bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and brain metastases in gastroesophageal carcinoma: A real-world analysis of outcomes, clinical and pathologic characteristics.
Authors: Megid Thais Baccili Cury , Baskurt Zeynep , Ma Lucy Xiaolu , Barron Carly C. , Saltiel Marie-Philippe , Farooq Abdul Rehman , Jang Raymond Woo-Jun , Chen Eric Xueyu , Wong Rebecca KS , Mesci Aruz , Aoyama Hiroko , Bach Yvonne , Wang Xin , Veit-Haibach Patrick , Wang Ben X , Kalimuthu Sangeetha , Cotton James , Elimova Elena
Published: June 2023

2029

Background: Brain metastasis (BM) and Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis (LC) are uncommon complications in gastroesophageal carcinoma (GEC) patients (pts). These patients have a poor prognosis and are challenging to study. We described the clinicopathologic features and outcomes in the largest real-world cohort of CNS metastasis in GEC pts. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study of GEC pts treated at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre from 2007 to 2021 who developed BM. Clinicopathologic characteristics and treatment modalities were reviewed. Survival was calculated from the date of BM or LC diagnosis until date of death/last follow-up using the Kaplan-Meier method. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to examine the association of baseline covariates and survival. Results: Of 3283 consecutive pts with GEC, 101 (3.08%) were diagnosed with BM and 20 with LC (0.61%). Most pts with BM were male (75.3%), non-Asian (93%), with a primary gastroesophageal junction tumor (47%) and adenocarcinoma histology (86%). Among pts with known HER2 status (N= 48), 60% were HER2 positive (defined as IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/FISH+). All patients with LC had adenocarcinoma histology; most were signet-ring subtype (85%), poorly differentiated (80%) histology and only 15% (2/13) were HER2 positive. Median survival was 0.8; 3.8; and 7.7 months (mo) in BM pts treated with palliative care only, radiation only and surgery followed by radiation, respectively (p< 0.001). In LC, median survival was 0.7 mo in pts who had palliative care only (7/20) and 2.7 mo for those (13/20) who had whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) (p .008). Multivariate analysis showed a higher probability of death in patients with number of BM ≥4 (p 0.02) and predicted superior survival in patients who received radiation and surgery followed by radiation (p 0.02). Conclusions: This is the most comprehensive summary of clinicopathologic characteristics and survival in patients with GEC and BM and LC disease to date. Biomarker analysis reveals an enriched frequency of HER2 expression in BM, while this is uncommon in pts with LC. BM pts who were treated with surgery followed by radiation had a significantly improved OS. WBRT benefited patients with LC over palliative care alone. These findings add to our understanding for the management of this understudied population with poor survival. [Table: see text]
Risk of brain metastases in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer without baseline brain metastasis: Pooled analysis of individualized patient data from three randomized clinical trials involving first-line atezolizumab treatment.
Authors: Zhou Yue , Ni JianJiao , Zhu Zhengfei , Zhang Zhen
Published: June 2023

2032

Background: Data on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors on delaying or preventing the occurrence of brain metastases (BMs) in metastatic NSCLC without initial BMs is limited. We explored the benefit of first-line atezolizumab versus chemotherapy in the occurrence of BMs in patients without baseline BMs. Methods: Individual patient data from IMpower1301, IMpower131, and IMpower150 were pooled. All patients in the intention to treat population were analyzed. Primary endpoints included BM free survival (BMFS) and the cumulative incidence of BM. Patients without baseline BMs were categorized into two groups: patients who received treatment including atezolizumab (atezolizumab group) and patients who received comparator chemotherapies (chemotherapy group). Results: In 2543 patients without baseline BMs, 87 (3.4%) developed BM, including 58 (3.4%) and 29 (3.4%) in the atezolizumab group and the chemotherapy group, respectively. The median BMFS was 8.31 months (95% CI 7.79-8.67). The cumulative incidence of BM at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months was 1.9%, 3.1%, and 3.8%, respectively. Compared to the chemotherapy group, BMFS was significantly improved in the atezolizumab group (8.6 months versus 7.3 months, p < 0.001). After taking the competing risk events into account, no significant difference of the cumulative incidence of BM was observed between the two groups ( p = 0.671), suggesting that the significantly better BMFS in the atezolizumab group analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method should be due to the lower incidence of extracranial progression or death. Baseline bone metastasis and non-squamous NSCLC were identified as two risk factors for BM. Conclusions: In patients with NSCLC without baseline BMs, first-line atezolizumab improved BMFS but not the cumulative incidence of BM compared to chemotherapy, indicating that atezolizumab could not reduce the intrinsic risk of intracranial tumor spreading. [Table: see text]
Safety, efficacy, and biomarker analysis of response to engineered tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes secreting anti-PD-1 antibody in recurrent glioblastoma: An open-label, two-arms, phase 1 study.
Authors: Yao Yu , Chen Di , Tang Chao , Ji Chunxia , Li Zhong , Qian Qijun
Published: June 2023

2042

Background: Adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is effective against solid tumors with convincing evidence. But T-cells infused were exhausted when they encountered PD-1-mediated immunosuppression in the microenvironment. Here, we generated a modified autologous TILs secreting antibody targeting PD-1 (PD1-TIL), and conducted a first-in-human, two arms, phase 1 study (NCT03347097) in recurrent glioblastoma who had a poor prognosis with estimated 6-9 months of median overall survival (OS). Methods: Patients were included to be treated with PD1-TIL or TIL cell products intravenously every one month following surgery. The primary endpoint was safety and feasibility. The secondary endpoints were disease control rate (DCR), OS, immunologic responses and biomarker analysis. The clinical response to cell therapy was assessed by MRI according to iRANO criteria. Here, patients with clinical benefit (CR, PR, and SD) were defined as responder. Results: A total of 21 consecutive patients (median age 45 years, range 20–64) received infusions of cell products (7 patients for PD1-TIL with 1 excluded, 14 patients for TIL with 2 excluded). 52% (11/21) and 29% (6/21) of 21 patients had methylated MGMT promoter and IDH1/2 mutant respectively. No significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups were found. Both of PD1-TIL and TIL infusions were well tolerated with no unexpected high-grade adverse events. Of 7 evaluable patients in PD1-TIL group, 1 had PR for more than 26 months, 2 had SD lasting for 7.7 months and 24 months, and 4 had PD after infusion. The DCR, 1-year and 2-years survival rates in PD1-TIL group were 43% (3/7), 86% (6/7) and 29% (2/7) respectively. In TIL group, 3 patients had SD and the others had PD. The DCR, 1-year and 2-years survival rates in TIL group were half of that in PD1-TIL group. Survival analysis showed that patients treated by PD1-TIL had extended OS than those received TIL (16.1 vs. 11.2 months, P = 0.047). Among 21 patients, clinical responders had significantly improved OS (30.9 vs. 10.7 months, P = 0.001) than non-responders. We also found a high capacity for engraftment and persistence of infused TILs in peripheral blood which could be detectable at 6 months after treatment. Existence of neoantigen-reactive T cell clonotypes in cell products may be important for responding because missing of missense mutations predicted to generate a neoantigen after cell therapy was a remarkable signature in responders. Responsive tumors were also associated with tumor microenvironment profiles. Conclusions: This first-in-human study establish the preliminary feasibility, safety and encouraging efficacy of PD1-antibody-secreting TILs, and may constitute a new treatment strategy by T-cell genetic engineering in glioblastoma. Clinical trial information: NCT03347097 .
Post-marketing surveillance safety analysis of patients with CNS malignancies treated with tumor treating fields (TTFields) therapy between 2011–2022.
Authors: Mrugala Maciej M. , Shi Wenyin , Iwamoto Fabio , Lukas Rimas Vincas , Palmer Joshua David , Suh John H. , Glas Martin
Published: June 2023

2049

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) has a poor prognosis. Standard treatments are associated with systemic toxicity, further increasing the disease burden in this patient population. Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are electric fields that disrupt cancer cell processes which affect cancer cell viability, and are generated by a portable, wearable device which is locoregional and noninvasive. TTFields therapy was approved by the FDA for the treatment of newly diagnosed (nd) and recurrent (r) GBM based on the phase 3 EF-14 (TTFields therapy 200 kHz + temozolomide) and EF-11 (TTFields 200 kHz) studies, respectively. TTFields therapy is also approved for pleural mesothelioma. We report an updated global, post-marketing surveillance (PMS) safety analysis of patients with CNS malignancies treated with TTFields therapy over an 11-year timeframe. This analysis represents the largest dataset of TTFields therapy use to date. Methods: Unsolicited safety data were collected from routine post-marketing activities for patients (N = 25,898) in North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Japan, from October 2011 to March 2022. AEs were stratified by diagnosis, age, and sex and categorized using MedDRA version 25.1. Results: Diagnoses were ndGBM (68%), rGBM (26%), anaplastic astrocytoma/oligodendroglioma (4%) and other (2%). Baseline demographics were reflective of real-world practice: median (range) age was 59 (3–103) years; two-thirds of patients were male. Most (69%) patients were 18–65 years; 0.4% were < 18 years, and 30% were > 65 years. All-cause and TTFields-related AEs occurred in 18,798 (73%) and 14,599 (56%), patients, respectively. The most common device-related AE was skin reaction (43% patients overall). There were no major differences in occurrence of this AE between pediatric, adult, and elderly groups (39%, 42%, and 45%, respectively), or between males and females (41% and 46%, respectively). The incidence of device-related skin reactions was higher in ndGBM than rGBM (46% vs 34%, respectively), in line with previous reports. Only 405 (2%) of patients overall reported an AE of treatment-related ‘quality-of-life decreased’. In line with the phase 3 studies, there were no treatment-related systemic AEs. Conclusions: In this updated global PMS safety analysis, TTFields therapy demonstrated a tolerable safety profile in patients with CNS malignancies, with no new safety findings. In line with previous real-world and clinical data, most AEs were localized, non-serious skin events, which were consistent between age groups. Such events can typically be managed easily using prophylaxis and topical therapies, together with optimization of caregiver techniques. Importantly, no TTFields therapy-related systemic AEs were detected.
Real-world experience with tumor treating fields (TTFields) in newly diagnosed glioblastoma: A survival meta-analysis with systematic review.
Authors: Ballo Matthew T. , Conlon Patrick , Lavy-Shahaf Gitit , Urman Noa , Kinzel Adrian , Vymazal Josef , Rulseh Aaron
Published: June 2023

2059

Background: Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are electric fields that exert forces on cancer cells, disrupting processes critical for cancer cell viability and tumor progression. TTFields therapy became an FDA-approved treatment option for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in 2015 on the basis of the randomized controlled EF-14 study (NCT00916409). Subsequent approvals worldwide and increased adoption of TTFields has led to the question of whether or not a consistent survival benefit has been observed in the real-world setting, and whether device usage has played a role. Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify clinical studies evaluating overall survival in adult patients with GBM treated with TTFields therapy. Comparative studies and single-cohort studies reporting on survival outcomes were included in the analysis. Inter-study heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and quantified using the Higgins I2 statistic. Survival curves were pooled using a distribution-free random-effects method. Results: Our review identified 8 studies evaluating the clinical efficacy of TTFields therapy in newly diagnosed GBM, with patients spanning diverse geographic regions. Of these 8, 6 studies (reporting on a total of 1378 patients) compared the addition of TTFields therapy to standard of care (SOC) vs SOC alone, and were included in a pooled analysis for overall survival. Meta-analysis of comparative studies indicated a significant improvement in overall survival for patients treated with TTFields therapy vs those not receiving treatment (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52–0.73; P < 0.001). Inter-study heterogeneity was examined, and a sensitivity analysis indicated the pooled effect was robust and not dependent on any individual study. Among post-approval studies, the pooled median overall survival was 22.2 months (95% CI, 17.3–42.6) for TTFields-treated patients and 17.3 months (95% CI, 13.6–22.0) for the non-TTFields group. Rates of gross total resection were generally higher in the real-world setting, irrespective of TTFields use. Furthermore, among studies reporting data on TTFields device usage, an average device usage rate of 75% or higher was found to consistently associate with prolonged survival when compared to an average usage rate below 75% (pooled HR: 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48–0.83; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Meta-analysis of comparative studies suggests a significant survival benefit with TTFields therapy added to standard radiochemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed GBM, and that a 75% usage rate may be meaningful in the real-world setting.
Safety and feasibility of JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib in newly-diagnosed high-grade gliomas (CRUX): Final toxicity report.
Authors: Ahluwalia Manmeet Singh , Ozair Ahmad , Khosla Atulya Aman , Rauf Yasmeen , Wei Wei , Murphy Erin Sennett , Chao Samuel T. , Suh John H. , Stevens Glen , Peereboom David M.
Published: June 2023

2060

Background: Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT pathway in newly-diagnosed high-grade gliomas (nHGG) is linked to enhanced survival and proliferation of tumor cells. Ruxolitinib, a small molecule inhibitor of JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3, limits glioma growth in preclinical models. This concept was explored in a phase I trial (NCT03514069), whose final report on toxicity is presented here. Methods: This non-randomized prospective study included 60 WHO Grade 3-4 nHGG patients who received standard of care (SOC) therapy along with ruxolitinib in a 3+3 dose-escalation design; level 1 of 10 mg BID, level 2 of 15 mg BID, level 3 of 20 mg BID, level -1 of 5 mg BID. The primary study objective was the determination of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ruxolitinib in combination with chemoradiation. The secondary objective was the determination of safety, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). The exploratory aims were to investigate relationships between clinical outcomes and genomic signatures. Results: 60 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 60.5 years (range 22-78). 23 (38%) patients were female and 37 (62%) were male. 29 (48%) were MGMT unmethylated and received ruxolitinib with radiation of 60 Gy over 6 weeks. 31 (52%) patients were MGMT methylated and received ruxolitinib with 75 mg/m2 of temozolomide (TMZ) with radiation of 60 Gy over 6 weeks. The 1-year OS rate was 77% for all GBM patients; 62% for arm 1 (unmethylated MGMT) and 93% for arm 2 (methylated MGMT). Median OS for arm 1 was 18.1 months (10.1, NA) and was not reached for arm 2. MTD for both cohorts was 20 mg BID. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Toxicities attributable to study medications included four grade 4 AEs including seizure, respiratory distress, somnolence, and thromboembolic event along with 14 grade 3 adverse events (AEs), including respiratory distress, seizure, gait disturbance, weakness, thrombocytopenia, cognitive disturbance, urinary retention, and meningitis. Conclusions: Ruxolitinib therapy is safe and feasible in combination with TMZ and radiation. Efficacy of ruxolitinib plus SOC appears promising compared to historical benchmarks for both MGMT methylated and MGMT unmethylated cohorts. A randomized phase 2 trial is planned. Clinical trial information: NCT03514069 .
Phase I and pharmacodynamic study of arsenic trioxide plus radiotherapy for newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
Authors: Ryu Samuel , Ye Xiaobu , Olson Jeffrey J. , Mikkelsen Tom , Bangiyev Lev , Lesser Glenn Jay , Batchelor Tracy , Nabors Louis B. , Desideri Serena , Walbert Tobias , Grossman Stuart A.
Published: June 2023

2061

Background: Arsenic Trioxide (ATO) demonstrated prolonged survival in a transplanted rodent glioblastoma (GBM) model. Given the lack of effective therapies before temozolomide was available, the NCI funded NABTT Brain Tumor Consortium initiated a Phase I study of ATO with radiation in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Dose escalations using two different schedules of ATO were studied. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed GBM (MGMT and IDH mutation status unknown) were assigned to receive ATO once or twice weekly during the 6-week course of radiation. The starting ATO dose was 0.25 mg/kg. This was escalated by 0.05 mg/kg until an MTD was reached. Patients did not receive ATO or other adjuvant therapy once the radiation was completed. As ATO affected tumor vasculature and blood flow in experimental imaging studies, perfusion MRIs were obtained before ATO administration and one and six weeks later. Survival was a secondary endpoint. Results: Thirty-one patients were enrolled: median age 54.9 years, 68% male, 77% patients KPS >90, 77% had tumor resection. The MTD was determined to be 0.4mg/kg on the weekly schedule and 0.3mg/kg on the biweekly schedule. ATO was well tolerated with 81% of patients completing the 6 weeks combined treatment. Major dose limiting toxicities were increased aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and one case of hyperkalemia. For all patients the median overall survival (mOS) was 17.7 months and the median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 5.4 months. However, there was a significant survival difference between the two ATO dose schedules across all doses with a mOS of 22.8 months in the biweekly schedule, vs 12.1 months in the weekly schedule (P = 0.039). There was a similar difference in mPFS (10.2 months vs 3.2 months, respectively, P = 0.004). Similarly, there were significant differences in perfusion imaging between the two ATO dose schedules with relative cerebral blood flow showing a significant decrease after one week of ATO treatment on the biweekly schedule (p = 0.007). Conclusions: TheMTDs of ATO in patients with GBM administered once or twice weekly for six weeks with standard radiation were determined. This regimen was well tolerated. Survival in patients on the biweekly schedule was much better (22.8 months) than expected in patients not receiving temozolomide. In addition, patients on biweekly ATO also had significant changes on MRI perfusion studies suggesting a pharmacodynamic effect of this agent. These finding should be explored further in patients with newly diagnosed MGMT unmethylated GBM where temozolomide has very limited activity. Clinical trial information: NCT00045565 .
Efficacy of function-enhanced, re-activatable, dual-specific CAR T cells pre-loaded with oncolytic virus for immunotherapy of high-grade glioma.
Authors: Webb Mason , Tonne Jason , Thompson Jill , Pulido Jose , Coffey Matthew C. , Loghmani Houra , Harrington Kevin Joseph , Pandha Hardev S. , Melcher Alan , Diaz Rosa Maria , Parney Ian F. , Vile Richard
Published: June 2023

2062

Background: While cancer therapeutics have made tremendous progress within the past several decades, this benefit has not been seen in many primary cancers of the brain. Particularly confounding have been high-grade gliomas (HGG), which retain a dismal prognosis. Currently, novel therapies are being explored to rise to this unmet, critical need. One such therapy are CAR T cells, immune cells which have been engineered to target malignancy-specific antigens. Unfortunately, the efficacy of CAR T cell therapies against solid tumors is significantly limited, in large part due to impaired expansion/persistence in the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here we show that in vivo reactivation of CAR T cells through their native T Cell Receptor (TCR) by an oncolytic virus (OV) has therapeutic benefit in HGG. Methods: An EGFRvIII third-generation MSGV1 retroviral CAR construct containing the CD28, 4-1BB, and CD3z moieties, in tandem with the scFv derived from the human monoclonal antibody 139 and the marker Thy1.1 (38) was used to generate our CAR T cells. C57Bl/6 mice were used for in vivo experiments and both B16- and CT2A-EGFRvIII murine glioma cell lines were injected in the brain to model HGG. OVs and CAR T cells were given systemically by tail vein. OVs used include reovirus, vesicular stomatitis virus, and adenovirus. Results: By using OV in combination with EGFRvIII CAR T cells, we were able to generate a CD8 CAR population with TCR specificity for both the EGFRvIII and OV epitopes. These dual-specific (DS) CAR T expressed a memory phenotype and persisted for much longer than conventional CAR T cells. Further, we showed that these DS CAR T cells are more cytotoxic and can respond more rapidly than their conventional counterparts. We created a novel delivery mechanism for this combination OV + CAR T therapy using virus-loaded CAR T cells to bypass initial antiviral clearance from the immune system. Treatment with these OV-loaded CAR T cells lead to significant benefit in mice with HGG tumors which could be further enhanced by a systemic boost with OV, which rapidly re-activated DS CAR T cells against tumor and resulted in long-term cures of greater than 80% of treated animals. Conclusions: These promising results show that DS CAR T cells can overcome the critical therapeutic challenge of CAR T as a treatment for solid tumors. Given these promising results, we will go on to develop a clinical trial in which CAR T cells will be pre-loaded with OV and administered intravenously to patients with HGG, followed by systemic boosting with virus to re-activate DS CAR T cells against their tumor.
Ultrasensitive detection and monitoring of central nervous system tumors from plasma using personalized whole-genome ctDNA profiling.
Authors: Tran Ivy , Galbraith Kristyn , Gardner Sharon L. , Allen Jeffrey C. , Harter David , Wisoff Jeffrey , Hidalgo Eveline Teresa , Afterman Danielle , Gonzalez Santiago , Smadbeck James , Lauterman Tomer , Alon Ury , Kandasamy Ravi , Tavassoly Iman , Polak Paz , Oklander Boris , Raju Praveen , Zviran Asaf , Snuderl Matija
Published: June 2023

2064

Background: Patients with the central nervous system (CNS) tumors are largely followed up by imaging. Current plasma-based liquid biopsy techniques have limited utility in neuro-oncology due to a low circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) burden, blood-brain barrier, and low number of mutations in coding regions. Whole genome sequencing (WGS)-derived patient specific mutational signature from a matched tumor-normal WGS can provide a personalized, highly sensitive and specific approach to detect mutations in ctDNA and provide blood-based monitoring in brain tumor patients. Furthermore, it can be performed on lower amount of peripheral blood since WGS requires less sequencing depth compared to targeted ctDNA panels. Methods: We have profiled a cohort of 28 extra- and intra-axial adult and pediatric brain tumors including adult and pediatric low- and high-grade glioma (9), meningiomas (11), medulloblastomas (5), ependymomas (2), neurocytoma (1). Tumor DNA was extracted from archival pathology tissue, normal DNA from unsorted white blood cells, and ctDNA from 1-2 mL of post-surgery plasma. WGS was performed with 40x coverage for Tumor-Normal DNA and 20x for ctDNA. Using WGS of matched Tumor-Normal and plasma samples, we derived a personalized mutational pattern using SNVs, indels, and copy numbers for quantification and ultra-sensitive detection of ctDNA in plasma samples. An AI-based error suppression model was implemented to filter out the noise in the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) while the personalized mutational signature was used to detect the ctDNA in the cfDNA and to amplify the somatic signal to determine the Tumor Fraction at the time of diagnosis, during the therapy or surveillance period. The ctDNA Tumor Fraction (TF) was compared to the clinical status and MRI-based imaging. Results: All subtypes of brain tumors contained enough mutations to derive personalized mutational signatures. Most mutations were distributed in the noncoding DNA. TF correlated with clinical status and with the disease course on imaging at given time points reaching a 10-4 minimal residual disease detection sensitivity. We were able to detect ctDNA across all WHO grades ranging from WHO 1 meningioma to WHO 4 glioblastoma and medulloblastoma. Furthermore, we were able to detect tumor-specific copy number aberrations such as MYCN amplification in plasma samples and mutational signatures. Conclusions: Here we demonstrate that patient-specific WGS tumor signature in ctDNA from plasma can be used for sensitive monitoring of adults and children with primary low- and high-grade CNS tumors.
Vulnerability to immune therapy in BRAF- and MYB-altered pediatric gliomas.
Authors: DeCuypere Michael , LoPresti Melissa , Najem Hinda , Tripathi Shashwat , Xiu Joanne , Seifert Hilary , Brown Valerie I. , López Giselle Y. , Nicolaides Theodore , Horbinski Craig M. , Heimberger Amy B.
Published: June 2023

2066

Background: The frequency and expression of predictive immune biomarkers in pediatric gliomas is relatively unknown. Here, we sought to define predictive signatures of immunotherapy responders by examining immune checkpoint expression, immune cell population signatures, and gene amplifications in a variety of pediatric gliomas. Methods: We profiled a cohort of pediatric, adolescent, and young adult glioma samples submitted to Caris Life Sciences (Phoenix, AZ) for analysis (N = 207). The cohort was further stratified by driver mutations: IDH mutant (N = 103), H3-3A mutant (N = 36), MYB-altered (N = 4), BRAF-altered (N = 39), and IDH wild type [IDH WT] (N = 25). De-identified next generation DNA sequencing (592-gene or whole exome) and RNA (whole transcriptome) sequencing were used to determine tumor-infiltrating immune cell signatures and immune checkpoint protein expression. Transcriptomic signatures predictive of response to immunotherapy (T cell inflamed score) and replication stress response defect (RSRD) score were calculated on transcripts per million (TPM) values. Immune cell fractions were estimated using RNA deconvolution (quanTIseq). Results: BRAF-altered tumors showed the highest IFN gamma signature (a clinically relevant inflammatory biomarker), a high pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage signature, and very high CD4+/CD8+ T cell signatures compared to other tumor groups. IDH mutant, but not WT gliomas, were relatively deficient in T cell infiltration but revealed an increase in dendritic cell signatures. IDH WT gliomas showed more T cell enrichment but higher immune suppressive checkpoint expression. H3-3A mutant tumors showed relatively low immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression. Pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages were lower in the high-grade glioma microenvironment compared to low-grade. Immune suppressive M2 macrophages were elevated in the IDH WT microenvironment relative to other gliomas. There was no apparent difference in the frequency of PD-1+ T cells and tumor-expressed PD-L1 among the various molecularly defined pediatric glioma groups. Conclusions: In general, BRAF- and MYB-altered gliomas displayed high immune activation relative to other tumors. IDH WT tumors have an immune suppressive microenvironment with relatively high immune checkpoint expression. Based on predictive markers, BRAF- and MYB-driven gliomas show signatures suggesting the possibility of a greater response to immunotherapies than IDH WT/mutant gliomas or H3-3A gliomas.
Phase I study of BTK inhibitor ibrutinib with temozolomide and radiation in newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (EQUILIBRIUM): Final trial report.
Authors: Ahluwalia Manmeet Singh , Ozair Ahmad , Khosla Atulya Aman , Patel Neha , Elson Paul , Murphy Erin Sennett , Yu Jennifer S. , Chao Samuel T. , Suh John H. , Stevens Glen , Peereboom David M.
Published: June 2023

2067

Background: Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed in newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM). Ibrutinib, an oral small molecule inhibitor of BTK, is currently being investigated for several B-cell malignancies and solid tumors. Preclinical evidence suggests ibrutinib in inhibiting cancer stem cell in glioblastoma. We sought to investigate the safety and tolerability of ibrutinib in nGBM. Methods: A non-randomized, prospective phase I trial was conducted in nGBM patients with Karnofsky performance status ≥70% and normal organ function, who received standard of care chemoradiation plus ibrutinib in a 3+3 dose-escalation design (level 1: 420 mg daily, level 2: 560 mg daily, level -1: 280 mg daily). Primary study objective was to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of ibrutinib in combination with radiotherapy (RT) of 60 Gy over 6 weeks with/without 75 mg/m2 of temozolomide (TMZ). Secondary objective was to determine safety, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival. Results: 26 patients were enrolled, with 12 (46%) females. Median age was 61.5 years (range 76-22). 15 (58%) patients were MGMT methylated and 11 (42%) were unmethylated. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed at all dose levels of ibrutinib plus RT (ibru+RT) cohort. MTD of ibrutinib was noted to be 420 mg daily with RT+TMZ. All MGMT methylated and 2 unmethylated patients received ibrutinib+RT+TMZ. Remaining 9 unmethylated received ibru+RT. In ibru+RT+TMZ, median cycles of TMZ were 4 (range 0-6) and of ibrutinib were 3 (range 0-26). EGFR amplification status was available for 22 patients, of which 8 (36%) were amplified. Survival outcomes are described, stratified using log-rank test. Conclusions: 420 mg of Ibrutinib daily is safe and feasible in combination with TMZ and radiation in nGBM. Outcomes of ibrutinib appears promising compared to historical survival data in the MGMT methylated cohorts. Further trials are planned. Clinical trial information: NCT03535350 . [Table: see text]
Interrogating drug action and immune response in organotypic glioma microenvironment.
Authors: Liang Jiyong , Huo Longfei , Xu Jihong , Sharma Pratibha , Chen Xiaohua , Puduvalli Vinay K.
Published: June 2023

2068

Background: The glioma tumor microenvironment is characteristic of a high level of heterogeneity and a profoundly immune suppressive phenotype as driven by the presence of glioma stem cells and abundant innate immune cells of the myeloid lineages, rendering glioblastomas (GBM) recalcitrant to conventional treatments and immunotherapies. To address the full complexity of the brain tumor with its diverse components, we have developed an organotypic slice culture system to overcome several limitations of the other preclinical models and allow interrogation of drug action and immunomodulatory agents in human GBM ex vivo. Methods: We performed extensive characterization of the organotypic glioma slice system and optimization of the ex vivo tissue culture conditions, and determined the longitudinal dynamics of slice cell viability, relative tumor versus immune cellularity, and responses to a selection of therapeutic agents and cytokines by multiplexed flow cytometry and single cell transcriptome (scRNA seq) profiling. Results: Single cell transcriptomic analysis showed that both tumor and immune cell heterogeneity were preserved ex vivo for the two-week observation time, which exhibited tumor-type specific gene expression profiles suggesting cooperative interactions among cell populations. Consistent with the findings in fresh tumor specimens and an immune suppressive microenvironment, we found a scarcity of T lymphocytes in IDH mutant gliomas, whereas abundant T cells were found in recurrent GBM slices that persisted ex vivo. Additional analyses revealed that T cell infiltration in GBM was associated with the mesenchymal-like molecular phenotype, which exhibited remarkable intratumor heterogeneity highlighting the presence of stem-like cells and a unique cell population expressing aberrant cancer genes and antigen presenting molecules. We further found that T cells in organotypic GBM slices acquired a potent effector phenotype in response to cytokine-induced reprogramming of microglia and tumor-associated macrophages. In addition, scRNA seq also revealed a population of cancer-associated fibroblast-like cells that are present in all tumors sequenced, which may function to mediate the interactions between immune and tumor cells as our data suggested. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the organotypic slice culture system we developed is compatible with genomic, pharmacological, and immunotherapeutic manipulations and provided data showing that organotypic slice culture preserves glioma microenvironment ex vivo allowing acquisition of crucial information of response of heterogeneous patient tumor tissue to the agent tested. This method represents a unique mechanism by which therapy development can be facilitated in an ex vivo setting.
A phase 0/2 trigger trial of niraparib in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
Authors: Mehta Shwetal , Sanai Nader , Margaryan Tigran , Molloy Jennifer , Zhang Hualin , Knight William , Harmon Jocelyn , Hong Amy , Wanebo John , Braun Kelly , Kennedy William R. , Garcia Michael A. , Barani Igor J. , Yoo Wonsuk , Tien An-Chi , Tovmasyan Artak
Published: June 2023

2069

Background: Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) mediates DNA damage response; niraparib is an investigational PARP1/2-selective inhibitor. This Phase 0 study evaluates newly-diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) tumor pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD), graduating patients with O6-methylguanine methyltransferase (MGMT) unmethylated tumors into a therapeutic regimen of niraparib plus fractionated radiotherapy when high unbound drug concentrations are present in gadolinium-nonenhancing tumor. Methods: Patients with presumed newly-diagnosed GBM were enrolled in a phase 0 study receiving 4 days of niraparib (300/200 mg QD) prior to planned resection 3-5 or 8-12 hours following the last dose. Tumor tissue (enhancing and non-enhancing regions), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and plasma were collected. Total and unbound niraparib concentrations were measured using validated LC-MS/MS methods. PARP inhibition was assessed by quantification of PAR induction after 10 Gy ex vivo irradiation in surgical tissue compared to non-irradiated control tissue. A PK ‘trigger’ determined eligibility for the therapeutic expansion phase and was defined as unbound [niraparib] > 5-fold biochemical IC50 (i.e., 19 nM) in non-enhancing tumor. Patients with MGMT unmethylated tumors exceeding this PK threshold were eligible for expansion phase dosing of niraparib plus radiotherapy followed by a maintenance phase of niraparib. Results: All patients (n=35) enrolled in the phase 0 portion of the study met the PK threshold. In non-enhancing tumor regions, the mean unbound concentration of niraparib was 253.2 nM in 32 evaluable GBM patients. The suppression of PAR levels after ex vivo radiation was observed in 75% of the patients (18/24). Eleven out of 18 patients with unmethylated tumors enrolled in phase 2. Five of the 6 initial patients enrolled in phase 2 experienced thrombocytopenia related to niraparib, and 3/5 cases were deemed serious and life-threatening. Consequently, starting dose in both phases was lowered to 200 mg, and no serious AEs were observed thereafter. At a median follow-up of 8.1 months [range: 6.0-12.9 months], PFS6 was 64% (n=11) with 4 patients remaining on treatment and 5 patients ongoing survival follow-up. Conclusions: Niraparib achieves pharmacologically-relevant concentrations in non-enhancing, newly-diagnosed GBM tissue in excess of any other studied PARP inhibitor. Clinical trial information: NCT05076513 .
Detection of methylation-based prognostic signatures in liquid biopsy specimens from patients with meningiomas.
Authors: Herrgott Grayson , Snyder James , Castro Ana Valeria , Noushmehr Houtan A.
Published: June 2023

2073

Background: Detection of distinct epigenetic biomarkers in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of liquid biopsy (LB) specimens (e.g. blood) fosters opportunity for prognostication of central nervous system (CNS) tumors and has not been thoroughly explored in patients with meningiomas. Methods: We profiled the cfDNA methylome (EPIC array) in serum from patients with meningiomas (MNG; n = 93) and harnessed internal and external meningioma tissue methylome data with reported follow up (n = 77). To predict recurrence risk (RR), we consolidated a tissue cohort with at least 5 years of follow up and divided them into confirmed recurrence (CR; either reported progressive disease in post-surgical imaging, or additional resections following initial surgery) and confirmed no-recurrence (CNR: no confirmed disease progression w/in at least 5-years of follow-up). Then through application of an iterative process consisting of multiple tissue- and serum-based supervised analyses, we identified risk-specific methylation markers with potential for serum application. which, when inputted into a random forest algorithm allowed for segregation of both tumor tissue and liquid biopsy specimens according to recurrence risk. We estimated immune cell composition using MethylCIBERSORT, where a reference methylome atlas of chosen immune cell types was utilized to deconvolute the MNG samples. Results: The resulting recurrence risk classifier demonstrated an appreciable predictive power in classifying samples as high or low recurrence risk across the tumor tissue cohort (ACC: 87.7%, CUI+: 86.4%). When compared to another classifier of rivaling purpose, our model demonstrated statistically significant agreement across primary meningioma samples (κ = 0.269, p = 0.01), and more accurately predicted samples to recur across expanded time windows (time to recurrence > 5 yrs). Across resulting liquid biopsy classifications, recurrence risk subgroups were analogous with reported risk factors, including WHO grade, extent of resection, and tumor location. Recurrence risk subgroups also demonstrated differential estimated immune cell contributions, with low-risk samples exhibiting a “hot” profile, or enrichment of B-Cells, CD56- and CD4 T-Cells, and natural killer cells. Notably, the estimated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, previously purported to be relevant to tumor prognosis, was appreciably higher for those meningioma samples with the highest recurrence risk. Conclusions: DNA methylation markers identified in the serum are suitable for the development of machine learning-based models which present high predictive power to prognosticate patients with meningioma and estimate a differential immune profile across recurrence risk groups. After validation in an external cohort, this noninvasive approach may improve the presurgical therapeutic management of patients with meningiomas.
MTHFR polymorphisms and neurotoxicity and overall survival after methotrexate-based therapy in primary CNS lymphoma.
Authors: Karschnia Philipp , Kurz Sylvia C. , Brastianos Priscilla Kaliopi , Winter Sebastian F. , Gordon Amanda , Jones SooAe , Pisapia Michelle , Nayyar Naema , Tonn Joerg , Batchelor Tracy , Plotkin Scott Randall , Dietrich Jorg
Published: June 2023

2079

Background: The folate-antagonist methotrexate (HD-MTX) is an integral to induction chemotherapy for primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL); however, it can be associated with toxicities, including injury to cerebral white matter known as leukoencephalopathy. Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) is involved in intracellular folate metabolism, and MTHFR polymorphisms may affect CNS-specific side effects of HD-MTX. Here, we evaluated the possible association of MTHFR polymorphisms an HD-MTX related CNS toxicity. Methods: We retrospectively searched our institutional database at the Massachusetts General Hospital for newly diagnosed PCNSL patients treated with HD-MTX (without use of radiotherapy or intrathecal chemotherapy). MTHFR polymorphisms were correlated with evolution of leukoencephalopathy over a time period of five years and patient outcomes. ROC curves were generated to estimate the diagnostic ability of specific MTHFR genotypes. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Among 68 PCNSL patients, MTHFR polymorphisms were found in 60 individuals (88.2%; 677C>T: 29 patients, 1298A>C: 18 patients, combined 677C>T & 1298A>C: 13 patients). Neither MTX clearance nor disease response to HD-MTX was affected by specific genotypes, and complete response was achieved in 72.1% of patients by induction with HD-MTX-based therapy. However, the 1298A>C genotype was associated with increased frequency and severity of leukoencephalopathy over time (χ2 = 7.43). Such genotype predicted treatment-induced leukoencephalopathy with a sensitivity of 71.0%% and a specificity of 62.2% (ROC: p = 0.019). While progression-free survival did not differ in genotype-based subgroups, overall survival was significantly lower when the 1298A>C genotype was present. Conclusions: The MTHFR 1298A>C genotype may serve to identify PCNSL patients at elevated risk for HD-MTX-induced leukoencephalopathy. This was associated with reduced overall survival, potentially due to decreased functional status in patients less suitable for aggressive subsequent therapies.
Evaluation of change in RECIST tumor size and survival in patients with rare cancers treated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy (SWOG S1609).
Authors: Othus Megan , Patel Sandip Pravin , Chae Young Kwang , Dietrich Eliana , Streicher Howard , Sharon Elad , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: June 2023

2504

Background: RECIST has been used for over twenty years to evaluate changes in tumor burden. At each scan, the sum of maximum diameters of “target” lesions are measured. Changes in the sum are categorized into an “objective status” at each scan, including complete and partial response and stable and progressive disease. Prior research among patients treated with chemotherapy did not find a threshold effect corresponding to the RECIST categories; instead a linear association was observed. Herein we use a unique clinical trial resource, a basket trial of patients with rare cancer treated with combination anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 therapy, to evaluate the association between quantitative change in RECIST tumor burden and survival among patients treated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Methods: The study population was 796 patients enrolled on the S1609 DART (Dual Anti-CTLA-4 & Anti-PD-1 blockade in Rare Tumors) trial, a basket immunotherapy trial evaluating ipilimumab plus nivolumab across solid rare tumor subtypes. The analysis population was 720 patients; patients not eligible (n=50; mostly due to non-rare diagnosis), THOSE who did not receive protocol therapy (n=22), OR WHOSE DISEASE WAS NOT evaluated by RECIST (n=4; gestational trophoblastic disease evaluated by -hCG) were excluded. All patients had RECIST-measurable disease at study entry. Associations between overall and progression-free survival (OS and PFS) and change in tumor burden between baseline and the first scan were evaluated using log-rank tests and Cox regression models stratified by basket. Landmark analyses (at day 65) controlled for lead-time bias. Linear regression models and R2 were estimated for median and 2-year estimates across tumor change intervals. Results: The median age of the cohort was 61, 52% werethe distribution of percent change in tumor burden at the first scan. The linear correlation between median and 6-month PFS and change in tumor burden had R2 = 0.92 and 0.74.; median and 1-year OS had R2 = 0.79 and 0.79. Martingale residuals for both PFS and OS showed linear trends up to tumor increase of +50% with no thresholds at definitions of partial response or stable disease. Conclusions: This is the first evaluation of the association between numeric changes in RECIST tumor burden among patients receiving checkpoint therapy. Our results suggest that similar to results among patients who received chemotherapy there is a linear correlation with PFS and OS. As a consequence, the thresholds for RECIST categories do not correspond to thresholds in patient outcomes. [Table: see text]
Interim update of the ATRC-101 phase 1b trial in advanced solid tumors.
Authors: Chmielowski Bartosz , Weroha Saravut John , Ulahannan Susanna Varkey , Doroshow Deborah Blythe , Valdes Frances , Bekaii-Saab Tanios S. , Powderly John D. , Recio-Boiles Alejandro , Berlin Jordan , Xing Yan , Khurana Sudha , Bishop Philippe , Isakoff Steven J. , Weinberg Benjamin Adam
Published: June 2023

2505

Background: ATRC-101 monoclonal antibody targets tumor-specific ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) and elicits anti-tumor immunity, innate and adaptive, in preclinical models. Methods: Phase 1b is evaluating ATRC-101 as monotherapy, every 3 (3M) or 2 (2M) weeks (wk), and ATRC-101 in combination with pembrolizumab (3P) in participants (pts) with advanced solid tumors. ATRC-101 target expression is determined by CAP-CLIA IHC assay. For pts described herein, pre-treatment (tx) tumor biopsies were assessed for target expression by IHC retrospectively or prospectively. Enrollment in 3M and 3P is currently open to pts who are target positive (RNP+ve) by IHC with an H-score ≥ 50. Objectives are safety (primary), PK, immunogenicity, recommended dose for expansion, activity by RECIST1.1 and biomarker analyses in pre-tx and on-tx tumors. Results: As of Nov 18th, 2022, 67 pts received ≥1 dose of ATRC-101 (median prior tx 5, range 1-12). Tumor types were colorectal (CRC, 28), ovarian (10), breast (9), melanoma (8), non-small cell lung (NSCLC, 6), head and neck squamous cell (3), urothelial (1), esophageal (1) and small bowel (1). Tx emergent adverse events (TEAEs) Grade ≥3 occurred in 22 (33%) pts and were related to ATRC-101 in 2 (3%). No tx discontinuations or dose reductions related to ATRC-101. RECIST1.1 best overall responses in efficacy evaluable 61 pts included 1 complete response (CR) in RNP+ve melanoma (3P, 10mg/kg), and 1 partial response (PR) in RNP+ve NSCLC (3M, 30mg/kg). Further, disease stabilized (SD) in 24 pts (39%) and 35 pts had disease progression (PD, 57%) with evidence of association between anti-tumor activity and target expression. Of 24 SD, 22 were in monotherapy cohorts and included 9 CRC pts with highly refractory disease. Conclusions: ATRC-101 alone and in combination with pembrolizumab continues to be well tolerated with evidence of anti-tumor activity. Interim data support ongoing enrollment of pts with RNP+ve pre-tx tumors. Updated and new data including durability of disease control will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT04244552 . [Table: see text]