bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VXM01, an oral T-cell vaccine targeting the tumor vasculature: Results from a randomized, controlled, first-in-man study in pancreatic cancer patients.
Authors: Schmitz-Winnenthal Friedrich Hubertus , Grenacher Lars , Friedrich Tobias , Lubenau Heinz , Springer Marco , Breiner Klaus M. , Hohmann Nicolas , Haefeli Walter E. , Mikus Gerd , Weitz Juergen , Ulrich Alexis , Büchler Markus W. , Knebel Philip , Schmidt Thomas , Ge Yingzi , Niethammer Andreas G. , Beckhove Philipp 
Published: March 2020

3090 Background: VXM01 is an orally available, bacterially transmitted DNA vaccine targeting VEGFR-2. Pre-clinically, VXM01 showed anti-tumor activity in multiple tumor types. This first-in-human study was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of VXM01. Secondary endpoints included VEGFR-2 specific T-cell responses, tumor perfusion changes, and related biomarkers. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study was conducted in 45 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. VXM01 or placebo was given on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. Doses were escalated from 10(6) CFU to 10(10) CFU over 5 dose groups, each including 6 VXM01 and 3 placebo patients. VEGFR-2 specific T-cell activity was monitored by ELISpot and T(reg) specificity assays before, during and after the vaccination course. Tumor perfusion was assessed by DCE-MRI on days 0 and 38. Biomarkers included CA19-9, VEGF-A and collagen IV. Results: Patients were enrolled from 12/2011 to 10/2012. Most commonly observed AEs were leukopenia, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which were all equally distributed between treatment and placebo group. While a mild elevation in average blood pressure was observed in the VXM01 group over the placebo group, the hypertension adverse event rate did not differ between both groups. No DLTs were observed. VEGFR-2 specific effector T-cell response was increased in 57% of evaluable VXM01 treated patients, during and after the vaccination course. In 25% of the VXM01 group, the T-cell response score post-vaccination was higher than maximum placebo levels. In contrast, VEGFR-2 specific T(reg) responses were overall reduced in vaccinated patients. DCE-MRI data indicated a >33% drop in K(trans)/tumor perfusion in 35% of evaluable VXM01 treated patients vs. 10% in the placebo group. Mean changes were -4% (VXM01) and +15% (placebo). Reduced tumor perfusion correlated with VEGFR-2 specific T-cell responses and biomarker responses. Conclusions: VXM01 appeared safe and was well tolerated without DLTs across 5 tested dose levels. The data suggest further that VXM01 induces and enhances a VEGFR-2 specific T-cell response and impacts tumor perfusion. Clinical trial information: ISRCTN68809279.
Systematic approach for development of new immunotherapeutics for lung cancers through cancer genomics analysis.
Authors: Daigo Yataro , Takano Atsushi , Nakamura Yusuke 
Published: March 2020

3092 Background: Oncoantigens are defined to be proteins that are very specifically expressed in cancer cells and that have the oncogenic activity and high immunogenicity, and are considered to be promising targets for immunotherapy such as therapeutic cancer vaccines. Methods: We have established a strategy as follows to identify new oncoantigens; i) screening of highly transactivated genes in the majority of 120 lung cancers using cDNA microarray representing 27,648 genes coupled with enrichment of tumor cells by laser microdissection, ii) verification of no expression of each candidate gene in normal tissues by northern-blot analysis, iii) validation of the clinicopathological significance of its high level of expression with tissue microarray containing 300 lung cancers, iv) verification of a critical role of each gene in the growth or invasiveness of cancer cells by RNAi and cell growth/invasion assays, v) screening of the epitope peptides recognized by HLA-A*0201- or A*2402-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). We conducted phase I clinical trials of these therapeutic peptide vaccines for lung cancer patients. Results: We identified 35 oncoantigens and screened dozens of 10-amino-acid peptides, each of which corresponded to a part of TTK, LY6K, IMP-3, CDCA1, KIF20A, CDC45L, and FOXM1, and was a candidate to be presented on the surface of HLA-A*0201 or HLA-A*2402 that induced in vitro CTL response. Phase I clinical studies indicated that five epitope peptides could strongly induce the CTL activity in cancer patients. For example, we conducted a phase I study for HLA-A*2402-positive, advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients who failed to standard therapy, using the combination of 1, 2 or 3 mg/body of each peptides from LY6K, CDCA1, and KIF20A mixed with adjuvant once a week. This cancer vaccine therapy demonstrated tolerability and had very high immunogenicity of even 1 mg/body dose to induce antigen-specific CTLs in cancer patients. Conclusions: Through systematic genomics-based approach and clinical study, we have identified five epitope peptides, which could induce CTLs very effectively in cancer patients, and therefore it warrants further clinical studies. Clinical trial information: NCT01069575.
Phase I/II clinical trial of a genetically modified and oncolytic vaccinia virus GL-ONC1 in patients with unresactable, chemotherapy-resistant peritoneal carcinomatosis.
Authors: Lauer Ulrich , Zimmermann Martina , Sturm Julia , Koppenhoefer Ursula , Bitzer Michael , Malek Nisar P , Glatzle Joerg , Koenigsrainer Alfred , Moehle Robert , Fend Falko , Pfannenberg Christina , Auth Tanja , Yu Tony , Szalay Aladar A 
Published: March 2020

3098 Background: For therapy-resistant peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) viruses exhibiting oncolytic properties open up new perspectives. Our phase I/II study in patients with refractory PC (NCT01443260) is designed to assess the safety, MTD, and anti-tumor activity of GL-ONC1, a recombinant vaccinia virus (VACV) genetically engineered to selectively replicate in and destroy cancer cells. Methods: GL-ONC1 was administered intraperitoneally up to 4 times every 28 days under a standard 3+3 dose escalation design. Safety was assessed using CTCAEv4.0. Anti-tumor activity was determined by “fluid biopsies” obtained via repetitive paracenteses and by serial PET-CT scans. Patient samples were collected for pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and viral shedding analysis. Results: Up to now, 4 patients have received 10 doses of GL-ONC1 ranging from 107 to 108 infectious viral particles per application.Adverse events have generally been limited to grade 1/2, being mostly transient flu-like symptoms as well as increased abdominal pain resulting from treatment-induced peritonitis. No DLT was reported. No viral shedding was observed. In one gastric cancer patient, effective intraperitoneal replication of GL-ONC1 was demonstrated for more than 3 weeks. Using either anti-EpCAM or anti-VACV specific antibodies, around 5% of all ascitic cells were found to be EpCAM-positive 3 days after treatment in this patient, and only around 5-10% of these cancer cells were VACV positive at the same time point. In contrast, 4 days later (i.e. 7 days after virotherapeutic treatment), less than 2% of all ascitic cells were still EpCAM-positive, and more than 90% of these cancer cells were VACV positive. Of note, VACV-positive cancer cells morphologically showed significant degenerative changes. Conclusions: Preliminary data demonstrate that GL-ONC1 is well tolerated when infused intraperitoneally. Importantly, a single intraperitoneal delivery of GL-ONC1 was found to be sufficient to cause a dramatic decline in the number of malignant cells in the ascitic fluid, suggesting that GL-ONC1 effectively removes tumor cells in the ascites of patients with PC. Clinical trial information: NCT01443260.
Maintenance treatment with capecitabine and bevacizumab versus observation after induction treatment with chemotherapy and bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): The phase III CAIRO3 study of the Dutch Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG).
Authors: Koopman Miriam , Simkens Lieke HJ , Ten Tije Albert J. , Creemers Geert-Jan , Loosveld Olaf JL , de Jongh Felix E. , Erdkamp Frans , Erjavec Zoran , van der Torren Adelheid ME , Van der Hoeven Jacobus JM , Nieboer Peter , Braun J. J. , Jansen Rob L. , Haasjes Janny G. , Cats Annemieke , Wals Jacob J. , Mol Linda , Dalesio Otilia , van Tinteren Harm , Punt Cornelis J. A. 
Published: March 2020

3502 Background: The optimal duration of chemotherapy and bevacizumab in mCRC is not well established. The CAIRO3 study investigated the efficacy of maintenance treatment with capecitabine plus bevacizumab versus observation in mCRC pts not progressing during induction treatment with capecitabine, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab (CAPOX-B). Methods: Previously untreated mCRC pts, PS 0-1, with stable disease or better after 6 cycles of CAPOX-B, not eligible for metastasectomy and eligible for future treatment with oxaliplatin, were randomized between observation (arm A) or maintenance treatment with capecitabine 625 mg/m2 bid dailycontinuouslyand bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg iv q 3 weeks (arm B). Upon first progression (PFS1), pts in both arms were treated with CAPOX-B until second progression (PFS2, primary endpoint). For pts not able to receive CAPOX-B upon PFS1, PFS2 was considered equal to PFS1. Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and time to second progression (TTP2), which was defined as the time to progression or death on any treatment following PFS1. All endpoints were calculated from the time of randomization. Results: A total of 558 pts were randomized. Median follow-up is 33 months. The median number of maintenance cycles in arm B was 9 (range 1-54). The median PFS1 in arm A vs B was 4.1 vs 7.4 months (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.37-0.54, p<0.0001). Upon PFS1, 72% of pts received CAPOX-B in arm A and 44% in arm B. The median PFS2 was 10.4 vs 10.4 months (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.7-1.04, p=0.12). The median TTP2 in arm A vs B was 11.5 vs 15.4 months (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48-0.72, p<0.0001), and the median OS was 17.9 vs 21.7 months (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.96, p=0.02), respectively. Conclusions: Maintenance treatment with capecitabine plus bevacizumab after 6 cycles CAPOX-B did not significantly prolong PFS2, which may be due to the lower number of pts in arm B that received CAPOX-B following PFS1. Maintenance treatment significantly prolonged PFS1, TTP2 and OS. Our data support the use of bevacizumab plus capecitabine until progression or unacceptable toxicity. Updated results will be presented. Clinical trial information: NCT00442637.
Heterogeneity of acquired KRAS and EGFR mutations in colorectal cancer patients treated with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies.
Authors: Morelli M. Pia , Overman Michael J. , Dasari Arvind , Kazmi Syed Mohammad Ali , Vilar Sanchez Eduardo , Eng Cathy , Kee Bryan K. , Deaton Laurel , Garrett Chris R. , Diehl Frank , Angenendt Philipp , Kopetz Scott 
Published: March 2020

3512 Background: Although KRAS and EGFR extracellular domain acquired mutations were detected in two small cohorts and correlated with acquired resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (MAb), the frequency, co-occurrence, and distribution of these acquired mutations is unknown. In this study we evaluated the presence of acquired KRAS and EGFR mutations in cfDNA from CRC patients (pts) treated with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody. Methods: Plasma was collected from EGFR-MAb refractory mCRC pts as part of the ATTACC (Assessment of Targeted Therapies Against Colorectal Cancer) program. Eligible pts had documentation of pre-treatment KRAS wild type tumor. The cfDNA was extracted from the plasma and analyzed by BEAMing technology for acquired KRAS and EGFR mutation. Results: The plasma from 55 patients was analyzed for EGFR and KRAS mutation. The S492R EGFR mutation was detected in 4 pts (7%) treated with cetuximab. Acquired KRAS mutations were detected in 26 of the 55 KRAS wt samples analyzed (47%). Although codon 61 and 146 mutations are rare in untreated CRCs (2% and 1% of the MDACC population, respectively), these atypical KRAS mutations predominated in acquired resistance (Q61H=33% and A146T=10%). Mutations in more than one KRAS codon are exceedingly rare in the primary tumor. In our study we detected more than one KRAS or EGFR mutation in 30% of the population (p<0.001), suggesting the development of multiple independent clones in individual patients. Compared to 8 patients with known KRAS mutations, the average number of mutant reads in the 26 patients with acquired mutation was substantially lower (p<0.01) despite similar tumor burden. Of note, acquired concomitant KRAS mutations were also found in a BRAF V600 mutant patient previously treated with anti-EGFR MAb and a BRAF inhibitor. Conclusions: KRAS and EGFR acquired mutation are present at low concentrations in cfDNA from mCRC pts refractory to anti-EGFR MAb and they are not mutually exclusive, suggesting heterogeneity of the resistant clones. Anti-EGFR MAb refractory patients showed a higher incidence of atypical KRAS mutation and higher incidence of multiple codon KRAS mutations compared with overall CRC patient.
BRAF and KRAS mutations as additional risk factors in the context of clinical parameters of patients with colorectal cancer.
Authors: Popovici Vlad Calin , Budinska Eva , Roth Arnaud , Bosman Fred , Tejpar Sabine , Delorenzi Mauro 
Published: March 2020

3522 Background: The BRAF and KRAS mutations have been proposed as prognostic markers in colorectal cancer (CRC). Of them, only the BRAF V600E mutation has been validated as prognostic for overall survival and survival after relapse, while the value of KRAS mutation is still unclear. Methods: In a cohort of 1423 stage II-III patients from the PETACC-3 clinical trial, the prognostic value of the BRAF and KRAS mutations was retrospectively assessed in all possible stratifications defined by the 5 factors (T and N stage, tumor site and grade, and microsatellite instability status), by log rank test for overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and survival after relapse (SAR). The presence of interactions was tested by Wald test. The significance level was set to 0.01 for Bonferroni-adjusted p-values (P*), and a second level for a trend towards statistical significance was set at 0.05 for unadjusted p-values (P). Results: BRAF mutation was a marker of poor OS only in microsatellite stable (MSS) and left-sided tumors, with no prognostic value in microsatellite instable (MSI-H) or right-sided tumors. In MSS/left-sided tumors, BRAF mutation represents a marker of higher risk than previously reported: OS HR=6.4 [95% CI: 3.6-11.5], P* < 0.0001. For SAR, BRAF was prognostic in more stratifications, with higher risk in MSS/left-sided tumors (HR=3.9 [95% CI: 2.1-7.2], P* = 0.0002) than in MSS/right-sided (HR=2.3 [95% CI: 1.2-4.4], P=0.01). A novel observation was that BRAF mutation was prognostic also for RFS, but only in MSS/left-sided tumors (HR=3.6 [95% CI:2-6.3], P*=0.0005]). Additionally, heterogeneity in OS and RFS among BRAF mutants was observed. In general, KRAS mutation did not reach the significance level required, but showed a trend to become a prognostic marker for RFS in MSS tumors with early lymph node involvement (N1) (HR=1.6 [95% CI:1.1-2.2], P=0.01). Conclusions: The prognostic utility of the BRAF and KRAS mutations has to be interpreted in the context of other factors. For the BRAF mutation, a clear interaction with MSI status and tumor site was observed, with BRAF mutation indicating a much higher risk in MSS/left-sided tumors than previously considered.
Subgroup analyses results of the PETACC8 phase III trial comparing adjuvant FOLFOX4 with or without cetuximab (CTX) in resected stage III colon cancer (CC).
Authors: Taïeb Julien , Tabernero Josep , Mini Enrico , Subtil Fabien , Folprecht Gunnar , Van Laethem Jean-Luc , Thaler Joseph , Bridgewater John A. , Sanches Evaristo , Petersen Lone , Collette Laurence , Van Cutsem Eric , Le Malicot Karine , Rougier Philippe , Salazar Ramon , Bedenne Laurent , Emile Jean Francois , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Lepage Come 
Published: March 2020

3525^ Background: Potential benefit of adding CTX to the current standard treatment for stage III CC, was assessed. Subgroup analyses of demographic, clinical and molecular data may improve our understanding of this patient population. Methods: Patients (pts) were randomized 28-56 days following resection. They received 12 biweekly cycles of oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2 day (d) 1, with leucovorin 200 mg/m2, 5-FU 400 mg/m2 bolus IV, followed by 5-FU 600 mg/m2 22-hr IV on d1-2 (FOLFOX4), without (arm A) or with weekly CTX (arm B) 250 mg/m2 (initial dose 400 mg/m2). Primary endpoint was disease free survival time (DFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), treatment compliance and safety. Enrolment was restricted to KRAS wt pts in 06/2008. Planned accrual of 1,407 KRAS wild-type (wt) pts provided 90% power to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.75 with 2-sided α=0.05, with interim analyses after 65% of planned events. Preplanned subgroup analyses were performed. Results: 1,602 KRAS wt pts (811 arm A, 791 arm B) and 742 mutated (m) KRAS (prior to the amendment), were randomized. BRAF status was determined in 1134 (71%) KRAS wt pts. Median follow-up was 40 months. This interim analysis showed no difference between arms for DFS (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.85-1.29; p=0.66) or OS (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.81-1.47; p=0.55) in KRAS wt pts or for DFS (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.75-1.28; p=0.91) or OS (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.67-1.44; p=0.92) in KRAS/BRAF wt pts (n=984). Similar results were seen in KRAS mutant (mt) pts without any detrimental effect. In KRAS wt pts worse outcomes were seen with CTX in pts >70 years (n=149, DFS: HR 1.97, 95% CI 0.99-3.93; p=0.05), in females (n=666, HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.03-2.03; p=0.03) and in pts with right-sided CC (n=570, HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.94; p=0.04). Conversely, a better outcome was seen in pts with pT4pN2 CC (n=146, HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.89; p=0.01). Conclusions: Adding CTX to FOLFOX4 offered no benefit to pts with resected stage III KRAS wt, KRAS/BRAF wt and KRAS mt CC. Subgroup analyses suggest that KRAS wt pts with pT4pN2 tumors may derive benefit from CTX. MSI status determination is ongoing to explore its potential interaction with poor outcome in female and/or with right-sided tumors pts. Clinical trial information: NCT00265811.
Association of colorectal cancer intrinsic subtypes with prognosis, chemotherapy response, deficient mismatch repair, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Authors: Salazar Ramon , Roepman Paul , Tabernero Josep , Schlicker Andreas , Majewski Ian , Moreno Victor , Rosenberg Robert , Kopetz Scott , Wessels Lodewyk F. A. , Bernards Rene , Simon Iris 
Published: March 2020

3530 Background: Unbiased genome-wide analyses of gene expression patterns have been successfully used for molecular classification of breast cancer into subtypes that have clear relevance for prognosis and treatment. A similar classification is still missing for colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Using full genome expression data of 188 stage I-IV CRC patients, an unsupervised clustering revealed three major subtypes (A-, B-, C-type). A molecular subtype classification was developed and validated in 543 stage II and III patients. The subtypes were analyzed for correlation to clinical information, mutations in the kinome, known molecular markers status and chemotherapy response. In addition, subtypes were determined on 173 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) colon dataset with Agilent genome expression data. Results: C-type patients have the worst outcome, a mesenchymal phenotype, and show no benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Patients having A- or B-type tumors have a better clinical outcome, a more proliferative and epithelial phenotype and benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy. A- and C-type groups are enriched for tumors having oncogenic BRAF mutations and a deficient DNA mismatch repair system. B-type tumors showed a low overall kinome mutation frequency (1.6%), while both A- and C-type patients harbor a higher mutation frequency (respectively 4.2 and 6.2%), in agreement with their mismatch repair deficiency. Finally, CRC subtyping was confirmed in the colon TCGA dataset with 26 samples classified as A-type, 110 as B-type and 37 as C-type. In agreement with the different aggressiveness of the subtypes, A-type tumors were less prevalent in stage IV while C-type were less prevalent in stage I CRC. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of the intrinsic subtypes is largely based on three biological hallmarks of the tumor: an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, deficiency in mismatch repair genes that result in a high mutation frequency associated with MSI, and cellular proliferation. These subtypes are clinically relevant, as they differ in their underlying biology and might require different treatment strategies.
Prognostic factors of recurrence of colorectal cancers with microsatellite instability after curative resection: An AGEO retrospective multicenter study.
Authors: Tougeron David , Sickersen Gaelle , Lecomte Thierry , Zaanan Aziz , Des Guetz Gaetan , Lecaille Cedric , Ferru Aurelie , Cauchin Estelle , Sefrioui David , Coriat Romain , Aparicio Thomas , Artru Pascal , Trouilloud Isabelle , Matysiak-Budnik Tamara , Taïeb Julien , Michel Pierre , Tourani Jean Marc , Levillain Pierre , Silvain Christine , Karayan-Tapon Lucie 
Published: March 2020

3536 Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) phenotype is found in approximately 12% of colorectal cancers (CRC). MSI CRC is associated with a low recurrence rate and 5-fluorouracil chemoresistance in adjuvant setting. Clinical and pathological prognostic factors of recurrence are well-identified after surgery of CRC but not in the subgroup of MSI CRC. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients with stage I, II and III MSI CRC. The following prognostic factors were studied: age, sex, perforation, occlusion, tumor location, tumor differentiation, T4 stage, lymph node invasion, VELIPI criteria (vascular emboli, lymphatic invasion and perinervous invasion), BRAF mutation and adjuvant chemotherapy. Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors of DFS were analyzed in multivariate analysis using Cox model. Results: A total of 294 MSI CRC patients were analyzed, including 10%, 49% and 41% stage I, II and III, respectively. Mean age was 67.2 ± 16.0 years. Occlusion was observed in 10% of cases. VELIPI criteria were found in 39%, including 26% with vascular emboli. BRAF mutation was detected in 27% of cases. All in all, 40% of patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, predominantly stage III (74%). Mean follow-up was 39.2 ± 33.2 months. The disease recurrence rate was 3%, 8% and 21% in stage I, II and III patients, respectively. The 3-year DFS rate was 85%. In univariate analysis, age, occlusion, lymph node invasion, T4 stage, vascular emboli and perinervous invasion were associated with decreased DFS (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, only occlusion (RR=3.0; 95% CI 1.2-7.7, p=0.02) and vascular emboli (RR=4.5; 95% CI 1.6-12.7, p<0.01) were associated with decreased DFS. Recurrence rates for MSI CRC with and without vascular emboli were respectively, 22% versus 5% for stage II and 33% versus 15% for stage III. Conclusions: Occlusion and vascular emboli were independently associated with recurrence of MSI CRC but not lymph node invasion. We advocate vascular emboli analysis in routine clinical practice to facilitate adjuvant chemotherapy decision-making in MSI CRC.