bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to predict surgical outcome and postoperative recurrence following neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) for borderline resectable/locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).
Authors: McDuff Susan G.R. , Hardiman Karin , Parikh Aparna Raj , Ulintz Peter , Hazar-Rethinam Mehlika , Zheng Hui , Van Seventer Emily , Fetter Isobel , Nadres Brandon , Ryan David P. , Weekes Colin D. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Cusack James C. , Goyal Lipika , Zhu Andrew X. , Wo Jennifer Yon-Li , Blaszkowsky Lawrence Scott , Allen Jill N. , Corcoran Ryan Bruce , Hong Theodore S. 
Published: January 2019

562 Background: This study was designed to assess the capability of perioperative ctDNA analysis to predict surgical outcome and recurrence following neoadjuvant CRT for LARC. Methods: Thirty-one patients (pts) with newly diagnosed LARC ( n = 29) or locally recurrent (non-metastatic) rectal cancer ( n= 3) were treated between 7/2013 - 7/2017. Pts received long-course neoadjuvant CRT prior to surgical resection: 50.4 Gy/28 fractions. Serum ctDNA was typically measured at baseline, weekly during CRT, pre-operatively, and post-operatively. Next-generation sequencing was used to identify mutations in the primary tumor, and mutation-specific droplet digital PCR was used to detect mutation fraction in ctDNA. Results: The median age of the cohort was 53 years (IQR 46.5-65.3 y). The overall R0-node negative (R0-NN) resection rate was 66.7%. The rate of R0-NN resection was significantly higher among pts with undetectable preoperative ctDNA ( n = 17, 88%) compared to pts with a detectable preoperative ctDNA ( n = 10, 30%, Fisher’s exact p = 0.036). The overall pathologic complete response (pCR) rate was 18.5%. The pCR rate among pts with undetectable preoperative ctDNA was 23.5% vs 10% among pts with detectable preoperative ctDNA ( ns). For patients with a positive assay at baseline and weekly draws available, those who went on to have an R0NN resection were observed to exhibit ctDNA clearance by the second week of chemoradiation. Recurrence free survival (RFS) was calculated for the subset ( n= 22) who were able to undergo surgery and had post-operative ctDNA available. Pts with detectable postoperative ctDNA experienced poorer RFS than those with undetectable ctDNA, HR 8.0, p < 0.001. Conclusions: Undetectable preoperative ctDNA is associated with R0-NN surgical outcome, and detectable postoperative ctDNA is associated with worse RFS in a cohort of pts treated with neoadjuvant CRT for LARC. Validation is ongoing in a larger cohort of 39 pts.
CD276-positive circulating endothelial cells in advanced colorectal cancer.
Authors: Gootjes Elske C. , Kraan Jaco , Buffart Tineke , Verhoef Cornelis , Verheul Henk M.W. , Sleijfer Stefan ,   ORCHESTRA Study Group
Published: January 2019

572 Background: The value of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) as predictive biomarker in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) may be improved by using tumor-derived CECs. CD276 can discriminate between tumor derived and normal CECs. We evaluated whether CD276+CEC is a clinically relevant biomarker with 100% sensitivity to predict response to first line palliative combination systemic therapy with fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin in patients with mCRC. Methods: Samples were prospectively collected from patients with mCRC enrolled in the ORCHESTRA trial. At baseline and at first evaluation (after 4 cycles of 5-FU/LV or 3 cycles capecitabine with oxaliplatin ± bevacizumab), CECs were measured by flowcytometry with a previously validated panel (CD34+CD45-CD146+DNA+; and additional CD276+ for tumor derived CECs). A clinically relevant cut-off value of (CD276+) CECs was determined as 100% sensitivity (and 80% specificity in 95% CI) identifying patients with progressive disease within 6 months. Results: There were 182 baseline samples, from which 133 follow up samples were available for analysis. CEC and CD276+CEC counts significantly increased during treatment from 48 to 90 CEC/4 ml (p = 0.00) and from 14 to 33 CD276+CEC/4 ml (p = 0.00) at baseline and at first evaluation, respectively. In patients treated with bevacizumab, CEC counts were lower after three cycles compared to patients treated with chemotherapy alone 75.5 vs 131 CEC/4ml (p = 0.04), 28 vs 41 CD276+CEC/4 ml (p = 0.08). Baseline values nor changes in CEC and CD276+CEC counts were predictive for poor response (progressive disease within 6 months, AUC 0.53 for CEC and AUC 0.52 for CD276+CEC). Conclusions: Despite numerical changes during therapy, CEC and CD276+CEC counts do not adequately predict poor response to first line palliative systemic therapy in patients with mCRC. (NCT01792934.)
CB-839, panitumumab, and irinotecan in RAS wildtype (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Phase I results.
Authors: Ciombor Kristen Keon , Whisenant Jennifer , Cardin Dana Backlund , Goff Laura Williams , Das Satya , Schulte Michael , Cohen Allison , Coffey Robert J. , Ayers Gregory Dan , Krumsick Rachel , Demo Susan , Whiting Sam H. , Manning H. Charles , Berlin Jordan 
Published: January 2019

574 Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are approved in RAS WT mCRC; however, patients (pts) will develop resistance to these agents. Alterations in glutamine (Gln) metabolism play a critical role in cancer cell growth. In cancers such as CRC, EGFR and Gln cooperate to provide signals and fuel for mitogen activated protein kinase-dependent cell growth. Our in vitro data show that Gln abrogates EGFR inhibition, and blockade of Gln transport restores sensitivity. We also observed a greater antitumor response in vivo with EGFR mAb plus CB-839, an inhibitor of a rate-limiting enzyme of Gln metabolism, than either agent alone. We designed a phase I/II study (NCT03263429) to evaluate CB-839 + panitumumab + irinotecan in anti-EGFR refractory RAS WT mCRC. Methods: Dose escalation used a Bayesian continual reassessment method targeting a 25% toxicity probability. CB-839 (600 mg or 800 mg twice daily [BID]) were evaluated with panitumumab (6 mg/kg) and irinotecan (180 mg/m2). Irinotecan was included in phase I to establish a future phase II dose of the triplet. Prior EGFR mAb treatment (tx) was not required for phase I. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was any tx-related non-hematologic ≥Gr 3 toxicity (except fatigue, rash, or elevated liver enzymes) or ≥Gr 4 hematologic toxicity during the first 28 days. Results: Nine pts have been enrolled; 2 were not evaluable for DLT and replaced. Zero DLTs were observed at dose level 1 (n = 3) or 2 (n = 4); 2 more pts are needed to confirm the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Most frequent toxicities were anemia and hypomagnesemia (88%) and elevated alkaline phosphatase, nausea, and rash (75%), most ≤Gr 2. One of 7 evaluable pts (14%) has an ongoing partial response, and 5 pts had stable disease (SD; 71%). Three pts have been on tx > 6 months, and 3 pts with prior EGFR mAb tx achieved SD. Conclusions: Triplet combination was tolerable at full doses of each drug, and preliminary antitumor activity was observed in a majority of pts. Phase II will begin after phase I completion and will evaluate efficacy of CB-839 (800 mg BID) and panitumumab (6 mg/kg). Imaging studies using investigational PET tracers to evaluate Gln metabolism as a function of tumor response are planned. Clinical trial information: NCT03263429.
Comprehensive landscape of gene amplifications (amps) in tissue and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Raghav Kanwal Pratap Singh , Yaeger Rona , Loree Jonathan M. , Dasari Arvind , Morris Van K. , Kee Bryan K. , Raymond Victoria M. , Nagy Rebecca J , Lanman Richard B. , Strickler John H. , Corcoran Ryan Bruce , Overman Michael J. , Kopetz Scott 
Published: January 2019

604 Background: Amps, as oncogenic and resistance drivers, have therapeutic implications, but unlike mutations, have been sparsely described in mCRC. Functional account is piecemeal due to vague definitions, limited data on co-occurring alterations and use of primary tissue samples nonrepresentative of tumor heterogeneity. Our aim was to define the amp landscape in mCRC using tissue and ctDNA sequencing. Methods: We performed systematic analyses of copy-number variation in 2 cohorts of mCRC patients (pts) [tissue (TC) (N = 1,134) and ctDNA (BC) (N = 3,218)] who had high sensitivity targeted sequencing with MSK-IMPACT (341-468 genes) or Guardant Health (70-73 genes) panel, respectively. For BC, plasma copy number was adjusted (ApCN) to account for variable tumor DNA shedding using max allele frequency and high amp (HAmp) was defined as > 4 copies (similar to predefined tissue cutoff). Results: 166 (15%) and 405 (13%) pts in TC and BC harbored amp in at least one of 18 genes assessed by both panels (Table). Amp prevalence for individual gene was similar in both cohorts ( r = 0.9; P < .01) with RTK amps ( EGFR, ERBB2, MET, FGFR1/2, PDGFRA) seen in 8% pts. Key RTK amps were enriched in RAS/BRAF wild type (RB WT) compared to mutant (RB MUT) (OR 3.5; P < .01) pts in both cohorts, in contrast to low prevalence RTK and non-RTK amps. Median ApCN was higher for RTKs in RB WT vs MUT cases ( ERBB2: 12 vs 5; P = .02). Using validated EGFRab exposure (EGFRi) ctDNA signature, we found that EGFRi pts had higher prevalence of EGFR, MET, BRAF, KRAS, PIK3CA and FGFR1 amps compared to EGFRab naïve pts. Conclusions: While individually uncommon, amps occur across key oncogenic pathways in mCRC and after adjusting for ctDNA shedding, are seen at similar prevalence in tissue and plasma. Amps in RTKs are seen in 10-12% of RB WT tumors, suggesting clinically relevant roles as oncogenic effectors and targets. After EGFRi, a number of amps emerge, including PIK3CA and FGFR1 amps, not previously implicated in acquired resistance. [Table: see text]
The efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced rectal cancer with dMMR.
Authors: Deng Yanhong , Zhang Jianwei 
Published: January 2019

615 Background: The incidence of Mismatch repair gene deficiency (dMMR) was about 15% in colorectal cancer, but mostly in right side colon cancer, while in locally advanced rectal cancer, it is very rare. As is known, adjuvant chemotherapy with 5FU alone was not recommended in stage II colon cancer with dMMR or MSI. However, in locally advanced rectal cancer with dMMR or MSI, the efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment with 5FU was not yet known. Methods: We enrolled patients with locally advanced rectal cancer from three prospective clinical trials, including the FOWARC study (N = 309), the mFOLFOXIRI neoadjuvant chemotherapy trial (N = 106) and the total neoadjuvant treatment with FOLFOX and radiotherapy (N = 129). From the 544 patients, 35 (6.4%) patients were dMMR, 133 patients with unknown status of MMR. Among the 35 patients, 10 patients received 5FU concurrent with radiotherapy (group A), nine patients underwent FOLFOX concurrent with radiation (group B), and 12 patients received FOLFOX neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (group C). Another four patients underwent mFOLFOXIRI neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (group D), including one patient with nivolumab as neoadjuvant treatment after chemotherapy. Results: Totally, 4 (11.4%) patients achieved pathologic complete response, and 13 (37%) patients had tumor downstaging to ypT0-2N0M0 (stage 0-I). In group A, the pCR rate was 10% (1/10), the tumor downstaging rate was 20% (2/10); In group B, the pCR rate was 33.3% (3/9), the tumor downstaging rate was 55.6% (5/9); In group C, the tumor downstaging rate was 41.7% (5/12). In group D, only one patient achieved pCR, and it is the one who received nivolumab as neoadjuvant treatment. Conclusions: The efficacy of neoadjuvant in locally advanced rectal cancer seemed not affected by the MMR status. But further study was needed.
First-line pembrolizumab (P), trastuzumab (T), capecitabine (C) and oxaliplatin (O) in HER2-positive metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (mEGA).
Authors: Janjigian Yelena Yuriy , Chou Joanne F. , Simmons Marc , Momtaz Parisa , Sanchez-Vega Francisco , Shcherba Marina , Ku Geoffrey Yuyat , Won Elizabeth , Chong Curtis Robert , Gerdes Hans , Kelsen David Paul , Ilson David H. , Aljallad Kathrena , Segal Michal Fani , Millang Brittanie M , Schultz Nikolaus , Shah Pari M. , Solit David B. , Capanu Marinela , Hechtman Jaclyn Frances 
Published: January 2019

62 Background: Trastuzumab stimulates HER2-specific T cell responses and increases tumor PD-L1 expression, and anti-PD-1 antibody can help enhance T cell-specific immunity of trastuzumab. Oxaliplatin can further enhance T-cells by activating dendritic cells. We conducted a phase II trial of pembrolizumab with chemotherapy/trastuzumab. Methods: Patients with previously untreated HER2 IHC 3+ or FISH+ tumors irrespective of PD-L1 status received intravenous P 200 mg flat dose, T 6 mg/kg (after 8 mg/kg load), O 130 mg/m2 every 3 weeks and oral C 850 mg/m2 2 weeks on/1 week off (or 5-FU continuous infusion). The primary endpoint was 6-months PFS; with target accrual of 37 patients. Secondary endpoints included safety, OS, ORR, exploratory biomarker analysis and 89Zr-trastuzumab PET. Results: 100% of the 24 evaluable pts had tumor regression (ranging from -22% to -100%). The RECIST 1.1 ORR was 83% [95%CI: 63%-95%] (17 PR , 3 CRs), median PFS 11.4 [95%CI: 6-15] months. In 31 pts evaluable for toxicity, common ( > 10%) adverse events included Gr 2 fatigue (35%), Gr 2/3 nausea (35%), Gr 2 diarrhea (26%), Gr2 AST/ALT elevation (16%), Gr2 neutropenia (16%). Immune related toxicities observed in 1 pt each: Gr 2 colitis, Gr 3 interstitial nephritis, Gr 3 AST/ALT elevation; and resolved with steroids. Of 21 patients with available material, 6 (29%) expressed PD-L1. Of these 6 patients, 5 had a PR while 1 had a CR. ERBB2 amplification was evident on NGS in 56% of pre-treatment tumors from 25 tested patients, while the remaining were ERBB2- by NGS likely due to tumor heterogeneity or low tumor content. Mutations in TP53 and alterations in KRAS occurred in 68% and 16%, respectively. To identify mechanisms of acquired resistance, patients are biopsied at progression. In 6 paired sample analysis, we identified two patients with loss of ERBB2 amp at progression. Conclusions: Updated survival, correlative studies and 89Zr-trastuzumab PET imaging will be presented. These promising preliminary safety and efficacy results led to initiation of a definitive phase III Keynote 811 trial. Clinical trial information: NCT02954536.
Phase I/II study of panitumumab (PANI) combined with trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) in patients (pts) with previously treated RAS wild-type (wt) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC): Final results of APOLLON study.
Authors: Komatsu Yoshito , Kato Takeshi , Kagawa Yoshinori , Yoshino Takayuki , Kuboki Yasutoshi , Gamoh Makio , Yasui Hirofumi , Yamazaki Kentaro , Satake Hironaga , Goto Masahiro , Tanioka Hiroaki , Oki Eiji , Kotaka Masahito , Makiyama Akitaka , Denda Tadamichi , Soeda Junpei , Shibuya Kazunori , Iwata Masaru , Oba Koji , Yamaguchi Kensei 
Published: January 2019

624 Background: Previous preclinical study reported that a combination of PANI with FTD/TPI demonstrated synergistic antitumor activity (Baba, 2017); however, no clinical study has been reported in this combination yet. Therefore, we conducted a phase I/II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this combination in pts with RAS wt mCRC. Here, we report the results of final analysis, including follow-up. Methods: Eligible pts had RAS wt mCRC refractory or intolerant to fluoropyrimidines, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, or angiogenesis inhibitors, and had never been treated with anti-EGFR antibodies, FTD/TPI, or regorafenib (REG).Pts received four-week cycles of PANI (every two weeks) and FTD/TPI (twice daily, days 1 to 5 and 8 to 12). The primary endpoint was frequency of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) in phase I and progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months (M) in phase II. With a PFS rate at 6 M of 48% deemed promising and 29% judged unacceptable, and assuming a one-sided significance level of 5%, the necessary sample size to achieve a power of 80% was estimated to be 47 pts (target sample size, 52 pts). Results: Since no DLT occurred in phase I, the recommended dose was determined to be 6 mg/kg for PANI and 35 mg/m2 for FTD/TPI. In phase II with a median follow-up of 16.5 M, the PFS rate at 6 M (n = 54) was 33.3% (90% CI: 22.8–45.3; p = 0.24), and median PFS and overall survival were 5.8 M (95% CI: 4.5–6.5) and 14.1 M (95% CI: 12.2–19.3), respectively. The response rate and disease control rate were 37.0% and 81.4%, respectively. The most common grade 3 or higher adverse events (n = 55) were neutropenia (10.9%), febrile neutropenia (9.1%), stomatitis (9.1%), and dermatitis acneiform (9.1%). Subsequent therapy was given to 39 pts (72.2%), including 25 pts (46.3%) treated with REG. Subgroup analyses stratified by age, PS, and primary lesion will be reported at the time of conference presentation. Conclusions: PANI combined with FTD/TPI showed favorable antitumor activity with an acceptable safety profile for previously treated RAS wt mCRC, although the primary endpoint of PFS rate at 6 M did not meet the prespecified threshold. Clinical trial information: NCT02613221.
Randomized study evaluating trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) versus + trifluridine/tipiracil + bevacizumab as last-line therapy in patients with chemorefractory unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Pfeiffer Per , Yilmaz Mette , Möller Sören , Maltha Line , Krogh Merete , Zitnjak Daniela , Szameitat Caroline Lemb , Hejlesen Finn , Thomsen Karina Gravgaard , Qvortrup Camilla 
Published: January 2019

637 Background: Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI, also known as TAS-102) is approved for the use in patients with chemorefractory mCRC. Inspired by the encouraging results of a small phase I/II study, C-TASK FORCE, evaluating the combination of FTD/TPI and bevacizumab in chemorefractory mCRC patients (Kuboki et al, 2017), we designed the present randomized trial. Methods: This randomized study enrolled as planned 80 mCRC patients. The main inclusion criteria were: histologically confirmed and chemorefractory mCRC; PD during or after therapy with fluoropyrimidine, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, EGFR-inhibitor (RAS wildtype), and bevacizumab was optional; PS 0-1. In arm A, FTD/TPI was administered orally at the dose of 35 mg/m²/dose bid from day 1 to day 5 and from day 8 to day 12 and in arm B the same dose of FTD/TPI was combined with bevacizumab at a dose of 5 mg/kg on day 1 and on day 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle. The primary endpoint was to increase progression-free survival (PFS) from 1.8 months to 3.8 months. Secondary objectives included overall survival (OS) and safety. Results: Eighty patients with chemorefractory mCRC were randomized from September 2017 to August 2018. The median PFS was significantly improved from 2.6 months (arm A) to 5.9 months (arm B) with a hazard ratio (HR) 0.51 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.92; P < 0.03) and median OS was significantly improved from 7.3 months (arm A) to 10.3 months (arm B) with HR 0.42 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.99; P < 0.05). After median follow-up for OS of 5.6 months, 57 patients were alive at September 7th, 2018. Therapy was well tolerated with adverse events as expected, patients receiving FTD/TPI + bevacizumab had more grade 3-4 neutropenia (56% in arm B vs 30% in arm A, p = 0.03) and three patients in arm B (vs zero in arm A ) developed febrile neutropenia. SAEs were observed in 13 (arm A) and 11 patients (arm B), respectively. Conclusions: In patients with chemorefractory mCRC, FTD/TPI + bevacizumab, as compared with FTD/TPI monotherapy, was associated with a significant and clinical relevant improvement in PFS and OS with tolerable toxicity. Clinical trial information: 2016-005241-23.
Antitumor activity of margetuximab (M) plus pembrolizumab (P) in patients (pts) with advanced HER2+ (IHC3+) gastric carcinoma (GC).
Authors: Catenacci Daniel V.T. , Lim Kian Huat , Uronis Hope Elizabeth , Kang Yoon-Koo , Ng Matthew C.H. , Gold Philip Jordan , Enzinger Peter C. , Lee Keun Wook , Lacy Jill , Park Se Hoon , Yen Jennifer , Odegaard Justin , Franovic Aleksandra , Baughman Jan E. , Wynter-Horton Aisha , Chen Francine , Moore Paul A. , Wu Tony , Davidson-Moncada Jan Kenneth , Bang Yung-Jue 
Published: January 2019

65 Background: Trastuzumab (T) + chemo is standard first-line therapy (tx) for HER2+ gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) pts, though progression ensues in 6-8 months. The approved second-line tx is ramucirumab +/- paclitaxel (R+PAC). Pts with GC are less responsive to R+PAC than gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) pts, in particular HER2+ GC, and no anti-HER2 agents are approved in post-T setting. We report results of combination M+P in HER2+ GC pts and describe a biological rationale for this population. M is an anti-HER2 mAb Fc optimized for enhanced binding to activating FcgRIIIa (CD16A) and decreased binding to inhibitory FcgRIIb (CD32B). M demonstrated an enhanced Fc-dependent MoA, including enhanced ADCC. Methods: HER2+, PD-L1-unselected, second-line GEA pts post T progression received M (15 mg/kg) + P (200 mg) Q3wk. Safety, objective response rate (ORR), median overall & progression-free survival (mOS, mPFS), disease control rate (DCR), circulating tumor DNA, & tumor PD-L1 expression were assessed. Results: To date, 66 GEA pts were dosed; 35 (53%) GC and 31 (47%) GEJ. Overall, 12/66 (18.2%) had tx-related adverse events ≥ grade 3; 5 had drug-related SAEs: dehydration, diabetic ketoacidosis, hypotension and pneumonitis, each a single event, and 2 events of autoimmune hepatitis. Eligibility was based on archival HER2 expression; an exploratory endpoint measured retention of HER2 expression post-T by ERBB2 ctDNA. HER2 expression was lost in 23/56 (41.1%) of pts tested post T. HER2 retention was higher in pts with GC versus GEJ (65.8% vs. 44.8%) and in GEA pts with IHC 3+ vs 2+ archival tumors (61.7% vs 47.4%, respectively). Furthermore, GC had higher PD-L1 expression than GEJ, 53.3 vs. 33.3%, respectively. This coincided with more responses in IHC3+ GC pts, ORR 12/29 (41.4%; 95% CI 23.5-61.1), DCR 21/29 (72.4%; 95% CI 52.8-87.3), mPFS 5.5 months (95% CI 2.3-7.6), mOS not reached, with lower bound of 9.1 months for 95% CI. Enrollment of an additional 25 pts enriched for IHC3+ GC is ongoing. Conclusions: Results suggest that M+P, a chemo-free regimen, demonstrates acceptable tolerability and has encouraging preliminary activity in second-line HER2+ GEA, specifically in GC pts who retain ERBB2 amp prior to second-line tx. Clinical trial information: NCT02689284.