bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Updated analysis: Effect of biweekly dosing schedule of trifluridine-tipiracil (TAS-102) on rates of myelosuppression and maintenance of therapeutic efficacy in patients (pts) with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Cann Christopher G , LaPelusa Michael Brian , Cimino Sarah , Grieb Brian , Ciombor Kristen Keon , Agarwal Rajiv , Das Satya , Goff Laura Williams , Cardin Dana Backlund , Davis Shemeka , Berlin Jordan , Eng Cathy
Published: January 2023

95

Background: For surgically unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer pts, a continuum of treatment is required to improve the OS of our pts. Oral trifluridine-tipiracil (TAS-102) is FDA approved in refractory mCRC per the RECOURSE trial. As per the FDA insert, the recommended dose is 35 mg/m2 twice daily (maximum = 80 mg/day) on Days 1-5 and Days 8-12 of 28-day cycles commonly resulting in Grade 3-4 neutropenia (38%), dose delays (53%), dose reductions (14%) and requiring G-CSF support (9%). To maintain efficacy and to potentially reduce toxicity, we analyzed an alternative biweekly dosing (Days 1-5 and Days 15-19 q28 days). Methods: A retrospective analysis was completed (2019-2022) at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in pts with refractory mCRC and appendiceal cancer (CA) who completed ≥ 12 days of TAS-102 therapy and underwent surveillance imaging every 8-12 weeks. Patient data was assessed for ECOG performance status (PS), prior lines of therapy, the use of bevacizumab and CTCAE grade of treatment-related myelotoxicity. Evaluation of progression-free survival (PFS) was completed in mCRC pts. Results: Forty-three patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mCRC:appendiceal CA ratio of 39:4. The median age = 50 y/o (range 30-80); male:female 23:20; median ECOG PS = 1; median number of prior therapies = 3; and median duration of therapy = 97 days (range: 12-396). Associated grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities included: Neutropenia 39% [Grade 3 (12.2%), Grade 4 (2.4%)]; anemia 36.5% [Grade 3 (12.2%)]. No pts required G-CSF. No incidences of neutropenic fever were reported. Five pts (11.6%) required a dose delay and 3 pts (7%) required a dose reduction due to myelosuppression. In mCRC pts, the median PFS was 2.53 months. To date, 6 pts remain on treatment (range: 97-331). Conclusions: In our updated analysis, biweekly dosing of TAS-102 (35 mg/m2 twice daily; Days 1-5 and Days 15-19 of 28-day cycles) for pts with refractory mCRC and appendiceal CA demonstrated tolerable myelosuppression, while preserving PFS in pts with mCRC. With an improved toxicity profile, this alternative TAS -102 dosing schedule may potentially broaden utilization of TAS-102 in patients with borderline PS and may be a more favorable option for future combination studies. Additional prospective data are needed to validate these findings. To our knowledge, this remains the first analysis of biweekly TAS-102 in a US patient population.
NAPOLI-3: A randomized, open-label phase 3 study of liposomal irinotecan + 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin + oxaliplatin (NALIRIFOX) versus nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine in treatment-naïve patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC).
Authors: Wainberg Zev A. , Melisi Davide , Macarulla Teresa , Pazo-Cid Roberto , Chandana Sreenivasa R , De La Fouchardiere Christelle , Dean Andrew Peter , Kiss Igor , Lee Woojin , Goetze Thorsten Oliver , Van Cutsem Eric , Paulson Andrew Scott , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. , Pant Shubham , Hubner Richard , Xiao Zhimin , Chen Huanyu , Benzaghou Fawzi , O'Reilly Eileen Mary
Published: January 2023

LBA661

Background: Liposomal irinotecan administered with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV) is approved in the USA and Europe for mPDAC following progression with gemcitabine-based therapy. A phase 1/2 study (Wainberg et al. Eur J Cancer 2021;151:14–24; NCT02551991) demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity in patients with mPDAC who received first-line liposomal irinotecan 50 mg/m2 + 5-FU 2400 mg/m2 + LV 400 mg/m2 + oxaliplatin 60 mg/m2 (NALIRIFOX). Herein, we present results from NAPOLI-3 (NCT04083235), a randomized, open-label, phase 3 study investigating the efficacy and safety of NALIRIFOX compared with nab-paclitaxel + gemcitabine as first-line therapy in patients with mPDAC. Methods: Eligible patients with histopathologically/cytologically confirmed untreated metastatic PDAC were randomized (1:1) to receive NALIRIFOX on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle or nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m2 + gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 (Gem+NabP) on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Randomization was stratified by ECOG performance status, geographic region and presence or absence of liver metastases. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR) and safety. OS was evaluated when ≥ 543 events were observed using a stratified log-rank test with an overall 1-sided significance level of 0.025. Results: Overall, 770 patients (NALIRIFOX, n = 383; Gem+NabP, n = 387) were included. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between arms. At a median follow-up of 16.1 months, 544 events had occurred. The median OS was 11.1 months in the NALIFIROX arm as compared with 9.2 months in the Gem+NabP arm (HR 0.84 [95% CI 0.71–0.99]; p = 0.04); PFS was also significantly improved (7.4 months vs 5.6 months; HR 0.70 [0.59–0.84]; p = 0.0001). Grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) with ≥ 10% frequency in patients receiving NALIRIFOX versus Gem+NabP included diarrhea (20.3% vs 4.5%), nausea (11.9% vs 2.6%), hypokalemia (15.1% vs 4.0%), anemia (10.5% vs 17.4%) and neutropenia (14.1% vs 24.5%). Conclusions: First-line NALIRIFOX demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in OS and PFS compared with Gem+NabP in treatment-naïve patients with mPDAC. The safety profile of NALIRIFOX was manageable and consistent with the profiles of the treatment components. Funding: Funded by Ipsen. Clinical trial information: NCT04083235 .[Table: see text]
Phase II/III study of circulating tumor DNA as a predictive biomarker in adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage II colon cancer: NRG-GI005 (COBRA).
Authors: Morris Van K. , Yothers Greg , Kopetz Scott , Jacobs Samuel A. , Lucas Peter C. , Iqbal Atif , Boland Patrick M , Deming Dustin A. , Scott Aaron James , Lim Howard John , Hong Theodore S. , Wolmark Norman , George Thomas J.
Published: January 2023

TPS259

Background: Detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) shed into the bloodstream represents a highly specific and sensitive approach for identifying microscopic or residual tumor cells after surgical resection. For patients (pts) with colon cancer (CC), the detection of ctDNA is associated with persistent disease after resection and outperforms traditional clinical and pathological features in prognosticating risk for recurrence. However, for pts with stage II CC, there are currently no validated biomarkers predicting benefit in identifying pts whose residual disease cancer be cleared by adjuvant chemotherapy. We hypothesize that for pts whose stage II colon cancer has been resected and who have no traditional high-risk features, a positive ctDNA status may identify those who will benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: In this prospective phase II/III clinical trial, pts (N=1,408) with resected stage II CC without traditional high-risk features and whom the evaluating oncologist deems suitable for active surveillance (i.e., not needing adjuvant chemotherapy) will be randomized 1:1 into 2 arms: standard-of-care/observation (Arm A), or prospective testing for ctDNA (Arm B). Postoperative blood will be analyzed for ctDNA with the Guardant Reveal assay, covering CC-relevant mutations and CC-specific methylation profiling. Pts in Arm B with ctDNA detected will be treated with 6 months of adjuvant (FOLFOX) chemotherapy. For all pts in Arm A, ctDNA status will be analyzed retrospectively at the time of endpoint analysis. The primary endpoints are clearance of ctDNA with adjuvant chemotherapy (phase II) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for “ctDNA-detected” pts treated with or without adjuvant chemotherapy (phase III). Secondary endpoints will include time-to-event outcomes (OS, RFS, TTR) by ctDNA marker status and treatment, prevalence of detectable ctDNA in stage II CC, and rates of compliance with assigned intervention. Archived normal and matched tumor and blood samples will be collected for exploratory correlative research. Enrollment continues across North America to the 540-patient phase II endpoint. Support: U10CA180868, -180822; UG1CA189867; GuardantHealth. Clinical trial information: NCT04068103 .
NRG GI008: Colon adjuvant chemotherapy based on evaluation of residual disease (CIRCULATE-US).
Authors: Lieu Christopher Hanyoung , Lin Yan , Kopetz Scott , Jacobs Samuel A. , Lucas Peter C. , Sahin Ibrahim Halil , Deming Dustin A. , Philip Philip Agop , Hong Theodore S. , Rojas-Khalil Yesenia , Loree Jonathan M. , Wolmark Norman , Yothers Greg , George Thomas J. , Dasari Arvind
Published: January 2023

TPS260

Background: Currently, there are no biomarkers validated prospectively in randomized studies for resected colon cancer (CC) to determine need for adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). However, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) represents a highly specific and sensitive approach (especially with serial monitoring) for identifying minimal/molecular residual disease (MRD) post-surgery in CC patients (pts), and may outperform traditional clinical and pathological features in prognosticating risk for recurrence. CC pts who do not have detectable ctDNA (ctDNA-) are at a much lower risk of recurrence and may be spared the toxicities associated with AC. Furthermore, for CC pts with detectable ctDNA (ctDNA+) who are at a very high risk of recurrence, the optimal AC regimen has not been established. We hypothesize that for pts whose CC has been resected, ctDNA status may be used to risk-stratify for making decisions about AC. Methods: In this prospective phase II/III trial, up to 1,912 pts with resected stage III A, B (all pts) and stage II, IIIC (ctDNA+ only) CC will be enrolled. Based on the post-operative ctDNA status using personalized and tumor-informed assay (Signatera™, bespoke assay), those who are ctDNA- (Cohort A) will be randomized to immediate AC with fluoropyrimidine (FP) + oxaliplatin (Ox) for 3-6 mos per established guidelines vs . serial ctDNA monitoring. Patients who are ctDNA+ post-operatively or with serial monitoring (Cohort B) will be randomized to FP+Ox vs . more intensive AC with addition of irinotecan (I) for 6 mos. The primary endpoints for Cohort A are time to ctDNA+ status (phase II) and disease-free survival (DFS) (phase III) in the immediate vs . delayed AC arms. The primary endpoint for Cohort B is DFS in the FP+Ox vs FP+Ox+I arms for both phase II and phase III portions of the trial. Secondary endpoints include prevalence of detectable ctDNA post-operatively, time-to-event outcomes (overall survival and time to recurrence) by ctDNA status, and the assessment of compliance to adjuvant therapy. Biospecimens including archival tumor tissue, as well as post-operative plus serial matched/normal blood samples, will be collected for exploratory correlative research. Active enrollment across the NCTN started in June, 2022. Support: U10-CA-180868, -180822; UG1CA-189867; Natera, Inc. Clinical trial information: NCT05174169 .
MOUNTAINEER-03: Phase 3 study of tucatinib, trastuzumab, and mFOLFOX6 as first-line treatment in HER2+ metastatic colorectal cancer—Trial in progress.
Authors: Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. , Van Cutsem Eric , Tabernero Josep , Siena Salvatore , Yoshino Takayuki , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Raghav Kanwal Pratap Singh , Cercek Andrea , Heinemann Volker , Adelberg David E. , Ward James Edward , Yang Shan , Andre Thierry , Strickler John H
Published: January 2023

TPS261

Background: Current standard of care (SOC) for treatment (tx) of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is multi-agent chemotherapy, w/ or w/o a VEGF- or EGFR-inhibitor. HER2 is a validated clinical target in breast and gastric cancers. HER2 amplification occurs in 3%-5% of patients (pts) w/ mCRC; the rate of HER2 amplification can increase to ~10% in pts w/ RAS/BRAF wild-type mCRC tumors. Tucatinib (TUC), a highly selective, HER2-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is approved in multiple regions for HER2+ metastatic breast cancer and is being investigated in gastrointestinal cancers. MOUNTAINEER (NCT03043313) evaluated the safety and efficacy of TUC and trastuzumab (Tras) in pts w/ tx refractory RAS wild-type, HER2+ mCRC. Results from the primary endpoint analysis showed clinically meaningful activity (confirmed ORR of 38.1% and median DOR of 12.4 months) and demonstrated TUC + Tras was well tolerated with a low discontinuation rate (5.8%) and no deaths due to AEs. MOUNTAINEER-03 will further investigate TUC in combo w/ mFOLFOX and Tras in pts w/ RAS wild-type, HER2+ mCRC. Methods: MOUNTAINEER-03 (NCT05253651) is a global, open label, randomized, phase 3 study for 1L tx of HER2+ and RAS wild-type mCRC. Approximately 400 pts will be randomized 1:1 to the TUC experimental arm (TUC [300 mg PO BID] + Tras + mFOLFOX) or the SOC arm (mFOLFOX alone or in combo w/ either bevacizumab or cetuximab). HER2 status is determined centrally w/ tissue based HER2 immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays. Eligible pts must not have received prior tx in the metastatic setting but may have received adjuvant tx if completed > 6 months prior to enrollment. Pts must be ≥18 years of age w/ an ECOG performance status of ≤1 and RAS wild-type mCRC. Pts w/ treated stable central nervous system metastases are eligible. Randomization is stratified by primary tumor location (left-sided vs other) and liver metastases (presence/absence). Primary endpoint is progression-free survival per RECIST v1.1, assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). Key secondary endpoints are overall survival and confirmed objective response rate per RECIST v1.1 assessed by BICR. Enrollment is ongoing in the US, w/ global sites planned. Clinical trial information: NCT05253651 .
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and biomarker assessments in daNIS-3, a phase II platform study of NIS793 (anti–TGF-β monoclonal antibody) and other investigational drug combinations with standard of care (SOC) vs SOC alone in patients (pts) with second-line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Kopetz Scott , Kasper Stefan , Rivera Fernando , Tournigand Christophe , Cheng Yuan , Deshpande Priya , D'Alessio Denise , Amirouchene Angelozzi Nabil , Bento Pereira da Silva Ana , Segal Neil Howard
Published: January 2023

TPS272

Background: Despite the utilization of systemic targeted agents with chemotherapy for mCRC, long-term survival remains poor. Disease progression in mCRC is common, and SOC options are associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) that has been negatively associated with survival. Here, we present daNIS-3, a Phase II, randomized, open-label platform study (NCT04952753) of NIS793 and other investigational drug combinations in pts with second-line mCRC, with an emphasis on the exploratory PROs and biomarker assessments. Methods: Eligible pts are adults with microsatellite-stable mCRC who have progressed on or within 6 months of one prior line of systemic therapy for mCRC and are not amenable to potentially curative surgery. Pts are treated with NIS793 (Day [D]1 ± D15; 2100 mg) + SOC (D1 + D15; bevacizumab [5 mg/kg] + FOLFIRI/mFOLFOX6) +/- tislelizumab (D1; 300 mg), or SOC alone. All drugs are administered intravenously on 28-day cycles. Each investigational arm begins with a safety run-in involving ≥6 eligible pts; safety run-in of the tislelizumab arm follows completion of the NIS793 + SOC safety run-in. Following confirmation of the recommended dose, pts are randomized (2:1) in the expansion part to receive investigational drug(s) + SOC (n≈75) or SOC alone (n≈38). Exploratory objectives include PROs (expansion part only) and biomarker assessments. PRO measures (EORTC-QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR29, PRO-CTCAE, and FACT-GP5) will be collected electronically throughout the study and used to explore pt-reported disease symptoms, health-related QoL, functioning, and treatment-related side effects. Potential biomarkers of response and mechanisms of resistance will be assessed in tumor and blood samples. Baseline archival/tumor biopsies will be collected to assess the correlations between clinical response and molecular subtype, tumor mutational burden, TGF-β gene signatures, and immune-related biomarkers. Optional biopsies during Cycle 3 and at the end of treatment will be used to assess pharmacodynamic effects of NIS793 on the tumor microenvironment and resistance mechanisms, respectively. Circulating tumor DNA and cytokine and TGF-β levels will be continuously monitored through serial blood samples to evaluate treatment benefit, correlate alterations with response, and assess the effect(s) of NIS793. An additional blood sample for nucleic acid analysis will evaluate the effect(s) of TGF-β blockade. The daNIS-3 study started on November 15, 2021, and plans to recruit approximately 266 pts from 77 sites across 19 countries. Clinical trial information: NCT04952753 .
Randomized phase 2 study of DKN-01 plus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab versus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab as second-line treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (DeFianCe).
Authors: Wainberg Zev A. , Boccia Ralph V. , Strickler John H , Moehler Markus H. , Sirard Cynthia A. , Walsh Erin K , Parker Elizabeth C , Lee Keun-Wook
Published: January 2023

TPS275

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer, and the prognosis of patients with advanced metastatic (mCRC) is poor. The efficacy of standard of care (SOC) second-line chemotherapy combinations with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies remains modest. Previously treated advanced mCRC that is microsatellite stable (MSS/pMMR) represents nearly 95% of the metastatic population and remains a high unmet medical need. DKN-01 is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeted against Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), a regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. DKK1 has been identified as a potential oncogenic driver in CRC and has been correlated with 5FU resistance. Therefore, DKK1 expression is a potential predictive biomarker for chemotherapeutic resistance in CRC. Methods: This is a phase 2 randomized, open-label, two-part, multicenter study with a safety run-in to evaluate safety and efficacy of DKN-01 plus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab versus SOC [FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab] as second-line treatment of advanced mCRC patients. In Parts A and B, approximately 150 advanced MSS, BRAF Wild Type mCRC patients with radiographic progression during or following 1 prior line of systemic treatment will be enrolled in the study. Part A is a safety run-in with DKN-01 plus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab in at least 20 safety evaluable patients. In Part B, approximately 130 patients will be randomized 1:1 to either the experimental (DKN-01 plus FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab) or control arm (FOLFIRI/FOLFOX and bevacizumab), using a central stratified block randomization scheme and stratified based on DKK1 RNAscope tumor percentage score (TPS) (≥1% vs <1%). Primary endpoint is progression free survival and secondary endpoints include overall response rate, duration of response, overall survival and incidence of ≥Grade 3 related treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Exploratory endpoints will include evaluation of efficacy outcomes based upon tumoral DKK1 expression. Recruitment is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT05480306 .
RELATIVITY-123: A phase 3, randomized, open-label study of nivolumab (NIVO) + relatlimab (RELA) fixed-dose combination (FDC) versus regorafenib or trifluridine + tipiracil (TAS-102) in later-line metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Feeney Kynan , Joubert Warren Lance , Bordoni Rodolfo Eduardo , Babu Sunil , Marimuthu Sathiya , Hipkin Bill , Huang Liping , Tam Rachel , Acosta Rivera Mirelis
Published: January 2023

TPS278

Background: The standard of care (SoC) for first-line management of non-microsatellite instability-high/deficient mismatch repair (non-MSI-H/dMMR; also referred to as microsatellite-stable/proficient MMR) mCRC includes systemic chemotherapy and targeted agents that improve overall survival (OS). However, in patients (pts) with later-line disease, current SoC treatments (including regorafenib and TAS-102) are associated with poor responses (objective response rates [ORR] < 2%) that are not durable, limited OS (6.4-7.1 months) and substantial toxicity. Immunotherapies targeting programmed death (PD)-1 show promising efficacy in pts with MSI-H mCRC; however, single-agent immunotherapy does not provide benefit for pts with non-MSI-H/dMMR mCRC. Therefore, additional treatment options with an improved benefit-risk profile in pts with later-line non-MSI-H/dMMR mCRC are needed. Emerging data suggest that dual inhibition of LAG-3 and PD-1 has the potential to boost immune surveillance and elicit durable responses in non-MSI-H/dMMR mCRC. RELA is a human immunoglobulin G4 lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3)-blocking antibody that enhances the antitumor immune response. Here we describe the RELATIVITY-123 study investigating NIVO + RELA FDC in later-line mCRC. Methods: RELATIVITY-123 (NCT05328908) is a phase 3, randomized (1:1), open-label study to assess NIVO + RELA FDC versus regorafenib or TAS-102 in adult pts with later lines of non-MSI-H/dMMR mCRC. Inclusion criteria include metastatic or recurrent unresectable CRC, recent progression following 1–4 prior lines of treatment (or documented intolerance of prior systemic chemotherapy regimens), ECOG performance status ≤ 1, and measurable disease per RECIST version (v) 1.1. Exclusion criteria include confirmed MSI-H/deficient mismatch repair, prior treatment with an immunotherapy, regorafenib, or TAS-102 and history of significant cardiovascular disease, interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis, or autoimmune disease. Dual primary endpoints are OS in all randomized pts and in randomized pts with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1. Secondary endpoints include ORR, progression-free survival, and duration of response by blinded independent central review and investigator per RECIST v1.1, safety, and time until definitive deterioration-physical function and -quality of life in all randomized pts and in randomized pts with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 1. The study initiated in April 2022 and is enrolling globally. Clinical trial information: NCT05328908 .
A multicenter randomized controlled trial of esophagectomy with or without prophylactic supraclavicular node dissection: A phase III trial (JCOG2013, MODERN3).
Authors: Tsunoda Shigeru , Tsubosa Yasuhiro , Sasaki Keita , Machida Ryunosuke , Daiko Hiroyuki , Kato Ken , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: January 2023

TPS474

Background: Supraclavicular lymph nodes (SCLN) have been regarded as regional nodes of thoracic esophageal cancer in Japan and resected along with cervical paraesophageal lymph nodes as a cervical part of the standard three-field dissection, while the involvement of SCLN is regarded as distant metastasis in Western countries. However, there is no clear evidence that supports or rejects prophylactic SCLN dissection. As postoperative SCLN metastasis can often be managed by either surgery or chemoradiotherapy at the time of relapse, routine prophylactic SCLN dissection may not be essential. Here we conduct the clinical trial to confirm the non-inferiority of esophagectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy except for SCLN to standard D2 lymphadenectomy in terms of overall survival (OS) for patients with resectable upper or middle thoracic esophageal cancer. Methods: Eligibility criteria include the followings; upper or middle thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, or basaloid cell carcinoma with clinical stage I, II, III, or IVA (except for T4) based on the 8th UICC-TNM, age 18 to 80, ECOG performance status 0 or 1, and adequate organ function. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (cisplatin plus 5- fluorouracil or docetaxel plus cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil) is allowed, but preoperative chemoradiotherapy is not allowed. Patients are randomly assigned to the following two arms using the minimization method with a random component to balance institution, clinical stage (Stage I (T1N0M0) versus Stage I (T1N1M0)/II/III/IVA), age (76 or older versus 75 or younger), and tumor location (upper thoracic versus middle thoracic). Patients undergo either esophagectomy with standard D2 dissection (Arm A) or esophagectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy except for SCLN (Arm B). The primary endpoint is OS in all randomized patients. The secondary endpoints are relapse-free survival, the incidence of perioperative and delayed complications, the incidence of SCLN recurrence, the incidence of salvage cervical treatment, the proportion of synchronous cervical and abdominal procedure, and operation time and the number of operating surgeons. A sample size of 456 patients would be required to observe 147 events to demonstrate the non-inferiority of Arm B in terms of OS, with a one-sided alpha of 5%, power of 70%, an accrual period of 5 years, a follow-up period of 3 years, and a non-inferiority margin of 6% at 3-year OS, assuming the expected 3-year OS of Arm A and Arm B are 80% and 81%, respectively. The planned sample size was set at 480 patients (240 patients per arm). This trial was registered at the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT) as study number jRCT1030220248 and started in August 2022. Clinical trial information: jRCT1030220248 .
Efficacy and safety of XELOX combined with anlotinib and penpulimab vs XELOX as adjuvant therapy in ctDNA-positive gastric and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma: A protocol for a randomized, controlled, multicenter phase II clinical trial—EXPLORING study.
Authors: Chen Yizhang , Tang Jie , Guo Fen , Li Wei , Zhang Jiaguang , Zhang Xinyi , Tian Yitong , Pan Lanlan , Ma Ling , Shu Yongqian , Chen Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

TPS486

Background: The clinical benefit of current postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for gastric adenocarcinoma/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GA/GEJA) leaves much to be desired. CtDNA could serve as a potential marker to identify patients (pts) who are most at risk of recurrence. Reinforcing standard adjuvant chemotherapy with immunotherapy has already been indicated to significantly boost clinical benefit, albeit such evidence is rare in GA/GEJA. Here, we intend to prove the clinical benefit of the reinforcement of adjuvant chemotherapy with immunotherapy in patients who are deemed high risk of recurrence by ctDNA analysis, in hope of shedding light on further improvements in adjuvant therapy for GA/GEJA. Methods: This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled, multicenter phase II study in patients histologically or cytologically diagnosed with CG/GEJC (Siewert III), 18-75 years, ECOG PS 0-1, underwent D2 gastrectomy and achieved R0 or R1 resection. Beginning from February 2022, a total of 270 stage III patients will be enrolled and subjected to ctDNA sequencing, and those with positive results will subsequently be randomized 1:1 to arm A or B. CtDNA-negative patients will be assigned to arm C and pts who had ctDNA positive but failed to be randomized will be assigned to arm D. Pts in arm A will receive anlotinib, penpulimab and XELOX for 6-8 cycles, maintained with anlotinib and penpulimab for up to 1 year, while pts in arm B will receive XELOX alone for 6-8 cycles. Pts in arms C&D will receive the investigator’s choice of therapy. Arms A&B will be monitored for ctDNA levels on a 3-month cycle for 1 year. Survival data, laboratory findings, imaging reports and nutritional status will be regularly followed-up in all arms. The primary endpoint is the median disease-free survival (DFS) of arm A versus arm B determined via CT/MRI imaging. Secondary endpoints include the median DFS of arm B versus arm C, the 2- and 3-year DFS rates, overall survival (OS), the impact of hallmark molecules (presumably ctDNA) on the treatment response, adverse events (AEs), and the impact of nutrition status and exercise on recurrence. Clinical trial information: NCT05494060 .
Real-world registry of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: The OREIOS study.
Authors: Chan Stephen Lam , Ryu Min-Hee , Waked Imam , Shao Yu Yun , Tai Wai Meng David , Breder Valeriy , Alolayan Ashwaq , Ganguly Sandip
Published: January 2023

TPS618

Background: A majority of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are diagnosed with unresectable disease due to extensive extrahepatic spread, presence of multifocal tumors, poor hepatic function or tumor location near major intrahepatic vessels. The treatment landscape for unresectable HCC is rapidly evolving with availability of novel agents, mandating evidence-based therapeutic algorithm for optimum clinical outcomes. Integrating newly approved and emerging therapies in this extremely heterogeneous HCC population with coexisting risk factors (performance status, Child-Pugh class, macrovascular invasion or extrahepatic metastases, and alpha-fetoprotein levels) may pose challenge without understanding survival outcomes with the current treatment practices. Also, application of immunotherapy and targeted agents in clinical practice displays significant regional variations. Real-world evidence on the management of unresectable HCC is sparse across different geographies. The OREIOS study aims to describe the management patterns, clinical characteristics, possible predictors, and survival outcomes in patients with unresectable HCC in 12 countries across Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The data may serve in devising policies on optimal patient selection and sequencing of novel systemic therapies for unresectable HCC. Methods: OREIOS is an ongoing multicenter, retrospective, non-interventional registry in adults diagnosed between 01 January 2017 and 31 December 2019 with unresectable BCLC stage B HCC, ineligible for initial loco-regional therapy or stage C advanced or metastatic disease, with at least 12 months (or until death if it occurs within 12 months of diagnosis) of available records. Patients with BCLC stage D and other concomitant metastatic cancers are excluded. Data collection includes socio-demographics, clinico-pathological characteristics, treatment modalities, survival outcomes, comorbidities and liver function status. Primary outcome measures include median overall survival using the Kaplan–Meier method and survival rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Secondary outcomes include clinico-demographic characteristics, treatment regimens (alone or combination) in each line of therapy and real-world progression-free survival. Additionally, prognostic and predictive factors for survival outcomes will be evaluated. Of the planned sample size of 1440 patients, a total of 473 patients with unresectable HCC have been enrolled until August 2022 across 7 countries (Egypt: 105, Hong Kong: 107, India: 79, Russia: 100, Saudi Arabia: 27, Singapore: 50, South Korea: 05). Data collection is currently ongoing and results are expected by 2024. Clinical trial information: NCT05239507 .
A single-arm, open-label, phase II study investigating anti-HER2 ADC plus anti-PD-1 antibody in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic BTC with HER2 overexpression.
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Guo Fen , Zhang Xinyi , Qiu Jinrong , Zheng Tongsen , Qiu Hong , Tian Yitong , Pan Lanlan , Zhang Jiaguang , Chen Yizhang , Shen Haoyang , Wang Chao
Published: January 2023

TPS619

Background: 1. Biliary tract cancer (BTC) accounts for 4% of all digestive tract cancers. In 2016-2020, the incidence of BTC has gradually increased worldwide. In China, gallbladder carcinoma accounted for 1.7% of all tumors and 1.9% of deaths in some regions. 2. The standard second-line treatment regimen is mFOLFOX, with an ORR of 5%, PFS of 2 months and OS of 6.2 months. Methods: This is a single-arm, open-label, phase II study, approximately 31 patients of unresectable locally advanced or metastatic BTC with HER2 overexpression will be enrolled. Each treatment cycle is 14 days. Therapeutic regimen: Disitamab Vedotin 2.5mg/kg IV, D1, Q2W + Zimberelimab 240mg IV, D1, Q2W All patients treated until a loss of clinical benefit or unacceptable toxicity is observed by the investigator. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Disitamab Vedotin + Zimberelima in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic BTC with HER2 overexpression Disitamab Vedotin: Vedecitumab is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), with a humanized antibody conjugated to four tubulin inhibitor molecules (DAR=4) Zimberelimab: Zimberelimab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to PD-1 molecules on the surface of lymphocytes. This drug is approved for r/r cHL and is also effective in the cervical cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT05540483 .
A phase I clinical trial of stereotactic body radiotherapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.
Authors: Brown Timothy J , Minn Andy J , Carpenter Erica L. , Ben-Josef Edgar , Karasic Thomas Benjamin
Published: January 2023

TPS626

Background: Systemic therapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab (atezo/bev) has improved outcomes for advanced HCC, but results in objective responses in fewer than 30% of patients. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is currently used for small HCC tumors that do not require systemic therapy but has also been shown in a number of clinical trials of other solid tumors to enhance the anti-cancer immune response. Of particular interest, our prior experience with SBRT in a 17Gy fraction has demonstrated the ability to restore sensitivity to immunotherapy in advanced solid tumors, even those previously refractory to immunotherapy. We hypothesize that repeated high dose fractions of radiation will act as an immune booster and will improve on outcomes of patients with advanced HCC. Since the combination of SBRT and atezo/bev has not yet been tested prospectively in patients with HCC, and because bevacizumab is a known radiosensitizer, we are conducting a phase I trial to evaluate the safety of repeated SBRT doses. Methods: This is a single-site phase I clinical trial utilizing a Rolling 6 design to determine the safety of 1, 2, or 3 doses of SBRT fractions in combination with atezo/bev. Up to 18 total patients will be enrolled (n=6 per cohort). Patients must be naïve to systemic therapy with Child-Pugh A or B liver function, at least one lesion amenable to radiation, and a measurable lesion that will not receive radiation. Patients with uncontrolled ascites or hepatic encephalopathy are excluded. Atezo/bev is administered at the standard doses every 21 days. SBRT will start 1 week after the first infusion of this combination. Patients will receive 1, 2, or 3 17Gy fractions of SBRT at 4-week intervals (cohorts 2 and 3 only). Patients will undergo serial collections of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA), methylated DNA, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells to investigate the application of these markers as a predictor of response. Following completion of SBRT, patients will continue with atezo/bev until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients experiencing dose-limiting toxicities (grade 3 or higher radiation-related toxicities graded by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, Version 5). Secondary endpoints are overall survival, progression-free survival, objective response rate, duration of response, and toxicity rates. Enrollment began 9/2022 and complete accrual is expected by June 2024. NCT05488522. Clinical trial information: NCT05488522 .
A phase 1/2 open-label study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary antitumor activity of OTX-2002 as a single agent and in combination with standard of care in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and other solid tumor types known for association with the MYC oncogene (MYCHELANGELO I).
Authors: Rodriguez-Rivera Ildefonso I , Wu Ting-Hui , Ciotti Rachel , Senapedis William , Sullivan Kaitlyn , Gao Jeff Z , Palakurthi Sangeetha , McCauley Thomas , Moore Yan
Published: January 2023

TPS627

Background: MYC, or c-MYC, is a master regulator of gene expression that controls cell growth and proliferation. Dysregulation of MYC is frequently identified in various cancer types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where it is overexpressed in up to 70% viral and alcohol-related disease.1 While MYC represents an attractive therapeutic target, it has historically been considered undruggable due to a lack of a structured binding pocket and its tightly autoregulated expression. OTX-2002 is a first-in-class, engineered and programable mRNA therapeutic called Omega Epigenomic Controllers (OECs) that modulates MYC gene expression pre-transcriptionally by creating epigenetic marks at two different structural and regulatory elements within the insulated genomic domain where MYC resides. In vitro studies have demonstrated that downregulation of MYC through OTX-2002 led to loss of viability in HCC cells while sparing normal hepatocytes. In HCC xenograft mouse models, OTX-2002 demonstrated anti-tumor activity as monotherapy and in combinations with standard of care therapies in HCC.2 Methods: OTX-2002 is being evaluated in an open-label, non-randomized, phase 1/2 study (MYCHELANGELO I) in patients with HCC and other advanced solid tumor types (NCT05497453). The study consists of two parts. Part 1 dose escalation explores ascending doses of intravenous OTX-2002 monotherapy given every 2 weeks to identify dose limiting toxicities, maximum tolerated dose, and recommended dose for expansion (RDE) in patients with HCC and other solid tumors using a classic 3+3 design. Upon identification of the RDE, a monotherapy expansion in advanced HCC patients is planned to explore the preliminary anti-tumor activity of OTX-2002. Part 2 will evaluate OTX-2002 in combination with HCC standard of care in the same HCC population as that of Part 1 expansion. The safety of OTX-2002 at the selected dose in combination with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor or immune checkpoint inhibitor will be evaluated in a safety run-in; expansion will follow to identify the preliminary anti-tumor activity of the combinations. Key eligibility criteria for HCC patients include: 1) Barcelona Clinical Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B or C disease, 2) Child-Pugh A liver function, 3) received at least 1 prior systemic therapy. The MYCHELANGELO I study began enrollment in August 2022, and Part 1 dose escalation is ongoing in the US. References: 1. Lin et al. World J Hepatol. 2010; 2: 16–20. 2. Senapedis et al. Ann Oncol. 2022; 33: S355. Clinical trial information: NCT05497453 .
ALTER-H006: A phase II study of TQB2450 plus anlotinib as adjuvant therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high risk of recurrence after surgical resection.
Authors: Mao Xianhai , Duan Xiaohui , Wu Dongde , Zhou Cuncai , Tian Yifeng , Zheng Jinfang , Fu Changbo , Xu Guohui , Bai Yannan , Wu Changxiong
Published: January 2023

TPS632

Background: Recurrence rate at 5 years for patients with early-stage HCC undergoing resection is between 50% and 70%. The optimal adjuvant treatment strategy for patients with resected HCC has not been proved and there is limited evidence to support a standard regimen for adjuvant treatment. Anlotinib, an oral small molecule antiangiogenic inhibitor, has shown promising anti-tumor activity and manageable toxicity as first or second-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC in an open-label phase II trial (NCT02809534). Anlotinib plus TQB2450, an anti-PD-L1 mAb, has shown anti-tumor activity in some solid tumors, such as biliary tract cancer (NCT03996408) and non-small cell lung cancer (NCT03910127). Here we investigate the efficacy and safety of this regimen as an adjuvant treatment for HCC with a high risk of recurrence after surgical resection. Methods: This is a single-arm, multicenter phase II trial. A total number of 37 patients with histologically or cytologically confirmed HCC will be enrolled. Eligible patients are aged 18-75, ECOG 0-1, Child-Pugh class A, 4~8 weeks after R0 resection with any of the following high-risk factors for recurrence: a) tumor nodules ≥4; b)portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT): vp1 or vp2; c) hepatic vein tumor thrombus (HVTT): vv1 or vv2. Patients enrolled receive anlotinib (12 mg, p.o., qd, d1-14, q3w) plus TQB2450 (1200 mg, i.v., d1, q3w) until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity or up to 18 cycles (~1 year), whichever occurs first. Tumor assessment is performed at the end of the second cycle and every four cycles since that, according to RECIST v1.1. The primary endpoint is 1-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate. Secondary endpoints include RFS, 1-year overall survival (OS) rate, and safety. Recruitment for this study began in January 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT05111366 .
Durvalumab and tremelimumab for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients listed for a liver transplant.
Authors: Sohal Davendra , Moreland Katie , Quillin Ralph , Lemon Kristina , Rojan Adam , Olowokure Olugbenga Olanrele , Shah Shimul
Published: January 2023

TPS638

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy, developing most often in the setting of liver cirrhosis (Sohal et al Current Oncol Rep 2011; Gordan et al JCO 2020). For advanced disease, immunotherapy has now become standard of care – a combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab has shown the best overall survival outcome so far (Finn et al NEJM 2020). For earlier stage disease, however, there is no systemic therapy standard. The best treatment for HCC in the setting of cirrhosis is a liver transplant allowing potential cure for both the cancer and cirrhosis. Nonetheless, 25-35% of patients fail to reach liver transplant because of disease progression while waiting for a transplant (Sinha et al, Hepatology 2019) and approximately 15% experience HCC recurrence after transplant (Mehta et al, Transplantation 2020). Taken together, this constitutes a large subset of this patient population who cannot achieve a cure. Given the success of immunotherapy in the advanced setting, it is imperative to study this in the pre-transplant setting, to improve the outcomes cited above. However, there is a theoretical risk of graft rejection with immunostimulatory treatment. Methods: This is a single-arm, open-label, Phase II, multicenter study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of durvalumab and tremelimumab for the treatment of HCC patients who have cirrhosis or portal hypertension and are eligible for listing for a liver transplant. Eligibility requirements include adult patients with HCC within UCSF criteria, a Child-Pugh score of up to 7, and ECOG PS of 0 or 1. Treatment includes an immunotherapy combination of 1 dose of tremelimumab and 5 doses of durvalumab for up to 4 months. After a minimum 28-day gap following the final durvalumab dose, patients undergo locoregional therapy per institutional standards. After a minimum 72-day gap from the end of immunotherapy, patients undergo liver transplant. Primary outcome is a binary endpoint, and it will be assessed in patients undergoing liver transplant. Historically, 10-20% of patients are expected to experience acute cellular rejection within 30 days of transplant. We propose that an observed proportion of 20% treatment failure will be a clear indicator of safety in this pilot study, whereas an observed proportion of 50% failure will be a clear indicator of failure. Using these guardrails, with at least 20 patients going to transplant, we will have 80.6% power to demonstrate a failure proportion of 20% (4 patients experiencing failure) versus a null of 50% (10 patients experiencing failure), with a one-sided alpha of 0.05. With 25 patients going to transplant, the power will increase to 86% (other parameters being the same). Correlative studies include tumor molecular profiling, peripheral blood immunophenotyping, and circulating tumor DNA for early recurrence detection. Clinical trial information: NCT05027425 .
A phase I study of a mutant KRAS-targeted long peptide vaccine in patients at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Authors: Haldar Saurav Daniel , Judkins Carol , Ferguson Anna , Abou Diwan Elizabeth , Lim Su Jin , Wang Hao , Nauroth Julie , Goggins Michael , Laheru Dan , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Azad Nilofer Saba , Zaidi Neeha
Published: January 2023

TPS758

Background: KRAS mutations are identified in the majority of premalignant lesions that precede pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Arising during tumorigenesis, mutant KRAS (mKRAS) neoantigens are less susceptible to central tolerance mechanisms and serve as ideal vaccine targets. Indeed, targeting mKRAS neoantigens with vaccines has shown promising anti-tumor activity in the preclinical setting. For instance, our group previously demonstrated that a Listeria-based vaccine targeting mKRAS G12D combined with Treg-depleting agents can prevent the progression of early pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to overt PDAC in a mouse model (Keenan et al, 2014). Building upon this work, the current study aims to determine the safety and immunogenicity of a pooled synthetic long peptide (SLP) mKRAS vaccine in patients identified as high risk for developing PDAC based on family history and germline mutation testing. Methods: This is a single-arm, open-label phase I trial evaluating a pooled SLP mKRAS vaccine in patients at high risk of developing PDAC ( n = 20). The vaccine consists of poly-ICLC adjuvant admixed with SLPs corresponding to six common mKRAS subtypes: G12D, G12R, G12V, G12A, G12C, and G13D. A four-dose series of the mKRAS vaccine is administered on weeks 1, 3, 4, and 17. Following completion of the treatment phase, all patients have the option to continue annual follow-up visits until study closure. Eligible patients must have radiographic evidence of a premalignant pancreatic lesion and fall under at least one of the following three high-risk groups: 1) ≥ 2 familial pancreatic cancer relatives, 2) germline mutation carriers with ≥ 10% lifetime PDAC risk and 3) germline mutation carriers with ~5% lifetime PDAC risk. The co-primary endpoints of this study are safety and T cell response. Safety will be assessed by the frequency and grading of adverse events per NCI CTCAE v5.0. T cell response will be determined by the maximal percent change in IFNγ-producing mKRAS-specific T cell density within 16 weeks post-vaccination compared to baseline. Correlative studies will explore vaccine-associated changes in T cell quality (e.g., memory, exhaustion, poly-functionality, and activation) using mass cytometry analysis of peripheral blood samples. Patient accrual began in April 2022 and is currently ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT05013216 .