bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and molecular characteristics of ARIEL3 patients who derived exceptional benefit from rucaparib maintenance treatment for high-grade ovarian cancer (HGOC).
Authors: Kwan Tanya , Oza Amit M. , Lorusso Domenica , Aghajanian Carol , Oaknin Ana , Dean Andrew Peter , Colombo Nicoletta , Weberpals Johanne I , Clamp Andrew R. , Scambia Giovanni , Leary Alexandra , Holloway Robert W. , Amenedo Margarita , Fong Peter C.C. , Goh Jeffrey C. , O'Malley David M. , Maloney Lara , Goble Sandra , Ledermann Jonathan A. , Coleman Robert L.
Published: June 2021

5537

Background: ARIEL3 is a placebo-controlled randomized trial of the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) rucaparib as maintenance treatment in HGOC patients (pts) who responded to the latest line of platinum therapy (NCT01968213). Rucaparib improved progression-free survival (PFS) across all predefined subgroups. Here, we present an exploratory analysis of clinical and molecular characteristics associated with exceptional benefit from rucaparib. Methods: Pts were randomized 2:1 to receive rucaparib 600 mg BID or placebo. At the data cutoff of Dec 31, 2019, 33/375 (9%) and 1/189 (0.5%) pts were still ongoing and receiving rucaparib or placebo, respectively. Molecular features (genomic alterations, BRCA1 promoter methylation) and baseline clinical characteristics were compared between pts who derived exceptional benefit (PFS ≥2 yrs), and those with disease progression on first scan (≈12 wks; the short-term [ST] subgroup) within each treatment arm. Results: Of 564 pts, 83 (15%) showed exceptional benefit: 79/375 (21%) in the rucaparib arm and 4/189 (2%) in the placebo arm. Within the rucaparib arm, exceptional benefit pts had more favorable clinical prognostic factors at baseline compared with the ST subgroup (Table). While BRCA mutations were enriched in the rucaparib exceptional benefit subgroup, 34/79 (43%) of these pts were BRCA wild type. Among other biomarkers, RAD51C/D mutations were associated with exceptional benefit; low genome-wide loss of heterozygosity was enriched within the ST subgroup; and high BRCA1 methylation was present at similar fractions. Trends were similar in the placebo arm (Table). Conclusions: Exceptional benefit in ARIEL3 was more common in, but not exclusive to, pts with favorable clinical characteristics and known mechanisms of PARPi sensitivity. Our results suggest that rucaparib can deliver exceptional benefit to a diverse set of HGOC pts. Clinical trial information: NCT01968213. [Table: see text]
Stage I Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors: An interim report from the International PPB/DICER1 & OTST Registry.
Authors: Nelson Alexander , Harris Anne , Watson Dave , Pyper Sean Robin , Hall Nathan , Kamihara Junne , Stewart Douglas R , Dehner Louis P , Hill D. Ashley , Messinger Yoav H. , Frazier Lindsay Lindsay , Billmire Deborah F. , Schneider Dominik T. , Schultz Kris Ann Pinekenstein
Published: June 2021

5547

Background: Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCT) are rare ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors which occur primarily in adolescents and young adults and are associated with DICER1 pathogenic variants. Methods: Informed consent for participation in the International PPB/ DICER1 or OTST Registry was obtained. When available, pathology was centrally reviewed. Staging was evaluated by Registry review using the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification system. Results: Eighty-three patients with stage I SLCT were enrolled. Median age at diagnosis was 15 (range 1-60) years. Most (57/83) patients had germline DICER1 testing; 35/57 (61%) had germline pathogenic variants. Fifty-six patients had Ia and 27 had Ic SLCT. The distribution of patients receiving chemo based on histology and stage is displayed in Table. One patient with poorly differentiated stage Ia SLCT with sarcomatous elements and no chemo at diagnosis recurred 6 months after surgery and died of disease. Three patients with local diagnosis of stage Ia SLCT, with data unavailable for Registry confirmation of stage, developed a subsequent SLCT 33 to 74 months after diagnosis; of these, 2 died, and 1 remains in treatment for recurrence. Available records and molecular testing in these 3 cases have not provided a distinction between recurrent and metachronous disease. Excluding the latter 3 patients, 3-year overall survival was 97.3% for stage Ia SLCT. Six patients with stage Ic SLCT recurred (Stage Ic1=5 and Stage Ic2=1) with a median time to recurrence of 25 (range 3-53) months. In stage Ic1, 18% (2/11) recurred after upfront chemo compared to 33% (3/9) after surgery alone. Of the 5 patients with stage Ic1 disease that recurred, 4 had intermediate and 1 had poorly differentiated SLCT. One patient had sarcomatous elements and 2 received upfront chemo. Two of the 5 patients are alive, neither received upfront chemo. One patient with poorly differentiated stage Ic2 SLCT with sarcomatous elements and no upfront chemo recurred and died of disease. Three-year event free and overall survival were 86.9 and 88.6% for stage Ic SLCT. Four patients had metachronous SLCT in the contralateral ovary confirmed by clinical review or somatic testing at a median time from diagnosis of 33 (range 28-104) months. All 4 have germline pathogenic variants and no evidence of disease at last follow-up. Conclusions: Individuals with early stage SLCT generally fare well, however, ongoing surveillance for recurrence and metachronous disease is indicated. Novel therapies are needed to address recurrent SLCT.[Table: see text]
Next generation sequencing in ovarian cancer patients: Does personalized medicine improve oncological outcomes?
Authors: Safra Tamar , Hershkovizh Dov , Shachar Eliya , Adar Lyri , Brezis Miriam R. , Raviv Yuval , Galmor Lee , Peleg Hasson Shira
Published: June 2021

5553

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common gynecologic malignancy and the most common cause of gynecologic cancer mortality in the United States. Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), including the BRCA mutations, are found in 50% of OC tumors. Next generation sequencing (NGS) provides understanding the underlying molecular and genetic patterns to improve OC treatment. This study examines the prognostic and predictive biomarkers identified with NGS in hopes to improve OC patients outcomes. Methods: The patient cohort included 890 consecutive OC patients treated between 2002 and 2020,at the Tel-Aviv Medical Center. We retrospectively evaluated patients with histopathologically confirmed OC. Cox models were used to analyze the clinical impact of various mutations and biomarkers among OC patients with and without FoundationOne CDx NGS testing, by assessing overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and physicians' timing preferences for referral to NGS testing. Results: Among the 890 OC patients, 103 (11.57%) completed NGS molecular testing. The median OS among patients with and without NGS testing, adjusted for age, stage and recurrence status, was 73.36 and 68.50 months, respectively (P =.02). The median PFS was 17.23 and 17.43 months, respectively (P =.77). We also evaluated physicians' preferences regarding timing of molecular profiling, upon diagnosis, after first recurrence and at advanced line of treatment in 31.95%, 36.08% and 26.8% of practitioners, respectively. Of the patients who completed NGS, 48 (52.75%) harbored actionable mutations, and 21 patients (43.75%) received matched targeted therapy. Forty-five patients were microsatellite stable (MSS) (45%), 55 with undetermined status (55%) and 0 patients with MSI-H. Forty-one (71.93%) patients had low ( < 5) tumor mutation burden status (TMB), 16 (28.07%) intermediate (5-15) and none with high ( > 15) TMB. There was no noticeable survival difference when comparing low with intermediate TMB (P = 0.3). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was a significant prognostic biomarker. Patients with high LOH (hLOH > = 16%) had longer OS compared to low LOH (lLOH < 16%), 99.02 vs. 50.23 months, respectively (P <.005). Patients with hLOH and BRCA mutations (BRCA+) had longer OS compared to hLOH/BRCA WT (BRCA-), lLOH/BRCA+, and lLOH/BRCA-, with an unreached median OS of 91.5 vs. 60.48 vs. 45.21 months, respectively (P =.005). Conclusions: Our work demonstrates the clinical benefit of NGS personalized medicine as a cornerstone of future treatment strategies in OC. Our study suggests an OS benefit among the NGS tested cohort. We identified LOH as a prognostic biomarker. Prospective studies evaluating larger cohorts are necessary to generate a more extensive evaluation of additional prognostic and predictive biomarkers among OC patients.
Does aggressive surgery only benefit patients with less advanced ovarian cancer?
Authors: Tate Shinichi , Nishikimi Kyoko , Matsuoka Ayumu , Otsuka Satoyo , Shozu Makio
Published: June 2021

5556

Background: The recent SCORPION trial showed that aggressive primary debulking surgery (PDS) did not improve survival outcomes in patients with advanced ovarian cancer and was associated with a high incidence of perioperative morbidity. We compared survival outcomes and morbidity between patients who underwent highly aggressive and less aggressive surgery at our hospital; patients with high tumor loads were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), followed by aggressive surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included 209 patients with a surgical complexity score (SCS) ≥8, who underwent aggressive surgery between January 2008 and December 2018. PDS, followed by chemotherapy was performed in this study, and NACT followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) was performed in patients with excessively high tumor loads, a poor general condition, or unresectable lesions in whom PDS was contraindicated. Based on the median SCS, patients were categorized into highly aggressive surgery and less aggressive surgery groups, and we performed an intergroup comparison of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and perioperative morbidity. Results: The median SCS was 13 in all cohorts. The less aggressive surgery group (SCS < 13) and the highly aggressive surgery group (SCS≥13) included 83 and 126 patients, respectively. The peritoneal cancer index in the highly aggressive surgery group was higher than that in the less aggressive surgery group (20 vs. 9). Notably, 52 patients (63%) underwent PDS in the less aggressive surgery group, and 104 patients (83%) underwent IDS after NACT in the highly aggressive surgery group. No intergroup difference was observed in patients without any residual disease (less aggressive surgery group: 74 patients [89%] vs. highly aggressive surgery group: 118 patients [94%], p = 0.245). The median PFS in the less- and highly aggressive surgery groups was 32 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 24–45) and 31 months (95% CI 27–34) (log-rank test, p = 0.622; Wilcoxon test, p = 0.926), respectively. The median OS in the less- and highly aggressive surgery groups was 99 months (95% CI 59–not reached) and 75 months (95% CI 56–106) (log-rank test, p = 0.390; Wilcoxon test, p = 0.799), respectively. Severe perioperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIb) occurred in 4 patients (4.8%) and 8 patients (6.4%) in the less- and highly aggressive surgery groups, respectively (p = 0.767). Conclusions: Aggressive surgery benefits both patients with less advanced and advanced ovarian cancer. Selection of the optimal timing of debulking surgery may lead to better survival outcomes without an increase in perioperative morbidity in patients with high tumor loads, who undergo highly aggressive surgery.
Anlotinib in combination with TQB2450 in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer (ACTION): A multicenter, single-arm, open-label, phase Ib trial.
Authors: Lan Chunyan , Zhao Jing , Yang Fan , Li Rong , Huang Yu , Wang Jing , Zhao Weihong , Zhang Li , Liu Chang , Bi Xuehan , Jin Haihong , Meng Jin , Huang Xin
Published: June 2021

5557

Background: Combination of antiangiogenic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy is reported as an effective antitumor strategy. TQB2450 is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody against programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). We aimed to assess the activity and safety of TQB2450 plus the antiangiogenic multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib in patients with recurrent advanced ovarian cancer. Methods: The study with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04236362 is an open-label, multicohort, and multicenter phase Ib trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of anlotinib combined with TQB2450 in patients with advanced gynecologic cancer. The present study (ACTION study) reports the ovarian cancer cohort. We enrolled patients aged 18–70 years with platinum-resistant or platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, and measurable disease according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Eligible patients received anlotinib 12 mg per day orally on days 1 to 14 and TQB2450 1200 mg intravenously on day 1, every three weeks. Treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, and withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) assessed by investigators according to RECIST version 1.1. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response (DOR), overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: Between 21 Feb 2020 and 15 Jan 2021, 33 patients with a median age of 55 years (range, 26-71) were enrolled and received study treatment. Patients had received at least once platinum-based chemotherapy, and the median number of previous chemotherapy lines was 3 (range, 1–6). 30.3% patients had bevacizumab therapy before enrollment. At data cutoff (15 Jan 2021), the median follow-up was 5.1 months (range, 0.1–10.8). In the 25 efficacy-evaluable patients, 13 of them achieved partial response, yielding the ORR of 52.0% (95% CI, 30.4%–71.6%). The median PFS was 6.7 months (95% CI, 4.5 months to not reached). The median duration of response and the median OS were not reached. The treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) occurred in 54.5% patients, and the most common ones were palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (21.2%) and hypertension (18.2%). The most potential immune-related AEs included grade 1 to 2 hypothyroidism (24.2%) and fatigue (9.1%). No treatment-related death was recorded. Conclusions: Anlotinib plus TQB2450 showed encouraging antitumor activity and tolerable toxicity in patients with recurrent advanced ovarian cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT04236362.
Correlation of HRD status with clinical and survival outcomes in patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer.
Authors: Sims Travis T. , Sood Anil K. , Westin Shannon Neville , Fellman Bryan M. , Unke Jenna , Rangel Kelly M , Hilton Tyler , Fleming Nicole D.
Published: June 2021

5568

Background: Nearly 50% of patients with high grade ovarian cancer (HGOC) harbor a germline or somatic mutation in BRCA1/BRCA2 or have tumors characterized by homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). HRD is associated with response to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) in HGOC. Although PARPi show great promise, there is interest in investigating how HRD status affects outcomes and can be used to objectively tailor other treatment strategies. We aimed to compare clinical and survival outcomes in HGOC stratified by HRD status. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all advanced HGOC from April 2013 to June 2019. Patients were included if germline BRCA and HRD status was known. Clinical outcomes were analyzed and stratified by (1) germline BRCA+ (2) germline BRCA - and somatic BRCA/HRD+, or (3) BRCA-/HRD-. Progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods stratified by HRD status and modeled via Cox proportional hazards regression. Results: 1271 patients with advanced HGOC presented during the study period of which 187 met inclusion criteria. 106 patients had germline BRCA mutation, 26 somatic BRCA/HRD+, and 55 BRCA/HRD-. Patients who had HRD- tumor had older median age at diagnosis (63 vs. 54 and 60 years, p<0.001), white race (89% vs. 74% and 68%), non-serous histology (20% vs. 6% and 0%, p=0.04), required more NACT chemotherapy cycles (4 vs. 3 and 3 cycles, p=0.03), and less complete gross resection (R0) at tumor reductive surgery (TRS) (60% vs. 83% and 77%, p=0.02). Patients who had BRCA/HRD- tumor had worse PFS (14.9 months) compared to germline BRCA+ (23.5 months) or somatic BRCA/HRD+ (20.2 months, p<0.001). Patients with BRCA/HRD- disease also had worse OS (42.3 months) compared to germline BRCA+ (68.8 months) or somatic BRCA/HRD+ (69.2 months). Multivariate analysis for PFS revealed that age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04), p=0.01), stage (HR 5.7, 95% CI 1.39-23.4, p=0.02), R0 resection at TRS (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21-0.83, p=0.01), and BRCA/HRD- status (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.07-2.48, p=0.02) were significant factors impacting PFS. Multivariate analysis for OS revealed that age (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03-1.10, p<0.001) and R0 resection at TRS (HR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.44, p<0.001) were significant factors impacting OS. Conclusions: Germline BRCA-mutant, somatic BRCA/HRD+ HGOC was associated with improved PFS and OS regardless of primary TRS or NACT. BRCA-/HRD- was a negative prognostic factor for survival in HGOC.
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in advanced endometrial cancer (aEC) patients (pts) treated with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab or treatment of physician’s choice (TPC).
Authors: Lorusso Domenica , Colombo Nicoletta , Casado Herraez Antonio , Santin Alessandro , Colomba Emeline , Miller David Scott , Fujiwara Keiichi , Pignata Sandro , Baron-Hay Sally E. , Ray-Coquard Isabelle Laure , Shapira-Frommer Ronnie , Kim Yong Man , McCormack Mary , Bird Steven , Prabhu Vimalanand S. , Martin Nguyen Allison , Zhao Qi , Dutta Lea , Makker Vicky
Published: June 2021

5570

Background: In Study 309/KEYNOTE-775, lenvatinib + pembrolizumab (L+P) demonstrated significant and clinically meaningful improvement in OS, PFS, and ORR compared with TPC in aEC pts following prior platinum-based systemic therapy. Given the medical complexity/age of EC pts, QoL analyses are critical, but often under-reported. We present results of pt-reported HRQoL for Study 309/KEYNOTE-775. Methods: Pts were randomized 1:1 to receive lenvatinib 20 mg QD PO + pembrolizumab 200 mg IV Q3W (n=411) or TPC (n=416; doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 IV Q3W or paclitaxel 80 mg/m2 IV QW, 3 wks on/1 wk off). Pt-reported HRQoL was assessed at cycle 1 day 1, day 1 of each subsequent cycle and at time of discontinuation using EORTC QLQ-C30, its EC module QLQ-EN24, and EQ-5D-5L in treated pts who had ≥1 HRQoL assessment available. Higher scores indicate better functioning/QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30, EQ-5D-5L) or worse symptom severity (QLQ-EN24). Changes in EORTC QLQ-C30 global health status (GHS)/QoL was a secondary endpoint. This was analyzed from baseline to the latest timepoint at which overall completion was ≥60% and overall compliance was ≥80%, using constrained longitudinal data analysis; other HRQoL analyses were exploratory. Results: Completion and compliance rates of EORTC QLQ-C30 were >95% in both groups at baseline. Primary analysis was conducted at wk 12 as completion rate was 80% for L+P and 62% for TPC; compliance rate was 93% for L+P and 87% for TPC. Baseline GHS/QoL scores were similar between the L+P group and TPC group: mean (SD) of 65.74 (21.87) vs 65.69 (22.71), respectively. Over 12 wks of follow-up, pts in both groups had slight decreases in GHS/QoL. Similar decreases were observed for pts receiving L+P vs TPC: -5.97 (95% CI: -8.36, -3.58) vs -6.98 (95% CI: -9.63, -4.33). The between-group difference in least-squares (LS) mean score change from baseline to wk 12 for L+P vs TPC was 1.01 points (95% CI: -2.28, 4.31). Over time, QoL scores were generally similar across treatments. Results were similar for other HRQoL endpoints (Table). Conclusions: No significant differences were observed in HRQoL scores between treatment groups. With no standard treatment approach following failure of platinum-based therapy, these data along with previously reported efficacy and safety findings from Study 309/KEYNOTE-775 further support that L+P has an overall favorable benefit/risk profile compared to chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT03517449. [Table: see text]
Race-related disparities in patterns of uterine cancer recurrence.
Authors: Dagum Camilla , Vilardo Nicole , Gressel Gregory M.
Published: June 2021

5571

Background: Racial disparities in uterine cancer outcomes are present, as Black patients with uterine cancer have markedly higher mortality when compared with White patients. Potential etiologies of this discrepancy have been investigated, including implicit bias, histopathologic factors and stage at presentation, molecular and genetic factors, and socioeconomic factors. The purpose of this study is to explore if non-White patients with uterine cancer are more likely to experience distant cancer recurrence compared to White patients. Methods: A single-institution retrospective cohort study was performed examining all patients diagnosed with uterine cancer from 2006-2016. Data regarding patient demographics, medical co-morbidities, histology, stage, treatment course, and disease recurrence were abstracted from the medical record. Race was categorized based on how a patient was registered in the medical record. The primary outcome was location of recurrence, with local recurrence defined as vaginal/cuff recurrence and distant recurrence representing nodal, intraperitoneal, or distant recurrence. A multivariable regression model was built in a backwards stepwise fashion to examine the association of individual covariates with distant recurrence as opposed to vaginal recurrence. Results: A total of 1205 patients with uterine cancer were included for analysis. Three hundred eighteen (26.5%) patients were White, 472 (39.2%) Black, 319 (26.5%) Hispanic, 91 (7.6%) Asian, and 4 (0.3%) other. A total of 223 (18.5%) patients experienced disease recurrence. Black women experienced a statistically significant increased risk of recurrence compared with non-Black women [OR 1.99 (95% CI 1.37-2.88), p < 0.01]. Additionally, Black patients were significantly more likely to experience nodal, intra-peritoneal and distant recurrences relative to White patients (p < 0.01). When adjusting for covariates including race, histology, grade, stage and adjuvant treatment, non-White race [OR 3.87 (95% CI (1.42-10.54), p < 0.01] was associated with significant increase in risk of distal recurrence. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that non-White race is potentially contributory to distant recurrence of uterine cancer, even when accounting for histopathologic differences, stage at presentation, and other traditional covariates. These findings suggest that the disparate outcomes experienced by non-White patients are likely multi-factorial in nature and highlight the need for efforts focused on optimizing treatment and improving outcomes of non-White women with uterine cancer.[Table: see text]
Evaluating the role of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in the treatment of endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS).
Authors: Crowley Fionnuala , Cadoo Karen Anne , Chiang Sarah , Mueller Jennifer Jean , Hensley Martee Leigh , O'Cearbhaill Roisin Eilish
Published: June 2021

5575

Background: Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) account for < 20% of uterine sarcomas. They usually express estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR) and are considered hormone sensitive. Due to the rarity of these tumors, large clinical trials studying optimal treatment have not been possible. This study represents the largest retrospective study of ESS treated with AI. Methods: The clinicopathological variables and outcomes of patients (pts) with pathologically confirmed low grade ESS treated with AI at our institution between 1998-2020 were recorded. Results: 48 pts with ESS treated with AI were identified. They had a median age of 54 years (range 23-84) and BMI of 27 (range 20-50). 79% were white. 6 (12%), 9 (19%), 14 (29%) and 19 pts (40%) had stage 1,2,3,4 ESS, respectively. 37 (77%) were ER+/PR+; 2 (4%) ER+/PR- and 9 pts (19%) had unknown ER/PR status. All pts were postmenopausal at AI initiation. 12 pts (25%) had a synchronous cancer (5 of these had breast cancer {3 of the 5 presented post tamoxifen}). 23 pts (48%) received megestrol acetate and 25 (52%) an AI as first line hormonal manipulation. During their disease course, 35 pts (73%) received letrozole, 21 (44%) anastrozole and 19 (39.6%) exemestane. 22 pts (46%) were treated with more than one AI. 28 pts (58%) reported side-effects; arthralgia (33%) being the most common. 10 pts (21%) discontinued AI due to toxicity; 12 pts (25%) switched AI for toxicity (with improved tolerance in 67% of these pts). Among the 24 pts (50%) with measurable disease there were 2 partial responses (objective response rate of 8.3%). 1-year disease control rate (DCR) was (79%) for all pts and 58% in stage 4 disease. Median PFS for 1st line AI was 161.6 months (95% CI 48.5 to 274.7). Conclusions: This study represents the largest study of AI use in ESS to date. We found the ORR to be more modest than previously reported. The majority of pts had prolonged stable disease with a DCR of 58% even in stage 4 disease. Pts who progress on one AI may benefit from trial of a 2nd AI. A phase 2 study of interruption versus maintenance AI in locally advanced/metastatic ESS is currently underway (NCT03624244).
Multi-gene prognostic assays and age-related differences in prediction of pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival in breast cancer.
Authors: Hanson Kent , Hoskins Kent , Ko Naomi Yu , Calip Gregory Sampang
Published: June 2021

591

Background: Multi-gene testing of primary breast tumors in early-stage breast cancer is used to classify the risk of developing distant metastases and predict the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. The association between the tumor genomic prognostic score (GPS) and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and survival is not well characterized. Our objective was to describe the association between GPS and rates of pathologic complete response (PCR) and subsequent overall survival among women with or without PCR. Methods: We utilized the National Cancer Database to perform a hospital-based, retrospective cohort study of breast cancer patients ages 18 years and older. We included women diagnosed with first primary stages I-III hormone receptor positive (HR+), HER2 negative (HER2-) breast cancer who received NACT and surgery between 2010 and 2017. Women were categorized as having low (0-10 or 200), intermediate (11-25 or 300), or high-risk (25-199 or 400) GPS based on OncotypeDX or MammaPrint scores. Multivariable modified Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to estimate the crude and adjusted relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for PCR associated with GPS groups. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI for associations between the GPS and overall survival (OS) in women who did and did not have PCR. Results: A cohort of 3,446 women (mean [SD] age, 56.7 [12.0] years; median [interquartile range] follow-up of 47 [31-68] months) who received genomic testing and neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in our analysis, of which 935 (27%) were low risk, 1,357 (39%) intermediate risk, and 1,154 (34%) high risk GPS. The relative risk of PCR for all women with high GPS was 1.81 (95% CI, 1.47-2.22; p < 0.001) in crude models and 1.49 (95% CI, 1.16-1.92; p = 0.002) after full adjustment compared to low GPS. Across all models, having a high GPS was significantly associated with achieving PCR in younger women ( < 65 years). In women ages ≥65 years, the association between GPS and PCR was not predictive nor statistically significantly. Among women with no response or partial response to NACT, high GPS was associated with a significantly increased risk of overall mortality (HR 2.41; 95% CI, 1.61-3.60; p < 0.001) compared to low GPS. Conversely, in women who did achieve PCR, GPS was not predictive of overall mortality across all age groups. Conclusions: In women with HR+/HER2- breast cancer, high risk GPS was predictive of PCR following NACT, primarily in younger women ( < 65 years). Our findings also indicated GPS was associated with lower OS in high-risk patients who do not achieve PCR and unpredictive of OS in those without PCR. The utility of tumor genomic testing in the neoadjuvant setting needs further investigation.
Metronomic capecitabine as adjuvant therapy in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A phase 3, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Ma Jun , Chen Yu-Pei , Sun Ying , Zhou Qin , Yang Kun-Yu , Jin Feng , Zhu Xiao-Dong , Shi Mei , Hu Guoqing , Sun Yan , Wu Hong-Fen , Wu Hui , Lin Qin , Wang Hui , Tian Ye , Zhang Ning , Wang Xicheng , Shen Liangfang , Xie Fangyun , Liu Xu
Published: June 2021

6003

Background: Patients suffering from locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) commonly develop disease recurrence, despite a high rate of complete clinical remission after standard of care (concurrent cisplatin-radiotherapy, with or without induction chemotherapy). The benefit of additional adjuvant chemotherapy remains unclear. Methods: Patients with high-risk locoregionally advanced NPC (stage III to IVA, excluding T3-4N0 and T3N1), and with no locoregional disease or distant metastasis after definitive chemoradiotherapy, were eligible. They were randomly assigned (1:1) within 12 to 16 weeks after the last radiation dose to receive either capecitabine at a dose of 650 mg/m2 twice daily for 1 year (metronomic capecitabine group) or observation (standard-therapy group). The primary end point was recurrence-free survival (RFS). The calculated sample size was 201 per group, with an 80% power (two-sided α 0.05) to detect a target hazard ratio (HR) of 0.52. Results: A total of 406 patients underwent randomization, comprising 204 in the metronomic capecitabine group and 202 in the standard-therapy group. After a median follow-up of 36 months (corresponding to 43 months when calculated from the start of standard therapy), the estimated 3-year RFS was 85.9% in the metronomic capecitabine group, as compared with 76.5% in the standard-therapy group (intention-to-treat population; HR 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.32–0.81; P = 0.003). The incidence of grade 3 adverse events was 17.4% in the metronomic capecitabine group and 5.5% in the standard-therapy group; hand-foot syndrome was the most common adverse event related to capecitabine (9.0%). One grade 4 neutropenia occurred in the metronomic capecitabine group. Neither group sufferd from treatment-related deaths. During treatment, there was no clinically meaningful deterioration of health-related quality of life associated with the use of metronomic adjuvant capecitabine. Conclusions: The addition of metronomic capecitabine as adjuvant therapy to chemoradiotherapy significantly improved RFS in locoregionally advanced NPC, with a manageable safety profile and no compromise to quality of life. Clinical trial information: NCT02958111. [Table: see text]
Toripalimab plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma: An open-label single-arm, phase II trial.
Authors: Chen Mingyuan , Hua Yijun , You Rui , Wang Zhi-Qiang , Huang Peiyu , Lin Mei , Ouyang Yan-Feng
Published: June 2021

6023

Background: Toripalimab is a humanized immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody against programmed death 1 (PD-1). We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of toripalimab in combination with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC). Methods: We conducted a single-arm, phase II trial with rNPC patients who had biopsy-proven disease and were unsuitable for local surgery. Eligible patients received IMRT in combination with toripalimab administered via intravenous infusion of 240 mg once every 3 weeks for a maximum of seven cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). The secondary endpoints included safety profiles, progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Between May 2019 and January 2020, a total of 25 rNPC patients were enrolled (18 men [72.0%] and 7 women [28.0%]; median [IQR] age, 49.0 [43.5-52.5] years). With a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 14.6 months (13.1-16.2) months, 19 patients (79.2%) achieved an overall response, and disease control was achieved in 23 (95.8%) patients at 3 months post radiotherapy. The 12-month progression-free survival was 91.8% (95% CI 91.7% - 91.9%). The incidences of acute (grade ≥3) blood triglyceride elevation, creatine phosphokinase elevation, skin reaction, and mucositis were 1 (4.0%), 1 (4.0%), 2 (8.0%), and 1 (4.0%), respectively. The incidences of late severe (grade ≥3) nasopharyngeal wall necrosis, nasal bleeding, and trismus were 28.0%, 12.0%, and 4.0%, respectively. Conclusions: Toripalimab combined with IMRT was tolerable and showed promising antitumor activity in rNPC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03854838.
Results from a phase II study of eftilagimod alpha (soluble LAG-3 protein) and pembrolizumab in patients with PD-L1 unselected metastatic second-line squamous head and neck carcinoma.
Authors: Brana Irene , Forster Martin , Lopez-Pousa Antonio , Doger Bernard , Roxburgh Patricia , Bajaj Pawan , Urueta Portillo Daniela , Quiroga Vanesa , Krebs Matthew , Mueller Christian , Triebel Frederic
Published: June 2021

6028

Background: Eftilagimod alpha (efti) is a soluble LAG-3 protein that binds to a subset of MHC class II molecules to mediate antigen presenting cell (APC) activation and CD8 T-cell activation. The stimulation of the dendritic cell network and subsequent T cell recruitment with efti may lead to stronger anti-tumor responses in combination than observed with pembrolizumab alone. We hereby report results of the 2nd line metastatic squamous head and neck carcinoma (HNSCC) cohort (part C) of phase II trial (NCT03625323). Methods: Patients (pts) with HNSCC progressed on or after 1st line platinum-based therapy and unselected for PD-L1 expression were recruited into part C. The study used a Simon's 2-stage design (18 pts planned for stage 1 and 19 for stage 2), with objective response rate (ORR) by iRECIST as the primary endpoint (EP). Secondary EPs include tolerability, disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity. Efti was administered as 30 mg subcutaneous injection every 2 wks for 8 cycles and then every 3 wks for 9 cycles with pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenous infusion every 3 wks for up to 2 yrs). Imaging was performed every 8 weeks. PD-L1 was assessed centrally (22C3 clone). The study was approved by ethics committees and institutional review boards. Results: In total 38 pts were enrolled. The median age was 62 yrs (range 37-84) and 89 % were male. The ECOG PS was 0 and 1 in 34% and 66%, respectively. Primary location at diagnosis was the oral cavity (29%), oropharynx (37%), hypopharynx (18%) and the larynx (16%). All PD-L1 subgroups (CPS < 1 %, ≥ 1 to ≤19; ≥20) were included. All pts were pre-treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Pts received a median of 3.0 (range 1 – 21) pembrolizumab and 5.0 (range 1-31) efti administrations. Thirty-five (35) pts were evaluated for response (cut-off Jan 2021) with 4 (11 %) pts showing CR, 7 (20 %) pts PR, 3 (9 %) pts SD, 16 (46 %) pts PD with 5 (14 %) pts being not evaluable as per iRECIST. ORR was reported with 31.4 % (95 % CI 16.9 % - 49.3 %) and DCR 40 %Median PFS was 2.1 months and 35 % were progression free at 6 months. Median OS (46 % events) was 12.6 months. There were no adverse reactions leading to treatment discontinuation. The most common ( > 10 %) treatment emergent adverse events were cough (18 %), asthenia (16 %), dyspnea (11 %), fatigue (13 %), diarrhea (11 %), hypothyroidism (11%), upper respiratory tract infection (11%) and back pain (11%). Conclusions: Efti in combination with pembrolizumab is safe and shows encouraging antitumor activity in platinum pre-treated 2nd line HNSCC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03625323.
A phase III multicenter randomized clinical trial to compare cisplatin plus fluorouracil with or without docetaxel as the first-line induction chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Long-term outcomes update.
Authors: FangZheng Wang Fang
Published: June 2021

6032

Background: A phase III multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare cisplatin plus 5-fluorourcil with or without docetaxel as first-line induction chemotherapy in the patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC). Here, we report on the long-term outcomes and late toxicities of the trial (NCT01536223). Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed LANPC, stage III-IV disease, Karnofsky performance score≥70, without metastasis were eligible and randomly assigned 1:1 to TPF versus PF for three cycles. The primary end point was progression-free survival; local control, OS and advent events were important key secondary end points. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used to conduct and compare the survival curves in this study. Results: Two hundred ninety-nine patients were enrolled. 276 patients (138 TPF and 138 PF) were evaluable. Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between two groups, and the median age was 48 (range, 18-60 years). The ORR rates after induction chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy were 90.6% and 9797.8% in TPF group and 87.0% (P > 0.05) and 97.8% (P > 0.05), respectively. The median follow-up was 99 months. For all patients, the 5- and 8-year OS and PFS were 76.9% and 74.9%, 72.3% and 69.1%, respectively. PF was associated with a similar PFS versus TPF ( 5-year PFS of 72.4% versus 73.2%, P =.747), and an equivalent OS at 5 years ( 79.2% and 79.1%, P = 0.519). Treatment-related grade 3 to 4 advent events were less frequent with PF compared with TPF. Conclusions: With prolonged follow-up, the survival outcomes in the PF group were not non-inferiority to those in the TPF group, but grade 3 to 4 advent events were less frequent. Clinical trial information: NCT01536223.
Adjuvant toripalimab or combined with S-1 in recurrent, previously irradiated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with salvage surgery: A phase II clinical trial (The RePASS study).
Authors: Dou Shengjin , Li Rongrong , Zhang Lin , Jiang Wen , Ye Lulu , Zhu Guopei
Published: June 2021

6039

Background: The predominant pattern of failure for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is locoregional disease. Salvage surgery remains the standard of care for operable disease. Re-irradiation after previous full course radiotherapy generally has been considered contraindicated. Since anti-PD-1 antibodies were efficacious and safety in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjuvant toripalimab (anti-PD-1 antibody) in recurrent, previously irradiated HNSCC treated with salvage surgery. Methods: This study was a single-arm, phase II study. Patients with HNSCC occurring in an area of previously irradiated and with at least one high risk factors after salvage surgery (1- positive margin; 2- extranodal extension; 3- rStaging T3-4/N2-3/T2N1) were enrolled. In the Stage I of 12 patients, patients received toripalimab 240mg once every 3 weeks until confirmed disease progression or unacceptable toxicity, for 12 months. In the stage II of 8 patients with PD-L1 CPS≥1, patients received toripalimab combined with S-1, which was given orally at 25 mg/m2, twice daily, on day 1 to 14, repeated every 21 days for 4-6 cycles. The primary endpoint was 1-year progression-free survival (PFS). We hypothesized a 1-year PFS of at least 56% and assumed a null hypothesis of 34%. A retrospective cohort of 16 patients was compared. Results: Between May 2019 and December 2020, 20 patients were enrolled. High-risk factors included ENE (35%), positive margin (25%), T3-4(30%) and T2N+(10%). Seventeen patients have PD-L1 CPS≥1 and 3 patients have CPS＜1. With a median follow-up of 11.2 months, estimated 1-year PFS and overall survival was 57.0% (95% confidence interval, 32%– 77%) and 79.2% (51%–91%). The primary PFS endpoint has exceeded the hypothesis and its median has not been reached. When compared to the retrospective cohort, the PFS was significantly better(p=0.001)，even for Stage I patients(Median PFS: 5.1 vs 3.7 months, p=0.03 ). Stage II patients resulted a better PFS and OS compare to stage I (p=0.02 and p=0.002). For patients with CPS≥1, 1-year PFS and OS was 79.1% (95% confidence interval, 51%–91%) and 91.7%(68%–99%), which were significantly better than patients with CPS＜1 (p=0.001 and p=0.05). Adjuvant Toripalimab or combine with S-1 was well-tolerated with no grade 3-4 toxicity and dose interruption as a result of treatment-related adverse event only occurred in 2 patients. Flow cytometry revealed that patients with short PFS had fewer baseline overall count of B cells(p=0.09). Conclusions: Adjuvant Toripalimab or combined with S-1 after salvage surgery is efficacious and safety in recurrent, previously irradiated HNSCC, and a better PFS was observed in patients treated with combined therapy and with CPS≥1. Further randomized trials are warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT04126460.
Impact of COVID19 pandemic on treatment outcome of locally-advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC): IMPACCT study.
Authors: Guillen Sentis Pau , Castillo Manzano Carmen , Quirós Beatriz , Morey Cortes Francisca , Tous Sara , Plana Maria , Brenes Castro Jesús , Lozano Alicia , Linares Isabel , Vilajosana Altamis M. Esther , Gomez Garcia Victoria , Labori Trias Maria , Goma Montse , Mari Roig Antonio , Bermejo Oriol , Tornero Salto Jordi , Taberna Miren , Alemany Laia , Mesia Ricard , Oliva Bernal Marc
Published: June 2021

6061

Background: Treatment (ttm) of cancer patients (pts) was compromised during the first wave of COVID19 pandemic due to collapse of healthcare systems. Standard of care (SOC) for LA-HNSCC pts had to be adapted as operating rooms were temporarily unavailable, and to reduce risk of COVID19 exposure. The IMPACCT study evaluated the outcome of LA-HNSCC pts treated at the Catalan Institute of Oncology during the first semester of 2020 and compared it to a control cohort previously treated in the same institution. Methods: Retrospective single institution analysis of two consecutively-treated cohorts of newly-diagnosed HNSCC pts: from January to June of 2020 (CT20) and same period of 2018 and 2019 (CT18-19). Pt demographics and disease characteristics were obtained from our in-site prospective database. Ttm modifications from SOC as per COVID19-contingency protocol in CT20 for LA-HNSCC were collected. Chi-squared was used to compare variables and ttm response between cohorts. One-year recurrence-free survival (1yRFS) and overall survival (1yOS) of LA-HNSCC pts were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method and compared by Log-rank test. Results: A total of 306 pts were included: CT20=99; CT18-19=207. Baseline characteristics were balanced between cohorts (Table1). In pts treated with conservative ttm (non-surgical approach), persistence disease was higher in CT20 vs CT18-19 (26 vs. 10% p=0.02). Median follow-up of CT20 and CT18-19 was 6.8 months (IQR 5.1-7.9) and 12.3 (6.7-18.4), respectively. A trend towards lower 1yRFS and 1yOS was observed in CT20 vs CT18-19 (72 vs 83% p=0.06; 80 vs 84% p=0.07), respectively. Within CT20, 37 pts (37%) had one or more ttm modifications: switch from surgery to conservative ttm (n=13); altered radiotherapy fractionation (n=14); reduced cisplatin cumulative dose to 200mg/m2 (n=19); no adjuvant ttm (n=1). Pts who received modified ttm had no differences in 1yRFS vs those who did not (80 vs 66% p=0.31), but higher 1yOS was observed (97 vs 67% p<0.01). When stratified by stage, 1yOS difference remained significant in stage III/IVA (100 vs 61% p<0.01) but not in I/II (100 vs 77% p=0.28) or IVB (67 vs 50% p=0.54). Conclusions: COVID19 pandemic had a negative impact on ttm outcomes and survival in LA-HNSCC pts when compared to our historical cohort. Ttm modifications based on COVID19-contingency protocol did not compromise ttm efficacy in terms of RFS and was associated with better OS in Stage III/IVA.[Table: see text]
Predictive and prognostic biomarker identification in a large cohort of androgen receptor-positive salivary duct carcinoma patients scheduled for combined androgen blockade.
Authors: Lassche Gerben , Tada Yuichiro , Van Herpen Carla M.L.- , Jonker Marianne A. , Keizer Diederick , Verhaegh Wim , Nagao Toshitaka , Saotome Takashi , Hirai Hideaki , Saigusa Natsuki , van Engen - van Grunsven Adriana C.H. , Schalken Jack A. , Fushimi Chihiro , Verhaegh Gerald W.
Published: June 2021

6071

Background: Patients suffering from recurrent or metastatic (R/M) salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) are often treated with combined androgen blockade (CAB). This treatment however frequently fails (response rates: 18-53%), resulting in a worse prognosis. Therefore, biomarkers that have prognostic value and can predict treatment response are urgently needed. Methods: mRNA from 77 R/M androgen receptor (AR) positive SDC patients treated with leuprorelin acetate combined with bicalutamide was extracted from pre-treatment tumor specimens. AR, Notch, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ), Estrogen Receptor (ER), Hedgehog (HH) and the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway activities were calculated based on expression levels of relevant target genes. Besides this, 5-alpha reductase type 1 ( SRD5A1) expression and Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2) status were determined. Clinical benefit was defined as complete or partial response or stable disease ≥6 months. Results: Of the 7 signaling pathways, AR pathway activity was the best predictor of clinical benefit (AUC 0.67, 95%-CI 0.54-0.80). At a threshold of 47.8, 21% of the patients tested negative, with a negative predictive value of 93%. SRD5A1 expression outperformed the signaling pathways regarding predictive value (AUC 0.78, 95%-CI 0.67-0.88). Fitting of a multivariable model led to the identification of SRD5A1, Notch and TGFβ as most predictive combination (AUC 0.82, 95%-CI 0.72-0.91). AR, Notch, HH and SRD5A1 were also of prognostic importance regarding progression free survival and SRD5A1 expression levels also for overall survival (median of 175.0 weeks for high versus 96.7 weeks for low expression). Conclusions: Our study revealed predictive and/or prognostic value of AR, HH, Notch and TGFβ signaling activities and SRD5A1 expression in SDC patients treated with CAB. AR pathway activity can be used for identifying non-responders. Further clinical validation is required before implementation of these biomarkers in clinical practice. The observed role of SRD5A1 expression in CAB response forms a rational basis for including SRD5A1-inhibitors in the treatment of SDC patients.[Table: see text]