bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of a very high tumor mutational load with increased CD8+ and PD-1+ T-cell infiltration and improved clinical outcomes to PD-(L)1 blockade across different PD-L1 expression levels in non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Ricciuti Biagio , Arbour Kathryn Cecilia , Alessi Joao Victor Machado , Mahadevan Navin , Lindsay James , Sinha Rileen , Vokes Natalie I. , Recondo Gonzalo , Lamberti Giuseppe , Rizvi Hira , Leonardi Giulia Costanza , Plodkowski Andrew J. , Felt Kristen , Tolstorukov Michael , Janne Pasi A. , Van Allen Eliezer Mendel , Sholl Lynette M. , Rodig Scott J. , Hellmann Matthew D. , Awad Mark M.
Published: June 2021

9018

Background: Although high TMB correlates with improved outcomes to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients (pts) with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), an optimal TMB cutoff to discriminate cancers most likely to respond to ICI has not been identified. Whether TMB impacts outcomes to ICI in different PD-L1 levels subgroups is also unclear. Methods: Unbiased recursive partitioning (URP) was used to identify an optimal TMB cutoff for objective response rate (ORR) in two independent cohorts of pts with NSCLC treated with ICI at DFCI and MSKCC. TCGA was interrogated to find differences in tumor immune cell subsets according to the TMB cutoff identified. Multiplexed immunofluorescence (IF) for CD8, PD-1, PD-L1, Foxp3, and CK7 was also performed on NSCLC samples at the DFCI. Results: In the DFCI (N=686) and MSKCC (N=672) cohorts, URP found an optimal TMB cutoff for ORR at 19 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb), corresponding to the ̃90th percentile in each cohort. Median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly longer in NSCLCs with TMB ≥19 mut/Mb vs <19 mut/Mb, in both cohorts (Table). After harmonizing TMB between DFCI OncoPanel and MSK-IMPACT NGS platforms, URP confirmed an optimal TMB cutoff for ORR at the 90th percentile in the combined cohort, which also associated with longer PFS/OS to ICI (Table). A TMB ≥90th percentile correlated with longer PFS/OS to ICI among NSCLCs with PD-L1 levels ≥50% and 1-49%, and longer PFS among those with PD-L1 <1% (Table). Cell subset transcriptome analysis from the TCGA showed higher proportions of CD8+ T cells (P=0.02) and M1 macrophages (P<0.01) among NSCLCs with a TMB ≥ vs <90th percentile. IF confirmed increased CD8+, CD8+ PD1+ T-cell infiltration (P<0.01), and increased CD8+/Foxp3+ ratio in NSCLC with very high TMB Conclusions: A very high TMB is associated with better outcomes to ICI and a distinct immunophenotype in NSCLC. Rational integration of TMB and PD-L1 expression may identify NSCLCs most likely to respond to ICI.[Table: see text]
Phase II trial of atezolizumab (A) + carboplatin (C) + pemetrexed (P) + bevacizumab (B) in pts with stage IV non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSq-NSCLC): Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium Study LUN 17-139.
Authors: Ardeshir-Larijani Fatemeh , Althouse Sandra K. , Leal Ticiana , Feldman Lawrence Eric , Abu Hejleh Taher , Patel Malini , Gentzler Ryan D. , Miller Adam Ryan , Hanna Nasser H.
Published: June 2021

9034

Background: The addition of A to C+ Paclitaxel (Pac) + plus B improved progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with C + Pac + B alone in pts with metastatic NS-NSCLC. However, C + Pem is more commonly used for this patient population with a shorter infusion time and favorable toxicity profile compared with Pac. Methods: Multicenter single arm phase II clinical trial of chemo and immunotherapy-naïve pts with stage IV NSq-NSCLC. All pts received A (1200 mg, D1) + C (AUC 5, D1) + P (500 mg/m2, D1) + B (15mg/kg D1) q3 week x4. If non-PD, pts could receive maintenance APB until PD or intolerable side effects. The primary endpoint was 1 yr. PFS. Sample size of 42 planned with 87% power and two-sided type I error of 0.05 for 1 yr PFS. Secondary endpoints included ORR, disease control rate (DCR) [defined by CR + PR + SD], and toxicity. Results: 30 pts were enrolled from 11/15/2018 to 10/5/2020. The study was closed early due to 3 patient deaths, possibly related to treatment (VTE, Febrile neutropenia, colonic perforation). Median age 64 (range 38-83); M/F 20/10; mutations in EGFR/ALK/KRAS/BRAF (5/1/4/2); PD-L1 TPS < 1%/1-49%/ > 50% (9/14/6) and one pt did not have PDL-1 status. Median f/u was11.6 mos (range 1-20). ORR 35.71% (95% CI: 18.64%-55.95%), DCR 92.85% (95% CI: 83%-100%). 1yr PFS and OS were 55.27% and 82.90% respectively. The most common G III and G II toxicity were HTN (20%) and fatigue (33.3%).3 pts had G IV toxicity (Anemia, Febrile neutropenia and colonic perforation) and 2 pts had Grade (G) V toxicity (VTE, Hypoxia/Sepsis). Conclusions: Atezolizumab + Carboplatin + Pemetrexed + Bevacizumab was associated with longer DCR, PFS, and OS than historical controls. 3 on-treatment deaths, possibly related to therapy (more likely bevacizumab), prompted early closure. A phase 3 study evaluating this regimen is ongoing by another group NCT03786692. Clinical trial information: NCT03713944.
Phase II study of brigatinib in ROS1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients previously treated with crizotinib: Barossa cohort 2.
Authors: Daga Haruko , Niho Seiji , Sakakibara-Konishi Jun , Tanaka Hiroshi , Goto Yasushi , Ohashi Kadoaki , Toyozawa Ryo , Kodani Masahiro , Takahashi Toshiaki , Hattori Yoshihiro , Morise Masahiro , Ikeda Takaya , Matsumoto Shingo , Yoh Kiyotaka , Nomura Shogo , Goto Koichi
Published: June 2021

9040

Background: Brigatinib is a next-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting ALK and ROS1. Crizotinib is the first drug approved for the treatment of ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC. Standard treatment for crizotinib-resistant ROS1 positive NSCLC is not established. Barossa is a multicenter, phase II basket, study of brigatinib in patients with ROS1 positive solid tumors. This study is composed of three cohorts. ROS1 inhibitor-naïve ROS1 positive NSCLC patients were enrolled in the cohort 1, and ROS1 positive NSCLC patients previously treated with crizotinib were enrolled in the cohort 2. Patients with ROS 1 positive solid tumors other than NSCLC were enrolled in the cohort 3. This time we report the cohort 2 results. Methods: Patients with advanced, previously treated with crizotinib, ROS1 positive NSCLC received brigatinib at a dose of 180 mg once daily with a 7-day lead-in period at 90 mg. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR; RECIST 1.1) by independent review. Key secondary endpoint was PFS, OS, and safety. The sample size was set at 19 patients, with a one-sided alpha of 0.05, beta of 0.2, and threshold and expected values for primary endpoint of 20% and 50%, respectively. Results: From July 2019 and Jan 2020, 19 patients were enrolled from 9 institutions. Baseline characteristics as follows: median age (range): 60 (31-75) years; women, n = 10 (53%); ECOG PS of 0 to 1, n = 18 (95%); never smoker, n = 11 (58%); tumor histopathological type: adenocarcinoma, n = 18 (95%). Five and 6 patients achieved PR and SD, respectively at data cutoff date of 30 Oct 2020. The ORR was 26.3% (90%CI, 11.0-47.6), and the disease control rate was 57.9% (95%CI, 33.5-79.7). The median duration of follow-up for PFS was 12.0 months. The median PFS was 7.3 months (95% CI, 1.3-9.3), and the 1-year PFS rate was 26.9% (95%CI, 9.2-48.6). Grade ≥3 TRAEs were CPK increased (21.1%), infection (5.3%), AST and/or ALT increased (5.3%), hypercalcemia (5.3%), anorexia (5.3%), hypoxia (5.3%), erythema (5.3%), hypertension (5.3%). Pneumonitis was observed in one patient (5.3%, Grade 2). No treatment-related death was observed. Conclusions: Brigatinib has modest activity for ROS1 positive NSCLC patients previously treated with crizotinib. The safety profile of brigatinib was consistent with previous studies. Enrollment of the cohort 1 for ROS1 inhibitor-naïve NSCLC patients is ongoing, and the data will be presented at a future congress. Clinical trial information: JapicCTI-194851.
Clinico-pathological and genomic features of NRAS- or HRAS-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) identified in large-scale genomic screening project (LC-SCRUM-Asia).
Authors: Tamiya Yutaro , Matsumoto Shingo , Ikeda Takaya , Yoh Kiyotaka , Kato Terufumi , Nishino Kazumi , Kodani Masahiro , Nakamura Atsushi , Furuya Naoki , Kuyama Shoichi , Miyamoto Shingo , Toyozawa Ryo , Shingyoji Masato , Naito Tomoyuki , Oizumi Satoshi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Udagawa Hibiki , Nosaki Kaname , Zenke Yoshitaka , Goto Koichi
Published: June 2021

9054

Background: RAS ( KRAS, NRAS and HRAS) is a targetable oncogene family in several cancers, including NSCLC, and the clinical development of various RAS-targeted therapies are ongoing. However, the clinical relevance of uncommon RAS mutations, such as NRAS and HRAS mutations, in NSCLC patients (pts) remains unclear. Methods: In a large-scale genomic screening project (LC-SCRUM-Asia), we have prospectively analyzed lung cancer pts for genomic alterations by a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) system, Oncomine Comprehensive Assay. We evaluated clinico-pathological and genomic characteristics in NRAS- or HRAS-mutated NSCLC pts comparing with those in KRAS-mutated pts based on the LC-SCRUM-Asia database. Results: Since March 2015 to December 2020, 9131 NSCLC pts were enrolled in the LC-SCRUM-Asia, and 8374 of them (92%) were successfully analyzed by NGS. The RAS mutation frequencies were 1134 KRAS (14%), 50 NRAS (0.6%), and 15 HRAS (0.2%). The most frequent variant of NRAS and HRAS mutations was Q61X (78%) and G13X (80%), respectively, whereas that of KRAS was G12X (84%). Patient characteristics were summarized in Table. Male was significantly frequent in NRAS- than in KRAS-group (p=0.03), and smokers were frequent in all the three groups (overall, 79%). The majority of NRAS (70%) and KRAS mutations (89%) were detected in adenocarcinoma (Ad), whereas 60% of HRAS mutations were in squamous cell carcinoma (Sq). Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was significantly higher in NRAS-mutated tumors than in KRAS-mutated tumors (p=0.03). Concomitant TP53 mutations were significantly frequent in HRAS-mutated pts than in KRAS-mutated pts (53% vs. 30%, p=0.05), and STK11 mutations were also tended to be frequent in HRAS-mutated pts than in KRAS-mutated pts (20 vs. 7%, p=0.10). Therapeutic efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors was not different among the three groups in the current follow-up data, but HRAS-mutated tumors did not respond to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors (response rate, 0%; median PFS, 1.6 months). Conclusions: NRAS- or HRAS-mutated NSCLCs were different from KRAS-mutated NSCLCs in clinico-pathological and genomic profiles. In particular, the immunotherapies were not effective for HRAS-mutated NSCLCs.[Table: see text]
Comparison of time to failure of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus pembrolizumab monotherapy: A consecutive analysis of NSCLC patients with high PD-L1 expression.
Authors: Takumida Hiroshi , Horinouchi Hidehito , Masuda Ken , Shinno Yuki , Okuma Yusuke , Yoshida Tatsuya , Goto Yasushi , Yamamoto Noboru , Ohe Yuichiro
Published: June 2021

9061

Background: There are two types of pembrolizumab-containing strategies for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) exhibiting a high expression level of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) (tumor proportion score [TPS] ≥50%): the early combination of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy, and chemotherapy after pembrolizumab failure. Which strategy is superior, however, remains unclear. Comparing progression-free survival (PFS) or progression after the next therapy line (PFS2) in previous clinical trials has not allowed any conclusions regarding superiority to be made. Instead, the time to failure of strategy (TFS), which represents the time until disease exacerbation when the same number of drugs has been used, should be used to compare the two strategies. Methods: We consecutively reviewed the efficacy and safety of first-line, pembrolizumab-containing regimens administered between December 2017 and November 2020. We divided the patients who received pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment into two groups according to whether they received chemotherapy: a pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group (combo group), and a pembrolizumab monotherapy group (mono group). TFS was defined as the PFS in the combo group and the PFS2 in the mono group. We used the propensity score matching (PSM) method to reduce the bias. Results: Of the 964 patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent first-line treatment, 126 with a PD-L1 TPS ≥50% were eligible for inclusion in this analysis (89 in mono group, 37 in combo group). PSM matched 36 people from each of the two groups. The median follow-up period was 16.2 months (range, 0.1-34.3 months). The patient backgrounds were similar. The overall response rate (ORR) of the combo group was higher than that of the mono group (69.4% vs. 50.0%). The median PFS (mPFS) in the combo group was longer (11.4 months vs. 6.0 months). However, the median TFS (mTFS) of the two groups was almost the same (11.4 months vs. 11.7 months). At the time of the analysis, the median overall survival had not been reached. The frequency of all immune-related serious adverse events (irSAE) was similar, however, that of all SAE and AE leading to treatment discontinuation were larger in the combo group. Conclusions: The ORR of the combo group was higher than that of the mono group; however, the TFS was similar. We suggest that pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy, which can increase toxicity, might be of value in patients, producing a clinically meaningful increase in the ORR.[Table: see text]
Cemiplimab monotherapy as first-line (1L) treatment of patients with brain metastases from advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) ≥ 50%: EMPOWER-Lung 1 subgroup analysis.
Authors: Ozguroglu Mustafa , Sezer Ahmet , Kilickap Saadettin , Gumus Mahmut , Bondarenko Igor , Gogishvili Miranda , Turk Haci M. , Cicin Irfan , Bentsion Dmitry , Gladkov Oleg , Clingan Philip R. , Sriuranpong Virote , Rizvi Naiyer A. , McGinniss Jennifer , Pouliot Jean-Francois , Lee Sue , Seebach Frank A. , Lowy Israel , Gullo Giuseppe , Rietschel Petra
Published: June 2021

9085

Background: In the Phase 3, EMPOWER-Lung 1 study, cemiplimab monotherapy provided significant survival benefit and an acceptable safety profile vs chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC and PD-L1 ≥50%. EMPOWER-Lung 1 included patients with brain metastases at baseline who are typically underrepresented in clinical trials. Other published exploratory analyses in single-cohort studies suggest benefit from immunotherapy in this patient population. Here, we present subgroup analysis of patients with brain metastasis from EMPOWER-Lung 1. Methods: Patients were randomized 1:1 to cemiplimab 350 mg IV every 3 weeks or investigator’s choice of chemotherapy (NCT03088540). Patients with treated, clinically stable brain metastases (radiological stability not required) were eligible to enroll and are the focus of this subgroup analysis from the PD-L1 ≥50% population (n=563) of the EMPOWER-Lung 1 study. Results: A total of 68 of 563 (12.1%) cases had treated stable brain metastases at time of randomization. Patients were evenly distributed between cemiplimab (n=34) and chemotherapy (n=34), with similar median duration of follow-up (Table). Baseline characteristics were generally similar; median (range) age: 60.0 (45–76 ) vs 62.0 (48–77); male: 97.1% vs 85.3%; and non-squamous histology: 85.3% vs 76.5%; between cemiplimab vs chemotherapy, respectively. Per independent review committee, median overall survival (OS, 18.7 vs 11.7 months), median progression-free survival (PFS, 10.4 vs 5.3 months), and objective response rate (ORR, 41.2% vs 8.8%) were superior with cemiplimab vs chemotherapy (Table). After baseline, central nervous system (CNS) disease progression occurred in 2 (5.9%) patients with cemiplimab vs 4 (11.8%) patients with chemotherapy; extra-CNS disease progression occurred in 9 (26.5%) patients with cemiplimab vs 15 (44.1%) patients with chemotherapy. Conclusions: 1L cemiplimab monotherapy improved OS, PFS, and ORR vs chemotherapy, in patients with advanced NSCLC with PD-L1 ≥50%, and clinically stable brain metastases at baseline. Cemiplimab monotherapy represents a suitable option for this subgroup of patients. Clinical trial information: NCT03088540. [Table: see text]
First-line pembrolizumab monotherapy for PD-L1-positive (TPS ≥ 50%) advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) in the real world: A national French bispective multicentric cohort—ESCKEYP trial (GFPC 05-2018).
Authors: Descourt Renaud , Greillier Laurent , Perol Maurice , Ricordel Charles , Auliac Jean-Bernard , Falchero Lionel , Demontrond Pierre , Veillon Remi , Vieillot Sabine , Guisier Florian , Marcq Marie , Justeau Gregoire , Bigay Game Laurence , Bernardi Marie , Fournel Pierre , Doubre Helene , Pinsolle Julian , Amrane Karim , Chouaid Christos , Decroisette Chantal
Published: June 2021

9091

Background: To determine real-world outcomes with first line pembrolizumab monotherapy, for aNSCLC with PD-L1 TPS ≥50%. Methods: Bispective, national and multicentric study including consecutively aNSCLC patients who initiated first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy from May 5, 2017 (marketing authorization of pembrolizumab monotherapy in France) to Nov 22, 2019 (marketing authorization of pembrolizumab-chemotherapy for non-squamous aNSCLC). Data were collected on medical charts. Responses were locally assessed according to RECIST v1.1; overall survival (OS) and real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) were assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: 845 patients (pts) were included by 33 centres: 67.8% were men, PS 0/1/≥2: 25.5%/46.9%/27.6%, active/former/nonsmokers: 39.1%/51.7%/6.4%, adenocarcinoma: 70.8%; stage IV at diagnosis: 91.6%; median number of metastatic sites at baseline: 2±1 (brain (20.8%), liver (13.9%) and bone (35%)); KRAS mutated: 27.7%, PDL1 TPS > 75%: 53.7% At the cut off date (31 December 2020), on the 783/845 (92.7%) evaluable pts, CR, PR, disease stabilization and progression were reported on 4.7%, 42.6%, 24.1% and 28.6% of cases, respectively; 588 (69.6%) pts had discontinued pembrolizumab, 390 (66.4%) had a first disease progression; 320/390 (82.1%) received a second line treatment, mainly platinum-based chemotherapy (90.6%). With a median follow up of 25,8 [95%CI: 24,8-26,7] months, median rwPFS and median OS were 8,2 [95%CI: 6,9-9,5] and 22,6 [95%CI: 18,5-27,4] months, respectively; 6, 12, 18-months survival rates were 76,8%, 64,8% and 54,3%. 835 adverse events were reported in 48% of the patients, grade ≥3 in 13.8% of cases, mainly asthenia, colitis, pneumonitis. For evaluable patients receiving a platinum-based doublet in second line (266/290, 89%), CR, PR, disease stabilization and progression were reported on 1.9%, 41%, 35.3% and 21.8% of cases, respectively. Uni and multivariate analysis of factors related to OS will be presented at the congress. Conclusions: Despite a less stringent selection of patients, pembrolizumab as a single agent achieves similar tumor shrinkage, rwPFS and OS than those of pivotal clinical trials.
Interim results of viagenpumatucel-L (HS-110) plus nivolumab in previously treated patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in two treatment settings.
Authors: Cohen Roger B. , Peoples George Earl , Kawashima Toana , Arana Bill , Cui Xiaoxing , Bazhenova Lyudmila , Sanborn Rachel E. , Harb Wael A. , Pennell Nathan A. , Morgensztern Daniel
Published: June 2021

9100

Background: Viagenpumatucel-L (HS-110) is an allogeneic cell therapy derived from a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line incorporating multiple cancer testis antigens and transfected with a gp96-Ig fusion protein. Methods: We report interim results of cohort A (previously treated pts who had not received a checkpoint inhibitor [CPI]) and cohort B (pts who progressed after CPI treatment) in an ongoing phase 2 trial evaluating HS-110 plus nivolumab (NIVO) in advanced NSCLC pts (NCT02439450). Pts received HS-110 (1×107 cells) intradermally QW for 18 wk and NIVO Q2W until tumor progression. Stratified analyses were performed by injection site reaction (ISR), yes (+) or no (–); baseline blood tumor mutational burden (bTMB), bTMB-L (<10 mutations/ megabase [mut/Mb]) or bTMB-H (≥10 mut/Mb) by FoundationACT test; and baseline PD-L1 expression, – (<1%) or + (≥1%). Results: As shown in the Table, median progression-free survival (PFS) in cohort A (n=47) was 1.8 mo (95% CI 1.8-7.8) and median overall survival (OS) was 24.6 mo (95% CI 11.7-36.0) after a median follow-up (MFU) of 19.5 mo. We observed significantly longer PFS and OS in ISR+ pts (hazard ratio [HR] 0.43, p=0.01; HR 0.23, p<0.001) and longer OS in PD-L1+ pts (HR 0.25, p=0.02). In cohort B (n=68), median PFS was 2.8 mo (1.8-3.9) and median OS was 11.9 mo (9.7-16.3) after a MFU of 11.9 mo. We observed significantly longer OS in ISR+ pts (HR 0.48, p=0.03) and a trend toward extended OS in bTMB-L pts (HR 0.58, p=0.20). HS-110 TEAEs were reported in 21 (44.7%) pts in cohort A and 18 (26.5%) pts in cohort B. TEAEs in >5% of pts included fatigue, maculopapular rash, nausea, diarrhea, and pruritus. Few HS-110–related TEAEs led to discontinuation of treatment [cohort A, 5 (10.6%); cohort B, 3 (4.4%)], and no serious AEs were considered related to HS-110. Conclusions: HS-110 was well tolerated when administered in combination with NIVO. In previously treated pts with advanced NSCLC, we observed (1) significantly longer PFS and OS in ISR+ pts in both CPI naïve and CPI progressor cohorts; (2) significantly longer OS in PD-L1+ patients in the CPI naïve cohort; and (3) a trend of improved OS in bTMB-L pts in the CPI progressor cohort. Further clinical evaluation of HS-110 is warranted in both CPI naïve and CPI progressor NSCLC patients. Clinical trial information: NCT02439450. [Table: see text]
Stereotactic body radiation therapy and in situ oncolytic virus therapy followed by immunotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Guerrero Carlo , Ensor Joe E. , Sun Kai , Farach Andrew M. , Nair Sindhu , Zhang Jun , Singh Monisha , Darcourt Jorge German , Ramshesh Priya V. , Butler Edward Brian , Teh Bin S. , Sultenfuss Mark , Gupta Nakul , Heslop Helen E. , Mejia Jaime A. , Chang Jenny Chee Ning , Bernicker Eric
Published: June 2021

9115

Background: The introduction of immunotherapy has altered the treatment paradigm for metastatic non-small cell cancer (mNSCLC). Unfortunately, many patients with mNSCLC have limited or no benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). A variety of approaches have been explored to augment the efficacy of ICIs. Our study’s aim was to determine whether the addition of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intratumoral injection of the oncolytic virus ADV/HSV-tk (adenovirus-mediated expression of herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase) to a monoclonal antibody targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) would improve the ICI’s efficacy in the treatment of mNSCLC. Methods: In this single-arm, open-label phase II study, patients with mNSCLC (squamous or non-squamous) who were ICI-naive or who were previously treated with a maximum of one line of therapy that included an ICI received an intratumoral injection of ADV/HSV-tk (5 x 1011 vp) followed by SBRT (30 Gy in 5 fractions) to the same tumor. An anti-PD-1 agent (pembrolizumab 200 mg IV every 3 weeks or nivolumab 240 mg IV every 2 weeks) was then given for up to 24 months (pembrolizumab) or 12 months (nivolumab), or until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) as defined by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1. A secondary endpoint was clinical benefit rate (CBR). Results: A total of 35 patients were enrolled, with 28 (80%) receiving pembrolizumab and 7 (20%) receiving nivolumab; 14 (40%) had previous ICI therapy while 21 (60%) were ICI-naive. The ORR and CBR were 28.5% and 61.9% in the ICI-naive group, and 14.2% and 64.2% in the group that previously received an ICI, respectively. Grade 3 or higher toxicity was seen in five patients (26.3%) in the ICI-naive group and in one patient (7.1%) in the previously ICI-treated group. No treatment-related deaths were observed. Conclusions: The addition of SBRT and intratumor injection of ADV/HSV-tk to anti-PD-1 therapy in mNSCLC resulted in a CBR of over 60% for both ICI-naive and previously ICI-treated patients without the use of chemotherapy. The combination was able to reinstitute sensitivity to ICIs in patients previously treated with an ICI, and also benefited some patients whose tumors did not express PD-L1. These findings should be further explored in a larger study population. Clinical trial information: NCT03004183. [Table: see text]
Phase II study of ceralasertib (AZD6738), in combination with durvalumab in patients with metastatic melanoma who have failed prior anti-PD-1 therapy.
Authors: Kwon Minsuk , Kim Seung Tae , Smith Simon , Smith Claire , Mortimer Peter G. , LoembE Bienvenu , Kozarewa Iwanka , Dean Emma , Lee Jeeyun
Published: June 2021

9514

Background: Alterations in DNA damage response (DDR) and repair are associated with genomic instability and increased somatic tumor mutational burden, and modulating DNA repair is a promising strategy to boost the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Ceralasertib is an oral inhibitor of the serine/threonine protein kinase Ataxia Telangiectasia and Rad3 Related (ATR), which is crucial to the cell’s response to replication stress. Methods: This phase 2 trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ceralasertib in combination with durvalumab in patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) who had failed to anti-PD-1 therapy. The study drug schedule was: ceralasertib at 240 mg BD on days 15 to 28 in combination with durvalumab at 1500 mg on day 1 in a 28-day cycle. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR) by RECIST (v1.1). To investigate markers predictive of clinical outcome, fresh tumor biopsies were obtained from all enrolled patients before treatment. Results: From August 2019 to May 2020, 30 MM patients (median # of lines, 2; range, 2 - 5) were enrolled. All enrolled patients were exposed to prior anti-PD-1 treatment (immediate failure, n = 23). The ORR was 30.0% (9 PRs, 10 SDs, 10 PDs), DCR 63.3%, median PFS 7.1 months (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.6-10.6), and median OS was 14.2 months (95% CI, 9.3-19.1). Common adverse events of any grade were anemia (n = 23, 76.7%), anorexia (n = 20, 66.7%) and thrombocytopenia (n = 19, 63.3%). Common adverse events of grade 3 or more included anemia (n = 10, 33.3%). One death occurred due to febrile neutropenia in a patient with a pre-existing wound infection. Conclusions: Ceralasertib in combination with durvalumab demonstrated a promising anti-tumor activity, particularly in melanoma patients who failed to standard of care including anti-PD1 treatment. Clinical trial information: NCT03780608.
Two dosing regimens of nivolumab (NIVO) plus ipilimumab (IPI) for advanced (adv) melanoma: Three-year results of CheckMate 511.
Authors: Lebbe Celeste , Meyer Nicolas , Mortier Laurent , Marquez-Rodas Ivan , Robert Caroline , Rutkowski Piotr , Butler Marcus O. , Eigentler Thomas , Menzies Alexander M. , Smylie Michael , Arance Ana Maria , Ascierto Paolo Antonio , Svane Inge Marie , Ajaz Mazhar , Khushalani Nikhil I. , Lobo Maurice , Zoco Jesus , Pigozzo Jacopo
Published: June 2021

9516

Background: NIVO 1 mg/kg plus IPI 3 mg/kg (NIVO1 + IPI3) is approved for treatment (tx) of unresectable/adv melanoma, with demonstrated durable clinical benefit on long-term follow-up. Analysis of the phase 3b/4 CheckMate 511 study (NCT02714218) at 1 y showed that NIVO 3 mg/kg plus IPI 1 mg/kg (NIVO3 + IPI1) improves the safety profile of the combination; efficacy with the 2 regimens was similar in descriptive analyses. Here we present 3-y safety/efficacy results. Methods: Patients (pts) ≥ 18 y of age with previously untreated unresectable stage III/IV melanoma were randomized 1:1 to receive NIVO3 + IPI1 Q3W × 4 (N = 180) or NIVO1 + IPI3 Q3W × 4 (N = 178), both followed by NIVO 480 mg Q4W until progression/unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint was the incidence of grade (gr) 3–5 tx-related adverse events (TRAEs); secondary endpoints (descriptive analyses) included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The study was not powered to formally demonstrate noninferiority for efficacy endpoints. Results: At a median follow-up of 44.4 and 43.9 mo in the NIVO3 + IPI1 and NIVO1 + IPI3 groups, respectively, TRAEs led to tx discontinuation in 26% and 39% of pts; 57% and 42% of pts had received maintenance therapy. Gr 3–5 TRAE incidence remained significantly lower with NIVO3 + IPI1 than NIVO1 + IPI3 (33.9% vs 48.3%; odds ratio 0.55 [95% CI 0.36–0.84]). The most frequent TRAEs (any gr) were diarrhea (27%), fatigue (26%), and pruritus (26%) with NIVO3 + IPI1 and diarrhea (31%), pruritus (29%), and rash (27%) with NIVO1 + IPI3. In descriptive analyses, efficacy results were similar to those observed at 1 y. OS and tx-free–analysis outcomes were numerically similar in the 2 groups (table). Conclusions: At 3-y follow-up, NIVO3 + IPI1 continued to demonstrate an improved safety profile compared with NIVO1 + IPI3. In descriptive analyses, both groups demonstrated high 3-y OS rates that were numerically similar. This study provides important information regarding the benefit–risk profile of both dosing regimens of NIVO + IPI in pts with adv melanoma. Clinical trial information: NCT02714218. [Table: see text]
Complete responders to checkpoint inhibitors in advanced melanoma: Relapse risk factors, and patients' outcomes.
Authors: Dutheil Amelie , Belkadi Djaouida , Antigny Marine , Roy Severine , Lupu Jeremy , Vallet Anaïs , Routier Emilie , Robert Caroline
Published: June 2021

9550

Background: Since the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) for advanced melanoma, a small group of patients with an excellent and durable response has emerged. Complete response (CR) is achievable in about 10-20% of the patients and seem to have an excellent prognosis. However, 10 to 15% of them might relapse eventually. Our main objective was to determine factors associated with relapse after a CR to ICI in advanced melanoma. The second objective was to describe relapse modalities and tumor response to subsequent treatments. Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective study, in 141 patients with a CR to ICI for advanced melanoma, treated at Gustave Roussy (France) from January 2010 to June 2020. CR was confirmed on two consecutive CT-scanner or PET-CT at least 3 months apart. Characteristics of the patients at diagnosis, during and after treatment were compared in both groups: CR with relapse and CR without relapse. The LASSO analysis, a statistical analysis using lambda penalization coefficient for prognostic studies, was performed regarding the many statistical variables analysed. Results: At data analysis, immunotherapy was interrupted in 94.3% of the patients and the median follow-up was 3.5 years since immunotherapy discontinuation. Eventually, 18 of 141 patients (12.8%) had relapsed and 126 (87.2%) had not. The statistical analysis identified three factors associated with melanoma recurrence: prior lines of therapy, the type of melanoma and the mutation status. Indeed, relapse risk was higher in patients with wild type melanoma (as opposed to BRAF or NRAS mutant melanoma), with a mucosal, acral or unknown primitive melanoma and who received prior lines of treatment. Other factors such as demographical characteristics, tumor burden, metastasis localization, type or grade of toxicity, pseudo progression, type of ICI, treatment duration, use of a complementary local treatment and pursuit/discontinuation of immunotherapy were not statistically associated with the duration of the complete response. In case of melanoma recurrence, reintroduction of immunotherapy provided tumor response in half of our patients: 13 of the 18 relapsing patients received immunotherapy after melanoma recurrence; allowing 3 CR, 2 partial responses and 1 stable disease. One third of the relapsing patients eventually died of disease progression. Conclusions: This study confirmed the excellent prognosis of CR to ICI in advanced melanoma, even after treatment discontinuation and identified 3 baseline factors associated with a risk of relapse: absence of BRAF or NRAS mutation, primary of acral, mucosal or unknown origin, and previous lines of therapy. Rechallenge with ICI was effective in 50% of the patients.
Efficacy of cetuximab after immunotherapy (IO) in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).
Authors: Marin-Acevedo Julian Andres , Withycombe Bethany , Kim Youngchul , Eroglu Zeynep , Markowitz Joseph , Brohl Andrew S. , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Tsai Kenneth Yee , Khushalani Nikhil I.
Published: June 2021

9562

Background: Anti-PD1 (aPD1) monotherapy with cemiplimab-rwlc or pembrolizumab is now considered standard of care for first-line management of advanced CSCC not amenable to surgery or curative radiotherapy. Previously chemotherapy or anti-EGFR agents were commonly used for these patients albeit with modest efficacy and limited duration of response. In prospective evaluation, the overall response rate (ORR) to cetuximab was 28% with disease control rate (DCR) of 69% at 6 weeks. The efficacy of second-line treatment following primary or acquired resistance to aPD1 therapy is not known. We investigated the activity of cetuximab in patients who progressed on previous IO therapy. Methods: We performed a single institution retrospective review from 9/28/18 (US approval date of cemiplimab-rwlc for CSCC) through 11/30/20 of patients with locally advanced or metastatic CSCC who received cetuximab after prior IO therapy. We identified patients who received cetuximab either immediately following IO therapy (cohort A) or as a subsequent line not immediately following IO therapy (cohort B). Primary endpoint was ORR with secondary endpoints of DCR, survival and toxicity. Median follow-up and survival times were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Thirteen patients, median age 72 years (62-82), all Caucasian, and 11 males (85%) were included in this study. Eleven pts received cetuximab immediately post-IO progression; two had additional intervening therapy post-IO before receiving cetuximab. Three patients received concurrent radiotherapy (palliative or definitive) with cetuximab. The ORR to cetuximab was 54% (7/13) including 1 complete and 6 partial responses. The cumulative 6-month DCR was 77%. All responses were observed in cohort A; both patients in cohort B had progressive disease as best response. Six of 7 initial responses are ongoing, including 3 in whom cetuximab was discontinued. At a median follow-up of 9.1 months, the median PFS has not been reached for the entire cohort. There were no unanticipated toxicities to cetuximab with rash (77%) and hypomagnesemia (54%) being the most common adverse events. Conclusions: In advanced CSCC, cetuximab used immediately after progression on aPD1 therapy yields notably higher and durable overall response than previously reported in the pre-IO therapy era. If validated in a larger dataset, this should be the preferred therapy for second-line treatment in advanced CSCC. Further exploration into the mechanism of this high efficacy of anti-EGFR therapy post aPD1 therapy is warranted.
Propensity weighted indirect treatment comparison of nivolumab (NIVO) versus placebo (PBO) as adjuvant therapy for resected melanoma: A number needed to treat and overall survival analysis.
Authors: Weber Jeffrey S. , Poretta Tayla , Stwalley Brian , Sakkal Leon , Du Ella X. , Wang Travis , Chen Yan , Wang Yan , Betts Keith A. , Shoushtari Alexander Noor
Published: June 2021

9572

Background: The CheckMate 238 trial demonstrated that NIVO improved recurrence free survival (RFS) vs. ipilimumab (IPI). The EORTC 18071 trial demonstrated that IPI improved RFS and overall survival (OS) vs. PBO. The current study pooled data from these two trials to indirectly assess the RFS and OS of NIVO vs. PBO and the numbers needed to treat (NNTs) for one additional recurrence-free survivor and survivor over 4 years. Methods: Patients with resected AJCC 7th edition stage IIIB/C cutaneous melanoma from CheckMate 238 (NIVO vs. IPI) and EORTC 18071 (IPI vs. PBO) were pooled together with inverse probability weighting to balance between-trial differences in baseline characteristics. NNTs were calculated for RFS and OS comparing NIVO vs. IPI and PBO over 4 years. To account for improved post-recurrence survival over time, a sensitivity analysis that adjusted for post-recurrence survival in the PBO arm of EORTC 18071 was performed. Results: A total of 278, 643, and 365 patients treated with NIVO, IPI, and PBO, respectively, were included. In the weighted samples, patients treated with NIVO had consistently higher RFS rates than those treated with IPI (HR [95% CI]: 0.69 [0.56, 0.85]) and PBO (HR: 0.49 [0.39, 0.61]). NIVO was associated with similar OS as IPI (HR: 0.80 [0.60, 1.08]) and superior OS compared to PBO (HR: 0.45 [0.33, 0.60]). At 4 years, the weighted RFS rate was 53.1% for NIVO, 41.8% for IPI, and 29.1% for PBO. The NNT to achieve one additional recurrence-free survivor was 4.2 for NIVO vs. PBO and 8.9 for NIVO vs. IPI. The NNT to obtain one additional survivor was 4.8 for NIVO vs. PBO and 22.2 for NIVO vs. IPI. The OS rate for PBO after adjusting for differences in post-recurrence treatments at 4 years was 64.1%, and the corresponding NNT of OS comparing NIVO vs. adjusted PBO was 8.5. Conclusions: In patients with resected AJCC 7th edition stage IIIB/C cutaneous melanoma, this indirect comparison showed that NIVO improved RFS and OS vs placebo, with OS improvement maintained after adjustment for post-recurrence therapy.[Table: see text]
Efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy in recurrent melanoma after adjuvant immunotherapy.
Authors: Bhave Prachi , Hong Angela M. , Johnson Rebecca , Menzies Alexander M. , Long Georgina V. , Mangana Joanna , Johnson Douglas Buckner , Eroglu Zeynep , Dulgar Ozgecan , Yeoh Hui-Ling , Haydon Andrew Mark , Lodde Georg , Livingstone Elisabeth , Khattak Muhammad Adnan , Kähler Katharina C. , Hauschild Axel , Wang Wei , Carlino Matteo S.
Published: June 2021

9578

Background: Adjuvant (adj) radiotherapy (RT) halves the risk of locoregional (LR) recurrence in patients (pts) with high risk stage III melanoma after lymphadenectomy (CLND), however its role in the adj immunotherapy (IO) era without CLND is unknown. Methods: Pts with resected stage III melanoma who received adj IO and recurred with resectable LR only disease were studied. After resection of this 1st recurrence, adj RT may or may not have been administered. Disease characteristics, treatment at relapse and outcomes were examined. Results: 71 pts from 9 centres were included. Prior to adj IO, median age was 60y, 59% male, 56% BRAF mutant, 61% stage IIIC (AJCC V8), 52% underwent CLND and 17% had in-transit (IT) only disease. Adj IO included: 90% single agent anti-PD1, 8% ipilimumab-nivolumab (IN) and 1% nivolumab or IN (blinded on trial). Median duration of adj IO was 5 months. 21(30%) pts had high risk stage III disease at diagnosis, per previously established TROG criteria; 3 (4%) received upfront adj RT prior to recurrence. Median time to 1st recurrence was 7 months. 49 (69%) pts recurred during and 22 (31%) after cessation of adj IO. At 1st recurrence, 9 (13%) pts had stage IIIB disease, 55 (77%) IIIC, 7 (10%) IIID and 8 (11%) continued prior adj IO, 31 (44%) commenced therapy and 32 (45%) had no systemic therapy. 24 (34%) pts received adj RT after resection of 1st recurrence and 47 (66%) did not (Table). Adj RT was associated with a reduced risk of any 2nd recurrence (7/24, 29% vs 26/47, 55%, p=0.03) and LR 2nd recurrence (2/24, 8% vs 17/47, 36%, p=0.012). Whilst pts who received adj RT at 1st recurrence were more likely to have LN only disease, extra nodal extension and involved surgical margins, these factors did not significantly affect overall risk of 2nd recurrence on multivariate analysis. Of note, 70% of pts who did not receive adj RT at 1st recurrence had IT only disease, and though this did not significantly affect rate of 2nd recurrence (p=0.19), this likely reflects an inherent selection bias in this study. RT toxicity occurred in 16 (67%) pts, 10 with dermatitis only, and all grade 1 or 2. Median follow up was 22 months. Median recurrence free survival to 2nd recurrence was 23 months for all pts, not reached for those who had adj RT at 1st recurrence and 19 months for those who did not have adj RT (p=0.047). Median overall survival was not reached. Conclusions: Whilst adj RT appears to reduce 2nd recurrences, this may have been influenced by an unavoidable selection bias in the data, particularly an imbalance in the percentage of pts with IT disease. Prospective data with larger cohorts is needed to validate our results.[Table: see text]
The prognostic value of the interferon-gamma (IFNγ) signature in patients with macroscopic stage III melanoma treated with and without adjuvant systemic therapy.
Authors: Versluis Judith M. , Blankenstein Stephanie , Dimitriadis Petros , Sanders Joyce , Hoefakker Willem , Broeks Annegien , van Houdt Winan J. , Schrage Yvonne M. , Wouters Michel W.J.M. , Van Akkooi Alexander Christopher Jonathan , Blank Christian U.
Published: June 2021

9579

Background: Recently, trials have shown the benefit of adjuvant aPD-1 therapy in macroscopic stage III melanoma patients. This treatment has been incorporated in daily clinical practice, however, a substantial part of patients still does not benefit from this therapy, as they develop recurrences. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of adjuvant aPD-1 therapy and the potency of the IFNγ signature as a prognostic or predictive marker, as it has proven to be predictive of response in neoadjuvant trials. Methods: Patients participating in an ongoing biobank study and naïve for systemic therapy were included, between 10-2017 and 06-2020, after complete resection of macroscopic stage III melanoma. Approval and reimbursement of adjuvant therapy in the Netherlands started in 12-2018, resulting in 2 cohorts of similar high risk patients: prior to availability of adjuvant aPD-1 (cohort A) and thereafter (cohort B). Data cut-off for clinical data was January 1st 2021. Transcriptome sequencing was performed on samples of stage III melanoma by CeGaT GmbH, IFNγ signature was determined on these data with the median as cut-off. Clinical data were compared between cohort A and B as intention-to-treat population, including patients with a recurrence before adjuvant therapy start (n=10). Results: In total, 99 patients were included: 50 in cohort A and 49 in cohort B. Majority of included patients had thick primary melanomas (Breslow >2mm in 59.6%) and stage IIIC/IIID disease (83.3%) according to AJCC 8th edition. At a median follow-up of 20.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.6-24.7), median recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 6.1 months (95%CI 3.9-8.4) versus 22.8 months (95%CI 8.7-36.9), significantly in favor of cohort B (p=0.011). Median overall survival (OS) was not reached in both patient groups, but was overall significantly different (p=0.040), favoring cohort B. RNA sequencing was performed in 25 patients who received adjuvant therapy and in 24 who did not, excluding patients with an early recurrence (<12 weeks). In both treatment groups median (p=0.003) and 12-months RFS (p<0.001) was significantly higher for IFNγ high patients, but both IFNγ low and high patients show higher RFS rates when receiving adjuvant aPD-1 therapy (Table). Conclusions: Our study confirms RFS and OS benefit of adjuvant aPD-1 for patients with macroscopic stage III melanoma. IFNγ has shown to be a prognostic marker in both patients who were and were not treated with adjuvant therapy, as both patients with IFNγ high and low signatures show benefit from adjuvant therapy.[Table: see text]
Advanced breast cancer at presentation (ABC-p) in octogenarian women (OW): Specific elderly-devoted risk tests(SEDRT) (CARG+CRASH) as new tools to prevent serious/irreversible adverse reactions (AR) in frail patients.
Authors: Carreca Ignazio Ugo , Bazan Viviana , Galvano Antonio , Carreca Anna Paola , Cusenza Stefania , Russo Antonio
Published: June 2021

e12510

Background: Due to current lengthening of average lifespan and progressive increase of malignant tumors in mankind, more new strategies must be constantly sought especially for thirdage neoplasms. Nevertheless because severe toxicity developed in the majority of frail patients, administration of therapy may cause high risk of life-threatening AIM: We have considered in this paper ABC in frail patients like OW. Purpose of the study is preliminary detection of the overall toxicity (OTox) through the possible use of specifics tests adopted specially in frail patients such as OW, to ensure greater control in drugs administration with good effectiveness. AIM: We have considered in this paper ABC in frail patients like OW. Methods: Sixty-two patients with advanced breast cancer at presentation ABC-p were enrolled between January 2018 and December 2019. Eligibility criteria: • women aging eighty or older; • acquired written consensus; • confirmed diagnosis of ABC; • one or two measurable lesions (bone or visceral or both); • no brain secondarisms; • Charlson’s Comorbidity Scale 1-3 score points; CGA Evaluation permissive for treatment. CARG-TS (Cancer and Aging Research Group-Test Score) and CRASH-TS (Chemotherapy Risk Assessment Scale for High-Age Patients Test S) are rated for predictive assessment of the risk of severe chemotox in all patients. Further Evaluations tools: Clinical Benefit according to ESMO CB scale v2a; Tox Profile CTCAE v3.0 Criteria; QoL by EORTC QLQ-C20 Results: CARG-TS predicts severe OTox; CRASH-TS predicts hematologic non-hematologic toxicity. Using a combination of CGA-ES+CARG-TS+CRASH-TS, we were able to divide patients into three categories: • LR -Low risk (score0-5); • MR-Medium risk (score 5-10); • HR High risk (score over 10). On this basis HR people was directed to receive endocrine therapy (if ER+PGR+) or RT alone. The MR group experienced a reduced schedule of eribulin (0.90mg/sqm d1,d28 until P-progression or INT-intolerable toxicity). Finally LR group received a schedule with eribulin alone(E 0.96-1.1 mg/sqm IV on d1, d21 dosage depending on creatinine clearance value according to the Kintzel-Dorr’s method and until P or INT-toxicity). Conclusions: With contemporary use of CGA-ES, CARG-TS, CRASH-TS we obtained two diagrams: the first “predicted risk” ; the second “observed risk” for each patient. The first curve was almost perfectly in line (p<0.001) with that of the “observed risk”. This allowed to have extremely personalized treatments, negligible OTox, and very good values for both CB and QoL.