with high antitumor activity. RP2D was established at 600mg bid. A randomized phase III trial of TQ-B3139 versus Crizotinib in advanced ALK-TKI naïve NSCLC patients is underway. Clinical trial information: NCT03099330 .
Plasma-derived cfDNA to reveal potential biomarkers of response prediction and monitoring in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients on immunotherapy.
Authors: Vallania Francesco , Assayag Karen , Ulz Peter , Drake Adam , Warsinske Hayley , St John John , Putcha Girish , Cabel Luc , Beaucaire-Danel Sophie , Girard Nicolas , Bidard Francois-Clement
Published: May 2020

9588

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results in many advanced cancers, but the response rate remains low. Various molecular and cellular biomarkers, such as elevated tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells at baseline, are associated with response. Blood-based biomarkers to predict or monitor response remain challenging to develop. Here we investigate the potential of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) biomarkers to predict response to the PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab in patients with refractory metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Plasma from stage IV NSCLC patients enrolled in ALCINA (NCT02866149) was collected before (baseline, BL, n = 30) and at week 8 (W8, n = 17) of nivolumab therapy. Response was determined using RECIST 1.1 (responders n = 5; non-responders n = 25). Whole-genome sequencing was performed to characterize cfDNA fragments. Tumor fraction (TF) was assessed using ichorCNA. Cellular composition was estimated by deconvolution of cfDNA co-fragmentation patterns, and transcription factor activity was estimated by measuring binding site accessibility across the genome. Results: Although estimated TF at baseline did not predict response to nivolumab, NK cell levels estimated by cell-mixture deconvolution were significantly higher in responders at BL (p < 0.05). Furthermore, estimated monocyte levels at W8 strongly correlated with overall survival (r = 0.75, p < 0.0005, HR = 15.02) and were significantly higher in responders (p < 0.05). By evaluating changes in transcription factor binding activity, we identified factors with greater accessibility in non-responders at baseline (DEAF1, THAP11) and W8 (DUX4, PDX-1). Conclusions: Plasma cfDNA signatures may be useful for response prediction and monitoring in NSCLC patients on immunotherapy. Our results suggest that changes in the immune system, as reflected by cellular composition and transcriptional activity inferred from cfDNA, may provide biological insights beyond TF alone that may benefit biomarker discovery and drug target identification.
Real-world (RW) outcomes for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients (pts) with EGFR exon 19 deletions (x19del) stratified by deletion size.
Authors: Ou Sai-Hong Ignatius , Madison Russell , Snow Tamara , Snider Jeremy , McCusker Margaret Elizabeth , Singal Gaurav , Alexander Brian Michael , Venstrom Jeffrey , Castellanos Emily , Schrock Alexa Betzig
Published: May 2020

9591

Background: EGFR x19dels are well-established targetable drivers in NSCLC. Historically x19dels have been treated as a single group, but it’s unclear whether responses vary for distinct subtypes. We compared demographic, clinical and genomic characteristics as well as outcomes to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for aNSCLC pts with x19dels of varying lengths using a RW Clinico-Genomic Database (CGDB). Methods: Eligible pts had a diagnosis of aNSCLC, received care within the Flatiron Health network between 1/2011-9/2019, and had comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) by Foundation Medicine. Clinical characteristics, treatment history and RW progression were obtained via technology-enabled abstraction as previously described (Singal G, JAMA 2019). x19del length was evaluated for association with overall survival (OS) and RW progression-free survival (rwPFS) with Kaplan-Meier analysis and unadjusted/adjusted (practice type, gender, age at TKI start, EGFR TKI type, race) hazard ratios (HR/aHR) from Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for survival bias. Results: Among 6,577 aNSCLC pts, EGFR x19dels were detected in 336 cases (5%). E746_A750del was the most frequent (214; 64%) and generally 5 amino acid (aa) deletions (x19del-5) were the most common (241; 72%). Other deletions (x19del-other) of 6 (61; 18%), 3 (20; 6%), 4 (11; 3%) or 8 aa (3; 1%) were also observed. Among pts treated with 1st-line EGFR TKI monotherapy after CGP, the x19del-5 (n = 70) cohort was more frequently female compared to x19del-other (n = 27) (90% vs 59%, p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences in the frequency of co-occurring alterations were observed, specifically for genes associated with response to EGFR TKI response such as CTNNB1 (14% vs 19%) and PIK3CA (10% vs 15%). 1st line EGFR TKIs used were similar for x19del-5 vs x19del-other (43% vs 41% osimertinib, 30% vs 37% erlotinib, 24% vs 22% afatinib, 3% vs 0% gefitinib). x19del-5 pts had similar median rwPFS (10.6 vs 10.6 months, HR: 0.73 [0.41-1.28], aHR:0.78 [0.38-1.59]) and median OS (29.2 vs 24.9 months, HR: 0.64 [0.32- 1.29], aHR: 0.75 [0.32-1.75]) compared to x19del-other. Conclusions: In a RW CGDB of 336 aNSCLC pts with EGFR x19dels, 5 aa x19dels were most common (71%) and 29% of cases had 3, 4, 6 or 8 aa x19dels . For pts included in the treatment cohort, no significant differences in rwPFS or OS were observed. These results suggest that x19del length does not significantly impact clinical outcomes to 1st-line EGFR TKIs.
Clinical characteristics and anti-PD-(L)1 treatment outcomes of KRAS-G12C mutant lung cancer compared to other molecular subtypes of KRAS-mutant lung cancer.
Authors: Arbour Kathryn Cecilia , Rizvi Hira , Plodkowski Andrew J. , Halpenny Darragh , Hellmann Matthew David , Heller Glenn , Knezevic Andrea , Yu Helena Alexandra , Ladanyi Marc , Kris Mark G. , Arcila Maria E. , Rudin Charles M. , Lito Piro , Riely Gregory J.
Published: May 2020

9596

Background: KRAS mutations are identified in approximately 30% of NSCLC. There are no FDA approved targeted therapies for patients with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but novel direct inhibitors of KRAS G12C have shown some activity in early phase clinical trials. We hypothesized that patients with KRAS-G12C mutations may have distinct clinical characteristics and responses to systemic therapies compared to patients with non-G12C subtypes. Methods: We identified patients with KRAS-mutant lung cancers who underwent next-generation sequencing with MSK-IMPACT, between January 2014 and December 2018. Baseline characteristics were compared with the Chi-square and Fisher’s exact test for categorical data and Wilcoxon rank-rum test for continuous data. Overall survival was calculated from time of diagnosis of metastatic/recurrent disease to date of death or last follow up, with left truncation to account for time of MSK-IMPACT. Overall survival was compared between groups using the Cox proportional-hazards model. Response evaluations where performed by independent thoracic radiologists according to RECIST 1. and compared between group with the Fisher’s exact test. Results: We identified 1194 patients with KRAS -mutant NSCLC, 772 with recurrent or metastatic disease. Of patients with advanced disease, 46% (352/772) had mutations in KRAS-G12C and 54% harbored non-G12C mutations (15% G12D, 16% G12V, 8% G12A, 4% G13D). Co-mutation patterns were similar with respect to KEAP1 (p=0.9) and STK11 (p=1.0). Patients with non-G12C mutations had a higher proportion of never smokers (10% vs 1.4% p<0.001). The median OS from diagnosis was 13 months for G12C and non-G12C patients (p=0.99). 45% (347/772) received 1L or 2L line treatment with PD-(L)1 inhibitor. RECIST measurements were available for 290/347 cases (84%). ORR with anti-PD-(L)1 treatment was 24% vs 28% in G12C vs non-G12C patients (p=0.5). In patients with PD-L1 50% (n=103), ORR was 39% for G12C vs 58% non-G12C patients (p=0.06). Conclusions: KRAS G12C mutations are present in 12% of patients with NSCLC and represent a relevant subtype of NSCLC given KRAS G12C inhibitors now in clinical development. Baseline characteristics including co-mutation patterns are similar between patients with G12C and non-G12C, except for smoking history. The efficacy of KRAS G12C direct inhibitors will need to be compared to other available therapies for KRAS mutant NSCLC (chemotherapy and PD-(L)1 inhibitors) to identify most effective therapeutic strategy.
Biomarker utilization in non-small cell lung cancer, are we treating after testing?
Authors: Makhoul Elias , Kim Jong Taek , Zhang Wenjuan , Lopategui Jean Raphael , Balmanoukian Ani Sarkis , Vail Eric
Published: May 2020

9609

Background: Targeted therapy in EGFR and ALK mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been the standard of care for nearly a decade with subsequent FDA approvals for ROS1 and BRAF V600 mutated NSCLC occurring in 2016 and 2017. However, recent studies have shown suboptimal utilization of genomic profiling results in these patients. In 1 recent study of community oncologists, ~70% of EGFR/ALK+ patients received appropriate targeted therapy, while patients with other gene mutations (including BRAF and ROS1) only received targeted therapy ~30% of the time. Left unanswered was what patients were receiving instead and why. Additionally, it is unknown if this finding is generalizable to the academic setting. We aimed to investigate whether in our patient population, NSCLC patients with actionable mutations received associated FDA approved therapies and if not why. Methods: The pathology database was queried for all NSCLC with molecular testing (including qPCR, FISH and NGS) from 2009 to 2019. Patients with sensitizing EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or BRAF mutations that were detected after the first FDA approval for their respective targeted therapies were included for analysis with those lost to follow up subsequently excluded. Basic demographic and clinical variables were collected as well as treatment records. Results: 2160 NSCLC patients were evaluated (2160 EGFR, 1417 ALK, 810 ROS1, 589 BRAF). 468 patients were identified with targetable mutations (411 EGFR, 46 ALK, 5 ROS1, 6 BRAF). No patient had more than 1 targetable mutation. Of those patients, 248 were at an advanced stage and had clinical follow up (202 EGFR, 37 ALK, 4 ROS1, 5 BRAF). Of those patients 197/202 (97.5%), 33/37 (89.2%), 3/4 (75%) and 1/5 (20%) received EGFR, ALK, ROS1 or BRAF targeted therapy respectively. Across biomarkers 14/248 patients (5.6%) did not receive subsequent targeted therapy. 10 patients (5 EGFR, 3 ALK, 1 ROS1 and 1 BRAF) passed away before targeted therapy could be initiated. Physician choice and missed findings accounted for the remaining four cases. Conclusions: The vast majority of advanced NSCLC patients analyzed in this study received appropriate targeted therapy matched to genomic findings. The main reason (~4% of total cases) that patients did not receive therapy was due to rapidly progressive disease and death before it could be initiated. These findings are at odds with those published from the community setting. This may be due to multiple factors, including clinician education, ease of access to targeted therapies across patient populations and incomplete data in the previous study populations.