A single-cell landscape of high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Malignant abdominal fluid (ascites) frequently develops in women with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and is associated with drug resistance and a poor prognosis1. To comprehensively characterize the HGSOC ascites ecosystem, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to profile ~11,000 cells from 22 ascites specimens from 11 patients with HGSOC. We found significant inter-patient variability in the composition and functional programs of ascites cells, including immunomodulatory fibroblast sub-populations and dichotomous macrophage populations. We found that the previously described immunoreactive and mesenchymal subtypes of HGSOC, which have prognostic implications, reflect the abundance of immune infiltrates and fibroblasts rather than distinct subsets of malignant cells2. Malignant cell variability was partly explained by heterogeneous copy number alteration patterns or expression of a stemness program. Malignant cells shared expression of inflammatory programs that were largely recapitulated in single-cell RNA sequencing of ~35,000 cells from additionally collected samples, including three ascites, two primary HGSOC tumors and three patient ascites-derived xenograft models. Inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway, which was expressed in both malignant cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, had potent anti-tumor activity in primary short-term cultures and patient-derived xenograft models. Our work contributes to resolving the HSGOC landscape3-5 and provides a resource for the development of novel therapeutic approaches.

Anti-cancer therapy and clinical trial considerations for gynecologic oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic has consumed considerable resources and has impacted the delivery of cancer care. Patients with cancer may have factors which place them at high risk for COVID 19 morbidity or mortality. Highly immunosuppressive chemotherapy regimens and possible exposure to COVID-19 during treatment may put patients at additional risk. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology convened an expert panel to address recommendations for best practices during this crisis to minimize risk to patients from deviations in cancer care and from COVID-19 morbidity.

METHODS

An expert panel convened to develop initial consensus guidelines regarding anti-neoplastic therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to gynecologic cancer care and clinical trials.

RESULTS

COVID-19 poses special risks to patients who are older, have medical co-morbidities, and cancer. In addition, this pandemic will likely strain resources, making delivery of cancer care or conduct of clinical trials unpredictable. Recommendations are to limit visits and contact with health care facilities by using telemedicine when appropriate, and choosing regimens which require less frequent visits and which are less immunosuppressive. Deviations will occur in clinical trials as a result of limited resources, and it is important to understand regulatory obligations to trial sponsors as well as to the IRB to ensure that clinical trial and patient safety oversight are maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

The ongoing crisis will strain resources needed to deliver cancer care. When alterations to the delivery of care are mandated, efforts should be taken to minimize risks and maximize safety while approximating standard practice.

[Epidemic trend and control progress of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province]

Soil-transmitted nematodiasis was once widely prevalent in Jiangsu Province, which seriously threatened human health and hindered socioeconomic development. The control efforts over decades resulted in a remarkable decline in the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode human infections in Jiangsu Province, with a reduction from 59.32% in 1989 to 0.12% in 2019, and the human prevalence remains at < 0.5% since 2013. Since 1987, an integrated strategy has been adopted for the control of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province; however, the core interventions varies at different stages, which mainly include deworming, water and sanitation service improvement, health education, and monitoring and assessment. The criteria of effective soil-transmitted nematodiasis control had been achieved in all epidemic counties (districts) of Jiangsu Province by 2019. Further actions to strengthen health education and monitoring and implement precision control measures are required to consolidate the achievements of soil-transmitted nematodiasis control and eliminate the harm of soil-transmitted nematodiasis to humans. This review summarizes the epidemiology, control progress and evolution of control strategy of soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Jiangsu Province.

Phase 1b study of anti-NaPi2b antibody-drug conjugate lifastuzumab vedotin (DNIB0600A) in patients with platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the safety and tolerability of lifastuzumab vedotin (DNIB0600A) (LIFA), an antibody-drug conjugate, in patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (PSOC).

METHODS

In this open-label, multicenter phase 1b study, LIFA was administered intravenously once every 3 weeks (Q3W) with starting dose 1.2 mg/kg in a 3 + 3 dose-escalation scheme. All patients received carboplatin at dose AUC 6 mg/mL·min (AUC6) Q3W for up to 6 cycles. Dose expansion cohorts were enrolled ± bevacizumab 15 mg/kg Q3W.

RESULTS

Patients received LIFA at 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4 mg (n = 4, 5, and 20, respectively) with carboplatin. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached. The recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) was LIFA 2.4 mg/kg + carboplatin AUC6 (cycles 1-6), with or without bevacizumab 15 mg/kg. Twelve patients received RP2D with bevacizumab. All patients experienced ≥1 adverse event (AE). The most common treatment-related AEs were neutropenia, peripheral neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, nausea, fatigue, anemia, diarrhea, vomiting, hypomagnesaemia, aspartate aminotransferase increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, and alopecia. Thirty-four (83%) patients experienced grade ≥ 3 AEs, the most frequent of which were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Nine (22%) patients experienced serious AEs. Pulmonary toxicities (34%), considered a potential risk of LIFA, included one patient who discontinued study treatment due to grade 2 pneumonitis. The median duration of progression-free survival was 10.71 months (95% CI: 8.54, 13.86) with confirmed complete/partial responses in 24 (59%) patients. Pharmacokinetics of mono-therapy LIFA was similar in combination therapy.

CONCLUSION

LIFA in combination with carboplatin ± bevacizumab demonstrated acceptable safety and encouraging activity in PSOC patients.

[Efficacy of three-dimensional visualization technology in the precision diagnosis and treatment for primary liver cancer: a retrospective multicenter study of 1 665 cases in China]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional(3D) visualization technology in the precision diagnosis and treatment for primary liver cancer. Methods: A total of 1 665 patients with primary liver cancer who admitted to seven medical centers in China between January 2009 to January 2019, diagnosed and treated by 3D visualization protocol were analyzed, and their clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. There were 1 255 males(75.4%) and 410 females(24.6%), with age of (52.9±11.9) years (range: 18 to 86 years). The acquisition of high-quality CT images with submillimeter spatial resolution were conducted using a quality control system. By means of homogenization methods, 3D reconstruction and 3D visualization analysis were performed. Postoperative observation: pathology reports, microvascular invasion, perioperative complications and follow-up. SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used for statistical description and analysis of clinical data. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to calculate overall survival and disease-free survival rate. Results: (1)In the sample of 1 265 patients, 3D reconstructed models clearly displayed as follows. tumor size: ≤2 cm in 155 cases (9.31%), >2 cm to 5 cm in 551 cases (33.09%), >5 cm to 10 cm in 636 cases (38.20%), >10 cm in 323 cases (19.40%). (2) Classification of hepatic blood vessels. Hepatic artery: type Ⅰ(normal type) in 1 494 cases(89.73%),variant hepatic artery in 171 cases (10.27%), including type Ⅱ in 35 cases, type Ⅲ in 38 cases, and other types in 98 cases. Hepatic vein: type Ⅰ (normal) in 1 195 cases (71.77%),variant hepatic veins in 470 cases(28.23%), including type Ⅱ in 376 cases and type Ⅲ in 94 cases. Portal vein:normal type in 1 315 cases (78.98%), variant portal veins in 350 cases (21.02%), including type Ⅰ in 189 cases, type Ⅱin 103 cases, type Ⅲ in 50 cases, type Ⅳ in 8 cases. Hepatic artery variation coexisting with portal vein variation in 24 cases (1.44%). Hepatic vein variation coexisting with portal vein variation in 113 cases (6.79%). Three types of vascular variation in 4 cases (0.24%), including coexistence of type Ⅱ hepatic artery variation or type Ⅰ portal vein variation with type Ⅲ hepatic vein variation in 2 cases,coexistence of type Ⅲ hepatic artery variation or type Ⅲ portal vein variation with type Ⅱ hepatic vein variation in 2 cases. (3) Preoperative liver volume calculation:1 499.3 (514.4)ml (range:641.7 to 6 637.0 ml) of total liver volume, including 479.1 (460.1) ml (range:10.5 to 2 086.8 ml) for liver resection and 959.9 (460.4)ml (range:306.1 to 5 638.0 ml) for residual function. (4)Operative methods: anatomical hepatectomy in 1 458 cases (87.57%); non-anatomic hepatectomy in 207 cases (12.43%). (5)the median operation time was 285(165)minutes (range: 40 to720 minutes). (6)The median intraoperative blood loss was 200(250)ml (range:10 to 4 200 ml) and 346 cases (20.78%) had intraoperative transfusion. (7)Pathology reports: hepatocellular carcinoma in 1 371 cases (82.34%), cholangiocarcinoma in 260 cases (15.62%) and mixed hepatocellular carcinoma in 34 cases (2.04%). Microvascular invasion: M0 in 199 cases, M1 in 64 cases, and M2 in 27 cases. (8)Postoperative complications in 207 cases (12.43%), including Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ in 57 cases, grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ in 147 cases and grade Ⅴ in 3 cases.There were 13 cases (0.78%) of liver failure and 3 cases (0.18%) of perioperative death. (9) The follow-up time was 3.0 to 96.0 months, with a median time of 21.0(17.8) years. The overall 3-year survival and disease-free survival rates were 80.0% and 56.5%, respectively. The overall 5-year survival and disease-free survival rates were 59.7% and 30.0%, respectively. Conclusion: 3D visualization technology plays an important role in realizing accurate diagnosis of anatomical location and morphology of primary liver cancer, improving the success rate of surgery and reducing the incidence of complications.

A phase III study comparing single-agent olaparib or the combination of cediranib and olaparib to standard platinum-based chemotherapy in recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer

6003

Background: Combination cediranib (C) and olaparib (O) improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients (pts) with relapsed platinum (plat)-sensitive high-grade ovarian cancer (ovca) compared to O alone in a Phase 2 trial (NCT01116648). We conducted this randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial (NCT02446600) to assess whether combination C+O, or O alone, was superior to standard of care (SOC) plat-based therapy in relapsed plat-sensitive ovca. Methods: Eligible pts had recurrent plat-sensitive [ > 6-month plat-free interval (PFI)] high-grade serous or endometrioid, or BRCA-related, ovca. One prior non-plat therapy and unlimited prior plat-therapies were allowed; prior anti-angiogenics in the recurrent setting or prior PARP inhibitor were exclusions. Pts were randomized 1:1:1 to SOC (carboplatin/paclitaxel; carboplatin/gemcitabine; or carboplatin/liposomal doxorubicin), O (300mg twice daily), or C+O (C 30mg daily + O 200mg twice daily). Randomization was stratified by g BRCA status, PFI (6-12 vs > 12 months), and prior anti-angiogenic therapy. Target sample size was 549 pts; primary analysis occurred 2 years after the last pt enrolled. The primary endpoint was PFS. Type 1 error = 0.025 was controlled by a gatekeeping hierarchy that assessed C+O vs SOC, then O alone vs SOC, and finally C+O vs O. All maintenance therapy was prohibited. Results: Between 4FEB2016 and 13NOV2017, 565 pts enrolled (187 SOC, 189 O, 189 C+O), and 528 pts initiated treatment (166 SOC, 183 O, 179 C+O). 23.7% of patients had g BRCAmut. Median follow-up was 29.1 months. 53 pts on SOC initiated non-protocol therapy (predominantly PARP inhibitor maintenance) before disease progression. The hazard ratio (HR) for PFS was 0.856 (95% CI 0.66-1.11, p = 0.08, 1-tail) between C+O and SOC and 1.20 (95% CI 0.93-1.54) between O and SOC, with median PFS of 10.3, 8.2, and 10.4 months for SOC, O, and C+O, respectively. Response rates were 71.3% (SOC), 52.4% (O), and 69.4% (C+O). In gBRCA pts, HR for PFS was 0.55 (95% CI 0.73-1.30) for C+O vs SOC, and 0.63 (95% CI 0.37-1.07) for O vs SOC. In non-g BRCA pts, HR for these comparisons was 0.97 (95% CI 0.73-1.30) and 1.41 (1.07-1.86). No OS differences between arms were observed at 44% events. Pts receiving C+O (vs SOC) had more frequent Grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal (30.1% vs 8.4%), hypertension (31.7% vs 1.8%), and fatigue events (17.5% vs 1.8%). Conclusion: C+O demonstrated similar activity to SOC in relapsed plat-sensitive ovca but did not meet the primary endpoint of improved PFS. Clinical trial information: NCT02446600.

Cediranib in combination with olaparib in patients without a germline BRCA1/2 mutation with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer: Phase IIb CONCERTO trial

6056

Background: A Phase I trial (NCT01116648) of cediranib (cedi) in combination with olaparib (ola) (cedi + ola) demonstrated an overall response rate of 44% in patients (pts) with recurrent ovarian cancer (OC), including pts without a deleterious or suspected deleterious gBRCAm (non-gBRCAm; Liu et al. Eur J Cancer 2013). The subsequent Phase II trial (NCT01116648) showed significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) with cedi + ola versus ola monotherapy in recurrent platinum-sensitive OC pts, notably in non-gBRCAm pts (Liu et al. Lancet Oncol 2014). We report data from the Phase IIb, single-arm, open-label CONCERTO study investigating cedi + ola in non-gBRCAm pts with recurrent platinum-resistant OC who had received ≥3 previous lines of therapy for advanced OC (NCT02889900). Methods: Pts with disease progression <6 months from the last receipt of platinum-based chemotherapy received cedi tablets (30 mg once daily) plus ola tablets (200 mg twice daily) until progression or unacceptable toxicity. gBRCAm pts were ineligible. Primary endpoint: objective response rate (ORR) by independent central review (ICR; RECIST 1.1). Key secondary endpoints: PFS and safety. Results: 60 pts from the USA were included (median age: 64.5 years; median number of previous systemic treatment regimens: 4 [range: 2–9]; previous bevacizumab: 53). All pts had high-grade OC (90% serous; 3.3% clear cell; 3.3% endometrioid; 3.3% other). 7% of pts had tumor BRCA2 (confirmed somatic) mutations, 80% of pts had no tumor BRCA mutation (non-tBRCAm) and 13% of pts were not evaluable for tBRCAm. Five (8%) pts who were non-tBRCAm carried somatic homologous recombination repair gene mutations (FoundationOne Clinical Trial Assay, Foundation Medicine, Inc). The Table shows results of key endpoints. Most common grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) that occurred in pts were hypertension (30%), fatigue (22%) and diarrhea (13%). 37% of pts reported serious AEs, of which nausea (7%) was most common. Dose interruptions, reductions and discontinuations were caused by AEs in 55%, 18% and 18% of pts, respectively, who received cedi + ola. Conclusions: Cedi + ola showed evidence of antitumor activity in heavily pretreated non-gBRCAm pts with recurrent platinum-resistant OC. Toxicity was manageable with dose modifications. Clinical trial information: NCT02889900. [Table: see text]

CX-2009, a CD166-directed probody drug conjugate (PDC): Results from the first-in-human study in patients (Pts) with advanced cancer including breast cancer (BC)

526

Background: CX-2009 is a PROBODY drug conjugate (PDC) directed against CD166 (ALCAM) and conjugated to DM4, a potent microtubule inhibitor (MTI). CD166 is overexpressed in carcinomas but is also ubiquitously expressed in normal epithelium and thus has not been previously considered a viable target for a traditional antibody drug conjugate. PDCs have a peptide mask that blocks normal tissue binding and can be removed by tumor-associated proteases, thereby limiting off-tumor/on-target binding. CX-2009 demonstrated preclinical activity in multiple solid tumor models. Here we report results of the first in human study in patients with advanced cancer. Methods: In this phase I multi-part dose-escalation study, pts with advanced solid tumors received CX-2009 0.25–10 mpk IV every 14 or 21 days (Q2W or Q3W). Tumor types were selected based on expected high CD166 expression and MTI sensitivity. Results: The dose-escalation phase of the trial enrolled 43 pts; 49 additional pts were subsequently enrolled between 4–10 mpk to collect biomarker data and define the recommended phase II dose (RP2D), for a total of 92 pts as of 30 Nov 2019 (39 pts with breast cancer [BC], 22 ovarian [OC], 12 non-small cell lung [NSCLC], 9 head/neck squamous cell [HNSCC], 10 other) with a median of 6 (range 1–19) prior therapies. Median number of CX-2009 doses was 2 (range, 1–15). For Q3W dosing, one dose limiting toxicity (DLT; grade 3 vomiting) was observed at 8 mpk; MTD was not reached up to 10 mpk. The RP2D for Q3W schedule was 7 mpk based on safety, dose-response, and population pharmacokinetic simulations. Q2W dosing continues; DLTs were observed at 6 mpk. Common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) at 7 mpk (n=9) were nausea (44%), fatigue, infusion-related reactions (both 33%), vomiting and arthralgias (both 22%). Grade 3 TRAEs occurred in 2 pts (nausea/vomiting; peripheral neuropathy). No pts discontinued at 7 mpk due to TRAEs. Ocular toxicity was dose dependent; mild to moderate reversible keratitis/blurred vision was seen in 3 pts at 7 mpk and mitigated by ocular prophylaxis. Partial responses were seen in 8 pts (2 confirmed, both HR+/HER2- BC) treated between 4–10 mpk, including BC (n=5), OC (n=2), and HNSCC (n=1). SD (≥1 on-study scan) was observed in 21 pts, 5 had SD ≥3 mos. Conclusions: CX-2009 at 7 mpk is the RP2D on Q3W schedule. Phase II expansion has begun in pts with HR+/HER2- BC. The Q2W schedule will continue to enroll pts to define the RP2D. CX-2009 will also be studied in combination with CX-072, a PD-L1 PROBODY therapeutic ( NCT03149549 ) Clinical trial information: NCT03149549 .

A phase II trial of the Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib (AZD1775) in recurrent uterine serous carcinoma

6009

Background: Uterine serous carcinoma (USC) is an aggressive subtype of endometrial carcinoma characterized by TP53 mutations ( > 90%), often concomitantly with oncogenic mutations or amplifications that can increase replication stress. As such, USC may therefore be uniquely sensitive to further interference of cell cycle regulation by Wee1 inhibition. This two-stage single arm Phase 2 study was conducted to assess the activity of the Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib as monotherapy in recurrent USC. Methods: Women with recurrent USC (defined as non-carcinosarcoma uterine cancers with any serous component) were eligible. Patients (pts) were required to have had at least one prior platinum-based chemotherapy regimen; those with known MSI-H/MMRd disease were required to have received prior PD1/PDL1 therapy or to be ineligible for such therapy. There was no upper limit on the number of prior lines pts could have received. All pts were required to have RECIST measurable disease. Pts received adavosertib 300mg daily on days 1 through 5 and 8 through 12 of a 21-day cycle. Coprimary endpoints were objective response and progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Results: Between OCT-11-2018 and SEP-30-2019, 35 pts enrolled on study. Median follow-up is 4.6 months. The median number of prior lines was 3 (range 1-8). 34 pts were considered evaluable for response. In these pts, 9 confirmed and 1 unconfirmed responses were observed, for an ORR of 29.4% (95% CI 15.1-47.5%). The PFS at 6 months was 58.7% (95% CI: 39.5-73.7%). The median PFS is 6.1 months and the median duration of response is 9.0 months. Frequently observed Grade 3 or higher related adverse events included neutropenia (32.3%), anemia (20.6%), and fatigue (23.5%). Immunohistochemistry and targeted next-generation sequencing were performed to investigate potential biomarkers of response. Conclusions: Adavosertib monotherapy demonstrates promising clinical activity in women with USC. The observed monotherapy activity is higher than in other diseases, and additional exploration of the biology of Wee1 inhibition in USC is needed. Further studies of adavosertib in this patient population are planned. Clinical trial information: NCT03668340.

[Epidemiological characteristic and current status of surgical treatment for esophageal cancer by analysis of national registry database]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and current status of surgical management for esophageal cancer in China. Methods: A national database was setup through a network platform. The clinical data of esophageal cancer treated by surgery was collected from 70 major hospitals in China between January 2009 and December 2014. Results: Complete data of 8 181 cases of esophageal cancer patients who underwent surgery were recorded in the database and recruited in the analysis. Among them, 6 052 cases were male and 2 129 were female, the average age was 60.5 years.The epidemiological investigation results showed that 148 cases (1.8%) had history of psychological trauma, 7 527 cases (92.0%) were lower social economic status, 5 072 cases (62.0%) were short of fresh vegetables and fruits, 6 544 cases (80.0%) ate rough food frequently, 3 722 cases (45.5%) drank untreated water directly from lake or river or shallow well, 3 436 cases (42.0%) had a unhealthy eating habit, including habits of eating food fast (507 cases, 6.2%), eating hot food or drinking hot tea/soup (998 cases, 12.2%), eating fried food (1 939 cases, 23.7%), 4 410 cases (53.9%) had the habits of smoking cigarettes and 2 822 cases (34.5%) drank white wine frequently.The pathological results showed that 7 813 cases (95.5%) were squamous cell carcinoma, 267 cases were adenocarcinoma (3.3%), 25 cases were adenosquamous cell carcinoma (0.3%) and 50 cases were small cell carcinoma (0.6%). A total of 1 800 cases (22.0%) received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy due to locally advanced disease or difficulty of resection. The esophagectomies were performed through left thoracotomy approach in 5 870 cases (71.8%), through right chest approach in 2 215 cases (27.1%), and the remain 96 cases (1.2%) received surgery though other approaches.A total of 8 001 cases (97.8%) underwent radical resection, the other 180 cases (2.2%) received palliative resection. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 0.5%, the overall ≥ grade Ⅱ postoperative complication rate was 11.6% (951 cases). The 1-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr overall actual survival rates were 82.6%, 61.6%, and 52.9%, respectively. Conclusions: The data analysis of the national database for esophageal cancer shows that bad eating habits or eating rough food without enough nutrients, lower social and economic status, drinking white wine and smoking cigarettes frequently may be correlated with tumorigenesis of esophageal cancer. However, strong evidences produced by prospective observation studies are needed. Overall, the long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients has been improved gradually due to the application of advanced surgical techniques and reasonable multimodality treatment.

Germline and Somatic Tumor Testing in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: ASCO Guideline

PURPOSE

To provide recommendations on genetic and tumor testing for women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer based on available evidence and expert consensus.

METHODS

A literature search and prospectively defined study selection criteria sought systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and comparative observational studies published from 2007 through 2019. Guideline recommendations were based on the review of the evidence.

RESULTS

The systematic review identified 19 eligible studies. The evidence consisted of systematic reviews of observational data, consensus guidelines, and RCTs.

RECOMMENDATIONS

All women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer should have germline genetic testing for BRCA1/2 and other ovarian cancer susceptibility genes. In women who do not carry a germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic BRCA1/2 variant, somatic tumor testing for BRCA1/2 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants should be performed. Women with identified germline or somatic pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2 genes should be offered treatments that are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved in the upfront and the recurrent setting. Women diagnosed with clear cell, endometrioid, or mucinous ovarian cancer should be offered somatic tumor testing for mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). Women with identified dMMR should be offered FDA-approved treatment based on these results. Genetic evaluations should be conducted in conjunction with health care providers familiar with the diagnosis and management of hereditary cancer. First- or second-degree blood relatives of a patient with ovarian cancer with a known germline pathogenic cancer susceptibility gene variant should be offered individualized genetic risk evaluation, counseling, and genetic testing. Clinical decision making should not be made based on a variant of uncertain significance. Women with epithelial ovarian cancer should have testing at the time of diagnosis.

Anti-NaPi2b antibody-drug conjugate lifastuzumab vedotin (DNIB0600A) compared with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer in a randomized, open-label, phase II study

Background

Lifastuzumab vedotin (LIFA) is a humanized anti-NaPi2b monoclonal antibody conjugated to a potent antimitotic agent, monomethyl auristatin E, which inhibits cell division by blocking the polymerization of tubulin. This study is the first to compare an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) to standard-of-care in ovarian cancer (OC) patients.

Patients and methods

Platinum-resistant OC patients were randomized to receive LIFA [2.4 mg/kg, intravenously, every 3 weeks (Q3W)] or pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) (40 mg/m2, intravenously, Q4W). NaPi2b expression and serum CA-125 and HE4 levels were assessed. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS) in intent-to-treat (ITT) and NaPi2b-high patients.

Results

Ninety-five patients were randomized (47 LIFA; 48 PLD). The stratified PFS hazard ratio was 0.78 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.46-1.31; P = 0.34] with a median PFS of 5.3 versus 3.1 months (LIFA versus PLD arm, respectively) in the ITT population, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.40-1.26; P = 0.24) with a median PFS of 5.3 months versus 3.4 months (LIFA versus PLD arm, respectively) in NaPi2b-high patients. The objective response rate was 34% (95% CI, 22% to 49%, LIFA) versus 15% (95% CI, 7% to 28%, PLD) in the ITT population (P = 0.03), and 36% (95% CI, 22% to 52%, LIFA) versus 14% (95% CI, 6% to 27%, PLD) in NaPi2b-high patients (P = 0.02). Toxicities included grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) (46% LIFA; 51% PLD), serious AEs (30% both arms), and AEs leading to discontinuation of drug (9% LIFA; 8% PLD). Five (11%) LIFA versus 2 (4%) PLD patients had grade ≥2 neuropathy.

Conclusion

LIFA Q3W was well tolerated and improved objective response rate with a modest, nonstatistically significant improvement of PFS compared with PLD in platinum-resistant OC. While the response rate for the monomethyl auristatin E-containing ADC was promising, response durations were relatively short, thereby highlighting the importance of evaluating both response rates and duration of response when evaluating ADCs in OC.

Clinical trials.gov

NCT01991210.

[Establishment and preliminary evaluation of recombinase aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for specific nucleic acid detection of Clonorchis sinensis]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a recombinase aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for detection of Clonorchis sinensis.

METHODS

The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) sequence of C. sinensis was used as the target sequence, and specific primers and probes were designed, synthesized and screened to establish a rapid fluorescent RAA assay for the detection of C. sinensis. Then, the sensitivity of the fluorescent RAA assay was evaluated using the recombinant plasmids containing various copy numbers of DNA fragments and C. sinensis genomic DNA at various concentrations, and the specificity of the fluorescent RAA as say was evaluated using the genomic DNA of Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinococcus granulosus, Schistosoma japonicum, Ancylostoma duodenale and S. mansoni as templates. DNA samples were extracted from the feces containing C. sinensis eggs and freshwater fish containing metacercaria for the fluorescent RAA assay, and the performance for detection of C. sinensis-infected samples was preliminarily assessed in the field.

RESULTS

A fluorescent RAA assay for detection of C. sinensis was successfully established, which was feasible for specific amplification of C. sinensis genomic DNA at 39 °C within 20 min. The lowest detection limit was 10 copies/μL if the recombinant plasmid containing various copy numbers of DNA fragments was used as a template, and the lowest detection limit was 3 pg/μL if the C. sinensis genomic DNA at various concentrations served as a template. All detections were negative if the genomic DNA of A. lumbricoides, E. granulosus, S. japonicum, A. duodenale, and S. mansoni was used as templates. In addition, the fluorescent RAA assay showed a high performance for the detection of C. sinensis-infected samples in the field, which successfully detected C. sinensis-infected human and rat fecal samples and Pseudorasbora parva samples.

CONCLUSIONS

A fluorescent RAA assay is successfully established, which is simple, rapid, sensitivity and specific for detection of C. sinensis.

Abstract AP10: REAL-TIME ASSESSMENT OF HGSC DNA DAMAGE REPAIR DEFECTS AND DEFECT-INDUCED RESPONSE TO THERAPY IN OVARIAN CANCER ORGANOIDS

Patients with High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSC) have limited therapeutic options. Immuno-oncologic (IO) agents have had limited effect. DNA damage repair gene mutations that may confer repair defects have been identified in up to 50% of HGSCs, making therapies that target repair defects, like PARP, CHK1, and ATR inhibitors, additional options. We have no means of predicting which patients will respond to any of these therapies.

A model system that allows for functional assays to assess for DNA damage repair defects, prediction of response to therapies targeting such defects, and assessment of the functionality of the tumor immune infiltrate and its response to IO agents is needed. Organoids are three-dimensional structures derived from human normal or tumor tissue cells that anatomically and functionally mimic the developed human organ. Organoids mimicking the parent tumor from which they were derived have aided in the study of multiple tumor types. They are inexpensive and easily manipulated and may be an ideal model system for studying ovarian cancer.

We have devised a functional assay platform to profile the DNA damage repair capacity and immune targetability of short-term patient-derived HGSC organoids. The organoids mimic the tumors from which they were derived morphologically, molecularly, and genetically.

We have tested 33 organoid cultures derived from 21 HGSC patients for homologous recombination (HR) and replication fork protection capacity and compared the functional results to the tumor genomic profile. Regardless of repair gene mutational status, an HR functional defect in the organoids correlated with PARP inhibitor sensitivity. A fork protection functional defect correlated with carboplatin, and ATR and CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity. Importantly, this work has led to the discovery of potential therapeutic combinations, such as a CHK1 inhibitor plus carboplatin or gemcitabine that may be useful in treating tumors otherwise resistant to most therapies. Drugs such as carboplatin or gemcitabine can synergize with a CHK1 inhibitor by enhancing replication stress and fork deprotection.

In parallel, we have immune phenotyped the parent tumors and organoid cultures from 15 patients, and shown that the organoid cultures retain lymphocytes expressing relevant IO receptors in the short term. Upon treatment with carboplatin, olaparib, and pembrolizumab as single agents or in combination, we detect changes in IO receptor expression and production of different cytokines in the cultures, suggesting an immune response induced by these agents. We have detected receptor and cytokine alterations that would create an immune suppressive environment with specific drug combinations in tumors with specific repair defects, suggesting that these may be inappropriate combinations for harnessing the immune system in tumors with specific repair capacities.

Continued combined immune and DNA damage repair phenotyping analyses of the organoids will lead to a better understanding of which mechanistic defects are needed to confer sensitivity to DNA damage repair agents, what functional properties and immune milieu lead to sensitivity to IO agents, and how best to combine such therapies. In addition, through further correlation with patient responses over time, HGSC organoids may become a useful tool for rapidly predicting patient response to therapeutic agents.

Citation Format: Sarah J. Hill, Brennan Decker, Emma A. Roberts, Chunyu Yang, Neil S. Horowitz, Michael G. Muto, Michael J. Worley Jr., Colleen M. Feltmate, Marisa R. Nucci, Elizabeth M. Swisher, Ryuji Morizane, Bose Kochupurakkal, Khanh T. Do, Panagiotis Konstantinopoulos, Joyce F. Liu, Joseph V. Bonventre, Ursula A. Matulonis, Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Ross S. Berkowitz, Christopher P. Crum, and Alan D. D'Andrea. REAL-TIME ASSESSMENT OF HGSC DNA DAMAGE REPAIR DEFECTS AND DEFECT-INDUCED RESPONSE TO THERAPY IN OVARIAN CANCER ORGANOIDS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 12th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 13-15, 2018; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2019;25(22 Suppl):Abstract nr AP10.

Phase II Study of Avelumab in Patients With Mismatch Repair Deficient and Mismatch Repair Proficient Recurrent/Persistent Endometrial Cancer

PURPOSE

Despite the tissue-agnostic approval of pembrolizumab in mismatch repair deficient (MMRD) solid tumors, important unanswered questions remain about the role of immune checkpoint blockade in mismatch repair-proficient (MMRP) and -deficient endometrial cancer (EC).

METHODS

This phase II study evaluated the PD-L1 inhibitor avelumab in two cohorts of patients with EC: (1) MMRD/POLE (polymerase ε) cohort, as defined by immunohistochemical (IHC) loss of expression of one or more mismatch repair (MMR) proteins and/or documented mutation in the exonuclease domain of POLE; and (2) MMRP cohort with normal IHC expression of all MMR proteins. Coprimary end points were objective response (OR) and progression-free survival at 6 months (PFS6). Avelumab 10 mg/kg intravenously was administered every 2 weeks until progression or unacceptable toxicity.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients were enrolled. No patient with POLE-mutated tumor was enrolled in the MMRD cohort, and all MMRP tumors were not POLE-mutated. The MMRP cohort was closed at the first stage because of futility: Only one of 16 patients exhibited both OR and PFS6 responses. The MMRD cohort met the predefined primary end point of four ORs after accrual of only 17 patients; of 15 patients who initiated avelumab, four exhibited OR (one complete response, three partial responses; OR rate, 26.7%; 95% CI, 7.8% to 55.1%) and six (including all four ORs) PFS6 responses (PFS6, 40.0%; 95% CI, 16.3% to 66.7%), four of which are ongoing as of data cutoff date. Responses were observed in the absence of PD-L1 expression. IHC captured all cases of MMRD subsequently determined by polymerase chain reaction or genomically via targeted sequencing.

CONCLUSION

Avelumab exhibited promising activity in MMRD EC regardless of PD-L1 status. IHC for MMR assessment is a useful tool for patient selection. The activity of avelumab in MMRP/non-POLE-mutated ECs was low.

The CHK1 Inhibitor Prexasertib Exhibits Monotherapy Activity in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Models and Sensitizes to PARP Inhibition

PURPOSE

PARP inhibitors are approved for the treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC). Therapeutic resistance, resulting from restoration of homologous recombination (HR) repair or replication fork stabilization, is a pressing clinical problem. We assessed the activity of prexasertib, a checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) inhibitor known to cause replication catastrophe, as monotherapy and in combination with the PARP inhibitor olaparib in preclinical models of HGSOC, including those with acquired PARP inhibitor resistance.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Prexasertib was tested as a single agent or in combination with olaparib in 14 clinically annotated and molecularly characterized luciferized HGSOC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines. The ability of prexasertib to impair HR repair and replication fork stability was also assessed.

RESULTS

Prexasertib monotherapy demonstrated antitumor activity across the 14 PDX models. Thirteen models were resistant to olaparib monotherapy, including 4 carrying BRCA1 mutation. The combination of olaparib with prexasertib was synergistic and produced significant tumor growth inhibition in an olaparib-resistant model and further augmented the degree and durability of response in the olaparib-sensitive model. HGSOC cell lines, including those with acquired PARP inhibitor resistance, were also sensitive to prexasertib, associated with induction of DNA damage and replication stress. Prexasertib also sensitized these cell lines to PARP inhibition and compromised both HR repair and replication fork stability.

CONCLUSIONS

Prexasertib exhibits monotherapy activity in PARP inhibitor-resistant HGSOC PDX and cell line models, reverses restored HR and replication fork stability, and synergizes with PARP inhibition.

[Application of three semi-quantitative risk assessment methods in electroplating enterprises]

Objective: To apply the semi-quantitative risk assessment model in the Technical Guidelines for Occupational Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Hazardous Factors in the Workplace to assess the occupational health risk of electroplating enterprises and explore its applicable conditions and characteristics. Methods: Three electroplating enterprises were selected as the research objects. Occupational hygiene survey and hazard factor detection were conducted on the spot. Three semi-quantitative risk assessment methods were used to assess the risk, and the evaluation results were compared. Results: The consistency between the contact index method and the comprehensive index method was strong. The weighted Kappa value was 0.946 and the P value was less than 0.001, but the consistency between the contact ratio method, the contact index method and the comprehensive index method was poor. The weighted Kappa value was 0.345 and 0.391, and the P value was 0.009 and 0.004, respectively. When the contact concentration is less than 50% OELs, the evaluation results of the contact ratio method are lower than those of the exponential method and the comprehensive exponential method. The consistency of the three methods was the highest when the contact concentration (>50%) and (<OELs). When the contact concentration >OELs, the results of the contact ratio method are higher than those of the index method and the comprehensive index method. Conclusion: Contact ratio method is suitable for occupational health risk assessment under the condition of incomplete occupational health information and for enterprise managers to identify key control points of health risk through self-assessment; Contact index method is suitable for hazard risk assessment of occupational hazards without sampling test conditions or OELs, and pre-assessment of occupational hazards of construction projects without access to analogical test data. The index method is suitable for occupational health risk assessment with available testing data and complete occupational health information.

[The application of Chinese version of anterior skull base questionnaire (ASBQ) in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors]

Objective: To develop the Chinese version of anterior skull base questionnaire(ASBQ) and to verify its application in patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors. Methods: The following steps were finished including getting the permission from the author of the original English scale, translating and back-translating, tentative test, discussing the consequence and cultural debugging. From October 2016 to December 2018, 51 patients with skull base tumors from Xuanwu Hospital and China-Japan Friendship Hospital were enrolled as an experimental group, aged from 24 to 70 years old, with 19 males and 32 females, which included 27 patients with anterior skull base tumor and 24 patients with middle skull base tumor. From December 2016 to January 2018, 46 healthy volunteers were selected as a control group, aged from 18 to 36 years old, including 26 females and 20 males. The subjects in the test group and the control group were rigorously tested with official manuscripts and judged whether the manuscript was applicable. The SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data of the test group, the anterior skull base group, the middle skull base group and the control group to evaluate the performance of the scale. Results: Both the rate of the recovery and efficiency in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group were 100%, with the average time of completion of (8.7±3.2), (11.2±4.0) and (7.3±2.1) min, respectively in each group. The r value of test-retest reliability was 0.96, 0.99 and 0.97 in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group, with the split-half reliability coefficient of 0.91, 0.90 and 0.96, with the entire scale Cronbach's coefficient of 0.91, 0.95 and 0.93, respectively. The content validity and the construct validity of the scale were good enough, and the criteria validity was-0.483,-0.509 and -0.489 in experimental group, anterior skull base group and middle skull base group. The scale could well distinguish the difference of the quality of life between the preoperative and postoperative patients in experimental group and the middle skull base group. The difference of the quality of life in anterior skull base group was not found between preoperative and postoperative patients. Conclusion: The Chinese version of ASBQ has good reliability and validity, which is suitable for a wide range of Chinese patients with anterior and middle skull base tumors to assess their quality of life.

Results of an abbreviated Phase Ib study of the HDAC6 inhibitor ricolinostat and paclitaxel in recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer

Peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of chemotherapeutic agents that frequently necessitates dose-reduction, truncation of, or change in therapy. HDAC6 inhibition has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in preventing and/or reversing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and furthermore has demonstrated synergistic antitumor activity with various chemotherapies. Here, we report the abbreviated results of a Phase Ib trial of ricolinostat, an HDAC6-specific inhibitor, in combination with paclitaxel, in the treatment of recurrent ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer.

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Combination ricolinostat (HDAC6 inhibitor) and paclitaxel was well tolerated at the starting dose level.

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One patient developed grade 1 peripheral neuropathy with combination therapy.

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Two patients responded to combination ricolinostat + paclitaxel, with DOR 23.4 and 37.3 weeks respectively.

Abstract LB-185: Preliminary results of PROCLAIM-CX-2009, a first-in-human, dose-finding study of the Probody drug conjugate CX-2009 in patients with advanced solid tumors

Background: CX-2009 is a Probody™ drug conjugate (PDC) directed against CD166 (ubiquitously expressed in normal epithelium and overexpressed in carcinomas) that incorporates DM4, a potent but toxic microtubulin inhibitor (MTI). PDCs are preferentially activated by tumor microenvironment proteases with minimal binding in the inactive/masked state in nonmalignant tissue. Preclinically, CX-2009 led to significant tumor growth inhibition or regression in multiple solid tumor types. CX-2009 (masked) had extended exposure compared with the corresponding CD166-targeting ADC (unmasked), consistent with significantly reduced target-mediated drug disposition. These results indicate CX-2009 is efficiently activated in the tumor with low nonmalignant tissue engagement. Preliminary safety and antitumor activity from a first-in-human investigational dose escalation study are reported.

Methods: In the dose escalation of this ongoing phase 1/2 study (NCT03149549), 37 patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors received CX-2009 0.25-10 mg/kg IV every 21 days. 7 tumor types were enrolled in this study because of their high CD166 expression and MTI sensitivity: breast carcinoma (BC), castration-resistant prostate carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC), endometrial carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and cholangiocarcinoma. The study was initiated with accelerated dose titration in 1 single-subject cohort (0.25 mg/kg), followed by a standard 3+3 design up to 10 mg/kg to determine MTD.

Results: As of 30 Nov 2018, 37 pts were enrolled with advanced solid tumors (27% BC 27% EOC, 46% other) and a median of 6 (range 1-15) prior therapies. High CD166 by IHC was found in 14/24 tumors; median number of doses was 2 (range, 1-11), 19% of pts remain on treatment. One dose-limiting toxicity (grade 3 vomiting, 8 mg/kg) was observed. MTD was not reached at 10 mg/kg. Grade 1-2 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 57% of pts and the most common (&gt;10%) were fatigue, anorexia (16% each), infusion-related reaction, diarrhea, and nausea (14% each). Grade 3-4 TRAEs were seen in 22% of pts (most frequently keratitis: 4 pts; 8, 9, and 10 mg/kg groups) and were managed and reversed with topical steroids. Of 25 pts evaluable for radiographic response, 3 had unconfirmed partial responses (BC, 8 and 9 mg/kg; EOC, 9 mg/kg; 2 CD166 high, 1 unknown; greatest tumoral shrinkage 85%) and 1 had durable stable disease for 24 weeks (NSCLC, 6 mg/kg, CD166 low).

Conclusions: CX-2009 was tolerable at dose levels up to 10 mg/kg. Preliminary antitumor activity is observed at dose levels starting at 6 mg/kg and above, warranting further investigation. The study is ongoing, enrolling translational cohorts. PK data and data on Probody integrity in the periphery will be presented. Probody is a trademark of CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.

Source of Funding: CytomX Therapeutics, Inc.

Citation Format: Funda Meric-Bernstam, Valentina Boni, Alexander I. Spira, Rachel E. Sanborn, H-Tobias Arkenau, Randy Sweis, Howard Burris, Rachel Li, Sreeni Yalamanchili, Matthias Will, Joyce F. Liu, James J. Harding, Pratigya Gautam. Preliminary results of PROCLAIM-CX-2009, a first-in-human, dose-finding study of the Probody drug conjugate CX-2009 in patients with advanced solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-185.

Abstract 368A: Functional assessment of DNA damage repair defects and the anti-tumor immune response in high grade serous ovarian cancers using patient-derived organoids

Patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) have limited additional therapeutic options beyond traditional carboplatin and paclitaxel. Immuno-oncologic (IO) agents have had limited effect, and despite the fact that 50% of HGSCs have genomic alterations in DNA damage repair genes, we still have no means of predicting which of these tumors actually harbor repair defects and will respond to these agents. Using patient-derived organoids which contain patient immune cells, we have developed functional assays to test the DNA damage repair capacity, anti-tumor immune response, and therapeutic vulnerability of HGSCs. These assays include testing for defects in the two key DNA damage repair pathways, homologous recombination (HR) and stalled replication fork protection, testing for activity and specificity of the immune cells in the cultures against the tumor cells when exacerbated by specific therapeutic combinations, and testing for therapeutic sensitivity to targeted and traditional chemotherapy agents and IO agents either alone or in rational combinations. In parallel, many of the tumors and organoids have undergone genomic and RNA sequencing, searching for relevant alterations to explain detected defects. Flow cytometry analysis of the parent tumors and short term (7-10 day) organoids reveal that organoids contain an immune milieu with IO receptor expression levels similar to the parent tumors. Upon treatment with IO agents alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents, we have found that specific IO receptor expression is altered, certain combinations lead to induction of cytokine expression that may repress an anti-tumor response, and that some combinations do not induce the expected cytotoxicity. The DNA damage repair functional assays have revealed that in HGSC, stalled fork protection defects are more common than HR defects, regardless of the repair gene mutational status of the tumors. Importantly, there is a wider array of therapies available to target these defects. For instance, organoids with unstable replication forks are more sensitive to ATR and CHK1 inhibitors. Organoids with stable forks are more sensitive to combinations of drugs which confer replication stress, such as the combination of a CHK1 inhibitor plus gemcitabine. Overall, the repair assays will allow for a better understanding of the types and mechanisms of repair defects present in tumors and a more accurate prediction of sensitivity to targeted agents. The immune functional assays will allow for a better mechanistic understanding of what response specific agents actually induce in immune and tumor cells and allow for better rational therapeutic pairings. Through assessment of a larger number of patients, we hope to demonstrate that these functional assays can have a clinical impact in rapidly predicting patient response.

Citation Format: Sarah J. Hill, Patrick Lizotte, Neil S. Horowitz, Michael G. Muto, Michael J. Worley, Colleen M. Feltmate, Bose Kochupurakkal, Khanh T. Do, Panagiotis Konstantinopoulos, Marisa R. Nucci, Joyce F. Liu, Ursula A. Matulonis, Geoffrey I. Shapiro, Ross S. Berkowitz, Christopher P. Crum, Alan D. D'Andrea. Functional assessment of DNA damage repair defects and the anti-tumor immune response in high grade serous ovarian cancers using patient-derived organoids [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 368A.