bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of a metastatic site on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis in patients (pts) with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Bando Hideaki , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Taniguchi Hiroya , Shiozawa Manabu , Yasui Hisateru , Esaki Taito , Ohta Takashi , Denda Tadamichi , Satoh Taroh , Yamazaki Kentaro , Sunakawa Yu , Kato Takeshi , Goto Masahiro , Yuki Satoshi , Nishina Tomohiro , Oki Eiji , Shinozaki Eiji , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Hata Masayuki , Yoshino Takayuki 
Published: June 2021

3554 Background: ctDNA genotyping has been used as an alternative to tissue genotyping for precision oncology. In mCRC, although low plasma RAS variant allelic frequencies (VAFs) and low concordance with tissue RAS tests have been reported in pts with lung-only metastasis (mets) (Kagawa Y. et al., Clin Cancer Res 2021), the association of ctDNA identified using the next-generation sequencing method with metastatic sites is still unknown. Methods: We investigated the association between metastatic site and ctDNA detection by using the Guardant360 (G360), a ctDNA assay which detects 74 gene alterations including mutations with the 95% of limit of detection of 0.2%, in mCRC pts with single organ mets in pts who had not received anti-EGFR therapy in the SCRUM-Japan GOZILA study. We also evaluated the correlations between the size/number of mets by CT and detected VAFs. Results: Of 1187 mCRC pts enrolled in GOZILA, 138 pts (49 with liver-only, 15 with lymph node-only, 27 with peritoneum-only, and 47 with lung-only mets) were eligible for this study. The concordance of RAS/ BRAF status between G360 and tissue in-vitro diagnostic tests were 93.9% in liver-only, 80.0% in lymph node-only, 56.0% in peritoneum-only, and 65.9% in lung-only mets. The median maximum VAF (maxVAF) corresponding to the highest ctDNA fraction and the median numbers of detected variants were 23.1% and 5 in liver-only, 6.0% and 5 in lymph node-only, 0.4% and 3 in peritoneum-only, and 0.4% and 3 in lung-only (all P<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). A few pts with liver-only (2.0%) and lymph node-only mets (13.3%) had a maxVAF of <0.2%, but maxVAF was more frequently <0.2% in pts with lung-only (27.7%) or peritoneum-only mets (29.6%), especially in those with lung-only mets <20 mm as the longest diameter and <20 lesions (69.2%) or with peritoneum-only mets <20 mm as the longest diameter (87.5%). Conclusions: Lung-only and peritoneum-only mets had significantly lower maxVAF and lower numbers of detected variants, suggesting lower detections of subclonal variants. To ensure the sufficient clinical performance in G360 assay, inclusion of pts with lung-only mets ≥20 mm of longest diameter and/or ≥20 lesions, and ≥20 mm of the longest diameter in pts with peritoneum-only mets may be required.[Table: see text]
Circulating tumor derived cell-free DNA (ctDNA) to predict recurrence of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) following curative intent surgery or radiation.
Authors: Chee Bryant , Ibrahim Faaiz , Esquivel Mikaela , Van Seventer Emily E. , Jarnagin Joy X. , Zhang Li , Ju Jin Hyun , Price Kristin Sedgwick , Raymond Victoria M. , Corvera Carlos U. , Hirose Kenzo , Nakakura Eric K. , Van Loon Katherine , Corcoran Ryan Bruce , Parikh Aparna Raj , Atreya Chloe Evelyn 
Published: June 2021

3565 Background: Over half of patients (pts) with oligometastatic CRC treated with curative intent surgery or radiotherapy experience cancer recurrence with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. ctDNA detection post-definitive treatment could identify high risk pts for additional intervention to eliminate molecular residual disease. Here we report results of a prospective observational study aiming to determine ctDNA detection rates using a sensitive liquid biopsy and to correlate post-procedure ctDNA detection (post-ctDNA (+)) with radiographic mCRC recurrence. Methods: Pts with mCRC intending to undergo a curative intent procedure were prospectively recruited at two US sites. ctDNA was collected pre-procedure, 3 weeks post-procedure, and at multiple structured follow-up timepoints. The presence of ctDNA was evaluated using a plasma-only integrated genomic and epigenomic assay (Guardant Reveal, Guardant Health). A bioinformatic classifier was applied to differentiate tumor derived versus non-tumor derived cell-free DNA. Results: Among 52 enrolled pts, post-ctDNA data is available for 45 pts (87%), with a median of 4 (range 1-10) timepoints per pt. The sample analysis failure rate was 1% (2/217). As of 1/1/2021, the radiographic recurrence rate was 60% with a median follow-up time of 50 (range 4-192) weeks. 23 of 25 pts with post-ctDNA(+) have had recurrence (Positive Predictive Value [PPV], 92%). On average, ctDNA was detected 28 weeks before radiographic recurrence (mean 12 vs. 40 weeks, respectively). The two pts with post-ctDNA(+) but no recurrence have > 3 years follow-up; one pt received adjuvant chemotherapy and cleared ctDNA. With a median event-free follow-up time of 97 (range 4-192) weeks, 4 of 20 pts with no post-ctDNA detection (-) have recurred (Negative Predictive Value, 80%). 3 of 4 pts with recurrence despite post-ctDNA(-) also were pre-ctDNA(-). We observed a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 89% for the ctDNA assay. The median time to radiographic recurrence was 36 wks for ctDNA(+) vs. not reached for ctDNA(-) (Hazard Ratio, 7.7; 95% CI, 2.6-22.5; P <.001). Conclusions: In mCRC pts undergoing curative intent surgery or radiotherapy, detection of ctDNA post-procedure had a high PPV for cancer recurrence, with a median lead time of 6 months compared to surveillance imaging. Thus, ctDNA holds promise as a biomarker for pt enrollment on clinical trials and as an endpoint for monitoring of response to experimental therapies in this oligometastatic CRC population.
Final results from the CAVE (cetuximab rechallenge plus avelumab) mCRC phase II trial: Skin toxicity as a predictor of clinical activity.
Authors: Martini Giulia , Napolitano Stefania , Famiglietti Vincenzo , De Braud Filippo G. , Terminiello Marinella , Borrelli Carola , Vitiello Pietro Paolo , Avallone Antonio , Normanno Nicola , Maiello Evaristo , Falcone Alfredo , Santabarbara Giuseppe , Pinto Carmine , Santini Daniele , Di Liello Alessandra , Renato Daniela , Esposito Lucia , Marrone Francesca , Troiani Teresa , Ciardiello Davide 
Published: June 2021

3578 Background: Promising antitumor activity of so called rechallenge treatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) drugs in patients with RAS wild type (RAS WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has been recently reported. Beside the absence of resistance mutations at plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, no biomarkers of response to anti-EGFR rechallenge strategy have been identified. Methods: We conducted the single arm phase II CAVE mCRC trial to evaluate the combination of cetuximab as rechallenge plus avelumab treatment in 77 RAS WT mCRC patients, with complete (CR) or partial response (PR) to first line chemotherapy plus anti-EGFR drugs, who developed acquired resistance and received a subsequent line of therapy. A post-hoc baseline analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and EGFR-S492R mutations was performed for 67/77 (87%) patients. The correlation of skin toxicity (ST) and other clinical variables with OS, PFS and response rate (RR) was assessed. Results: Cetuximab plus avelumab provided in the intention to treat population (ITT) median overall survival (mOS) of 11.6 months [95% Confidence Interval (CI), 8.4-14.8] and median PFS (mPFS) of 3.6 months (95% CI, 3.2-4.1) with a manageable toxicity profile. Thirty-three (42.9%) patients experienced grade 2-3 ST with mOS of 17.8 months (CI 95% 14.9-20.7), whereas 44 (57.1%) patients with grade 0-1 ST exhibited mOS of 8.2 months (CI 95% 5.6-11), (HR 0.51, CI 95% 0.29-0.89, P = 0.019). mPFS was 4.6 months (CI 95% 3.5-5.8) in patients with grade 2-3 ST, compared to 3.4 months (CI 95% 2.8-4.1) in patients with grade 0-1 ST (HR 0.49, CI 95% 0.3-0.8, P = 0.004). Grade 2-3 ST and baseline RAS/BRAF/EGFR WT ctDNA were the only variables with statistically significant effect on OS both at univariate and multivariate analyses. ST, number of metastatic sites ≤2, surgery of primary tumor and RAS/BRAF/EGFR WT ctDNA were associated with an improvement in PFS only at univariate analysis. In the 33 patients with grade 2-3 ST, 1 (3%) CR, 2 (6.1%) PR and 24 (72.7%) stable disease (SD) were observed, with disease control rate (DCR) of 81.8%. In the 44 patients with grade 0-1 ST 0 CR, 3 (6.8%) PR, 20 (45.5%) SD, with 52.3% DCR were reported. Conclusions: Cetuximab plus avelumab is effective and well tolerated as rechallenge treatment in mCRC. ST is a clinical biomarker for the identification of RAS/BRAF mCRC patients that could benefit from anti-EGFR rechallenge. Clinical trial information: NCT04561336.
Circulating tumor DNA and circumferential resection margin as key prognostic indicators for survival in rectal cancer.
Authors: Shepherdson Mia , Symonds Erin L. , Byrne Susan , Gormly Kirsten , Karapetis Christos Stelios , Vatandoust Sina , Young Graeme P. , Roy Amitesh Chandra 
Published: June 2021

3579 Background: Recurrence of colorectal cancer has been linked to the presence of epigenetic circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in patient plasma after surgery. The prognostic significance of ctDNA prior to treatment remains unknown. This study investigated the correlation between pre-treatment ctDNA and current radiological (MRI) prognostic markers in patients with rectal cancer. Methods: Forty-two patients with rectal cancer were enrolled, with all having staging MRI prior to treatment. Plasma was taken for ctDNA at diagnosis. The presence of either methylated branched-chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) or Ikaros family zinc finger (IKZF1) in cell-free DNA from plasma was deemed a positive ctDNA result. Correlation of MRI prognostic indicators and ctDNA results was assessed with chi-square tests. Univariable and multivariable cox regression analyses were performed to determine variables associated with overall survival (OS). Results: Mean age was 64.4 years (SD 12.5) and majority were male (30/42, 71.4%). 11, 13, 9 & 9 patients had stages I, II, III, IV respectively. Patients had a minimum follow-up of 36 months. Thirty-three (78.6%) patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. 29 (69.0%) patients underwent surgical resection. 3-year survival rate was 64% in the overall group. 67% (n=28/42) of patients were positive for the methylated ctDNA at diagnosis. 11 out of 12 patients with a positive circumferential resection margin (CRM +) were ctDNA positive (p=0.03). Univariable analysis showed that prognostic indicators for OS were presence of extramural venous invasion (EMVI) (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.1-8.4), CRM+ (HR 12.2, 95%CI 3.9-37.6), metastatic disease (HR 7.32, 95% CI 2.63-20.37) and ctDNA% methylation (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.04-1.13) (Table 1). The presence of CRM+ and a positive ctDNA had a HR of 20.5 (95% CI 5.1-82.3). With multivariable analysis, including adjustment for age and EMVI, only CRM+/ctDNA+ variable was an independent predictor for poor survival (HR 20.2, 95% CI 4.5-90.9). Conclusions: In rectal cancer, almost all patients with CRM involvement have ctDNA, and these patients had the worst prognosis. Future studies with longitudinal ctDNA assessment pre and post treatment could potentially inform prognosis and help tailor patients’ treatment.[Table: see text]
Parameters associated with outcomes in pretreated MSI/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI): Subgroup analysis of a prospective cohort.
Authors: Colle Raphael , Cachanado Marine , Rousseau Alexandra , Svrcek Magali , Menu Yves , Cohen Romain , Andre Thierry 
Published: June 2021

3580 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have demonstrated efficacy in patients (pts) with MSI/dMMR mCRC. We aimed to evaluate clinical, pathological and molecular factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in ICI-treated pretreated mCRC patients (pts). Methods: Pts are drawn from a prospective cohort of all patients treated with ICI for MSI/dMMR mCRC at Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France. All MSI/dMMR mCRC pts with disease progression after ≥ 1 prior systemic treatment (fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin or irinotecan ± targeted therapy) were included. MSI/dMMR status was centrally reviewed. Lynch syndrome or sporadic status was determined according to MMR gene germline mutational testing, MLH1 methylation status and BRAFV600E mutation. PFS and objective response rate (ORR) were assessed using iRECIST criteria. The impact of Lynch syndrome on PFS was analyzed apart from the multivariate analysis due to the interaction with the BRAFV600E mutation status. Results: Of 130 included pts, 66 received anti-PD1 alone, 1 anti-PDL1 alone and 63 anti-PD1 plus anti-CTLA4. 71% have had at least 2 prior lines of treatment. 33 patients (25%) have BRAFV600Emutation (mt) and 49 (38%) RASmt. The ORR for the whole population was 62.8 % IC95% [53.8; 71.1]. Median follow-up was 21.0 months, median PFS and OS were not reached. Results of PFS unadjusted and adjusted analysis are displayed in the table. BRAFV600E and RAS mutation were not associated with PFS and OS in multivariate analyses. After adjustment for the treatment type, Hazard Ratio (HR) for PFS between patients with proven Lynch syndrome (N=44) and patients with proven sporadic tumors (n= 44) was 0.57 (95%IC 0.26 -1.26). Conclusions: In this cohort, main known clinical, pathological and molecular factors do not influence the efficacy of ICI in pre-treated MSI/dMMR mCRC.[Table: see text]
Minimal residual disease by circulating tumor DNA analysis for colorectal cancer patients receiving radical surgery: An initial report from CIRCULATE-Japan.
Authors: Yukami Hiroki , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Watanabe Jun , Kotaka Masahito , Yamazaki Kentaro , Hirata Keiji , Emi Yasunori , Yokota Mitsuru , Kato Kentaro , Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Ikeda Masataka , Aleshin Alexey , Kotani Daisuke , Mishima Saori , Shirasu Hiromichi , Oki Eiji , Takemasa Ichiro , Kato Takeshi , Taniguchi Hiroya , Yoshino Takayuki 
Published: June 2021

3608 Background: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis can be used to predict the risk of recurrence by detecting molecular residual disease (MRD) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We are conducting a prospective observational study to monitor MRD status in patients with clinical stage II–IV or relapsed CRC amenable to radical surgical resection (GALAXY study), as part of the CIRCULATE-Japan, a nationwide ctDNA-guided precision adjuvant therapy project. Methods: Analysis of ctDNA is being performed at pre- and post-surgery timepoints and will continue periodically for up to 2 years using Signatera, a personalized, tumor-informed ctDNA assay that is designed to track 16 patient-specific somatic variants based on whole-exome sequencing of tumor tissue. The association of peri-operative ctDNA status with clinicopathological characteristics was investigated. Results: As of January 13, 2021, 941 patients have been enrolled in the GALAXY study, of which 400 patients had their pre-operative ctDNA status evaluated. Of the 400 patients, baseline ctDNA was detected in 92% (367/400) of the patients: consisting of 35 patients with pathological stage (pStage) I, 135 with pStage II, 152 with pStage III, and 78 with pStage IV or relapsed disease (pStage IV/R). Patient-specific Signatera assays targeting 16 variants were designed for 100% of the patients. Out of the 6400 designed variants 99.3% passed quality control in the plasma analysis and produced the final results. Among 4425 genes selected for 400 patients, 3330 genes were selected for only one patient, while TP53 was the most commonly selected in 113 patients (28%). Median ctDNA levels, measured in mean tumor molecules per mL of plasma and ctDNA detection rate, stratified by stage are presented in table. Positive ctDNA status post-surgery was significantly associated with advanced pStage, pT and pN, and lymphovascular invasion. Of the 13 patients with recurrence, 10 were detected with a positive ctDNA at 4-weeks post-surgery, before confirmation of recurrence by the radiological imaging. Conclusions: Preoperative ctDNA detection rates were observed to be in >90% in patients with pStage II–III by personalized ctDNA assay based on unique somatic variants, specific to each patient. ctDNA- based MRD detected post-surgery (4W) was significantly associated with certain known clinicopathological factors for recurrence with ctDNA positivity associated with a very short-term of recurrence. Clinical trial information: 000039205. [Table: see text]
hENT1 gene expression as a predictor of response to gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in advanced pancreatic cancer.
Authors: Perera Sheron , Jang Gun Ho , Zhang Amy , Denroche Robert Edward , Dodd Anna , Ramotar Stephanie , Hutchinson Shawn , Wang Yifan , Tehfe Mustapha , Ramjeesingh Ravi , Biagi James Joseph , Lam Bernard , Wilson Julie , Notta Faiyaz , Fischer Sandra , Zogopoulos George , Gallinger Steven , Grant Robert C , Knox Jennifer J. , O'Kane Grainne M. 
Published: June 2021

4011 Background: Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) belongs to a family of nucleoside transporters critical to entry of gemcitabine into cells. The prognostic and predictive characteristics of this biomarker in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have primarily been evaluated by immunohistochemistry, with conflicting results. We explored the impact of hENT1 gene expression in the Comprehensive Molecular Characterization of Advanced Ductal Pancreas Adenocarcinoma for Better Treatment Selection (COMPASS) trial. Methods: Patients were enrolled on COMPASS from December 2015 to June 2020 and underwent a biopsy for whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing prior to first chemotherapy in the advanced setting. Biopsies underwent laser capture microdissection to enrich for tumour epithelium. Chemotherapy regimen was determined based on clinician preference. The cut-off thresholds for hENT1 expression were determined using the maximal chi-squared statistic. Response rates and overall survival (OS) were computed based on hENT1 expression and chemotherapy regimen. Results: 254 patients were included in the analyses with a median follow-up time of 18 months. 146 patients were treated with modified FOLFIRINOX (FFX), 104 with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (GnP), and 16 received no systemic therapy. Based on gene expression levels, 133 patients were classified as hENT1 high and 121 as hENT1 low. hENT1 expression was significantly associated with the modified Moffitt classifier with higher expression seen in classical tumours (p < 0.001). In the entire cohort, median OS was 10.0 months in hENT1 high vs. 8.3 months in hENT1 low (adjusted HR 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.59 - 1.03, p = 0.08). In patients receiving modified FFX, there was no difference in response rates (32% vs. 31%, p = 1.00) or OS (10.6 vs. 10.6 months, p = 0.94) between the hENT1 high and hENT1 low groups, respectively. However, in patient treated with GnP, response rates were significantly higher in hENT1 high patients compared to those with hENT1 low tumors (45% vs. 21%, p = 0.035). Median OS in this GnP treated cohort was 9.8 months in hENT1 high vs. 6.1 months hENT1 low (p = 0.003). In an interaction analysis, hENT was predictive of treatment response to GnP (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Biomarkers predictive of response to GnP and FFX are urgently needed. Here we demonstrate that hENT1 gene expression is a predictor of response to GnP in advanced PDAC.
Gemcitabine (Gem) and nab-paclitaxel (NP) ± nivolumab (nivo) ± CD40 agonistic monoclonal antibody APX005M (sotigalimab), in patients (Pts) with untreated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPDAC): Phase (Ph) 2 final results.
Authors: O'Hara Mark H. , O'Reilly Eileen Mary , Wolff Robert A. , Wainberg Zev A. , Ko Andrew H. , Rahma Osama E. , Fisher George A. , Lyman Jaclyn Paige , Cabanski Christopher R. , Karakunnel Joyson Joseph , Gherardini Pier Federico , Kitch Lacey J. , Bucktrout Samantha , Christopher Elizabeth , Mick Rosemarie , Chen Richard , Trifan Ovidiu C. , Salvador Lisa , O'Donnell-Tormey Jill , Vonderheide Robert H. 
Published: June 2021

4019 Background: Results from a ph1b trial evaluating gem/NP with CD40 agonistic monoclonal antibody APX005M ± nivo demonstrated promising clinical activity in pts with untreated mPDAC (O’Hara 2021). Herein, we report results from the follow-on, randomized (rand) ph2 trial evaluating gem/NP ± nivo ± APX005M. Methods: Pts with untreated mPDAC were rand to 1 of 3 open-label arms: gem/NP/nivo (A), gem/NP/APX005M (B), gem/NP/nivo/APX005M (C). All pts were treated with 1000 mg/m2 gem and 125 mg/m2 NP. Patients received 240 mg nivo in arms A and C and 0.3 mg/kg APX005M (RP2D) IV in arms B and C. Ph1b pts were included in ph2 analyses. 1° endpoint: 1-year OS rate of each arm, compared to a 35% historical OS rate for gem/NP (Von Hoff 2013). Key 2° endpoints: ORR, DCR, DOR, PFS and safety. Tumor and blood were collected for biomarker analysis. Planned enrollment of 35 pts/arm provided 81% power for testing the alternative of 58% OS rate vs 35%, using a 1-sided, 1-sample Z test with 5% type I error. Trial was not powered for cross-arm comparison. Results: 93 pts were rand in ph2 (N = 34, 30, 29 to A, B, C); when ph1b pts included, a total of 105 pts (34, 36, 35) were analyzed for efficacy and 108 pts (36, 37, 35) for safety. Min follow-up was 14 months (mos). Baseline characteristics were balanced across arms, inclusive of tumor burden, presence of liver metastases and stage at initial diagnosis (stage 1-3 vs 4). 1-year OS rate was 57% (1-sided p = 0.007 vs 35% historical rate, 95% lower CI bound = 41%) for A, 51% (p = 0.029, 95% bound = 36%) for B and 41% (p = 0.236, 95% bound = 27%) for C. Median OS and secondary endpoints are listed in Table. TRAE rates were similar across arms and to ph1b. 8 (7%) pts experienced an AE leading to tx discontinuation (6, 1, 1 in A, B, C), 40 (37%) pts experienced a serious TRAE (14, 15, 11 in A, B, C) and 2 pts died due to TRAEs; 1 each in B (acute hepatic failure) and C (intracranial hemorrhage). Conclusions: In this ongoing, seamless ph1b/2 trial of gem/NP ± nivo ± APX005M in pts with mPDAC, antitumor activity was observed in all arms. 1° endpoint of 1-year OS > 35% was met when combining gem/NP with either nivo or APX005M; however, not the combination. Safety was manageable; consistent with ph1b. Detailed multiomic immune and tumor biomarker analyses are underway to elucidate mechanisms of action and inform pt subsets that benefit most from these combinations. Clinical trial information: NCT03214250. [Table: see text]