bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiregion gene-expression profiling to reveal heterogeneity in molecular subtypes and immunotherapy response signatures in lung cancer.
Authors: Lee Won-Chul , Diao Lixia , Wang Jing , Zhang Jianhua , Roarty Emily , Chow Chi-Wan , Fujimoto Junya , Behrens Carmen , Cascone Tina , Peng Weiyi , Kalhor Neda , Moran Cesar , Johnson Faye M. , William William N. , Swisher Stephen , Heymach John , Wistuba Ignacio Ivan , Futreal Andrew , Zhang Jianjun ,   Gene Expression ITH Study Team
Published: September 2018

e20077 Background: Intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) may be present in all molecular levels. Genomic ITH at the exome level has been reported in many cancer types, but comprehensive gene expression ITH has not been well studied. Methods: We collected 35 samples from 10 NSCLC patients (3 or 4 regions/tumor) including lung adenocarcinoma (n = 6), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 2), large cell carcinoma (n = 1) and pleomorphic carcinoma (n = 1). Using Affymetrix Gene 1.0 ST arrays, we generated the gene expression data for each sample. Diverse gene expression signatures associated with clinical outcomes were tested for ITH. Results: Inter-tumor heterogeneity was generally higher than intra-tumor heterogeneity, but some tumors showed a substantial level of ITH. The analysis of various clinically relevant gene expression signatures including molecular subtype, EMT and immunotherapy response signatures also revealed heterogeneity between different regions of the same tumor. The gene expression ITH we observed was associated with heterogeneous tumor microenvironments represented by stromal and immune cells infiltrated. Conclusions: Our data suggest that RNA-based prognostic or predictive molecular tests should be carefully conducted in consideration of the gene expression ITH.
Brigatinib (BRG) in crizotinib (CRZ)-refractory ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Updates from ALTA, a pivotal randomized phase 2 trial.
Authors: Ahn Myung-Ju , Camidge D. Ross , Tiseo Marcello , Reckamp Karen L. , Holmskov Hansen Karin , Kim Sang-We , Huber Rudolf M. , West Howard Jack , Groen Harry J.M. , Hochmair Maximilian J. , Leighl Natasha B. , Gettinger Scott N. , Langer Corey J. , Paz-Ares Luis G. , Smit Egbert F. , Kim Edward S. , Reichmann William , Kerstein David , Kim Dong-Wan 
Published: September 2018

e20503 Background: Most ALK+ NSCLC patients (pts) receiving CRZ eventually experience disease progression. Based on promising activity in a phase 1/2 trial, a randomized phase 2 trial of the ALK inhibitor BRG in pts with CRZ-refractory, advanced ALK+ NSCLC (ALTA; NCT02094573) was initiated. Responses and adverse events (AEs) varied with starting dose; therefore, ALTA was designed to evaluate 2 distinct BRG regimens. Methods: Pts were stratified by presence of baseline (BL) brain metastases and best response to prior CRZ and randomized 1:1 to receive BRG at 90 mg qd (arm A) or 180 mg qd with a 7-d lead-in at 90 mg (arm B). Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed confirmed objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1. Results: In 222 pts (arm A/B, n=112/n=110), median age was 51/57 y; 71%/67% had brain metastases. As of May 31, 2016, 51%/56% (A/B) continued to receive BRG; median follow-up was 10.2/11.0 mo. Table shows efficacy. In pts with measurable BL brain metastases (A/B, n=26/n=18), confirmed intracranial ORR was 46%/67%. Most common treatment-emergent AEs (A/B) were: nausea 36%/43%, diarrhea 21%/39%, cough 23%/36%, headache 28%/30%, vomiting 28%/26%; grade ≥3 AEs included increased CPK 3%/10%, hypertension 6%/6%, pneumonia 3%/5%, increased lipase 5%/3%. A subset of pulmonary AEs with early onset (median: Day 2) occurred in 14/219 (6%) treated pts (3%, grade ≥3); 7/14 pts were successfully retreated. Dose reductions (8%/23%, A/B) and discontinuations (3%/10%) due to AEs were reported. Conclusions: BRG showed substantial activity, robust PFS, and acceptable safety at both dose levels, with numerically improved efficacy (particularly PFS and intracranial ORR) at 180 mg (with lead-in). Clinical trial information: NCT02094573. [Table: see text]
Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Agelaki Sofia , Fiste Oraianthi , Grapsa Dimitra , Politaki Eleni , Stoupis Ioannis , Mavroudis Dimitrios , Syrigos Konstantinos N. 
Published: September 2018

e20520 Background: Quantitative analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is increasingly investigated as a novel predictor of prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The primary aim of this study was to further investigate the prognostic value of CTCs enumeration in patients with advanced NSCLC. Methods: The medical records of patients with chemotherapy-naïve, advanced NSCLC and at least one available measurement of CTCs were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of CTCs was evaluated using the CellSearch system. A cut-off point of 2 CTCs ( < 2 vs ≥2 ) was used to discriminate between negative and positive samples, respectively. The detection of CTCs was correlated with the clinicopathological features of patients and outcome. Results: Our study population comprised a total of 43 patients (mean age 67.1±9.9 years; male/female ratio: 39/4). Eight out of 43 patients (18.6%) harbored CTCs. No significant associations were found between treatment response and baseline count of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) (p = 0.067). Positive CTC count was associated with the presence of five or more metastatic sites (p = 0.018). Neither PFS nor OS were found to differ significantly between CTC-positive and CTC-negative cases (log-rank p = 0.079 and 0.549, respectively). The presence of five or more metastatic sites and worse PS were recognized as independent predictors of reduced PFS [HR = 2.9, p = 0.042 and HR = 2.7, p = 0.035, respectively], and reduced OS [HR = 7.8, p = 0.003 and HR = 16.9, p < 0.001, respectively]. Conclusions:CTCs were detected in a relatively small percentage of our patient population and their presence was associated with increased metastatic burden. In contrast, we failed to observe any significant associations between baseline CTC count and the prognostic variables evaluated. Our results support the suggested role of CTCs in the metastatic dissemination of cancer and underline the need for more efficient methods of CTCs detection.
Comparison of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing and tumor-based genotyping for the detection of EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Li Allen , Dacic Sanja , Burns Timothy Francis , Socinski Mark A. , Abberbock Shira , Villaruz Liza Cosca 
Published: September 2018

e20586 Background: Therapy for NSCLC is based on detection of actionable oncogenic drivers. Conventionally, targetable mutations are detected by tissue biopsy, which may be insufficient for molecular testing. Repeat biopsy is often required at the time of disease progression. Guardant360™ (G360) utilizes digital next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze ctDNA in plasma. Limited data exists on clinical outcomes of 3rd generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) against T790M-mediated resistance detected by digital NGS in ctDNA. We hypothesize that G360 has high concordance in detecting actionable oncogenic drivers and similar clinical outcomes compared with tumor-based genotyping. Methods: G360 (Guardant Health, Inc.) was performed in 20 advanced NSCLC patients (pts) with matched tumor-based genotyping by either Sanger sequencing (N = 10) or Ion Torrent ApliSeq v.2 NGS (N = 10; Life Technologies, Fisher Scientific). Matched genotypes were done at diagnosis (N = 12) or at time of acquired resistance (N = 8). Sensitivity, specificity, and response to EGFR TKIs (RECIST V1.1) were determined. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Objective response rates (ORR) were calculated by MedCalc(r) software. Results: Compared with tumor-based testing, G360 has high concordance for EGFR exon 19 deletion, T790M and L858R (90%, 85% and 100%, respectively) and high specificity (100%, 93.3%, and 100%, respectively). OS of pts with T790M or L858R were similar between those detected by G360 and by tumor-based testing (p > 0.99). Pts who received 3rd generation EGFR TKIs (4 osimertinib, 1 PF-06747775) after detected T790M in plasma (N = 4) had similar ORR (50% vs 25% with difference of 25%, 95% CI (-0.45 to 0.75)) and median PFS (7.5 vs 6.0 mos, p = 0.63) as those detected by tumor-based testing (N = 4). Conclusions: G360 showed high concordance for EGFR actionable mutations. Clinical outcomes of 3rd generation EGFR TKI treatment in T790M+ disease were similar between those detected by G360 and those detected by tumor testing. G360 represents a viable option for pts who are not candidates for solid tumor biopsies.
The effect of nivolumab treatment for central nervous system metastases in non-small cell lung cancer.
Authors: Watanabe Hiromi , Kubo Toshio , Ninomiya Takashi , Ohashi Kadoaki , Ichihara Eiki , Sato Akiko , Hotta Katsuyuki , Tabata Masahiro , Kiura Katsuyuki 
Published: September 2018

e20601 Background: Central nervous system (CNS) metastases (mets) occur in 30% of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and are associated with poor overall survival (OS). Although nivolumab, a programmed death-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor antibody, has demonstrated a longer survival benefit compared with docetaxel in previously treated NSCLC patients (CheckMate 017 and 057; N Engl J Med, 2015), patients with symptomatic or untreated CNS mets were excluded in these trials. In CheckMate 012 Arm M, 2 of 12 patients (16.7%) with untreated CNS mets showed intracranial responses, but the effect of nivolumab treatment for CNS mets was not fully investigated. Methods: To investigate the effect and safety of nivolumab for CNS mets in NSCLC patients, we retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with NSCLC who were treated with nivolumab from February 2016 to December 2016 at Okayama University Hospital. Results: Twenty-nine patients (60%) had no CNS lesions (group A) and 19 patients (40%) had brain mets (BM) (group B). In group B, 15 patients (79%) received radiotherapy (RT) for BM, including 5 patients who received RT just before nivolumab treatment. The responses of extra-CNS lesions to nivolumab are shown in the table. The PFS was longer in group A than in group B (p=0.14). In group B, the PFS of patients who received prior RT tended to be longer than in those without RT (p=0.42); OS was not reached in either group. In group B, the effects of nivolumab treatment for CNS mets were evaluated in 12 patients: SD occurred in 3 patients (25%), PD in 4 patients (33%), and NE in 5 patients (42%). All 4 patients with PD in the CNS lesion also showed PD in the extra-CNS lesion. In group A, no patients showed progression only in the CNS lesion. Conclusions: In this retrospective study, there were no patients treated only with nivolumab who showed a response to CNS mets. RT prior to nivolumab might be more effective, so future investigations should involve additional cases and prospective studies. [Table: see text]
Dynamic predictions of patient survival using longitudinal tumor size in non-small cell lung cancer: Approach towards personalized medicine.
Authors: Al-Huniti Nidal , Onishchenko Dmitry , Dunyak James , Masson Eric , Helmlinger Gabriel , Zhou Diansong , Xu Hongmei , Tomkinson Helen , Abdallah Kald , Stanski Donald 
Published: September 2018

e20606 Background: Tumor burden has long been used for the clinical diagnosis, staging, prognosis and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as described, for example, in the 7th edition of the AJCC/UICC NSCLC staging guidelines. Previous longitudinal tumor size approaches have used fixed tumor kinetic parameters or tumor shrinkage at a given timepoint, to correlate PFS and OS in a stepwise fashion. Here we describe a joint modeling approach which allows for individual, patient-level predictions of survival during NSCLC treatment. Joint modeling simultaneously fits OS and tumor size dynamics, converting full information from individual tumor assessments into a personalized prediction of survival - thereby avoiding dichotomization of response measure in a patient. Methods: Clinical data from IPASS Phase 3 study of Iressa (gefitinib) in NSCLC were used to fit a joint model of OS and tumor size. The data from a follow-up study (IFUM, Phase 4) for the same drug in a narrower population were used to validate the model on an independent set of subjects. This part included simulating clinical trials from the model and comparing the simulated survival with the observed data. The survival estimation method for individual patients followed from a Bayesian formulation and was implemented in R packages JM and JMbayes. Results: A joint model for overall survival and tumor size was developed and validated using clinical trial simulations. Individual survival estimates were obtained for subjects in a subsequent study based on early data cut-off for tumor assessments. Patient-level predictions were shown to be accurate as well as study-level survival estimates. The model was able to update individual survival predictions in real time. Conclusions: Joint tumor size / survival modeling provides a promising area of investigation for prediction of survival in individual patients. It can be used as a quantitative tool for estimating time-evolving risk of death based on early tumor size measurements. A clinically validated version of such a tool may allow physicians to better choose between treatment continuation and change, following tumor size measurements from standard clinical care.
Population pharmacokinetics (popPK) and exposure-response (ER) analyses bridge J-ALEX to the global population with an alectinib (ALC) 600mg bid dosing regimen.
Authors: Hsu Joy C. , Jaminion Felix , Guerini Elena , Tanaka Tomohiro , Golding Sophie , Balas Bogdana , Zeaiter Ali Hassan , Morcos Peter N. , Frey Nicolas 
Published: September 2018

e20616 Background: J-ALEX showed superiority of ALC 300mg BID vs crizotinib (CRIZ) in Japanese ALK inhibitor naïve ALK-positive NSCLC patients (pts). PopPK and ER analyses were used to bridge J-ALEX data to the global population to confirm the appropriateness of ALC 600mg BID dose, used in global trials. Methods: The previous popPK analysis (Hsu et al, ASCO 2016) was updated to include PK data from J-ALEX and the ongoing global ALEX study to confirm any significant covariates influencing PK of ALC and major metabolite, M4, using Bayesian feedback analysis. ER analyses from J-ALEX (n=96) investigated the relationship between ALC and progression-free survival (PFS) by a Cox proportional hazards (CPH) analysis and key safety events using logistic regression. Results: The popPK models previously developed for pts who have progressed on, or are intolerant to CRIZ were able to adequately predict ALC and M4 PK in J-ALEX and ALEX. Body weight remained the only significant covariate influencing ALC and M4 PK. Administration of ALC 600mg BID in the global population ensures that ALC and M4 exposures across the body weight range are not inferior to those seen in Japanese pts receiving ALC 300mg BID, while lower doses would result in lower exposures. CPH analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between ALC exposure and PFS in J-ALEX such that one third of pts in J-ALEX may benefit from a higher exposure of ALC (Table). ALC 600mg BID ensures the distribution of achieved exposures maximize the expected PFS benefit while lower ALC exposures could result in reduced efficacy. No significant exposure-safety relationships were identified in J-ALEX consistent with previous analyses conducted following ALC 600mg BID. Conclusions: ALC 600mg BID is the appropriate dose in the global ALK inhibitor naïve population. Clinical trial information: JapicCTI-132316. [Table: see text]
Incidence of pneumonitis with use of PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials.
Authors: Khunger Monica , Pasupuleti Vinay , Rakshit Sagar , Jain Prantesh , Mazzone Peter J. , Stevenson James , Pennell Nathan A. , Hernandez Adrian V , Velcheti Vamsidhar 
Published: September 2018

e20647 Background: PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors show clinical activity in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, these agents are sometimes associated with potentially fatal immune related pneumonitis. Preliminary reports of trials suggest a difference in the rate of pneumonitis associated with PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. In this meta-analysis, we sought to determine the overall incidence of pneumonitis, and differences by type of inhibitor and prior chemotherapy use. Methods:We systematically searched databases (PubMed-Medline, Embase, Scopus) and conference proceedings until December 2016 for clinical trials using PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Rates of pneumonitis of any grade and grade 3 or higher from all phase I-III trials investigating nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolimumab, durvalumab and avelumab for NSCLC were collected. Only single agent PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitor trials were included. The incidence of pneumonitis across trials was calculated using DerSimonian-Laird random effects models. We compared incidences between PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, as well as between treatment naïve and previously treated patients (pts). Results: 19 distinct published trials (12 with PD-1 inhibitors [n = 3232] and 7 with PD-L1 inhibitors [n = 1806]) were identified. PD-1 inhibitors were found to have statistically significant higher incidence of any grade pneumonitis as compared to PD-L1 inhibitors (3.6%, 95%CI 2.4%-4.9% vs 1.3%, 95%CI 0.8%-1.9%; p = 0.001). There was also a higher incidence of grade 3 or greater pneumonitis with PD-1 inhibitors (1.1%, 95%CI 0.6%-1.7% vs 0.4%, 95%CI 0%-0.8%, p = 0.02). Pts who received PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors in the front line setting experienced more grade 1-4 pneumonitis as compared to previously treated pts (4.3%, 95%CI 2.4%-6.3% vs 2.8%, 95%CI 1.7%- 4%, p = 0.03, however the rates of grade 3 or greater pneumonitis were not significantly different in treatment naïve and previously treated pts. Conclusions: Pneumonitis was more frequently associated with use of PD-1 inhibitors than PD-L1 inhibitors. There was a higher incidence of all grade pneumonitis with PD-1 inhibitors in treatment naïve patients as compared to previously treated patients.
Matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) of relative efficacy for brigatinib vs. ceritinib and alectinib in crizotinib-resistant anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Reckamp Karen L. , Lee Joseph , Huang Joice , Proskorovsky Irina , Reichmann William , Krotneva Mira , Kerstein David , Huang Hui 
Published: September 2018

e20675 Background: Brigatinib (BRG), ceritinib (CER), and alectinib (ALEC) are second-generation ALK inhibitors developed for crizotinib (CRZ)-resistant ALK+ NSCLC. No randomized trial has directly compared the efficacy of these treatments. The goal of this analysis was to use an MAIC to indirectly compare progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for BRG vs CER and BRG vs ALEC in CRZ-resistant ALK+ NSCLC patients (pts). Methods: This analysis used pt-level data from arm B (180 mg qd with a 7-day lead-in at 90 mg, n=110) of the ALTA trial for BRG and published summary data from ASCEND-1/ASCEND-2 and NP28673 trials for CER and ALEC, respectively. PFS and OS curves from published data were digitized to generate virtual pt-level data for estimation of event rates. Pts in ALTA were assigned weights so that their weighted mean baseline characteristics matched baseline characteristics in each of ASCEND-1, ASCEND-2, and NP28673. Relative treatment effects pre- and post-matching were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Prior to matching, baseline imbalances were noted in ECOG PS 2, prior chemotherapy, Asian race, smoking status, and best prior response to CRZ among trials. Weighting reduced effective sample sizes (ESSs) for ALTA pts in the matched comparisons. Relative efficacy results were robust and did not appreciably change after adjusting for the prognostic factors (Table 1). Conclusions: Both before and after matching, BRG had significantly longer PFS compared to CER and ALEC, significantly longer OS than CER, and a trend toward longer OS than ALEC. [Table: see text]
Randomized cross-over study of patient preference for oral or intravenous vinorelbine in the treatment of advanced NSCLC: A phase IV study.
Authors: Dazzi Claudio , Gamboni Alessandro , Delmonte Angelo , Rosetti Francesco , Verlicchi Alberto , Papi Maximilian , Scarpi Emanuela , Zingaretti Chiara , Nicolini Mario , Giovanis Petros , Casanova Claudia , Cappuzzo Federico 
Published: September 2018

e20676 Background: Elderly and patients with ECOG PS ≥ 2 often present with medical and physiological characteristics that make the selection of their treatment more challenging. Single-agent vinorelbine improves survival and quality of life compared with best supportive care. At constant effectiveness between two treatments formulations patient preference must be taken into account. Methods: Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC patients candidates to receive a first line chemotherapy with Vinorelbine alone due to age ≥ 70 and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance status ≤2 or age ≤ 70 but ECOG PS ≥ 2, could enter the study. Patients were randomized to receive: • Arm A: first cycle of IV vinorelbine (30 mg/m2) and second cycle of oral vinorelbine (60mg/m2) • Arm B: first cycle of oral vinorelbine followed by a second cycle of IV vinorelbine. In both arms vinorelbine was administered at day 1 and day 8 every 3 weeks. From the third cycle onwards patients had to choose to continue with oral or intravenous vinorelbine. The dosage of oral vinorelbine could be subsequently increased to 80 mg/m2 at physician’s choice. Treatment continued until disease progression, intolerable toxicity or patient refusal. The primary objective of the study was the patient preference for oral or intravenous vinorelbine. Results: Ninety-three patients entered the study and were randomized. Sixty-two were able to complete the first two cycles and to express a preference (32 in Arm A and 30 in Arm B). Forty-five out of 62 were males and 17 females. Median age was 80 (72-89). Nineteen patients had an ECOG PS of 0, 39 a PS of 1 and 4 a PS of 2 (30.7%, 62.9% and 6.4% respectively). Eighteen patients (29%) decided to continue with IV vinorelbine while 44 patients (71%) expressed a preference for oral vinorelbine p = 0.001 (Gart's test). Regarding secondary enpoints, median OS was 5.7 (4.7-7.7) and 5.5 (3.8-9.1) months and median PFS was 3.5 (2.4-4.4) and 3.5 (3.5-5.0) for arm A and arm B respectively. Conclusions: The study has clearly demonstrated that elderly or frail patients with NSCLC prefer to receive an oral rather than an intravenous chemotherapy. The reasons for the choice were expressed in a questionnaire still in evaluation. Clinical trial information: nct01848613.