bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting the pathologic complete regression with hematologic markers during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in the locally advanced rectal cancer.
Authors: Kim Jae-Sung , Lee Joo Ho , Song Changhoon 
Published: January 2019

583 Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the hematologic markers for predicting the pathologic complete regression during and after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods: Total 297 patients with rectal cancer underwent neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgical resection and performed complete blood counts (CBC) serially during and after CRT. The timepoints of CBC were before CRT (pre-), three weeks after the day of starting CRT (intra-), and four weeks after CRT (post-). We calculated the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (dNLR) using the serial CBC test. The ratio of change in PLR (cPLR), NLR (cNLR), and dNLR (cdNLR) was calculated as the change of value/pre-value. Chi-square and T-test for univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify the significant predictor for pCR. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to compare the predictive values. Results: The overall rate of pCR was 15.9%. The Pre-Hb, pre-NLR, intra-PLR, intra-NLR, intra-cPLR, intra-cNLR, post-WBC, post-Hb, and post-cPLR were significantly different between patients with pCR and no pCR. In the multivariate logstic regression, pre-Hb (OR 1.456 p-value .026), intra-cPLR (OR 4.949, p-value < .001), post-WBC (OR 0.664, p-value .008), and post-PLR (OR 1.011 p-value .001) were significant predictors for pCR. In the comparison of ROCs, intra-cPLR was the most accurate predictor for pCR among the hematologic variables (AUC = 0.74, p ≤ .001). Conclusions: Change of PLR during neoadjuvant CRT is the clinically applicable and significant predictor for pCR with high negative predictive value in the patients with LRC.
The impact of sidedness of colorectal cancer in tumor immunity.
Authors: Nishi Masaaki , Shimada Mitsuo , Kashihara Hideya , Higashijima Jun , Yoshikawa Kozo , Tokunaga Takuya , Miyatani Tomohiko , Takasu Chie , Iwahashi Shoko 
Published: January 2019

584 Background: Clinical and molecular characteristics are different between Right-side and left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of this study was to clarify the significance of the correlation of the Sidedness of CRC and tumor immunity. Methods: A total of 116 patients who underwent curative colectomy for stage II/III CRC were included in this study. The expression of PD-1, PD-L1, FoxP3, TGF-b, and IDO was examined by immunohistochemistry and the relationship of sidedness to several prognostic factors was examined. Results: In clinicopathological factors, there were no significant difference between right sided and left sided CRC except for differentiation. Regarding tumor immunity, there were no significant difference in PD-1 and IDO expression. However, Fox P3 (right side 72% vs. left side 59%) and TGFβ (right side 72% vs. left side 57%) tended to be highly expressed in right side(p < 0.1). PDL1 was significantly highly expressed in right side(right side 65% vs. left side 35%, p < 0.05). In OS and DFS, the patients with right sided tumor tended to have poor prognosis compared with left side (p < 0.1). The PD-L1 positive patients of right-sided tumor had poor prognosis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Sidedness is associated with tumor immunity in colorectal cancer.
Characterization of chemoradiation-induced changes in immune cells and targets for personalized therapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).
Authors: Fontana Elisa , Wilkins Anna , Patil Yatish , Nyamundanda Gift , Ragulan Chanthirika , Mansfield David , Kingston Jennifer , Errington-Mais Fiona , West Nicholas , Bottomley Daniel , Downs Jessica , Demaria Sandra , Harrington Kevin Joseph , Melcher Alan , Sadanandam Anguraj 
Published: January 2019

589 Background: Neoadjuvant radio/chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is a treatment milestone for LARC. The importance of immune response in CRT efficacy is increasingly realised. However immune cell changes associated with poor responders and their modulation with immune-CRT combinations is unclear. Methods: Matched archival pre-CRT biopsies and post-CRT resection specimens from patients (pts) treated with neoadjuvant CRT were retrieved. Delta-TCD (tumor cell density, estimated using quantitative point counting on virtual tissue H&E) and k-means clustering method were used to classify pts into good, intermediate and poor responders. Baseline expression and CRT-induced changes in 770 immune-related genes (plus 30 DNA damage response genes) were evaluated using NanoString Technologies. Results: At least 70 pts treated with short/long course radiotherapy (SCRT/LCRT) and matched tissues available were identified. To date, 27 pts evaluable for deltaTCD and gene expression were clustered into good (n:10), intermediate (n:7) and poor (n:10) responders. The expression of 14% (91/636) of immune genes was significantly affected by CRT (Bonferroni t-test, q-value < 0.05) overall, with significant increase in innate immunity and decrease in adaptive immunity across all pts (CIBERSORT and SSGSEA analyses). Between good and poor responders there were 6% (39/636) and 2% (15/636) of genes significantly affected by CRT (Bonferroni t-test, q-value < 0.05), respectively. CRT-induced increased CD8+ T cells expression in poor responders compared to good responders was seen. Increased baseline expression of resistance genes (including PD-L1, IDO1 and IL2RA) were seen in poor versus good responders. Validation with quantitative multiplex-immunofluorescence (Vectra) and correlation with SCRT/LCRT and time to surgery are on-going. Conclusions: The expression of immune-related genes is significantly modified by CRT in LARC. With the caveat of small numbers, we identified differentially expressed immune targets at baseline which may justify immune-CRT combinations in neoadjuvant setting in selected pts to modulate the CRT effect and ultimately increase response.
Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) and regorafenib (REG) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): A single institution retrospective study.
Authors: Patel Anuj K. , Ng Kimmie , Duh Mei Sheng , Barghout Victoria E. , Huynh Lynn , Yenikomshian Mihran Ara , Sharperson Camara , Brais Lauren K. , Fuchs Charles S. 
Published: January 2019

592 Background: FTD/TPI and REG have both demonstrated prolonged survival in refractory mCRC patients (pts) when compared to placebo but limited comparative effectiveness data are available. This study aims to compare outcomes following initiation of FTD/TPI or REG for mCRC at a single academic cancer center. Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were conducted in all pts with mCRC who initiated FTD/TPI or REG between 2012-2017. Analyses of time from index therapy initiation to discontinuation for any reason (TTD), real-world response rates (rwRR) and disease control rates (rwDCR) were performed. Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics were performed for overall survival (OS). Results: 126 FTD/TPI and 95 REG pts were included. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups, though more pts treated with FTD/TPI had right-sided primary tumors compared to REG (30.4% vs. 25.5%, p = 0.43). Treatment patterns pre- and post-index therapy were comparable in both groups. Median observation duration for FTD/TPI and REG was 7.1 and 6.3 months, respectively. Mean TTD was 88.4 days for FTD/TPI pts and 84.2 days for REG pts (p = 0.42). Fewer pts treated with FTD/TPI discontinued due to toxicities than pts treated with REG (8.2% vs. 24.2%, p = 0.001). A higher proportion of FTD/TPI pts had no dose modifications vs. REG pts (84.0% vs. 64.1%, p < 0.001). OS was similar between the two groups (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] FTD/TPI vs. REG: 0.79, p = 0.13). FTD/TPI pts had higher rwRR (52.5% vs. 34.2%, p = 0.01) and rwDCR (64.2% vs. 46.1%, p = 0.01) than REG pts. In the subgroup of pts ≥ 65 years, mean TTD was higher in FTD/TPI pts (105.9 vs. 77.6 days, p = 0.004). Pts ≥ 65 years receiving FTD/TPI had better OS than REG pts (HR: 0.51, p = 0.03). Conclusions: In this single institution study, TTD and OS were similar between pts treated with FTD/TPI and REG. Fewer pts treated with FTD/TPI than REG discontinued due to toxicities or required dose modification. Reported responses rates were higher in FTD/TPI pts. Older pts (≥ 65 years) on FTD/TPI remained on treatment longer and had better OS than REG pts.
Biomarkers of immunotherapy response in rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
Authors: Kaur Gurveen , Tayshetye Pritam , Jani Prashant Mukesh , Omstead Ashten N , Renz Paul , Brem Candice , Hasan Shaakir , Sandhu Ariel , Joseph Paul , Babar Laila , Zheng Ping , Zaidi Ali Hussainy , McCormick James , Kirichenko Alexander V. , Miller Stacey , Raj Moses S. , Silverman Jan F , Finley Gene Grant 
Published: January 2019

593 Background: Immunotherapy (IO) in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in the neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (RAC) is an area of active clinical research. There are no well-defined biomarkers in RAC predicting response to neoadjuvant therapy. Increase in tumor PD-L1 expression and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) has been observed after neoadjuvant CRT which potentially enhances response to IO. We report herein expression of PD-L1 and CD8+ TIL and other biomarkers of immune activation including CXCL9, TIM3 (HAVCR2), IDO1, IFNG, IL17RE, LAG3 and OX40 (TNFRSF4) pre and post neoadjuvant CRT in RAC. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 38 RAC patients from 2007-2016 treated with neoadjuvant CRT using 5FU based therapy. Pre and post CRT tissue samples were stained with VENTANA PD-L1 (SP263) rabbit monoclonal antibody to quantify PD-L1 expression. CD8+ TIL were recorded over one high power field (hpf) (40x objective) in the area of densest infiltrate. Additional biomarkers CXCL9, TIM3 (HAVCR2), IDO1, IFNG, IL17RE, LAG3 and OX40 (TNFRSF4) were assayed with RT-PCR. Independent sample and paired sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis of difference in biomarker expression. Relevant clinical endpoints including local relapse, distant metastases and survival were collected. Results: Median age was 60 years (range 32–87). Median follow up was 16.7 months (range 2.6-120.1). Median duration from completion of CRT to resection was 73 days (range 44–315). PD-L1 expression increased from 10% to 23% in pre-CRT versus post-CRT patients. CD8+ TIL increased in 30/39 (83%) patients with an average increase from 66.48 to 129.20 CD8+ TIL/hpf in the pre-CRT versus post-CRT setting. Using RT-PCR, a statistically significant increase in the expression of CXCL9, IFNG and OX40 (TNFRSF4) was found pre-CRT versus post-CRT using paired samples t-test. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant CRT for RAC increased PD-L1 expression and CD8+ TIL along with an increased expression of CXCL9, IFNG and OX40 (TNFRSF4). These data suggest a novel role for IO in neoadjuvant treatment of rectal cancer. Clinical outcome data on these patients will be presented.
Guanylate cyclase C (GUCY2C) as a preventative and therapeutic target in colorectal cancers (CRCs) arising through divergent genomic pathways.
Authors: Bashir Babar , Merlino Dante , Rappaport Jeffrey , Gnass Esteban D , Palazzo Juan , Fing Yeng , Fearon Eric R , Snook Adam , Waldman Scott A 
Published: January 2019

595 Background: CRCs arise through distinct mutations, including in APC pathway leading to tubular adenomas (TAs); in BRAF, with epigenetic silencing of CDX2, leading to serrated adenomas (SAs); and in the DNA mismatch repair machinery driving microsatellite instability (MSI). The APC pathway involves loss of the hormone guanylin, silencing the tumor suppressing receptor GUCY2C. Indeed, oral hormone replacement is an emerging strategy to reactivate GUCY2C and prevent CRC. Moreover, retained expression by tumors arising from TAs has established GUCY2C as a therapeutic target to prevent and treat metastatic CRC. Here, we defined the potential role of the guanylin-GUCY2C axis, and its suitability as a target, in tumors arising through the SA and MSI pathways. Methods: We compared guanylin-GUCY2C protein and mRNA expression between human TAs (n = 18), SAs (n = 15), MSI tumors (n = 7) and their matched normal adjacent tissue. Genetic mouse models of serrated and MSI tumors were used to confirm findings and elucidate mechanisms. Results: Guanylin hormone was eliminated in TAs, SAs and MSI tumors compared to their normal adjacent tissues. In contrast to the hormone, the tumor suppressing receptor GUCY2C was retained in TAs and MSI tumors. Surprisingly, GUCY2C expression was nearly eliminated in SAs reflecting loss of the transcription factor CDX2. Changes in the guanylin-GUCY2C axis in human SAs and MSI tumors were precisely recapitulated in genetic mouse models. Conclusions: Guanylin is universally lost at the earliest stages of transformation in tumors arising through divergent genomic mechanisms suggesting its utility as a biomarker of CRC initiation. These data reveal the possibility of guanylin loss silencing GUCY2C in the pathophysiology of, and oral hormone replacement to restore GUCY2C signaling to prevent, MSI tumors. Also, they highlight the potential for targeting GUCY2C to prevent and treat metastases arising from TAs and MSI tumors. In contrast, loss of GUCY2C excludes patients with SAs as candidates for GUCY2C-based prevention and therapy.
CMS-PDX: A 20-gene genomic panel to predict consensus molecular subtypes in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of colorectal cancer.
Authors: Buechler Steven Allen , Gokmen-Polar Yesim , Badve Sunil S. 
Published: January 2019

598 Background: The consensus molecular subtypes (CMS1-4) partition colorectal cancer (CRC) into subgroups with varying prognoses and treatment responses. We previously reported the ColotypeR-CMS genomic scores (4 scores defined with 5 genes each) that accurately define the CMS subtypes of primary CRC tumors. There is also a critical need to develop an epithelial cell based algorithm for CMS subtyping of PDX models. Methods: To define scores predicting CMS subtypes for PDX models, genes that both predict CMS subtypes in primary CRC tissue and that have linearly correlated expression in primary tumor and tissue-matched PDX models, were identified in GSE35144 (N = 64, Affymetrix microarray). Using the identified genes, a 20-gene CMS-PDX score was developed using multistate gene methodology. ROC curve (AUC) analysis was used to measure the ability of CMS-PDX scores to predict subtypes obtained with CMScaller (473 genes), a preclinical CMS classifier. The ability of CMS subtypes to determine cetuximab response in PDX cohorts was analyzed in GSE78806 (N = 121, Affymetrix microarray) and GSE76402 (N = 529, Illumina beadarray). Results: In GSE78806 (N = 121), CMS1-4 subtypes obtained with CMScaller were predicted by CMS-PDX scores with AUC 0.88, 0.94, 0.81, 0.86, respectively; in GSE78806 CMScaller failed to classify 32% of samples. In CRC-derived PDX models, higher values of the CMS-PDX CMS2 score were predictive of reduced tumor volume following cetuximab treatment (p = 1.7 x 10-5in GSE78806, p < 2.2 x 10-16in GSE76402, by linear regression.) In contrast, higher values of the CMS1 score were predictive of increased tumor volume (p = 3.8 x 10-5in GSE78806, p = 2.9 x 10-10in GSE76402.) Change in tumor volume was independent of the CMS-PDX CMS4 score in both PDX cohorts. Conclusions: We showed that the 20-genes CMS-PDX scores are predictive of CMS subtypes obtained with CMScaller. Moreover, CMS2, by CMS-PDX scores, was highly predictive of sensitivity to cetuximab treatment in CRC PDX models.
ColotypeR gene signature predicts response to cetuximab in colorectal cancer metastases.
Authors: Buechler Steven Allen , Gokmen-Polar Yesim , Badve Sunil S. 
Published: January 2019

599 Background: The consensus molecular subtypes (CMS1-4) partition primary colorectal cancer (CRC) into subgroups with distinct molecular characteristics. We previously reported a 20-genes ColotypeR-CMS signature that accurately defines CMS subtypes for primary CRC tumor samples. The utility of CMS subtyping in defining response to treatment of CRC metastases remains to be established. Here, we report the ability of ColotypeR scores to predict differential response to cetuximab among CMS subtypes in CRC metastases. Methods: The role of ColotypeR-CMS signature scores was assessed in CRC metastasis samples (GSE5851, N = 68, Affymetrix microarray) in predicting response to cetuximab. Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary endpoint. The predictive significance of ColotypeR-CMS scores relative to KRAS mutation status was also studied using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Results: ColotypeR-CMS scores were computed in GSE5851 using the algorithm developed in primary tumor samples. Higher values of ColotypeR-CMS CMS2 score were significantly predictive of longer PFS (p = 5 x 10-5for the score test in Cox proportional hazards model; hazard ratio 0.20 (95%CI 0.09-0.44) in CRC metastases samples (GSE5851, N = 68) treated with cetuximab. PFS was independent of CMS1,3, 4 scores. KRAS wild type tumors had significantly longer PFS (p = 0.01; hazard ratio 0.49 (95%CI 0.28-0.86). In multivariate survival analysis, ColotypeR-CMS CMS2 score added to the significance of KRAS status (p = 0.012) and ColotypeR-CMS CMS2 score was predictive of longer PFS in KRAS wild type tumors (p = 0.009; hazard ratio 0.20 (95%CI 0.06-0.69)). Conclusions: We showed that in CRC metastasis samples, the ColotypeR CMS2 score was highly predictive of sensitivity to cetuximab treatment, while no increase in PFS was observed for higher values of CMS1, 3, 4 scores.
Quantifying the evolution of tumor architecture using serial circulating tumor DNA.
Authors: Henry Jason , Loree Jonathan M. , Strickler John H. , Raghav Kanwal Pratap Singh , Morris Van K. , Raymond Victoria M. , Lanman Richard B. , Yaeger Rona , Corcoran Ryan Bruce , Overman Michael J. , Kopetz Scott 
Published: January 2019

600 Background: There is limited data regarding changes in the genomic landscape in individual patients over time as serial tissue biopsy has risk and is of uncertain clinical benefit. The advent of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) allows for safe and repeated molecular sampling with the potential to investigate evolution of tumor architecture over the disease course. Methods: From 5/15 to 12/17, 116 patients with metastatic CRC had between three to 12 blood specimens taken over the treatment course. Plasma was tested using targeted NGS assay (Guardant360, Guardant Health, 68 gene). To account for variations in the amount of ctDNA in serial samples, a window of evaluable allele frequency was established for each patient as the fold change between the max allele frequency (mAF) and limit of detection for serial samples with the lowest mAF. Mutations not falling within this window were excluded from analysis. Substantial treatment induced selective pressure (SP) was defined as a decrease in the mutant mAF of > 50% in patients with at least an initial mAF of 1%. Results: 116 patients with a total of 317 serial blood samples were evaluable after accounting for ctDNA variations over time. Specimens were collected a median of 12 months apart, with a median of three specimens per patient. Thirteen patients (11%) did not have any changes in mutations on serial sampling, however the remainder of patients gained an average of 1.1 mutations per time point (mut/tp), and lost 1.0 mut/tp. 31% of patients demonstrated evidence of substantial treatment-induced SP. These patients were more likely to demonstrate a change in clonal architecture of the tumor (46% greater rate than those without SP, P = 0.04), predominantly through gain of new clones. In contrast, clonal hematopoiesis alterations that may be induced by chemotherapy, such as JAK2V617F, were neither gained or lost. Conclusions: After correction for variations over time in the total amount of ctDNA in circulation, we identify numerous changes in tumor architecture with serial sampling. For the first time in colorectal cancer we demonstrate that when treatment-induced SP is applied the rate of tumor evolution is increased, demonstrating potential value of monitoring changes in tumor architecture over the disease course.
Alternative chemoradiotherapy to treat locally advanced (LA) anal carcinoma (AC) in patients (pts) with mutations in thymidylate synthase (TYMS) and dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) genes: A case series.
Authors: Saif Wasif M. , Hamal Ruchi , Siddiqui Nauman Saleem , Maloney Antonia , Chen Lilian , Huber Kathryn 
Published: January 2019

605 Background: 5-FU and mitomycin-C (MMC) with radiotherapy (RT) remain an established treatment for pts with LA (T2-4, N0-1, M0 or T1-4, N2-3, M0) AC. Genetic mutations in 2 major metabolizing enzymes for 5-FU; DPYD and TYMS have been associated with clinical response and toxicity. However their place in treatment of AC remains undetermined. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 21 pts with LA AC treated between 2012 - 2018. All pts were treated with 5-FU 1,000mg/m2/day continuous IV infusion 1–4 and 29–32, MMC 10mg/m2 IV bolus Days 1 and 29 plus RT. Acute toxicity was recorded and discussed during weekly multidisciplinary meetings. The worst grade was scored from start of treatment until 30 days after the last fraction of radiotherapy according to the NCI-CTCAE, v4.03. Tumor response was evaluated by DRE and palpation of inguinal nodes during treatment, at the end of treatment, and radiological imaging 4–6 weeks after completion of treatment. Pts who developed ≥3 toxicities were tested for DPYD and TYMS genes (2 major polymorphisms has been associated with altered TYMS: polymorphic 28bp tandem repeat polymorphism in 5’-untranslated region (5’UTR) into TYMS sequence enhancer region (TSER) and TYMS 1494del, is a 6-base pair (bp) deletion polymorphism in 3’-UTR. Results: 6/21 ptsdeveloped severe toxicities (Caucasians; 5 females, 1 male; age range: 42 -68 yrs) consisting of grade ≥3 pancytopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, mucositis, nausea, rash and nephritis. The most common genetic mutations found in these pts included TYMS 2RG/3RC (2), 3RG/3RC (1), 2R/2R (2), TYMS 3 ' UTR del/Ins (2) and DPYD c.2864A>T heterozygous (1). Treatment was changed in 2 pts to MMC 10 mg/m2 Day 1 and 29 with cisplatin 25 mg/m2/week plus RT. These 2 pts reached pCR at 70 days and other 4 pts at 140 days. Conclusions: Molecular testing for DPYD and TYMS genes can allow us to identify pts who are most likely to respond or face severe toxicity to 5-FU. Combining radiation with MMC and cisplatin in pts with LA AC is feasible and EORTC is currently comparing this combination with MMC/5-FU in a large phase III trial.