bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of SWI/SNF complex mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: Immuno-oncology biomarker study in LC-SCRUM-Japan (LC-SCRUM-IBIS).
Authors: Yoh Kiyotaka , Matsumoto Shingo , Furuya Naoki , Nishino Kazumi , Miyamoto Shingo , Oizumi Satoshi , Okamoto Norio , Itani Hidetoshi , Kuyama Shoichi , Nakamura Atsushi , Hayashi Yuichiro , Motoi Noriko , Ishii Genichiro , Goto Koichi
Published: May 2020

9530

Background: The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is reported to be involved in sensitivity and resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). However, their role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. We examined the relationship between SWI/SNF complex mutations and clinical outcomes of ICI in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Of 1017 lung cancer patients enrolled in LC-SCRUM-IBIS, 350 patients were analyzable for whole-exome sequencing (WES). WES data were used to analyze the presence of mutations in 29 major subunits of the SWI/SNF complexes. ARID1A and SMARCA4 mutations were also evaluated in a targeted NGS panel (Oncomine comprehensive assay, OCA). PD-L1 expression by 22C3, tissue tumor mutational burden (tTMB) by WES, STK11 and KEAP1 mutations by WES or OCA were also assessed. Durable clinical benefit (DCB) including CR, PR and SD > 6 mos to ICI, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared in status of each of SWI/SNF complex mutations and other factors. Results: At least one mutation in any subunits of the SWI/SNF complex was present in 28% of NSCLC patients. The most common mutated subcomplexes were SMARCA4 (12%), BAF (7%: ARID1A, 4%), non-canonical BAF (3%), PBAF (3%), and SMARCA2 (2%). Of 101 NSCLC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, SMARCA4 mutations tended to be associated with lower DCB (16 vs 31%) and shorter median PFS (1.9 vs 3.6 m) and OS (7.4 vs 18.1m). Patients with ARID1A mutations tended to have better clinical outcomes (DCB, 40 vs 28%) compared to those without mutations. No significant associations were found between PD-L1 expression and SMARCA4 or ARID1A mutations. Patients with STK11/KEAP1 mutations had lower rate of PD-L1 expression (TPS > 50%) (18% vs 48%, P = 0.03) and worse clinical outcomes (DCB, 6 vs 33%) compared to those without mutations. There was no significant association between a tTMB status and clinical outcome. Conclusions: SMARCA4 and ARID1A mutations appear to affect clinical outcomes of ICI in NSCLC patients. These findings indicate that SWI/SNF complex mutations may serve as a predictive biomarker for ICI in NSCLC patients.
Distinct genomic instability landscape of lung adenocarcinoma associated with treatment and metastasis.
Authors: Wu Chuanxin , Zhang Jing , Bao Hua , Wang Ao , Luo Zhuang , Shen Yi , Wu Shuyu , Wu Xue , Shao Yang , Huang Jianfeng
Published: May 2020

9534

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Genomic instability, defined as genome-wide copy number alterations, is a key pathogenic signature which occurs at the early stage of most cancers and is associated with an increased risk of recurrence or death. We examined the pattern of genomic instability in primary and metastatic LUAD. Methods: We performed deep targeted sequencing (425 genes) of 3395 tissue samples and whole exome sequencing (WES) of 60 tissue samples from LUAD patients. Whole-genome doubling (WGD) and arm level aneuploidy were analyzed to uncover correlation with clinical phenotypes and other genomic alterations including driver mutations, tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Results: Overall, targeted sequencing revealed that WGD occurred in 64.33% LUAD samples, which was comparable with WES results. Compared to primary site, metastasis exhibited higher proportion of WGD (1.14 fold). Specifically, liver metastasis has the highest WGD percentage among metastasis sites (~87.5%; 1.40 fold increase compared to primary). Interestingly, patients who received tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) had higher frequency of WGD than patients without TKI treatment. In addition, TMB was higher in WGD+ patients but MSI status was not significantly different between groups. Arm-level aneuploidy was prevalent in this cohort. The most common amplification events were 7p gain (62%), 5p gain (54%), and 8q gain (53%); top deletion events were 19p loss (47%), 15q loss (42%), and 10 q loss (41%). Patients with EGFR or TP53 mutation were more likely to have aneuploidy compared to wildtypes. Subgroup analysis showed distinct patterns of aneuploidy among metastasis sites, suggesting organ-specific alterations. Evolution analysis showed 7p gain was an early event common in primary tumor whereas metastatic tumor had multiple distinct evolutionary trajectories following 7p gain. Several copy number signatures were associated with specific TKI and chemotherapies. For example, TKI-naïve tumors lacked 7p gain but had 19p loss as the most common alteration. Conclusions: The genomic landscape of LUAD was characterized by widespread large-scale copy number alterations including WGD and chromosomal aneuploidy. Metastasis had elevated level of aneuploidy compared to primary tumors which were specific to metastatic site. Copy number signature associated with different treatments may contribute to distinct long-term survival and side effects among patients.
PD-L1 tumor proportion score and clinical benefit from first-line pembrolizumab in patients with advanced nonsquamous versus squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Doroshow Deborah Blythe , Wei Wei , Zugazagoitia Jon , Robbins Charles Jack , Gupta Swati , Adamson Blythe J.S. , Rimm David L.
Published: May 2020

9539

Background: The predictive value of PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS) on NSCLC tumor cells as a biomarker for response to PD-(L)1 inhibitors is well established. However, its histology specific value in advanced (a) squamous (Sq) versus nonsquamous (NS) cancers remains unclear. Here, we used real world data to assess the differential value of PD-L1 TPS as a predictive biomarker for overall survival (OS) after first-line pembrolizumab (P) in patients (pts) with Sq versus NS NSCLC. Methods: Inclusion criteria for this analysis of the Flatiron Health EHR-derived de-identified database required that pts were diagnosed with aNSCLC, tested for PD-L1 TPS and received a numerical result, had no alteration in EGFR, ALK, or ROS, and received first-line, single agent P. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) from the first dose of P in patients with TPS ≥ 50% (H) compared to patients with TPS < 50% (L). Due to the violation of the proportional hazards assumption, a generalized gamma model of OS was used, adjusting for demographic variables and estimated median OS and their confidence intervals with the bootstrap method. The PD-L1-histology interaction was examined by comparing the differences in median OS (H vs. L) between Sq and NS patients. Results: Of 1560 pts with NSCLC treated from 1/2011 – 5/2019, 1055 had NS and 405 Sq. No meaningful differences in age, gender, or smoking history were seen between PD-L1 H and L pts with either histology. Among NS pts, H had significantly longer OS than L, with unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.53 - 0.94; p = 0.018). Among Sq pts, H was not associated with longer OS than L, with unadjusted HR 0.89 (95% CI: 0.64 - 1.25; p = 0.514). Based on the generalized gamma model, PD-L1 H in Sq patients was associated with a 0.19 year improvement in median OS (95% CI: -0.22-0.49, P = 0.283), whereas PD-L1 H in the NS group was associated with a 0.70 year improvement in OS (95% CI: 0.34-1.05, P < 0.001). The median improvements between the Sq and NS patients were significantly different (P = 0.034), after adjusting for demographic variables. Conclusions: PD-L1 TPS of ≥ 50% predicted longer OS in pts with NS NSCLC treated with first-line P compared to pts whose tumors had a TPS of < 50%. However, no relationship between PD-L1 TPS and OS after first-line P was seen in patients with Sq NSCLC. These data suggest that PD-L1 may not be an appropriate predictive biomarker for checkpoint inhibitor use in NSCLC with squamous histology.
Racial diversity of genomic alterations in lung adenocarcinomas.
Authors: Shi Huashan , Heng Fei , Zhou Kexun , Chen Ruqin , Manochakian Rami , Zhao Yujie , Lou Yanyan
Published: May 2020

9543

Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in the United States in all racial groups. However, the overall death rate from lung cancer is different among white, black and Asian. Although differences in socioeconomic status and treatments received might be the contributing factors, the biology, particularly genomic alteration of cancer might also have an important impact. To date, the differences of genomic alterations among all racial patients are poorly understood. Methods: The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Project Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE, version 7.0) database was analyzed. A total of 8908 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) were identified. Among them, 5652 patients who had comprehensive sequencing results (gene panel ≥ 275) were selected for further analysis. Patients with unknown race, undefined and Pacific Island (only 3 patients) were excluded. Finally, 5360 patients were included in the study. The prevalence and distribution of genomic alteration cross all racial groups were analyzed. Results: Overall 5951 samples from 5360 patients were collected (85.7% white, 7.9% Asian, 4.7% black, 0.2% Native American and 1.4% other). Most patients have only one sample. The median mutation counts in white, black, Asian, Native American and others are 7, 6, 5, 5, 7 respectively (Kruskal–Wallis test, P< 0.001). Asian have significantly higher rates of insertion and deletions than other races (14.8% of Asian versus 9.8% of white, 10.7% of black, 10.4% of Native American, 11.1% of other; Pearson’s chi-square test, < 0.001). TP53, EGFR, KRAS and STK11 are the most frequent alterations in white, black and other. EGFR, TP53, KRAS and APC are the most frequent alterations in Asian. STK11 mutations are rare in both Asian and Native American. Native Americans have more alterations of LRP1B, ARID2 and ATM, although the patients’ number remains small. ATM and KEAP1 mutations are also common in white and black. EGFR is the highest discrepancy gene in racial distribution. 78.9% Asian, 47.7% black, 36.4% of native American had EGFR alteration in comparison to 29.6% in white (Fisher's exact test, P < 0.001). KRAS is the second highest discrepancy gene in racial distribution. 11.6% Asian, 26.3% black, 27.3% of Native American had KRAS alteration in comparison to 36.1% in white (Fisher's exact test, P< 0.001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated the potential diversity of genomic alterations across all racial groups with potential impact on therapeutic decisions.
Soluble BTN2A1 as a potential predictive biomarker of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Rochigneux Philippe , Chretien Anne Sophie , Rossille Delphine , Chanez Brice , Billon Emilien , Fattori Stephane , Corre Romain , Pakradouni Jihane , Goncalves Anthony , Fest Thierry , Madroszyk Anne , Olive Daniel
Published: May 2020

9561

Background: Medical treatment of lung cancer has irreversibly changed since the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). However, immune biomarkers of efficacy are still lacking. Preliminary data in leukemia and pancreatic cancer showed that soluble immune checkpoints are associated with a reduced overall survival (OS). This led us to explore the prognostic and predictive value of soluble immune checkpoints in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemotherapy or ICI. Methods: We analyzed 90 advanced NSCLC patients. The pilot cohort (Rennes University Hospital, France), included 48 patients treated with platinum doublets (n = 33) or ICI (n = 15) (LOC/11-16 protocol). The confirmation cohort (Paoli-Calmettes Institute) included 42 patients treated with ICI (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) in a longitudinal prospective setting (Immunosup trial, NCT03595813). In both cohorts, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were performed in baseline plasma samples for soluble forms of PD-1, PD-L1, global BTN3, BTLA, BTN3-A1 and BTN2A1. Soluble ICI levels were linked to clinical data using Kaplan-Meier, log-rank and Cox proportional-hazards models. Cut-points were determined using maxstat package for survival, R software R 3.6.2. Results: Five soluble immune checkpoints correlated and clustered together in unsupervised analysis (PD-1, PD-L1, global BTN3, BTLA, BTN3-A1), but were not associated with ICI efficacy. In patients treated with ICI, in the pilot and confirmation cohort, a high baseline plasmatic concentration of soluble BTN2A1 was significantly associated with an improved OS (confirmation cohort with a BTN2A1 cut-point of 3.55 ng/ml: HR = 0.30, 95%CI = 0.12-0.74, p = 0.0057, median OS in BTN2A1low = 7.6 months and median OS in BTN2A1hi = 19.5 months). On the contrary, in patients treated with chemotherapy, soluble BTN2A1 concentration was not associated with overall survival. Conclusions: In advanced NSCLC patients, a high baseline plasmatic concentration of soluble BTN2A1 was correlated with improved outcomes for ICI, but not for chemotherapy, suggesting that baseline soluble BTN2A1 level is a potential predictive biomarker of ICI efficacy. Additional studies are ongoing to confirm this finding.
Randomized phase II study of pembrolizumab (P) alone versus pegilodecakin (PEG) in combination with P as first-line (1L) therapy in patients (pts) with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with high PD-L1 expression (CYPRESS 1).
Authors: Spigel David R. , Shum Merrill Kingman , Schneider Jeffrey Gary , Jotte Robert M. , Eisenstein Jennifer L. , Bhanderi Viralkumar K. , Konduri Kartik , Hung Annie , Hozak Rebecca R. , Ferry David Raymond , Gandhi Leena , Chao Bo H. , Rybkin Igor I.
Published: May 2020

9563

Background: Pembrolizumab (P) is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) approved to treat 1L advanced NSCLC pts with high PD-L1 expression. PEG + CPI has demonstrated promising efficacy in NSCLC pts in a phase I trial (IVY; NCT02009449; Naing et al., 2019 Lancet Oncol), providing rationale for this randomized phase II trial (CYPRESS 1; NCT03382899). Methods: CYPRESS 1 was an open label phase II trial, for treatment-naïve, ECOG 0-1, PD-L1 high (22C3 clone TPS ≥ 50%), Stage IV NSCLC pts, without known EGFR/ALK mutations. Pts were randomized 1:1 to arm P (received 200mg IV on day 1 of a 21-day cycle) v. arm PEG+P (received P as above + PEG daily of 0.8 mg if weight ≤80kg and 1.6mg if weight> 80 kg up to 35 cycles in each arm). Pts were stratified by tumor histology and must have no prior history of cancer or prior CPI therapy. Primary endpoint was ORR (per RECIST v1.1 by investigator) Secondary endpoints included PFS, OS, and safety. Exploratory endpoints included ORR and PFS by blinded independent central review (BICR). Immune activation biomarkers (baseline and change from baseline) were assessed by serum immunoassay, IHC, and sequencing. Results: As of Dec 6, 2019, 101 pts were randomized to PEG+P (n=51) or P (n=50). Median follow-up time was 10.0 months (95% CI [8.4, 11.1]). Results for PEG+P versus P were: ORR per investigator was 47% v. 44% (p=0.76), ORR per BICR was 53% v. 46%(p=0.78), mPFS per investigator was 6.3 v. 6.1 months with HR = 0.94 (95% CI [0.54, 1.63];p=0.82), mPFS per BICR was 6.4 v. 7.2 months with HR = 1.10 (95%CI [0.62, 1.96]; p=0.74), and mOS was 16.3 months v. not reached with HR = 1.36 (95% CI [0.66, 2.77]; p-value=0.40). Gr ≥3 treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) were 62% for PEG+P versus 19% for P. Gr ≥3 TRAEs with ≥10% incidence included anemia (20% vs. 0%) and thrombocytopenia (12% vs. 2%). Biomarker data on immunostimulatory signals of the IL-10R pathway will be included. Conclusions: Adding PEG to P did not lead to improvement in ORR, PFS, or OS, in 1L advanced NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression. PEG+P arm demonstrated expected safety profile but overall higher toxicity compared to pembrolizumab alone. Clinical trial information: NCT03382899 .
Angiogenesis inhibitor plus erlotinib versus erlotinib alone as first-line for advanced non-small cell lung-cancer harboring EGFR mutation.
Authors: Landre Thierry , Des Guetz Gaetan , Chouahnia Kader , Duchemann Boris , Morere Jean F. , Vergnenegre Alain , Chouaid Christos
Published: May 2020

9569

Background: Erlotinib is indicated in first line treatment for patients with Non-Small-Cell-Lung cancer (NSCLC) harbouring EGFR mutation. Addition of anti-VEGF in combination with erlotinib in this setting is controversial. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing VEGF inhibitor plus erlotinib with erlotinib alone in first line treatment for advanced NSCLC harbouring EGFR mutation. The outcomes included overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) objective response rate (ORR), and median duration of response (DOR). A fixed-effect model was used. Results: Four studies evaluated bevacizumab + erlotinib (ARTEMIS, NEJ026, J025667, Stinchcombe et al), and one study evaluated ramucirumab + erlotinib (RELAY). These five eligible studies included 1230 non-squamous NSCLC patients (654 with Ex19del and 568 with Leu858Arg);. Most of the patients were women (63%), Asian (85%) and non-smokers (60%), with a median age of 64 years. The combination (anti-VEGF + erlotinib) was significantly associated with improvement of PFS (hazards ratio [HR]: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.51-0.69, p < 0.00001). Improvement in PFS was seen across all subgroups analyzed. Interim analysis of OS (HR: 0.90, 95%CI; 0.68-1.19, p = 0.45) and ORR (odds ratio [OR], 1.19, 0.91-1.55, p = 0.21) were not statistically significant. DOR was statistically longer with combination (p < 0.005). Conclusions: For patients with untreated advanced NSCLC with EGFR mutation, the anti-VEGF combination with erlotinib, compared with erlotinib alone, is associated with significantly improved PFS and DOR, but mature data for OS are needed to confirm the benefit of this strategy.
Lung-MAP (SWOG S1400): Design, implementation, and lessons learned from a biomarker-driven master protocol (BDMP) for previously-treated squamous lung cancer (sqNSCLC).
Authors: Redman Mary Weber , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki , Minichiello Katherine , Gandara David R. , Hirsch Fred R. , Mack Philip C. , Schwartz Lawrence Howard , Vokes Everett E. , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Leighl Natasha B. , Bradley Jeffrey , LeBlanc Michael Leo , Malik Shakuntala , Miller Vincent A. , Sigal Ellen V. , Adam Stacey , Blanke Charles David , Kelly Karen , Herbst Roy S.
Published: May 2020

9576

Background: S1400, a BDMP, was designed to address an unmet need in sqNSCLC, run within the National Clinical Trials Network of the National Cancer Institute using a public-private partnership (PPP). The goal of was to establish an infrastructure for biomarker-screening and rapid evaluation of targeted therapies in biomarker-defined groups leading to regulatory approval. Methods: S1400 included a screening part using the FoundationOne assay and a clinical trial part with biomarker-driven studies (BDS) and “non-match” studies (NMS) for patients not eligible for any BDS. Patients could be screened (SaP) at progression or pre-screened (PreS). Results: Between June 2014 and January 2019, 1864 patients enrolled (711 PreS, 1079 SaP), 1674 with biomarker results, and 653 registered to a study with 217 to BDS and 436 to NMS. Six BDS and 3 NMS were initiated in small subsets with all BDS and 2 NMS completed within 2-3 years (see Table). Completed BDS have not demonstrated activity with 0-2 responses. On S1400I, Nivolumab and ipilimumab did not improve survival. Response with durvalumab (S1400A) was 16%. Conclusions: Lung-MAP met its goal to quickly answer targeted and other novel therapy questions in rare sqNSCLC subpopulations, answering questions that likely would not have been otherwise feasible, thereby demonstrating value. Activated just prior to the success of PD-(L)1 therapies in sqNSCLC, the trial had to undergo major design changes. Lessons learned include the need to update based on new science and that the PPP collaboration was essential to success. Lung-MAP continues now with new BDS and NMS in all NSCLC as of January 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT02154490 . [Table: see text]
Is checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis underreported in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy?
Authors: Spieler Benjamin Oren , Lopes Gilberto , Dal Pra Alan , Diwanji Tejan , Yechieli Raphael , Freedman Laura M. , Mihaylov Ivaylo
Published: May 2020

9579

Background: For patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), immunotherapy (ImT) has led to improvements in survival and quality of life. Checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) is an uncommon but sometimes life-threatening adverse event. While CIP is a diagnosis of exclusion, many oncologists believe the incidence of CIP is underreported. Radiomics, an image analysis technique that can extract imperceptible information from radiographic images, has been incorporated into predictive models for many cancers. Recent studies suggest that radiomic analysis of pre-ImT imaging can predict CIP. We hypothesized that for patients with advanced NSCLC treated with Nivolumab monotherapy, the rate of CIP is underreported and radiomics features can identify CIP that was clinically misclassified. Methods: From an IRB-approved database (DB) of 159 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with Nivolumab, chart review identified 8 patients diagnosed with CIP of any grade (5%). 42 additional patients from the same DB without diagnosis of CIP were randomly selected for analysis. For all 50 patients, uninvolved lung in the last pre-ImT CT imaging study was segmented, delineated, and analyzed for radiomics features associated with CIP. A logistic regression model incorporating radiomics assigned a CIP probability score to every patient. Results: Six radiomics features correlated with CIP ( p-values range from 0.02 to 0.03). Each feature had an AUC of ~0.79 (range 0.789 to 0.794) showing large effect size, with odds ratios greater than 3.50 (4 features) or less than 0.3 (2 features). The radiomics-based probability model assigned 7/42 patients (17.5%) without clinical diagnosis of CIP a greater than 50% probability of CIP. Chart review revealed that 6/7 “misclassified” patients exhibited symptoms or radiographic features highly suggestive of CIP within 5 months of initial immunotherapy treatment. These indications originally had been attributed to disease progression, overshadowed by more severe symptoms or simply mislabeled (e.g. a case of recall pneumonitis was described as "radiation pneumonitis"). Conclusions: For patients with advanced NSCLC treated with nivolumab, the incidence of checkpoint-inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) is underreported and radiomics features can help identify CIP that has been clinically misclassified. Future directions include expansion of this study across the full database, correlation of radiomics features with blood biomarkers, and the inclusion of tumor burden as an additional covariate in the analysis.
Large scale clinico-genomic analyses among patients with BRAF-mutated non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) identified by nationwide genomic screening project (LC-SCRUM-Japan).
Authors: Sakai Tetsuya , Matsumoto Shingo , Nakagawa Taku , Ohashi Kadoaki , Itani Hidetoshi , Shingyoji Masato , Nakamura Atsushi , Toyozawa Ryo , Mori Masahide , Tuda Takeshi , Ohe Yuichiro , Sakamoto Tomohiro , Kato Terufumi , Ikeda Takaya , Zenke Yoshitaka , Udagawa Hibiki , Kirita Keisuke , Yoh Kiyotaka , Niho Seiji , Goto Koichi
Published: May 2020

9590

Background: BRAF mutations are functionally classified into three groups, comprisingV600-mutant kinase-activating monomers (class I), kinase-activating dimers (class II), kinase-inactivating heterodimers (class III). The difference of clinical outcomes and concomitant genetic alterations among the three classes in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are unclear. Methods: We have prospectively analyzed NSCLC patients (pts) for cancer-related genes by a next-generation sequencing system, Oncomine™ Comprehensive Assay, in a large-scale genome screening project in Japan (LC-SCRUM-Japan). The clinical characteristics and outcomes of pts with BRAF-mutated non-squamous (non-sq) NSCLC were comparatively evaluated among the three classes of BRAF mutations. Results: A total of 5166 non-sq NSCLC pts were enrolled into the LC-SCRUM-Japan from 2015 to 2019. BRAF mutations were detected in 176 pts (3%). Among the 176 pts, 153 (87%) were classified into the three classes according to the mutation variants, including 65 (42%) into class I, 52 (34%) into class II and 36 (24%) into class III. The remaining 23 were not classified into any of the three classes. Compared with class I, class II or class III was significantly associated with smoking (P = 0.02 and < 0.01, respectively). Concomitant RAS mutations were significantly more frequent in class II and class III than in class I (P < 0.01 and = 0.04, respectively). The frequency of concomitant STK11 mutations was significantly higher in class III than in others (P < 0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference in the frequency of other oncogene and tumor suppressor gene mutations among the three classes. In the 1st-line platinum-containing chemotherapies for advanced or recurrent cases, median progression-free survival (mPFS) of class III pts was shorter than class I or class II pts (4.2, 11.5 and 4.8 months, I vs III; P < 0.01, II vs III; P = 0.06). In the treatment with 2nd-4th line PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, mPFS was not significantly different among the three classes. Overall survival of class III pts was significantly shorter than class I pts (11.9 vs 35.2 months, P = 0.03). Conclusions: Concomitant gene mutations and clinical features are largely different among the BRAF mutation classes. Especially in class III, concomitant RAS and STK11 mutations are more frequent and clinical outcomes were significantly less favorable. These results suggest the need of novel therapeutic strategy based on the mutation class for BRAF-mutated lung cancers.
Genomic testing among patients (pts) with newly diagnosed advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) in the United States: A contemporary clinical practice patterns study.
Authors: Gondos Adam , Paz-Ares Luis G. , Saldana Diego , Thomas Marlene , Mascaux Céline , Bubendorf Lukas , Barlesi Fabrice
Published: May 2020

9592

Background: We describe contemporary clinical patterns of guideline-mandated genomic testing in newly diagnosed US pts with aNSCLC. Methods: From the Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database, we included pts with newly diagnosed advanced non-squamous cell carcinoma of the lung between 1.1.2018–6.30.2019 who had received first-line (1L) therapy. We defined inadequate testing as no successful test for at least one of four examined genes: ALK, BRAF, EGFR, and ROS1. We grouped pts according to testing received into users of next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing, including a subgroup using comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP, exemplified by Foundation Medicine, Inc.), users of non-NGS testing, and no testing. We describe the following aspects of genomic testing before the start of 1L therapy: occurrence of testing, patterns of use of testing technologies, occurrence of inadequate testing, test failures, percentage of pts with potentially missed targeted therapy with US Food and Drug Administration approval (no positive test and <4 successful tests), and recent trends in genomic testing. Results: Among 2971 included pts, 690 (23.2%) had no genomic testing before 1L treatment. Among pts who had a test (n=2281), 59.4% (n=1355) received NGS (CGP: 18.8%, n=429), while 40.6% (n=926) received non-NGS tests only. In the CGP user group, 79.7% of pts received no other type of test, compared with 29.8% of pts in the other NGS group. Inadequate testing was recorded in 13.4% of NGS-tested pts (CGP: 4.9%), compared with 52.5% of pts tested by non-NGS only. Test failures contributed to unsuccessful testing in 4.2% of pts tested by NGS (CGP: 1.2%) and in 6.8% of pts who received non-NGS tests. In the NGS group, 10.1% (CGP: 3.0%) of patients potentially missed a targeted therapy option, compared with 40.3% in the non-NGS group. EGFR and ALK testing were performed in ≥95% of pts, regardless of the testing group; however, only 83.6% and 55.7% of pts received tests for ROS1 and BRAF, respectively, in the non-NGS group. In the latter group, for the first 6 months of 2019, 88.4% and 58.2% of pts were tested for ROS1 and BRAF mutations, respectively. Conclusions: Not performing any, or performing only inadequate genomic testing in pts with newly diagnosed aNSCLC remains a concern in clinical practice. The use of NGS, particularly CGP, may help to avoid suboptimal testing, minimize test failures, and improve uptake of testing for newly introduced biomarkers, enabling individualized, targeted therapy.
Blood serum amyloid A as potential biomarker of pembrolizumab efficacy for patients affected by advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) overexpressing PD-L1: Early results of the FoRECATT Study.
Authors: Di Noia Vincenzo , D'Argento Ettore , Pilotto Sara , Carbone Carmine , Vita Emanuele , Ceresoli Giovanni Luca , Beretta Giordano D. , Tortora Giampaolo , Bria Emilio
Published: May 2020

9598

Background: Identifying the patients who may benefit the most from immune checkpoints inhibitors remains a great challenge for clinicians. The tumor-derived Serum Amyloid A (SAA) inhibits the immune-response in melanoma patients. Here we present the early results of FoRECATT study investigating on blood SAA as biomarker of response to upfront pembrolizumab in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: In this prospective study, patients with PD-L1 ≥ 50% receiving upfront pembrolizumab (P cohort) and with PD-L1 0-49% treated with chemotherapy (CT cohort), were evaluated for blood SAA and radiological response at baseline and every 9 weeks. Primary endpoint was response rate (RR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1; secondary endpoints were progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The most accurate SAA cut-off to predict response was established with ROC-analysis in the P cohort. Results: In the P Cohort (n = 42), the overall RR was 38%. After a median follow-up of 18.5 months (mo), baseline SAA ≤ the ROC-derived cut-off (29.9 mg/L; n = 14/42, 33%) was significantly associated with higher RR (53.6 versus 7.1%; OR 15, 95%CI 1.72-130.7, P= 0.009), longer PFS (17.4 versus 2.1 mo; P< 0.0001) and OS (not reached versus 7.2 mo; P< 0.0001) compared with SAA > 29.9 mg/L. In multivariate analysis, low SAA positively affects PFS ( P= 0.001) and OS ( P= 0.048) irrespective of ECOG PS, number of metastatic sites and pleural effusion. SAA monitoring (n = 40) was also significantly associated with survival endpoints: median PFS 17.4 versus 2.1 mo and median OS not reached versus 7.2 mo when SAA remained low (n = 14) and high (n = 12), respectively. In the CT Cohort (n = 30), RR was not significantly affected by SAA level, while low SAA at baseline (n = 17) was associated with better PFS (HR = 0.42, 95%CI 0.16-1.10, P= 0.02) and OS (HR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.04-0.55, P= 0.0004). Conclusions: Low SAA predicts a higher likelihood of response to upfront pembrolizumab only and good survival outcomes irrespective of treatment in advanced NSCLC patients. Therefore, a simple blood test might be useful to identify patients likely to derive better outcomes from immunotherapy. A further study (FoRECATT-2) is ongoing to confirm the results in a larger validation cohort and to assess the potential effect of SAA on immune response in vitro assays.
Outcomes in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) with brain metastases treated with pembrolizumab-based therapy.
Authors: Sun Lova , Davis Christiana , Marmarelis Melina Elpi , Jeffries Seth , Sulyok Lydia Frenzel , Hwang Wei-Ting , Singh Aditi Puri , Berman Abigail T. , Feigenberg Steven J. , Levin William C. , Bauml Joshua , Ciunci Christine Agnes , Cohen Roger B. , Langer Corey J. , Aggarwal Charu
Published: May 2020

9599

Background: Patients (pts) with mNSCLC with active brain metastases (BM) are often excluded from clinical trials; data on efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in this population are limited. We compared outcomes of pts with mNSCLC with and without BM who received pembrolizumab-based therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective single-center study of pts with mNSCLC treated with pembrolizumab (P) with or without chemotherapy. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were determined by Kaplan-Meier methodology and compared using multivariable Cox regression and log rank testing. Results: We identified 587 consecutive pts with mNSCLC who began P-based therapy between 8/2013 and 12/2018: 306 (52%) female, median age 67 years (range 32-98), 437 (74%) adenocarcinoma, and 508 (87%) former/current smokers. 388 (66%) patients received P in first line therapy, and 334 (57%) received single-agent P. 131 pts (22%) had detectable BM at baseline (start of P-based therapy). Pts with BM were younger (median 65 y vs 68 y, p < 0.01) and more likely to have adenocarcinoma (86% vs. 71%, p < 0.01) and baseline steroid use (22% vs 1%, p < 0.01). Presence of BM did not differ by race, sex, line of therapy, treatment regimen, or PD-L1 status. Of the 131 patients with detectable BM on pre-treatment brain MRI, 55 (42%) had stable BM as a result of prior local therapy, while 76 (58%) had active (new or growing) BM on pre-treatment imaging. Most patients with active BM underwent radiation therapy (RT) in either the 30 days before (n = 46) or 30 days after (n = 17) P start; of the remaining 13 treated with P-based therapy alone, intracranial responses included 2 CR, 2 PR, 3 SD, and 4 PD. As of 1/1/2020, with 15-month median follow up, there was no difference in mPFS (9.2 vs 7.3 months, p = 0.41) or mOS (18.3 vs 18.0 mo, p = 0.67) between pts with and without BM in our P-treated cohort. On multivariable analysis, female sex, ECOG 0-1, adenocarcinoma histology, and P as first line therapy were associated with improved PFS and OS. Presence of BM, baseline steroid use, and timing of local RT (before vs. after P) were not associated with inferior survival. Conclusions: In our single-center experience of pts with mNSCLC treated with P, pts with and without BM had similar PFS and OS. We observed several intracranial responses to P-based therapy alone, but most pts with active BM underwent local RT. mNSCLC pts with BM should be considered for P-based therapy; BM may be treated with RT immediately before or even after P with similar survival outcomes.
Physiologic colonic uptake of 18F-FDG on PET/CT predicts immunotherapy response and gut microbiome diversity in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Cvetkovic Lena , Régis Claudine , Iebba Valerio , Derosa Lisa , Leblond Antoine , Malo Julie , Messaoudene Meriem , Belkaid Wiam , Elkrief Arielle , Routy Bertrand , Juneau Daniel
Published: May 2020

9600

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) represent the backbone treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) patients. Emerging evidence suggests increased gut microbiome (GM) diversity is associated with favorable response. Conversely, antibiotic-induced dysbiosis may be associated with deleterious outcomes in patients receiving ICI in multiple retrospective studies and one prospective study. 18F-FDG physiologic colonic uptake on PET/CT increases following treatment with antibiotics and could be a surrogate marker for GM diversity and therefore clinical response. The aim of this study was to determine if 18F-FDG physiologic colonic uptake prior to ICI initiation correlates with outcomes and GM metagenomics in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: 71 patients with aNSCLC who underwent PET/CT prior to ICI were identified. For each patient, the colon was manually contoured, SUVmax was measured in each segment of the colon by a nuclear medicine specialist and average SUVmax was calculated for the whole colon. Patients were stratified in two groups according to median colon SUVmax (low vs high uptake). 18F-FDG physiologic colonic uptake was then compared to overall survival (OS), objective response (ORR), and progression-free survival (PFS). For patients with available stool samples (n = 10), GM composition was defined using metagenomics sequencing. Results: 71 patients (54% men, median age: 68 years) with aNSCLC were included in the study and ICI was the first line of therapy in 38% of those patients. The mean colon SUV for the low and high uptake groups were 1.41 (CI 95% 1.35-1.47) and 2.18 (CI 95% 1.90-2.46) respectively. The high uptake group had a higher proportion of non-responders (p = 0.033) and significant shorter PFS (4.1 months vs 11.3 months, p = 0.005). In the caecum, high uptake also correlated with numerically shorter OS (10.82 vs 27.56 months, p = 0.058) compared to low uptake group. Despite the low number of samples, metagenomics sequencing revealed that PLS-DA (Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis) for diversity was lower in the high SUV group (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Higher colon SUVmax on pre-ICI FDG PET/CT is associated with worse clinical outcomes and lower baseline GM diversity in patients with advanced NSCLC. Here, we propose that 18F-FDG physiologic colonic uptake on PET/CT could serve as a surrogate marker of GM diversity and predicts clinical outcomes.
Dose escalation and expansion from the phase I study of DS-1062, a trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2) antibody drug conjugate (ADC), in patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Lisberg Aaron Elliott , Sands Jacob , Shimizu Toshio , Greenberg Jonathan , Phillips Penny , Guevara Ferdinand M. , Noguchi Yutaka , Toki Tadashi , Spira Alexander I. , Yamamoto Noboru , Johnson Melissa L. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Yoh Kiyotaka , Garon Edward B. , Heist Rebecca Suk
Published: May 2020

9619

Background: TROP2 is an intracellular calcium signaling transducer overexpressed in NSCLC, portending poor survival. DS-1062 is a TROP2-targeting ADC with a novel topoisomerase 1 inhibitor (exatecan derivative, DXd) and promising preclinical antitumor activity. Updated results inclusive of 24 additional dose escalation pts and 32 dose expansion pts from an ongoing phase 1 study of DS-1062 in advanced/metastatic NSCLC are reported (NCT03401385/J101). Methods: Pts aged ≥18 (US) or ≥20 (Japan) with unresectable NSCLC refractory to/relapsed from standard treatment with measurable disease (RECIST v1.1) and available tumor for retrospective TROP2 evaluation were eligible. Primary objectives include maximum tolerated dose (MTD) identification, safety, and tolerability and secondary objectives include efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and incidence of anti-drug antibodies against DS-1062. Pts were eligible regardless of TROP2 level. Results: As of November 16, 2019, 95 pts were treated with ≥1 dose of DS-1062. 63 pts were treated during escalation at 0.27 (n = 4), 0.5 (n = 5), 1.0 (n = 7), 2.0 (n = 6), 4.0 (n = 6), 6.0 (n = 19), 8.0 (n = 8), and 10.0 (n = 8) mg/kg and 32 pts were treated in expansion at the MTD of DS-1062, 8 mg/kg. 59 pts (62%) discontinued (25 [42%] due to progressive disease per RECIST v1.1). Pts were exposed to a median of 3 treatment cycles (range, 1-19). In 88 response-evaluable pts, 22 had partial response (1 PR/6 pts at 2.0 mg/kg, 2 PR/6 pts at 4.0 mg/kg, 5 PR/18 pts at 6.0 mg/kg, 13 PR/34 pts at 8.0 mg/kg, and 1 PR/8 pts at 10.0 mg/kg; 14 PRs were confirmed and 8 PRs are awaiting confirmation). Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) regardless of causality were reported in 91 of 95 pts (96%; 44 pts [46%] experienced ≥grade 3, 30 pts [32%] had serious events). Treatment-related TEAES were reported in 76 of 95 pts (80%; 17 pts [18%] experienced ≥grade 3, 8 pts [8%]) had serious events). Potential interstitial lung disease (ILD) occurred in 8 pts (8%; 2 at 6.0 mg/kg and 6 at 8.0 mg/kg); 6/8 with potential ILDs adjudicated as treatment-related (1 at 6.0 mg/kg [grade 2] and 5 at 8.0 mg/kg [1 grade 1, 2 grade 2, 1 grade 3, and 1 grade 5]). 14 escalation pts and 22 expansion pts remain on trial. Updated trial details/results will be presented. Conclusions: In this first-in-human study of DS-1062, treatment was well tolerated up to 8 mg/kg, and a dose effect on antitumor activity was observed over 2.0-10.0 mg/kg in heavily pretreated pts with prior progression on standard treatment. Clinical trial information: NCT03401385 .
Acquired resistance to PD-1 blockade in NSCLC.
Authors: Schoenfeld Adam Jacob , Rizvi Hira , Memon Danish , Luo Jia , Preeshagul Isabel Ruth , Sauter Jennifer L. , Plodkowski Andrew J. , Vanderbilt Chad , Miller Martin L. , Hellmann Matthew David
Published: May 2020

9621

Background: Although durability is the trademark characteristic of response to PD-1 blockade, acquired resistance can occur. The frequency, patterns, and survival outcomes of patients with acquired resistance to PD-1 blockade are unknown. Methods: All patients with NSCLC treated with PD-1 blockade at MSKCC were examined. Acquired resistance was defined as initial CR/PR (by RECIST) followed by progression/death. Oligo vs systemic patterns of acquired resistance were defined as progression in ≤ 2 sites of disease or ≥ 3 sites of disease, respectively. Results: Of 1201 patients treated with PD-1 blockade, 243 (20%) achieved initial response and 189 (78%, 95% CI 72-83%) eventually developed acquired resistance (AR). Onset of AR was variable and decreased with longer duration of response (53% within 1 year, 37% 1-2 years, 10% > 2 years). Patients with PD-L1 expression < 50% and TMB < 8mut/Mb were more likely to develop resistance compared those with PD-L1 expression ≥50% and TMB ≥8mut/Mb (OR 5.5, p = 0.02). Unlike organ sites of primary refractory disease, AR commonly occurred in lymph nodes (41%) and infrequently in the liver (6%). Patterns of AR were most commonly oligo rather than systemic (79/141 [56%], 39/141 [28%]); some patients died without radiographic progression (23/141 [16%]). Oligo-AR occurred later (median onset 13 vs 5.6 mo) and associated with improved post-progression survival (median OS 55.2 vs 9.2 mo, HR 6.0, p < 0.001) compared to systemic-AR. Post-progression survival was highest in patients with AR compared to those with initial SD or PD to PD-1 blockade (median 18.9 vs 12.5 vs 4.4, p < 0.001). Of 49 patients treated initially with locally-directed therapy for AR, 28 (57%) remain alive and systemic therapy-free. Conclusions: Acquired resistance to PD-1 blockade is common in NSCLC. Risk of acquired resistance is lower in biomarker-enriched patients and with increased duration of response. Patterns of acquired resistance is commonly oligo in nature, which is amenable to locally-directed therapy and can be associated with improved survival. Differences in organ-site distribution and post-progression survival suggest distinct biology associated with acquired resistance vs primary refractory disease.
BRIGHTSTAR: A pilot trial of local consolidative therapy (LCT) with brigatinib in tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-naïve ALK-rearranged advanced NSCLC.
Authors: Elamin Yasir , Gandhi Saumil , Antonoff Mara , Mott Frank , Gibbons Don Lynn , Le Xiuning , Negrao Marcelo Vailati , Sepesi Boris , Karam Jose A. , Cascone Tina , Wang Linghua , Blumenschein George , Glisson Bonnie S. , Tsao Anne S. , Heymach John
Published: May 2020

9624

Background: Approximately, 95% of patients who have an initial response to ALK-TKIs exhibit an incomplete response resulting in residual disease that enables the emergence of acquired resistance. Eliminating residual disease using LCT may delay resistance emergence and improve clinical outcomes. Methods: This is a single center investigator-initiated trial that assesses the safety, feasibility and efficacy of brigatinib with LCT. Eligible patients have TKI-naïve ALK rearranged advanced NSCLC with any number of metastases. Patients treated with brigatinib for an induction period of 8 weeks followed by LCT with radiation and/or surgery. Results: Between 12/2018 and 01/2020, 17 out of 24 planned patients were enrolled. Median age 55 (range 33-73). At study entry, 15 patients had polymetastatic disease ( > 3 sites) while 2 had oligometastatic disease. As of February 1, 2020, 16 patients were evaluated for response and completed LCT while 1 patient remained on induction brigatinib. The disease control rate was 100% with an objective response rate of 94% (n = 15). Median follow up was 8 months (range 3-13) with no patients with disease progression to date. LCT used was radiation (n = 11), surgery (n = 3), surgery and radiation (n = 2). Among 5 patients who had surgery, 4 had lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection (MLND), 1 had wedge resection with MLND, and 1 had adrenalectomy. Of these, 2 had complete pathological response and 1 had complete pathological response at the primary tumor. There were no grade ≥2 adverse events (AEs) related to LCT, including in 7 patients treated with concurrent brigatinib and radiation, and 6 patients treated with radiation while brigatinib was held. All patients continued brigatinib after LCT. Brigatinib-related severe AEs included grade 3: increased blood levels of creatine kinase, lipase, alanine aminotransferase, amylase (n = 1 each) and nausea (n = 1). One patient had grade 2 pneumonitis after 2 weeks of starting brigatinib, this resolved with steroids and brigatinib was resumed at a lower dose. Conclusions: Brigatinib with LCT is safe and feasible in patients with ALK-rearranged advanced NSCLC irrespective of number of metastatic sites. Brigatinib and LCT may be an effective therapeutic strategy in this subset of NSCLC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03707938 .