bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune response to reovirus (REO) in phase I study with chemotherapy in patients with KRAS mutant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Parakrama Ruwan , Chaudhary Imran , Coffey Matthew C. , Goel Sanjay , Maitra Radhashree 
Published: February 2018

217 Background: Viruses are well known immune sensitizing agents. The therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic reovirus in combination with chemotherapy is underway in a phase 1 study of mCRC. This study evaluates the nature of immune response by determining the distribution of antigen presenting cells (APCs) and activated T lymphocytes along with the cytokine expression pattern in peripheral circulation. Methods: REO was administered as a 60-minute intravenous infusion for 5 consecutive days every 28 days, at a tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) of 3x106. Serum was collected pre- and post- REO on days 1, pre REO on days 2-5, and days 8, 15, 22, and 29. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated and stained with fluorophore labelled antibodies against CD4, CD8, CD56, CD70, and CD123. Stained cells were fixed and evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression profile of 25 cytokines in plasma was assessed (post PBMC isolation) on an EMD Millipore multiplex Luminex platform. Results: Patients mount a robust immune response with dendritic cell maturation at 48 hrs (p < 0.01) followed by activation of cytotoxic T (CD8+) cells at Day 8 (p < 0.01). Cytokine assay indicated upregulation of Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β; p = 0.004), Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF; p = 0.05), the chemokine Macrophage Inflammatory Proteins (MIP-1β; p = 0.05) at day 15. Furthermore, consistent upregulation of inflammatory cytokine IL-6 was seen from days 3 through 8 (p < 0.05), and decrease in IL-8 at 72 hrs (p = 0.03) was observed. Conclusions: REO induces strong immune response in patients with mCRC. APCs are stimulated within 48 hrs and activated (CD8+ CD70+) T cells within 168 hrs. Cytokine profiling indicates stimulation for maturation of APCs, chemotactic induction for macrophages and activation of T cells as highlighted by release of IL-1β, GM-CSF and MIP-1β respectively. Sustained increased expression of IL-6 (triggering lymphocyte maturation) and downregulation of IL-8 (pro-angiogenic cytokine) is also observed. REO thus functions bimodally as an oncolytic agent causing lysis of tumor cells, and facilitator of immune-mediated recognition and destruction of tumor cells. Clinical trial information: NCT01274624.
Characterization of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) interplay for gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GA) and colorectal carcinoma (CRC).
Authors: Huang Xiu , Tse Julie Y , Protopopov Alexei , Russell Meaghan , Weeraratne Dilhan , Ring Jennifer E. , Bjonnes Andrew , Pei Shermin , Sun Ruobai , Lvova Maria , Li Yajuan , Lyle Stephen , Vuzman Dana 
Published: February 2018

22 Background: Tumor genomic instability is positively correlated with immunotherapy response. It confers different tumor phenotypes, including high TMB (TMB-H) and high MSI (MSI-H). Recently the US Food and Drug Administration approved MSI-H phenotype as a biomarker for immunotherapy, highlighting its importance, but also bringing up the question of how TMB as another promising biomarker is going to add value in the field. Here, we characterized TMB and MSI profiles to better understand the potential TMB contribution and identify genomic markers for it. Methods: 734 solid tumor were collected, with 462 CRC, and 272 GA samples. Large panel Next-Generation Sequencing assay with the ability to determine TMB and MSI, was performed on each sample. Based on the TMB and MSI status, patients were grouped into four categories: THMH (TMB-H and MSI-H), THMS (TMB-H and MSI-Stable), TLMH (TMB-Low and MSI-H), and TLMS (TMB-Low and MSI-Stable). To identify genes that are related to the interplay of TMB and MSI, Random Forest and Lasso Regression models were applied to identify genes most predictive of the four categories. Results: TMB and MSI are highly correlated in our cohort of CRC and GA tumors. However, 5.8% CRC and 12.9% GA samples are under THMS (Table 1). In these samples, alternate DNA repair pathways are potentially dysregulated, including the nucleotide excision pathway (ATRX, APC), DNA double strand break repair (FANCF, SETD2), and the previously described proofreading pathway (POLD1). We hypothesize that these patients may also derive clinical benefit from immunotherapy. Conclusions: Immunotherapy benefits could be extended to more patients by jointly measuring MSI and TMB. The corresponding marker genes could also be extended beyond the commonly known POLE/POLD1 genes. Orthogonal validation by Whole Exome Sequencing data of the in silico mined marker genes is currently underway. [Table: see text]
Genomic biomarkers in relation to PD-1 checkpoint blockade response.
Authors: Seiwert Tanguy Y. , Cristescu Razvan , Mogg Robin , Ayers Mark , Albright Andrew , Sher Xinwei , Liu Xiaoqiao , Nebozhyn Michael , Zhang Chunsheng , Lunceford Jared , Joe Andrew K. , Cheng Jonathan D. , Webber Andrea L , Ibrahim Nageatte , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Ott Patrick Alexander , Ribas Antoni , McClanahan Terrill , Loboda Andrey , Kaufman David Ross 
Published: February 2018

25 Background: Somatic tumor mutational burden (TMB) and a T-cell inflamed gene expression profile (GEP) predict response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies in multiple tumor types. We assessed the potential for GEP and TMB to jointly predict clinical response to pembrolizumab and to identify distinct, targetable patterns of biology that may modulate response/resistance. Methods: To assess the individual and joint clinical utility of TMB and GEP in a pan-tumor context, pembrolizumab-treated patients with advanced solid tumors and melanoma were stratified as 4 biomarker-defined clinical response groups (GEP low/TMB low, GEP low/TMB high, GEP high/TMB low, GEP high/TMB high; N > 300) based on cutoffs for TMB (ROC Youden Index associated) and GEP (selected via analysis of pan cancer data). TMB and GEP were used to guide transcriptome and exome analysis of tumors in 2 large databases (Moffitt, n = 2944; TCGA, n = 6978). Results: TMB and GEP had a low, but significant, correlation in these clinical datasets. ORR was highest in GEP high/TMB high (37-57%), modest in GEP high/TMB low (12-35%) and GEP low/TMB high (11-42%), and lowest in GEP low/TMB low (0-9%) groups. Within the Moffitt and TCGA databases, GEP and TMB again had a low correlation, demonstrating their potential joint utility for stratifying additional transcriptomic and genomic features of these datasets. Specific gene modules showed strong positive or negative and highly statistically significant associations with TMB, GEP or both in each dataset, and patterns were consistent between datasets. In particular, gene set enrichment analysis identified proliferative, stromal and vascular biology corresponding to specific TMB-defined subgroups within GEP high tumors. In TMB-high tumors, indication-dependent somatic DNA alterations in key cancer driver genes showed a strong negative association ( P< 1e-5) with GEP. Conclusions: This analysis shows that TMB and T-cell inflamed GEP score can stratify human cancers into groups with different response rates to pembrolizumab monotherapy, and identify patterns of underlying, targetable biology related to these groups. This approach may provide a precision medicine framework for evaluating anti-PD-1/L1-based combination therapy regimens. Clinical trial information: NCT01848834; NCT02054806; NCT01295827; NCT01866319.
Combined chemoradiotherapy and PARP inhibition in pancreatic cancer to induce a synchronous inflammatory cytokine response.
Authors: Anderson Eric , Liu Zhenqiu , Noe Paul , Kubota Yuzu , Yang Wensha , Nissen Nicholas N. , Hendifar Andrew Eugene , Shiao Stephen L. , Tuli Richard 
Published: February 2018

29 Background: Outcomes remain poor for patients with locally advanced pancreas cancer despite advances in combined modality therapy. Radiation and chemotherapy remain the mainstay of treatment for unresectable locally advanced pancreas cancer, and the addition of various agents is currently being assessed in clinical trials. There is increasing evidence that local inflammation and host immune response play a role in anti-tumor activity. We aimed to assess the impact of combined chemoradiotherapy and PARP inhibition on inflammatory cytokine production in pancreas cancer patients. Methods: A clinical trial of concurrent use of a PARP inhibitor with chemoradiation was performed on a cohort of 34 patients. Serum samples were collected at baseline and weekly during intensity modulated radiotherapy treatment. Concentrations of various inflammatory cytokines were measured in picograms per milliliter using a chemiluminescent assay. Comparisons between average percentage change from baseline to peak change of serum cytokine concentration across all patients was performed using a paired T test. Results: Multiple inflammatory cytokines experienced a statistically significant increase after patient treatment. Peak serum increase occurred within 3-5 weeks after treatment initiation for the majority of cytokines tested. The most significantly increased pro-angiogenic cytokines included placental growth factor (p = 2.21x10-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 1.19x10-4), which peaked at weeks 4 and 5, respectively. Multiple members of the interleukin family also increased significantly. Both IL-7 (p = 1.89x10-4) and IL-17a (p = 7.26x10-4) peaked at weeks 4. IL-5 (p = 8.84x10-5) and IL-15 (p = 1.26x10-15) peaked at weeks 3 and 4, respectively. Conclusions: Patients receiving combined PARP inhibitor and chemoradiation experience a stereotyped increase in inflammatory cytokine signaling that peaks at approximately 1 month after initiation of treatment. Changes in serum inflammatory cytokines may serve as biomarkers of response to treatment and could underpin future combined treatment modalities including immunomodulating agents.
Myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome adverse events with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Authors: Garcia Catherine R. , Cox Jessica N , Villano John L. 
Published: February 2018

37 Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have provided landmark breakthrough achieving success in prolonging survival in multiple cancer types. As a new class of therapy immune related serious adverse drug reactions (sADRs) have had limited reporting. This includes neurologic based, with reports limited to clinical trials and case-based. Ours is the largest database analysis to date reporting neurological adverse events after ICI therapy. Methods: We analyzed the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database for pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab two years prior their FDA approval to September 2017, to include all cases reported with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), Myasthenia gravis, ocular myasthenia, and myasthenic syndrome after the usage of ICI. Results: A total 35,726 cases were reported in FAERS. We identified a total of 263 cases of which 121 (46%) were GBS, 112 (42.6%) myasthenia gravis, 22 myasthenic syndrome (8.4%), and 8 (3%) ocular myasthenia. The mean age in our study was 66 years, with 63% being male. The majority of the cases were reported in the United States (49%), followed by Japan (10%), France (6%), and Australia (5.7%). Over 30% of patients presented more than one significant symptom. Around 20% of these patients were taking more than one immune checkpoint inhibitor, combining ipilimumab with either nivolumab or pembrolizumab. A significantly higher proportion of patients with GBS taking more than one ICI (28.1%, p = 0.013). Nivolumab was the most common ICI in patients with myasthenia gravis, myasthenic syndrome, and ocular myasthenia, while ipilimumab was the most common in patients with GBS. Sixty four percent of these patients required hospitalization, 17% were reported as life threatening events, 7% resulted in disability, and 22% died. Conclusions: Neurological adverse events associated with ICI are relatively uncommon, but can have serious clinical consequences. Recognizing and detailing neurological immune syndromes in relation to ICI therapy are essential in the oncological and neurological practice due to the growing usage of these agents in cancer treatment.
Decreased cellular and humoral immunity in patients with breast cancer.
Authors: Zavadova Eva , Spacek Jan , Vocka Michal , Konopasek Bohuslav , Petruzelka Lubos 
Published: February 2018

4 Background: A growing body of evidence over the past few years suggests that the presence of immune elements within the tumor or in the tumor stroma has prognostic and predictive value in breast cancer. Immunotherapy is successfully used in many types of cancer, and modulation of immune system became standard part of the cancer patients treatment Responses in breast cancer have been more recently reported. However it has yet to be determined whether predictable biomarkers of response can be identified. Therefore in recent years, research focused on a precise description of the status and function of the immune system.The purpose of the study was to monitor immune responses in patients with breast cancer, particularly the examination of cellular (CD4, CD8, B cells) as well as humoral immunity (IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4. It appears that a factor contributing to the immunosupression may be a transforming factor-beta (TGF-beta).It is highly immunosuppressive factor that inhibits the natural and specific immunity against tumors. Methods: 50 patients included in the research project were implemented routine cancer treatment. Basic parameters (histological type and grade, the degree of expression of ER and PR, HER2, and the proliferative marker) were established. Patients were evaluated by a cancer clinical immunologist to exclude immune disorders, allergic or autoimmune origin. Anti-tumor cellular immunity (CD4, CD8, CD19) was measured by flow citometry, humoral immunity (IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4) was measured and TGF beta and VEGF production was monitored by ELISA. Results: In breast cancer patients mainly depression in cellular immunity was found. Immunglobuline plasma level was decreased as well (mainly IgG4 subtype). TGF beta as well as VEGF plasma level were increased. Most patients have shown clinical symptoms of immunodeficiency (frequent infections of respiratory or urinary tract, herpetic infections).Those patient could benefit from immunomodulation. Conclusions: The state of anticancer immunity could contribute to the selection of targeted immune therapy in breast cancer patients and to help to find optimal combination of immunotherapy. This project was supported by governmental grant AZV CR 15-28188A.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in androgen receptor-positive, triple-negative breast cancer.
Authors: Leon-Ferre Roberto Antonio , Polley Mei-Yin , Liu Heshan , Cafourek Victoria , Boughey Judy Caroline , Kalari Krishna R. , Negron Vivian , Liu Minetta C. , Ingle James N. , Couch Fergus , Visscher Daniel W. , Goetz Matthew P. 
Published: February 2018

5 Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an immunogenic breast cancer subtype, with a greater percentage of tumors containing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) compared to non-TNBC. TILs are prognostic for recurrence and predictive for chemotherapy benefit in TNBC, but not in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors. A subset of TNBC expresses the androgen receptor (AR), and resembles ER-positive breast cancer in terms of demographics (older age) and clinical course (later recurrences that tend to involve bone). However, little is known regarding the association between TILs and AR expression in TNBC. Methods: From a cohort of 9982 women with surgically-treated non-metastatic breast cancer, patients who met criteria for TNBC (ER/PR < 1% and HER2-negative) by centralized-pathology review were included as previously published [Leon-Ferre et al, Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017]. Stromal TILs in these tumors were quantified on full-face hematoxylin and eosin sections from the surgical specimen, following the 2014 TIL Working Group recommendations [Salgado et al, Ann Oncol 2014]. The expression of AR [EPR1535(2), Abcam] was scored as a continuous variable (1% increments), and categorized as absent (0%), low (1-25% ), low-moderate (26-50%) moderate (51-75%) and high (> 75%) and correlated with TIL density. Results: 605 patients met criteria for TNBC. The median age was 56 years. Most tumors were T1-2 (95%), N0-1 (86%), and high grade (88%). The median stromal TIL content was 20% (0-90%). Tumor tissue was available for AR staining in 509/605 patients. 165 (32%) tumors expressed AR as follows: low: 12%, low-moderate: 7%, moderate: 5%, and high: 8%. Apocrine tumors (n = 30) expressed AR most frequently (86%) and at higher levels (AR high: 50%). For all 509 tumors, the median stromal TIL content according to AR expression was AR absent: 20%, AR low: 20%, AR low-moderate: 15%, AR high: 10%. AR and stromal TILs (both as continuous variables) demonstrated a weak inverse correlation (correlation coefficient -0.1064, p = 0.017). Conclusions: AR expression in TNBC is associated with lower levels of stromal TILs. Additional data correlating the AR, stromal TILs and outcomes in this cohort will be presented at the meeting.
Multispecific antibodies targeting CD38 show potent tumor-specific cytotoxicity.
Authors: Force Aldred Shelley , Boudreau Andrew , Buelow Ben , Clarke Starlynn , Dang Kevin , Davison Laura , Harris Katherine , Iyer Suhasini , Jorgensen Brett , Ogana Heather , Pham Duy , Pratap Payal , Rangaswamy Udaya , Schellenberger Ute , Trinklein Nathan , Ugamraj Harshad , Vafa Omid , Van Schooten Wim 
Published: February 2018

57 Background: Multivalent antibodies targeting either CD38 alone or CD38 in conjunction with PD-L1 may yield therapeutics with superior biological activities and provide benefit for treating malignancies expressing low levels of CD38 (MCL, NHL, T cell lymphomas and Daratumumab refractory MM). Multivalent, multispecific antibodies kill CD38low cells through a variety of mechanisms including stronger and more specific engagement of CD38. Potent and directed immune checkpoint inhibition is realized by adding an anti-PD-L1 binding domain. Teneobio’s discovery platform utilizes VH domains (UniDabs) of fully human heavy chain antibodies (UniAbs) to develop bi-, tri-, and tetravalent antibodies. Methods: Individual UniDabs targeting CD38 and PDL1 were identified using our unique sequence-based discovery platform and high-throughput lead evaluation pipeline (TeneoSeek). This robust screening workflow enables evaluation of a large diversity of natural fully human antibodies, targeting multiple epitopes on a single antigen and uncovering important sequence activity relationships. UniDabs from transgenic rats are ideal building blocks for the generation of potent and highly manufacturable multivalent antibody therapeutics. Results: We have identified UniDabs that efficiently block PD-1/PD-L1 interaction as well as additional UniDabs that bind to five different functional epitopes on human CD38. Using different combinations and arrangements of UniDabs, a variety of multivalent antibodies were constructed and evaluated in in vitro models. Specific combinations of UniDabs show more potent cytotoxic effects than Daratumumab for multiple mechanisms including CDC and direct apoptosis. Conclusions: Data from a range of assay types show that multivalent UniAbs targeting CD38 can be engineered to display superior tumor cell cytotoxicity through multiple mechanisms of action.
Interim results of a phase 1/2 study of JNJ-63723283, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced cancers.
Authors: Calvo Emiliano , Moreno Victor , Felip Enriqueta , Curigliano Giuseppe , Morgensztern Daniel , Greger James , Bae Kyounghwa , Mayer Christina Lourdes , Marino Jennifer , Attiyeh Edward F. , Xie Hong , Lee James J. 
Published: February 2018

58 Background: JNJ-63723283 (JNJ-283), an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 antibody, enhances T cell-mediated cytokine induction and reduces tumor volume in preclinical models. A phase 1/2 study is ongoing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of JNJ-283 in patients (pts) with advanced cancers. Methods: Eligible pts have advanced or refractory solid tumor malignancies. Phase 1 dose escalation starting from 80 mg Q2W was supported by a modified continual reassessment method to identify the recommended phase 2 dose(s) (RP2D). Safety and efficacy of the RP2D(s) will be evaluated in phase 2. Pharmacokinetics (PK), receptor occupancy (RO) and other pharmacodynamic parameters were assessed. Results: As of data cut-off, 32 pts were treated with JNJ-283 80 mg (n = 4), 240 mg (n = 16) or 460 mg (n = 4) Q2W, or 480 mg (n = 8) Q4W; 16 pts remain on study drug. Median duration of treatment was 58 days (range 16 – 240). Median age was 56 years (range 27 - 80) and median prior lines of therapy was 3 (range 1 - 12). One dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 pleural effusion was reported at 240 mg Q2W. An RP2D of 240 mg Q2W is being evaluated in phase 2. Most common adverse events (AEs) were anemia (28.1%), hypertension (28.1%), diarrhea (21.9%) and hyponatremia (21.9%). Observed serious AEs were pleural effusion, pneumonia and chest pain (6.3% each). Infusion-related AEs of nausea and rash occurred in 6.3% of pts each. Immune-related AEs (irAEs) were reported in 21.8% of pts and were mostly grade 1-2; grade 3 irAEs included pleural effusion, pneumonitis, AST increased and ALT increased. One pt discontinued treatment due to a treatment-related AE. Three pts achieved a partial response at 240 mg Q2W; 18 pts achieved stable disease or better. Preliminary serum JNJ-283 concentrations demonstrated linear PK with dose-proportional increases and interpatient variability generally consistent with monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Preliminary circulating T cell RO demonstrated dose-independent saturation. Conclusions: JNJ-283 displayed a well-tolerated safety profile with preliminary antitumor activity in pts with advanced cancers. The trial is ongoing to further characterize the safety, PK and clinical activity of JNJ-283. Clinical trial information: 2016-002017-22.