bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase 2, open-label, safety and efficacy study of telotristat ethyl plus first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer.
Authors: Kim Richard D. , Joseph-Ridge Nancy , Du Jichang , North Janine , Warren Cathy , Iyer Renuka V.
Published: January 2024

472

Background: Patients (pts) with unresectable biliary tract cancer (BTC) have a poor prognosis. In preclinical models of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) telotristat ethyl (TE), a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor that reduces production of serotonin, enhanced the antiproliferative effects of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) chemotherapy. This trial assessed the safety and efficacy of adding TE to GC chemotherapy in pts with advanced BTC. Methods: This was a Phase 2 open-label study. Eligible pts had unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic BTC, were treatment naïve and had plans to initiate GC chemotherapy. On Day 1, pts received Gem 1000mg/m2 and Cis 25mg/m2 with TE 250 mg orally three times daily (TID) for 7 days. Thereafter, pts received TE 500 mg TID continuously plus GC therapy on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle. The study comprised of 2 stages: stage 1 would enroll 20 patients with a safety run-in cohort in the first 6 pts to monitor safety and tolerability of TE + GC treatment for 21 days. Stage 2 would enroll 33 patients if no significant/unresolved grade 3 or higher toxicities related to study drug occurred in stage 1. The primary endpoint was 6-month (mo) progression free survival (PFS) rate according to RECIST 1.1. If 60% of pts (≥34) in the safety population were alive and progression free at 6-mos, the study was considered successful. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Restaging occurred every 9 weeks using RECIST 1.1 and toxicities were graded using CTCAE v 5.0. Results: Between 2019 and 2021, fifty-three pts were enrolled across 12 study sites and comprised the safety population. The majority of pts were female (62.3%) and median age was 66 yrs (range 33 to 79). Baseline mean plasma 5-HIAA was 11.1 µg/L (ULN defined as >10.8 µg/L). Thirty-one pts (58.5%) had plasma 5-HIAA levels ≤ULN and 22/53 (41.5%) had 5-HIAA levels >ULN. Majority of pts had metastatic BTC (85%) and liver was the most common primary tumor site (66%). The 6-month PFS rate was 22.6% (12/53). Based on blinded independent central review, the ORR was 13.2% and DCR was 62.3%. Mean reduction in plasma 5-HIAA at 6 mos was -1.735 µg/L (SD 8.69) in 24 patients with available data. There was no difference in 6-mo PFS rate based on pts baseline 5-HIAA status; 58% (14/24) pts had ≥30% decrease from baseline in 5-HIAA, however there was no correlation with 6-month PFS. The most common TE related TEAEs were constipation (43.4%), nausea (28.3%) and fatigue (28.3%). Conclusions: The study did not achieve its primary endpoint of 60% of patients on TE plus GC chemotherapy being alive and progression free at 6 months. TE did reduce 5-HIAA levels in a subset of pts; however, this did not correlate to improved clinical outcomes. No significant safety issues noted with TE in combination with GC chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03790111 .
First safety and efficacy data from phase Ib/IIa study of fostroxacitabine bralpamide (fostrox, MIV-818) in combination with lenvatinib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Authors: Reig Maria , Evans T.R. Jeffry , Chon Hong Jae , Lim Ho Yeong , Ryu Min-Hee , Kim Do Young , Macarulla Teresa , Gomez-Martin Carlos , Moreno Victor , Haugk Beate , Ness Thomas , Baumann Pia , Bhoi Sujata , Jensen Malene , Tunblad Karin , Wallberg Hans , Oberg Fredrik , Heo Jeong
Published: January 2024

476

Background: Fostrox is an orally administered troxacitabine-based nucleotide prodrug in clinical development in combination with lenvatinib (NCT03781934). Fostrox is rapidly metabolized by human hepatocytes, directing high levels of the active metabolite to the liver. Phase I fostrox monotherapy demonstrated selective intra-tumoral activity in on-treatment liver biopsies. The anti-angiogenic activity of lenvatinib has the potential to synergize with fostrox by hypoxia-induced increase in the enzymatic generation of the active metabolite of fostrox in the tumor. Methods: In a phase Ib/IIa study with an inter-patient dose escalation 3+3 cohort design followed by a dose expansion phase, fostrox was administered orally QD for 5 days in 21-day cycles in combination with lenvatinib according to local prescription information. Patients (pts) with <2 prior lines systemic treatment for advanced, unresectable HCC were recruited at 10 sites in Spain, South Korea and UK. Pts with histologically, radiologically, or cytologically confirmed HCC, Child-Pugh A, ≥18 years, ECOG PS ≤ 1 and adequate organ function were eligible. The primary objective was to assess safety and tolerability. Key secondary endpoints were ORR based on RECIST 1.1 and mRECIST. Exploratory endpoints included pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic effects of fostrox in combination with lenvatinib. Results: At interim data cut-off 18 pts (6 pts in Ib and 12 pts in IIa) were enrolled at fostrox QD doses of 20mg (3 pts) and 30mg (15 pts) in combination with lenvatinib. Median age was 63 years (range: 42-82). No DLTs and only 1 discontinuation of fostrox due to AEs with a median FU of 3.8 months, were observed. Most common grade 3/4 AEs were transient neutrophil count decrease, platelet count decrease and hypertension. No febrile neutropenia, bleeding events or proteinuria were reported. The safety profile was consistent with each individual agent. In phase Ib, central independent review based on RECIST 1.1 showed SD in 5/6 pts, while mRECIST showed CR in 1 pt, PR in 2 pts and SD in 2 pts. Updated phase Ib data and efficacy data from phase IIa by central independent review, together with PK for fostrox and lenvatinib, and liver biopsy biomarker data, will be presented. Conclusions: Fostrox in combination with lenvatinib, in pts with HCC who progressed on previous systemic treatment, had an acceptable safety and tolerability profile with promising interim efficacy results from the completely enrolled phase Ib/IIa study. Clinical trial information: NCT03781934 .
Clinical impact on treatment effectiveness of immune-related adverse events in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab.
Authors: Suzuki Keito , Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Yamazaki Yudai , Uchihara Naoki , Tanaka Yuki , Miyamoto Haruka , Yamada Michiko , Keitoku Taisei , Okada Risa , Higuchi Mayu , Takaura Kenta , Tanaka Shohei , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Tamaki Nobuharu , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yuka , Kurosaki Masayuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: January 2024

479

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have emerged as the first-line therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, their administration poses the risk of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Recent data suggests that the occurrence of irAEs may be associated with a favorable prognosis. Nevertheless, limited studies have explored the relationship between irAE severity or specific symptoms and clinical outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate and analyze the association between these adverse events and the clinical benefits in patients with unresectable HCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods: We enrolled 130 patients with unresectable HCC treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab between November 2022 and January 2023 at a single center. We investigated the relationship between irAEs and both response rate and post-treatment outcomes. Results: Out of the 130 patients, 36 (27.7%) developed irAEs. Patients with irAEs exhibited a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the non-irAE group, with a median PFS of 8.9 months compared to 4.6 months (p < 0.01). There was no difference in overall survival with or without irAEs. The irAE group demonstrated significantly higher disease control rate (DCR) compared to the non-irAE group (97.0% vs 65.5%, p < 0.01). The analysis by the severity of irAE revealed that the grade 1/2 group exhibited significantly longer PFS (7.9 months vs 4.6 months, p =0.007) and higher DCR (100% vs 65.5%, p < 0.01) compared to the non-irAE group. Furthermore, hypothyroidism was correlated with a favorable PFS (8.9 months vs 5.4 months, p = 0.02), DCR (100% vs 71.3%, p = 0.03) and overall response rate (58.3% vs 18.5%, p = 0.005). Conclusions: The presence of irAEs is associated with prolonged PFS and higher DCR. Specifically, mild irAEs (Grade 1/2) and hypothyroidism displayed prolonged PFS and higher DCR.
Phase Ib trial of durvalumab plus tremelimumab in combination with particle therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients with macrovascular invasion: DEPARTURE trial.
Authors: Ogasawara Sadahisa , Koroki Keisuke , Makishima Hirokazu , Wakatsuki Masaru , Takahashi Asahi , Kanzaki Hiroaki , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Inoue Masanori , Kiyono Soichiro , Nakamura Masato , Kanogawa Naoya , Kondo Takayuki , Nakamoto Shingo , Shiko Yuki , Ozawa Yoshihito , Inaba Yosuke , Kurokawa Tomoya , Hanaoka Hideki , Yamada Shigeru , Kato Naoya
Published: January 2024

480

Background: The HIMALAYA study established the efficacy and safety of durvalumab combined with tremelimumab (STRIDE) as a first-line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Carbon ion radiotherapy (C-ion RT), a type of particle therapy, allows precise tumor targeting while sparing nearby normal tissue. In HCC, macrovascular invasion (MVI) signifies aggressive progression with poor outcomes. Our strategy used C-ion RT to target a key tumor with MVI for disease management and potential MVI control, complemented by STRIDE. Recognizing that radiation therapies, including C-ion RT, stimulate immune responses, notably releasing tumor antigens and DAMPs (immune priming), we posited that merging C-ion RT with STRIDE might enhance therapeutic effects. Methods: This is a Phase Ib, multicenter study evaluating durvalumab with particle beam radiotherapy in HCC patients with MVI (Cohort A) and STRIDE (Cohort B). Both cohorts began with patients resistant to standard treatments. After safety confirmation, the study expanded to include systemic therapy-naïve patients, totaling 15. C-ion RT begins after day 8 of the first cycle, following the initial drug dose. The relative biological effectiveness weighted dose is set at 60 Gy in four fractions over one week, targeting one representative intrahepatic nodule with MVI. The primary endpoint is adverse event rates, including dose limiting toxicity (DLT), with secondary endpoints on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (jRCT2031210046). Results: From July 2021 to January 2023, 15 advanced HCC patients were enrolled in our study (Cohort A: 3, Cohort B: 12). Four in Cohort B were systemic therapy-naïve. All cases confirmed MVI radiologically; with tumor invasion observed in the main portal vein for 4 patients and in the inferior vena cava for one. DLT evaluations in 3 from each cohort showed no incidents. While Cohort A had no adverse events, 4 patients in Cohort B (26.7%) experienced serious treatment-related adverse events. Cohort B's median PFS was a significant 2.79 months (95%CI, 1.12–6.64). The 6- and 12-month PFS rates stood at 38.1% and 12.7% respectively. The median OS is still undetermined, but promisingly, the 6- and 12-month survival rates both reached 87.5%. Conclusions: The safety of STRIDE in combination with particle therapy has been confirmed in advanced HCC with MVI. This combination, especially the irradiation of tumors with MVI using C-ion RT, holds promise in managing prognostic determinant tumors and potentially enhancing OS. Clinical trial information: jRCT2031210046 .
Treatment outcomes by stratifying the N-acetyl transferase 2 phenotype in pre-treated patients with advanced refractory biliary tract cancer treated with nanvuranlat, an L-type amino acid transporter inhibitor: An ad-hoc analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study.
Authors: Okano Naohiro , Nagashima Fumio , Nishioka Mariko , Kusaka Haruki , Yamamoto Kouji , Furuse Junji
Published: January 2024

483

Background: L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1, SLC7A5) is overexpressed in cancer cells, leading to aggressive proliferation and lymphatic metastases. In a placebo-controlled, randomized phase 2 trial involving patients with pre-treated, advanced, refractory biliary tract cancer (BTC), monotherapy with nanvuranlat (JPH203), a selective LAT1 inhibitor, demonstrated a significant improvement in progression free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint compared to placebo. The safety profile was comparable between nanvuranlat and placebo treated patients, except for a higher rate of cholangitis in the nanvuranlat group. Nanvuranlat is metabolized to its main inactive, off-target metabolite, Nac-JPH203 by N-acetyl transferase 2 ( NAT2). Since the NAT2 unknown patients mislead the benefit and risk ratio of nanvuranlat treatment, an ad-hoc analysis was conducted in enriched NAT2 non-rapid (NR) phenotype patients who slowly produced Nac-JPH203 in plasma. Methods: Among 104 (full analytical set (FAS) - nanvuranlat:69 & placebo:35) enrolled patients, 25 with unknown NAT2 phenotype were enrolled prior to an amendment to only enroll NAT2-NR phenotype. Subsequently, further analysis was conducted to determine the NAT2 phenotypes of these 25 patients. Results: Among the 25 NAT2 unknown patients, 16 and 9 patients were assigned to nanvuranlat or placebo, respectively. NAT2 ad hoc analysis recorded those 9 patients in nanvuranlat and 5 in placebo as NAT2 NR, and 7 patients in nanvuranlat and 4 in placebo were NAT2 rapid (R). As a result, number of NAT2 NR patients was increased from 81 to 94. Efficacy analysis of this enriched population (FAS-NR-nanvuranlat:63 & placebo:31) revealed a significant improvement in PFS. With respect to cholangitis, 8 all-grade (12.7%) and 7 over grade 3 (11.1%) were documented in the FAS-NR population. In the FAS-R population, 2 all grades (28.5%) and 2 over grade 3 (28.5%) were observed (Table). Conclusions: By classifying BTC patients by NAT2 phenotype in this ad hoc analysis, the LAT1 inhibitor nanvuranlat further improved its clinical efficacy and safety in the NAT2 NR population. Therefore, selecting NAT2 NR for nanvuranlat treatment may improve the risk -benefit ratio. Clinical trial information: UMIN000034080 . [Table: see text]
Characterizing outcomes of ERBB2-amplified biliary tract cancer.
Authors: Fox Daniel Aaron , Haro-Silerio Jaime , Bhamidipati Deepak , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Pant Shubham , Ross Jeffrey S. , Hu Zishuo Ian , Koay Eugene Jon , Ludmir Ethan B. , Tran Cao Hop Sanderson , Tzeng Ching-Wei D. , Chun Yun Shin , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas , Newhook Timothy E. , Metwalli Zeyad , Habibollahi Peiman , Cox Veronica L. , Kang Hyunseon , Javle Milind M. , Lee Sunyoung S.
Published: January 2024

492

Background: A subset of biliary tract cancers (BTC) feature amplification (amp) of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 ( ERBB2) gene. The prognostic role and treatment in these patients (pts) are poorly understood. This study aims to characterize the clinical outcomes and molecular profiles of ERBB2-amp BTC. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes data and next-generation sequencing (NGS) at MD Anderson (MDA) and Foundation Medicine (FMI) from 2009-2023 in pts with ERBB2-amp BTC including all classes of genomic alterations (GA) in other genes. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed by the log-rank test. Results: 80 pts (MDA) were identified with ERBB2-amp BTC with documented treatment and NGS data. Pts (Table) who received ERBB2-directed therapy (22.4 vs. 12.0 m, p=0.004), surgery (21.0 vs. 12.0 m, p=0.002), local therapy with RT/ablation/Y90 (excluding surgical pts, 20.6 vs. 11.6 m, p = 0.0001) had significantly longer OS. Median PFS (mPFS) without ERBB2-directed therapy for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line systemic therapy was 4.1, 3, and 2.2 m. mPFS with all ERBB2-directed therapy was 4.1 m, but that of gemcitabine (gem)-based plus trastuzumab (tt) and 5FU-based plus tt was 7.8 and 3.8 m (p=0.018). The most common concurrent-GA at MDA, any co-amps (72.7%; 19.2 vs. 20.3 m, p=0.69) and TP53 inactivating mutation (70.4%; 16.6 vs. 14.9 m, p=0.89), had no OS association; 3rd most common co-GA found, CDK12 amp (46.4%), had a trend toward a better OS (19.2 vs. 14.3 m, p=0.089). FMI database showed ERBB2 amp in 3.2%, 5.4%, and 8.9% in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), extrahepatic CCA, and gallbladder cancer. The most common co-GA included TP53, CDKN2A/B, and CCNE1. FGFR2 fusions (iCCA) were mutually exclusive with ERBB2 amp (0%, MDA/FMI); IDH1 (iCCA) with ERBB2 amp, 5.7 and 4.3% (MDA and FMI). Conclusions: ERBB2-amp BTC has shorter mPFS or mOS without ERBB2-directed therapy, surgery, or local therapy, suggesting clinical benefit from multi-disciplinary care and targeted therapy. Co-GA with ERBB2-amp did not demonstrate a significant association with survival outcomes. [Table: see text]
Anlotinib plus TQB2450 (PD-L1 blockade) combined with nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin as first-line treatment for advanced biliary tract cancer: A single-arm, open-label phase II clinical trial.
Authors: Jin Shui-Ling , Qiao Shishi , Li Ren-Feng , Zhang Weijie , He Wei , Su Chang , Li Lu-Hao , Pan Jie , Guo Wen-Zhi , Zong Hong
Published: January 2024

498

Background: Efficacy and prognosis of chemotherapy in first-line setting for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) was dismal currently. Recently, PD-1/PD-L1 blockades combined with dual chemotherapy in first-line setting exhibited superior efficacy for patients with BTC. Nevertheless, it's important to highlight that both the TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials had reported a median OS of less than 13 months. This underscored the necessity for further advancements to meet the demands of clinical practice. Anlotinib, a novel multitarget TKI primarily targeting VEGFR1-3, demonstrated promising therapeutic activity as second-line therapy for patients with BTC. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the efficacy and safety of anlotinib plus TQB2450 (PD-L1 blockade) combined with nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin as first-line therapy in advanced BTC. Methods: Patients with previously untreated metastatic or locally advanced BTC (ICC, ECC, GBC) were recruited and treated with anlotinib (10mg, po, d1~14, q3w) and TQB2450 (1200mg, iv, d1, q3w) plus nab-paclitaxel (200mg/m2, iv, d1, q3w) and cisplatin (60mg/m2, iv, d1, q3w) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The tumor response was assessed according to RECIST 1.1 using CT scans every two cycles. Adverse events were recorded by severity in accordance with the NCI CTC AE Version 5.0. The predefined sample size was 20. Primary endpoint was ORR and secondary endpoints included safety, DCR, PFS, OS and biomarker explore. Results: From April 2023 to Aug 2023, a total of 18 patients were enrolled, 14 patients who had received first tumor response were included in this analysis. The best overall response indicated that there were 6 PR (42.9%), 7 SD (50.0%) and 1 PD (7.1%). Therefore, the preliminary ORR was 42.8% (95%CI: 17.7%-71.1%), DCR was 92.9% (95%CI: 66.1%-99.8%). Median PFS of the 14 patients was not yet reached. Additionally, safety profile exhibited that the regimen was tolerable. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events among the 18 patients with the incidence >30% were leukopenia (67%), fever (39%), pain in extremity (33%) and malaise (28%). Common grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events were leukopenia (28%), fever (6%), malaise (6%), stomachache (6%), oral mucositis (6%), thrombocytopenia (6%), vomit (6%), rash (6%) and hypotension (6%). Conclusions: Preliminary results suggested that anlotinib plus TQB2450 combined with nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin as first-line therapy in advanced BTC exhibited encouraging efficacy and manageable adverse events. The conclusion should be validated in more patients consecutively. Clinical trial information: NCT05812430 .
Fruquintinib combined with sintilimab plus transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A single-arm phase II study.
Authors: Shao Guoliang , Zeng Hui , Zhang Zhewei , Luo Jun , Zhang Dinghu
Published: January 2024

499

Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitor combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor has been reported a synergetic survival benefit in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). TACE induces tumor necrosis and tumor antigen release was believed to increase immune responses of anticancer immunotherapies. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fruquintinib combined with sintilimab plus TACE for uHCC. Methods: This study was a single-arm, open-label phase Ⅱ exploratory clinical study (NCT05971199). Eligible patients were China liver cancer stage (CNLC) Ⅱb-Ⅲa and not candidates for surgical resection or ablation, or liver transplantation, at least one target lesion evaluable, ECOG performance status of 0-1, and Child-Pugh score ≤7. Enrolled patients would receive treatment with TACE (TACE was repeated on demand, but < 5 times) followed by sintilimab 200 mg every 3 weeks and fruquintinib (5 mg QD, 2w on/1w off) until intolerable toxicity or disease progression. The primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints included adverse events (AEs), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) per mRECIST. Results: As of August 20, 2023, 15 enrolled patients with uHCC were treated. Mean follow-up time is 10.7 months. The median age was 58 years. At present, 10 patients were included for efficacy and safety analysis evaluation. Number of patients with CNLC stage Ⅱb and Ⅲa was 0 (0 %) and 15 (100 %), respectively. The median PFS and OS data are not yet mature. The ORR and DCR were 80% and 100% respectively based on mRECIST (1 CR, 10%; 7 PR, 70%; 2 SD, 20%). The most common (≥ 10%) TRAEs (≥ Grade 3) were elevated glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, hypertension, proteinuria. No unexpected toxicity or treatment-related deaths occurred. Conclusions: Fruquintinib combined with sintilimab and TACE is a promising and tolerable therapeutic regimen for patients with CNLC Ⅱb-Ⅲa uHCC. This study is still ongoing and further follow-up is required to obtain final survival results. Clinical trial information: NCT05971199 .
Efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A single-arm, phase II study.
Authors: Xu Yongkang , Fu Shumin , Mao Ye , Yi Fengming , Jiang Weiming , Feng Long , Wu Jianbing
Published: January 2024

500

Background: Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) patients (pts) had high unmet medical needs in practice. Retrospective studies suggested a potent antitumor effect and long-term survival benefit of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) plus programmed death-1 inhibitor and lenvatinib. This prospective phase II study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab in uHCC pts. Methods: Eligible pts were aged ≥18 years and had histologically confirmed uHCC, ECOG PS ≤1, Child-Pugh (C-P) A/B, and ≥1 measurable lesion per RECIST 1.1. Pts received HAIC of modified FOLFOX (oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m2; leucovorin, 400 mg/m2; 5-fluorouracil bolus, 400 mg/m2 on day 1; 5-fluorouracil infusion, 2400 mg/m2 for 46 h), lenvatinib (8 or 12 mg once daily for body weight <60 or ≥60 kg), and tislelizumab (200 mg every 3 weeks). HAIC was allowed to repeat on demands. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST 1.1. Secondary endpoints included ORR per mRECIST, disease control rate (DCR), surgical conversion rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs). Results: Between June 2021 and January 2023, 46 pts were enrolled. The median age of pts was 51-year-old, most were male 42 (91.3%), ECOG PS 0 33 (71.7%), C-P A 44 (95.7%), tumor diameter ≥10 cm 31 (67.4%), multiple tumors 33 (71.7%), vascular invasion 38 (82.6%), extrahepatic metastasis 7 (15.2%). As of August 15, 2023, . All pts entered efficacy and safety analysis, ORR was 52.2% (0 complete response [CR], 24 partial response [PR]) per RECIST 1.1; ORR was 84.8% per mRECIST, with 5 CR and 34 PR. DCR was 95.6% per either RECIST 1.1 or mRECIST. Surgical conversion rate was 21.7% (10/46). Median PFS was 10.9 (95% CI, 8.0-13.8) months; 12-month OS rate was 41.3%. COX analysis revealed that ECOG PS 1 (HR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.43-7.03; p=0.005), multiple tumors (HR, 3.68; 95% CI, 1.22-11.14; p=0.021), and extrahepatic metastasis (HR, 4.04; 95% CI, 1.57-10.40; p=0.004) were independently associated with poor PFS. Any-grade AEs occurred in 43 (93.5%) pts, the most common were proteinuria (43.4%), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased (35.8%), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased (32.1%). Grades ≥3 AEs occurred in 10 (21.7%) pts and mainly included AST increased (7.5%), hypertension (3.8%), and hyperbilirubinemia (3.8%). Conclusions: HAIC combined with lenvatinib and tislelizumab showed meaningful clinical benefits and acceptable safety in uHCC pts. The study is ongoing, OS will be reported later. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR2200064384 .
Role of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage II-III ampullary cancer.
Authors: Semenov Nikolay , Zhukova Lyudmila , Grechukhina Katerina , Izrailov Roman , Dalgatov Kamil , Khatkov Igor
Published: January 2024

508

Background: Survival benefits for patients (pts) with ampullary cancer (AC) on adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) remain unknown. Some studies support post-operative treatment, while others state the opposite. Also, there are no clear evidence indicating that histopathological types (pancreaticobiliary (PB-type) and intestinal (IN-type)) can be used to guide the adjuvant setting. The aim of this study is to assess the ACT efficacy in different histopathological types of ampullary adenocarcinoma (pathological stages II-III). Methods: 81 pts were enrolled in the study in total, 45.7% were males, median age was 66.0 (range 43.9-83.8) years. 36.9% were IN-type, 50.8% – PB-type, and 12.3% – mixed. Almost all (97.5%) pts underwent Whipple procedure. 50 pts (61.7%) received ACT: 78.0% – 5-FU-based regimen and 22.0% – gemcitabine-based. Results: There was no clinical benefit in pts administered with ACT in terms of overall survival (OS): median OS was 55.5 months versus 43.6 month in observation arm; p=0.93. The ACT (FU-based or gemcitabine-based) did not correlate to improve OS in patients with IN-type: 38.0 months in patients who received ACT versus 30.5 months in those who did not; p=0.75. The ACT has shown better survival benefit in patients with PB-type compared to observation, however there was no statistical difference: 21.1 and 43.6 months, respectively; p=0.52. 5-FU-based ACT did not show any benefits compared to gemcitabine-based therapy in this subgroup. Conclusions: The use of adjuvant chemotherapy (FU-based or gemcitabine-based) in patients with II-III stage ampullary cancer was not associated with improved overall survival in our trial. There was no clinical benefit from addition of ACT either despite the heterogeneity of the tumor tissue origin (IN-type or PB-type).
Real-world effectiveness and safety of trifluridine-tipiracil (FTD/TPI) and bevacizumab (BEV) in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): The BeTAS trial.
Authors: Martinez Lago Nieves , Gonzalez Borja , Gallardo Martin Elena , Fernandez Montes Ana , Cousillas Castiñeira Antia , Grana Suarez Begona , Carral Maseda Alberto , Pellon Augusto Maria Luz , Gonzalez Villarroel Paula , De La Camara Gomez Juan , Fernández Mercedes Salgado , Reboredo Lopez Margarita ,   Galician Research Group on Digestive Tumors (GiTUD)
Published: January 2024

51

Background: In the Sunlight Trial, the combination of FTD/TPI + BEV demonstrated significantly extended Overall Survival (OS) and Progression-Free Survival (PFS), along with an improved Disease Control Rate (DCR), compared to FTD/TPI alone in patients with refractory mCRC. The BeTAS trial aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of the FTD/TPI + BEV combination in patients with refractory mCRC. Methods: We conducted a multicenter, retrospective, observational study involving patients with mCRC who were refractory or intolerant to standard therapies (including oxaliplatin, irinotecan, fluoropyrimidines, anti-VEGF, and anti-EGFR if RAS/BRAF wild-type) and were treated with FTD/TPI + BEV at six university hospitals affiliated with the Galician Research Group on Digestive Tumors (GiTUD) in Northwest Spain. Results: A total of 110 patients were enrolled in the BeTAS trial between July 2019 and August 2023. The median age was 66 years (range 33-88 years), with 62.7% being male. Notably, 18.2% of patients had an ECOG performance status of 2, 50.9% had RAS mutations, 27.3% had three or more metastatic locations, and 72.7% had liver metastases. Additionally, 26.4% had a time since the diagnosis of the first metastases of less than 18 months, and 46.4% were categorized as the poor prognostic Tabernero´s Subgroup. Most patients (77.3%) received FTD/TPI + BEV as a third-line treatment, with 88.9% having received previous anti-VEGF therapy. Notably, 13.6% received FTD/TPI at a dose of 30 mg/m2, and 6.4% received prophylactic GCSF. The median number of cycles received was 4 (range 1-21 cycles). Among 97 evaluable patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 2.1%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 46.4%. With a median follow-up of 15.5 months, the median PFS was 4.2 months (95% CI, 3.5-4.9 months), and the median OS was 9.9 months (95% CI, 7.3 - 12.5 months). The most common grade 3-4 toxicities included neutropenia (41.8%), asthenia (7.3%), and hepatic toxicity (5.5%). No treatment-related deaths were reported. Conclusions: The BeTAS trial findings affirm the real-world effectiveness and safety of FTD/TPI + BEV in the context of routine clinical practice, even in a population with a poor prognosis and extensive prior treatment history.
Comparing resection and stereotactic body radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with macrovascular invasion: A propensity score matched study.
Authors: Yan Michael , Li Zhihao , Muñoz-Schuffenegger Pablo , Santiago Anna , Claasen Marco , Bucur Roxana , McGilvray Ian M. , Moulton Carol-Anne , Reichman Trevor , Shwaartz Chaya , Cleary Sean P. , O'Kane Grainne M. , Grant Robert C , Kim Tae , Naidoo Catherine Soo Yee , Hosni Ali , Wong Rebecca KS , Mesci Aruz , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Dawson Laura A.
Published: January 2024

521

Background: Macrovascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is a poor prognostic factor. Current guidelines endorse systemic therapy for MVI. Local therapies present a potential for obliteration of MVI and improved survival. Surgery has been the standard local therapy at our institution, and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) has emerged as an alternative local therapy for this patient population. Methods: In this retrospective study, one-to-one optimal pair propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes of HCC patients with MVI who underwent surgery or received SBRT. Matching was done based on sex, age, ECOG, cirrhosis presence, Child-Pugh class, number of tumours, tumour volume, alpha-fetoprotein level, ALBI score, Japanese Classification of portal vein invasion, and hepatic vein invasion. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and between group differences determined using the log-rank test. The cumulative incidence of recurrence, accounting for the competing risk of death, was compared using Gray’s test. Results: Ninety of 193 patients were included after matching (45 patients in both the surgery and SBRT groups) (Table). The SBRT group had a median OS of 15 months (95% CI: 10-38), while in the surgery group it was 24 months (95% CI: 11-81). Comparing the 12-, 36-, and 60-month overall survival (OS) rates between the SBRT group (57%, 33%, 15%) and the surgery group (58%, 37%, 34%), there was no statistically significant differences (p=0.16); the 5-year OS was double in the surgical resection group. The 12-, 36-, and 60-month cumulative incidence of HCC recurrence in the SBRT group (47%, 73%, 75%) was comparable to the surgery group (69%, 69%, 69%) (p=0.89). Conclusions: Long term survival is possible in patients with HCC and MVI in a substantial minority of patients with HCC and MVI treated with local therapies. There was no statistical difference in outcomes; however, surgical resection resulted in numerically longer survival outcomes compared to SBRT after propensity score adjustment. There is rationale for investigating both local therapies with systemic therapies in future clinical trials. [Table: see text]
A decade of chemotherapy management in hepatocellular carcinoma: A single-center study in Latin America.
Authors: Cruz Diaz Wagner Eduardo , Macetas Jackeline , Lazaro Miriam , Haro Varas Juan Carlos Carlos , Pacheco Cristian , Calderón Anticona Mónica , Anampa Vargas Jessica Diana , Serrano Cardoso Mariana , Paitan Amaro Victor Roman , Castro Oliden Victor , Montenegro Paola Catherine
Published: January 2024

524

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HC) is the most common primary tumor of the liver and is a significant health problem worldwide with check-point inhibitors and oral multikinase inhibitors (TKI) as the first-line therapy for advanced diseases. While chemotherapy treatment may not be standardized in current clinical management guidelines, it remains the only available treatment option in numerous Latin American countries. Methods: A retrospective review was carried out, in patients older than 18 years, between January 2011 and December 2020. 127 patients were analyzed and identified, they had received at least one course of chemotherapy at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas in Lima, Perú. Results: The median age was 40 years, 40 female patients (31.5%) and 87 male patients (68.5%). Among the participants, 77 patients (60.62%) were diagnosed with hepatitis B, 2 patients (1.57%) had hepatitis C virus infections, and 48 patients didn´t have viral hepatitis. 72 patients (91.13%) underwent antiretroviral treatment. Non-cirrhotic patients were 118 (92.91%) and 111 (87.4%) had a Child A score. Chemotherapy was administered as first-line treatment to 118 patients (92.91%), with 47.61% receiving 5-FU-based chemotherapy, 11.11% Adriamycin, and 8.7% Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. A smaller subset, consisting of 8 individuals (6.29%), received sorafenib as their first-line treatment. The overall survival (OS) rates at 12, 36, and 60 months were 74.14%, 20.69%, and 1.72%, respectively. Regarding disease-free survival (DFS) rates at 12, 24, and 48 months were 28.89%, 6.67%, and 2.22%, respectively. Conclusions: In this updated data for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, we observed a subset of patients with advanced HC achieved favorable outcomes, with a median OS of 20.37 months and a median DFS of 6.6 months. Additional research is necessary to enhance our understanding of the molecular characteristics and resistance pathways of hepatocellular carcinoma in Peru and their correlation with the favorable survival rates observed in response to chemotherapy treatment.
Genomic characterization of cholangiocarcinoma with autoimmune etiologies.
Authors: Wang Xin , Hamza Oumaima , Chan-Seng-Yue Michelle , Zhang Amy , Jang Gun Ho , Borgida Ayelet , Kapur Manny , Dodd Anna , Bucur Roxana , Wilson Julie , Vogel Arndt , Gallinger Steven , Notta Faiyaz , O'Kane Grainne M. , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Knox Jennifer J. , Grant Robert C.
Published: January 2024

531

Background: Chronic inflammation from autoimmune conditions is a well-recognized risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma in the Western world. Cholangiocarcinomas in the setting of autoimmune disease have earlier age-of-onset and worse prognosis. Currently, their biology is inadequately understood, and the risks and benefits of immunotherapy approaches in this population are unknown. We describe the clinical and genomic characteristics of a cohort of cholangiocarcinoma patients with autoimmune etiologies. Methods: In a prospective cohort of 43 patients with mismatch repair proficient cholangiocarcinoma, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS, n=43) and total RNA sequencing (RNA-seq, n=28). Among this cohort, 15 patients had cholangiocarcinoma with autoimmune etiologies, including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC, n=10), ulcerative colitis (UC, n=6), ankylosing spondylitis (AS, n=1), and Crohn’s disease (CD, n=3). Results: Patients with autoimmune conditions had a 6.46-fold higher Tumour Mutational Burden (TMB) ( P = 0.0010), characterized by higher load of indels ( P = 0.0006). TMB was greater than 10 mutations per megabase in 4 of 15 patients with autoimmune conditions and 0 of 28 patients in those without ( P = 0.0111). Autoimmune patients exhibited an enrichment in mutational signatures 5 ( P = 0.0154), 17 ( P = 0.0004), 28 ( P = 0.028) and 30 ( P = 0.0164). Despite a higher TMB, autoimmune tumours have similar patterns of driver mutations. Differential gene expression of bulk RNA-seq analysis revealed comparable transcriptional markers of immunogenicity, but autoimmune cancers are enriched in pathways involved with cell proliferation and cell-cycle checkpoints. One patient with PSC/UC was treated with gemcitabine, cisplatin, and durvalumab with a partial response, while another with Crohn’s disease had durvalumab added to gemcitabine and cisplatin at progression and experienced stable disease with a decreased CA19-9. Neither experienced immune-related adverse events. Conclusions: Cholangiocarcinoma with autoimmune etiologies have unique genomic features characterized by elevated TMB. Chemo-immunotherapy may be a novel therapeutic option in this subgroup of patients and warrants further study.
Association of FGFR2 structural alterations in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas with female gender and younger age.
Authors: Hu Zishuo Ian , Ross Jeffrey S. , Pavlick Dean C. , Hsieh David
Published: January 2024

537

Background: FGFR2 fusions and other rearrangements are targetable alterations due to the advent of FGFR2 kinase domain inhibitors, and are considerably more common in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (iCCA) than other cancer types. Understanding clinical factors associated with FGFR2 fusions and other rearrangements may guide precision oncology efforts. Prior studies indicate that FGFR2 alterations are more common in younger patients, but it remains unknown whether other demographics are specifically associated with FGFR2 structural alterations. Here, we reviewed the frequency of FGFR2 structural alterations in 8,898 iCCA patients from the AACR Genie and the Foundation Medicine databases. Methods: We reviewed the Foundation Medicine (n= 7,934) and AACR GENIE database (n=964) for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas. We identified iCCAs with FGFR2 structural alterations and mutations in other common driver genes and analyzed their distribution by age and sex. Results: FGFR2 structural alterations were more frequent in female (10.4%) compared to male (6.4%) patients across both cohorts. FGFR2 structural alterations had an association with an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% CI 1.6-3.7) and 1.7 (95% CI-2.0) with the female gender in the AACR GENIE and Foundation Medicine databases, respectively. The frequency of FGFR2 fusions/rearrangement was highest during reproductive years (up to age 40) and subsequently declined with age. This decline was greater in females than males. Mutations in other genes associated with iCCA including non-fusion FGFR2 alterations, and mutations in ARID1A, KRAS, and TP53 were not associated with gender or age. Conclusions: Our results show that FGFR2 structural alterations are significantly enriched in younger female patients with iCCA. Clinical assessment of FGFR2 alterations should be prioritized in this patient population, and future clinical studies in this molecular subtype should ensure inclusive enrollment practices. Further research is warranted to determine if the pathogenesis of FGFR2 structural alterations are driven by female biology including the involvement of sex hormones and the potential impact on the development of acquired resistance to FGFR2 kinase inhibitors.
PD-L1 as a predictor of chemo-immunotherapy response in biliary tract cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Juarez Juan Jose , Osataphan Soravis Alm , Ponvilawan Ben , Charoenngam Nipith , Peters Mary Linton Bounetheau
Published: January 2024

541

Background: Advanced biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rare and aggressive malignancies with limited treatment options. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy (ICI-C) gained approval as first-line therapy for unresectable or metastatic BTCs. Two large phase III clinical trials of ICI-C in BTCs did not show a significant correlation between PD-L1 expression and therapeutic response. However, in a phase II study of single-agent nivolumab, there was an association. In light of these conflicting findings, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials investigating ICI-C in BTCs to assess whether PD-L1 expression could predict treatment response. Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to identify relevant studies. Patient characteristics, method of PD-L1 assessment, and measures of treatment response including hazard ratio (HR), objective response rate (ORR), progression-free-survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were extracted. Pooled ORR and HR were calculated using random effect model and assessed for study heterogeneity. Results: Among the 4,882 studies screened, seven clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of ICI-C in BTCs were identified. Of these trials, two randomized phase III trials report HR between PD-L1 positive and negative patients, while five phase II clinical trials reported ORR based on PD-L1 expression. Out of the 1,069 patients included in these trials, 954 underwent assessment for PD-L1 expression. 66.4% (n=634) exhibited PD-L1 expression level ≥ 1% as determined by either tumor proportion score (TPS) or combined positive score (CPS), while 33.5% (n=320) were classified as PD-L1 negative. Notably, 115 patients were not tested for PD-L1 expression, a variety of PD-L1 assays were used across the studies, and only some studies reported multiple PD-L1 cutoffs. Pooled analysis of two-phase III trials demonstrated that PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% was associated with improved OS (pooled HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.95) compared to PD-L1 < 1% (pooled HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.67-1.07). Additionally, pooled ORR from five phase II studies showed a trend towards an improved response in patients with PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% (pooled ORR 64%, 95% CI 52-74%) compared to PD-L1 <1% (pooled ORR 46%, 95% CI 31-62%) with a subgroup difference p-value of 0.08. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that BTCs patients with PD-L1 expression ≥ 1% may exhibit a more favorable response to chemo-immunotherapy, and that a majority of BTCs have this level of expression. These findings support further investigation of the use of PD-L1 as a biomarker, and in particular investigation of different PD-L1 levels, which may inform treatment for patients with relative contraindications to immunotherapy use.
The combination of CD8 and TIM3 expression to predict survival outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Authors: Shimada Mitsuo , Wada Yuma , Noma Takayuki , Saito Yu , Morine Yuji
Published: January 2024

543

Background: CD8+ T cells have anti-tumor immunity in a variety of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells express immune checkpoint proteins and focus on a therapeutic targeting. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 (TIM3) has been reported to be associated with suppression of anti-tumor immunity, poor prognosis, and tumor progression in HCC, resulting in up-regulation on exhausted CD8+ T cells. As the exhausted T cells showed a decrease of effector cytokine production and cytolytic activity, leading to the tumor progression, TIM3 is one of the most important exhaustion markers. In the present study, we investigated the role of CD8 and TIM3 as a prognostic biomarker in HCC. Methods: We analyzed 474 HCC patients with clinical and transcriptomic data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA: n=359) and GSE 76427 (n=115) to examine associations between CD8, TIM3, and programmed death receptor-1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) expression and survival outcomes. Each gene was divided into low- and high-expression groups using the tertiles of gene expression. Results: The patients with high CD8 and low TIM3 expression were associated with better overall survival (OS) (P=0.021 and P=0.025, respectively) in TCGA, while PD-1/PD-L1 were not associated with OS (P=0.306 and P=0.318, respectively). Moreover, the patients with high CD8 and low TIM3 expression were validated in GSE dataset (P=0.014 and P=0.009, respectively). The patients with high CD8 and low TIM3 expression were associated with improved OS compared with the overall HCC patient (P=0.008). Among the patients with high CD8 expression, low TIM3 expression (non-exhausted CD8+ T cells) was associated with better OS (P=0.009), but PD-1/PD-L1 were not associated with OS (P=0.491 and P=0.772, respectively). Finally, multivariate analysis showed that the patients withnon-exhausted CD8+ T cells were significantly superior for the survival outcomes (Hazard ratio=2.80, 95% CI=1.27–6.19, P=0.01). Conclusions: High CD8 and low TIM3 expression is associated with better OS in HCC than PD-1/PD-L1, suggesting that CD8 and TIM3 are useful biomarkers for predicting HCC prognosis. Restoring exhausted T cells via the suppression of TIM3 is a promising strategy for cancer treatment, which become a breakthrough in the cancer immunotherapy.