Unsuspected pulmonary embolism in lung cancer patients: comparison of clinical characteristics and outcome with suspected pulmonary embolism

PURPOSE

Compare the clinical characteristics, rate of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and outcome of suspected and unsuspected pulmonary embolism (PE) detected on computed tomography in patients with lung cancer.

METHODS

In this IRB-approved retrospective study, 77 patients [38 men, 39 women; mean age 64 (range, 35-90)] with lung cancer who developed PE between January 2004 and December 2009 were identified using research patient data registry and medical records. Patients with suspected (45/77, 58%) and unsuspected (32/77, 42%) PE were compared for the characteristics, treatment of PE, and rate of recurrent VTE using Fisher's exact test. The survival was compared using log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied for univariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Most cases of PE were found in patients undergoing chemotherapy (79%) and with metastatic disease (70%). Suspected PE more commonly involved main/lobar pulmonary arteries (33/45, 73% vs. 9/32, 28%), while unsuspected PE more frequently involved of segmental/subsegmental arteries (p=0.0001). All 11 cases of squamous cell carcinoma had suspected PE. Suspected and unsuspected PE did not differ in terms of age, gender, presence of metastatic disease at the time of PE or treatment for PE. 44/45 (98%) patients with suspected PE and 30/32 (94%) patients with unsuspected PE were treated for PE, mostly with anticoagulation (68/74, 92%). Recurrent VTE was seen in 20% (9/45) of suspected PE and 19% (6/32) of unsuspected PE (p=1.00). Median survival after PE was 5.6 months in suspected group and 6.2 month in unsuspected group, without significant difference by univariate or multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

Although unsuspected PE more frequently involved peripheral pulmonary arteries, the treatments of PE, bleeding complications, rates of recurrent VTE, and survival after PE were similar for clinically suspected and unsuspected PE.

Chapter 9: The MGH-HMS lung cancer policy model: tobacco control versus screening

The natural history model underlying the MGH Lung Cancer Policy Model (LCPM) does not include the two-stage clonal expansion model employed in other CISNET lung models. We used the LCPM to predict numbers of U.S. lung cancer deaths for ages 30-84 between 1975 and 2000 under four scenarios as part of the comparative modeling analysis described in this issue. The LCPM is a comprehensive microsimulation model of lung cancer development, progression, detection, treatment, and survival. Individual-level patient histories are aggregated to estimate cohort or population-level outcomes. Lung cancer states are defined according to underlying disease variables, test results, and clinical events. By simulating detailed clinical procedures, the LCPM can predict benefits and harms attributable to a variety of patient management practices, including annual screening programs. Under the scenario of observed smoking patterns, predicted numbers of deaths from the calibrated LCPM were within 2% of observed over all years (1975-2000). The LCPM estimated that historical tobacco control policies achieved 28.6% (25.2% in men, 30.5% in women) of the potential reduction in U.S. lung cancer deaths had smoking had been eliminated entirely. The hypothetical adoption in 1975 of annual helical CT screening of all persons aged 55-74 with at least 30 pack-years of cigarette exposure to historical tobacco control would have yielded a proportion realized of 39.0% (42.0% in men, 33.3% in women). The adoption of annual screening would have prevented less than half as many lung cancer deaths as the elimination of cigarette smoking.

Tumoral cavitation in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer treated with antiangiogenic therapy using bevacizumab

Rationale and objectives: To investigate the frequency and radiographic patterns of tumoral cavitation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with bevacizumab, and correlate the imaging findings with the pathology, clinical characteristics and outcome. Materials and methods: Seventy-two patients with NSCLC treated with bevacizumab therapy were identified retrospectively. Baseline and follow-up chest computed tomography scan were reviewed to identify tumoral cavitation and subsequent filling in of cavitation. Radiographic cavitation patterns were classified into 3 groups. The clinical and outcome data were correlated with cavity formation and patterns. Results: Out of 72 patients, 14 patients developed cavitation after the initiation of bevacizumab therapy (19%; median time to event, 1.5 months; range 1.0–24.8 months). Three radiographic patterns of tumoral cavitation were noted: (1) development of cavity within the dominant lung tumor (n = 8); (2) development of non-dominant cavitary nodules (n = 3); and (3) development of non-dominant cavitary nodules with adjacent interstitial abnormalities (n = 3). Eleven patients (79%) demonstrated subsequent filling in of cavitation (the time from the cavity formation to filling in; median 3.7 months; range 1.9–22.7 months). No significant difference was observed in the clinical characteristics, including smoking history, or in the survival between patients who developed cavitation and those who did not. Smoking history demonstrated a significant difference across 3 radiographic cavitation patterns (P = 0.006). Hemoptysis was noted in 1 patient with cavity formation and 4 patients without, with no significant difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Tumoral cavitation occurred in 19% in patients with NSCLC treated with bevacizumab and demonstrated 3 radiographic patterns. Subsequent filling in of cavitation was noted in the majority of cases.

The impact of initial gefitinib or erlotinib versus chemotherapy on central nervous system progression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations

PURPOSE

This retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the impact of initial gefitinib or erlotinib (EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, EGFR-TKI) versus chemotherapy on the risk of central nervous system (CNS) progression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients with stage IV or relapsed NSCLC with a sensitizing EGFR mutation initially treated with gefitinib, erlotinib, or chemotherapy were identified. The cumulative risk of CNS progression was calculated using death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-five patients were eligible (EGFR-TKI: 101, chemotherapy: 54). Twenty-four patients (24%) in the EGFR-TKI group and 12 patients (22%) in the chemotherapy group had brain metastases at the time of diagnosis of advanced NSCLC (P = 1.000); 32 of the 36 received CNS therapy before initiating systemic treatment. Thirty-three patients (33%) in the EGFR-TKI group and 26 patients (48%) in the chemotherapy group developed CNS progression after a median follow-up of 25 months. The 6-, 12-, and 24-month cumulative risk of CNS progression was 1%, 6%, and 21% in the EGFR-TKI group compared with corresponding rates of 7%, 19%, and 32% in the chemotherapy group (P = 0.026). The HR of CNS progression for upfront EGFR-TKI versus chemotherapy was 0.56 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.34-0.94].

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show lower rates of CNS progression in EGFR-mutant advanced NSCLC patients initially treated with an EGFR-TKI compared with upfront chemotherapy. If validated, our results suggest that gefitinib and erlotinib may have a role in the chemoprevention of CNS metastases from NSCLC.

Making personalized cancer medicine a reality: challenges and opportunities in the development of biomarkers and companion diagnostics

The origins of this article stem from discussions at the American Association for Cancer Research Clinical and Translational Cancer Research Think Tank meeting held in San Francisco in early 2010. This article synthesizes the opinions and issues considered at that meeting, and discusses many of the important events that have since occurred in the field of personalized cancer medicine. Although investigators continue to make progress in better linking individual patient biology with risk determination, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection, the pace of this progress continues to be limited by many of the issues identified in the meeting.

A phase II trial of pazopanib in relapsed/refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

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Background: Despite response to initial therapy, SCLC has high rates of relapse or distant metastasis and limited 2nd-line therapeutic options. Angiogenesis is an essential part of cell invasion, dissemination, and outgrowth of distant metastases and therefore is a potential therapeutic target in SCLC. Pazopanib (Votrient, GSK) is a potent, competitive inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3, PDGF, and c-kit. We initiated a phase II single-arm trial of pazopanib in relapsed or refractory SCLC to determine impact on disease progression. Methods: Patients were eligible if they had progressive disease following up to two lines of prior therapy. Patients were treated at the FDA-approved dose of 800 mg pazopanib once daily. The primary endpoint was progression-free rate (PFR) at 8 weeks. Secondary endpoints included median progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. The trial followed a Simon 2-stage design to limit accrual if no therapeutic benefit was observed. Results: To date, 27 of 30 planned subjects have been enrolled since October 2010. Two did not complete cycle 1 and were considered inevaluable for response. Major toxicities (mostly grade 1/2) were those previously described including nausea, fatigue, hypertension, electrolyte abnormalities, and AST/ALT elevations (grade 3 in 4 subjects). Three subjects were removed from study due to toxicity: 1 with grade 3 nausea, 1 with grade 3 drop in the cardiac ejection fraction, and 1 with multiple grade 2 toxicities including diarrhea, fatigue, and nausea. A fourth was removed due to grade 1 hemoptysis despite clinical response. The PFR at 8 weeks of 21 subjects evaluable for response to date was 52%; 4 of these 11 subjects had chemo-refractory disease. There were no confirmed responses, but tumor regressions ranged from 2-20%. Median progression-free survival is 14.1 weeks. Conclusions: In patients with SCLC, single-agent pazopanib demonstrated a notable rate of stable disease (including among chemo-refractory patients) and a median PFS that exceeds that of historical PFS rates of < 2 months on ineffective 2nd-line therapies. These data suggest that the potential for pazopanib in SCLC treatment should be further investigated.

Response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) retreatment after a drug-free interval in EGFR-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with acquired resistance

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Background: Patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC and sensitizing EGFR mutations who initially respond to gefitinib or erlotinib eventually develop acquired resistance to the TKIs. Anecdotal and retrospective reports suggest that EGFR-TKI resistant cancers can respond again to gefitinib or erlotinib after an interval off the TKI. This retrospective study was undertaken to investigate the impact of EGFR-TKI retreatment after a drug-free interval in EGFR mutant NSCLC with acquired resistance to gefitinib or erlotinib. Methods: Pts with stage IV or relapsed NSCLC with sensitizing EGFR mutations and acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI seen at the DFCI/MGH between 8/00 and 8/11 who were retreated with single agent gefitinib or erlotinib after an EGFR-TKI-free interval were identified from a prospective trial. The objective tumor response (CR, PR, SD, PD) was determined using RECIST 1.1. Results: 19 pts were eligible and had adequate scans for radiographic assessments after the reinstitution of an EGFR-TKI. The response rate and median PFS to the initial course of gefitinib (n=4) or erlotinib (n=15) were 16/19 (84%) and 9.8 months (95% CI, 7.8-11.3) respectively. All pts were retreated with erlotinib after 1 to 4 intervening systemic regimens. The median interval from EGFR-TKI discontinuation to erlotinib retreatment was 11 months (range, 2-46). 4 of the 19 pts (21%) had PD as the best response to erlotinib retreatment, 14 (74%) had SD for at least 1 month, and 1 (5%) had a PR. The median PFS was 4.4 months (95% CI, 3.0-6.7). 3 pts remained on erlotinib without progression for 6 months. 3 pts had their tumors rebiopsied before (n=2) or during (n=1) erlotinib retreatment; 1 of the 3 had EGFR T790M in association with the initial sensitizing EGFR mutation, and another had a secondary PIK3CA mutation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that erlotinib retreatment is an option for EGFR mutated NSCLC with acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI after a drug-free interval and progression on intervening therapy. Additional advanced NSCLC pts without a documented EGFR mutation who fulfill the clinical definition of acquired resistance are undergoing review to expand our cohort.

Radiographic assessment and therapeutic decisions at RECIST progression in EGFR-mutant NSCLC treated with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors

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Background: EGFR mutated advanced NSCLC treated with EGFR TKIs typically progresses after initial response due to acquired resistance. TKI therapy is often continued beyond RECIST progression (PD). We investigated the frequency of this practice and patterns of RECIST PD via imaging findings, as well as the association between patient characteristics and discontinuation of TKI among patients (pts) who progressed while on TKI. Methods: Among a cohort of 101 advanced NSCLC pts with sensitizing EGFR mutations treated with first-line erlotinib or gefitinib at DFCI, 70 pts treated between 2002 and 2010 had at least two CT scans for retrospective radiographic assessments using RECIST1.1; 56 pts had experienced PD by the data closure date of June 2011. Results: Among 56 pts experiencing PD, 46 (82%) were female, median age was 63 (range 35-79), 28 (50%) were never-smokers, 32 (57%) had distant mets, 32(57%) had exon 19 deletion, and 50 (89%) received erlotinib. 49 pts (88%) continued TKI therapy for at least 2 mos beyond retrospectively assessed PD. 31/32 (97%) pts who progressed by increase of target lesions continued TKI. 13/16 (81%) pts who progressed by new lesion remained on TKI. Two pts with PD in non-target lesions discontinued therapy at PD. 5/6 (83%) pts with both increase of target lesions and new lesion at PD continued TKI. In 49 continuing pts, the median time from RECIST PD to termination of TKI was 10.1 mos (range: 2.2-64.2 mos). 15/49 (31%) pts who continued TKI received additional chemo compared to 0/7 pts who discontinued (Fisher’s p=0.17). Pts who discontinued therapy (n=7) were significantly younger (median 48 yrs) than those who continued TKI at PD (median 64 yrs, Wilcoxon p=0.003). Median OS beyond RECIST PD among those who continued TKI was 31.8 mos (95% CI 15.9- not reached) and though underpowered, this did not appear to be impacted by TTP when adjusted in a Cox model (p=0.84). Conclusions: 88% of EFGR-mutant NSCLC pts who progressed on first-line TKI continued therapy beyond RECIST PD, which is not the single determining factor for terminating TKI in EGFR-mutant NSCLC pts. Additional progression criteria specific to this population are needed to better guide therapeutic decision making.

Genomic profiling of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for personalized targeted therapy using CT-guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB)

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Background: Genomic profiling for personalized targeted therapy is emerging for NSCLC. DFCI introduced systematic testing for mutations in BRAF, HER2, PIK3CA and ALK translocations in addition to EGFR and KRAS in July 2009 as part of a prospective study. We report the utility, efficacy and safety of CT guided TTNB in this cohort. Methods: Patients with stage IV or relapsed NSCLC seen at the DFCI were referred to BWH for CT guided TTNB of their tumors to identify driver mutations prior to starting therapy. Pathology specimens were dissected and analyzed by PCR-Sanger sequencing for mutations in selected exons of EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA and HER2. ALK rearrangements were detected with fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Testing was performed after the pathologist deemed that the tissue was adequate. Complications such as pneumothorax and hemorrhage were recorded. Admission rates were also recorded. Results: Between 7/1/2009 and 1/09/2011, 81 patients underwent TTNB. The median age was 63 years. 54 (67%) were female, 66 (88%) were former/current smokers and 58(72%) had stage IIIB/IV disease. 64(79%) patients had sufficient tissue on core biopsies for genomic profiling, 4 (6%) of the 64 patients failed analysis for ALK rearrangements due to less than 50 tumor cells on the hybridized slide. The number of samples obtained ranged from 1-5 (2 cm 18-20 (G)). Lesions biopsied ranged in size from 1.2–8.9 cm. Mutations were identified in 38/81 (46.9%) patients (EGFR: 18; KRAS: 17; ALK: 2; PIK3CA: 1). 23(28.3%) had pneumothoraces 15(<10%), 5 (10-30%) and 3(>30%). 6 (7%) patients needed chest tubes. 9 (11%) were admitted post procedure for observation (8 for (24hrs) and 1 (72hrs). 19(23%) (18 grade1; 1 grade 2) had intra-parenchymal hemorrhage. A higher rate of pneumothorax was observed with the 18 gauge needles (p =.05). 15 of 20 (75%) patients with EGFR, HER2, BRAF or ALK alterations were treated with molecularly targeted therapy based on their genetic alteration. Conclusions: CT guided TTNB is a feasible, safe and efficacious technique for genomic profiling for targeted therapy and enables the acquisition of sufficient tissue for gene mutation analyses.

Clinical characteristics of KRAS mutations in NSCLC and their impact on outcomes to first-line chemotherapy

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Background: KRAS is one of the most commonly mutated oncogenes in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While the impact of EGFR mutations and EML4-alk translocations has been well-described, there is limited information about the impact of these somatic mutations on response to chemotherapy. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the demographics and clinical outcomes of patients with KRAS mutations and compared these to patients who were KRAS wild-type (WT). Eligible pts received 1st-line IV chemo for stage IV NSCLC at DFCI and had known information about both KRAS and EGFR status. Since the biology and impact of EGFR mutations on response to chemo is well-described, we excluded such pts from the analysis. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) with first-line chemo; secondary endpoints included radiographic response rate (RR) and overall survival (OS). Results: Between 2/05 and 8/11, there were 63 eligible KRAS pts and 97 eligible WT pts. The groups were similar in age (median 65yrs in both groups), % female (K 62, WT 54) race (K 89% white/6% black, 5% other; WT 86% white,/6% black/8% other), histology (K 90%adeno/8% NSCLC NOS; WT 86% adeno/9%NSCLC NOS), and % of pts receiving 1/2/3 agents in 1st line (K 11/56/33; WT 18/53/30). KRAS pts were less likely to be never or light smokers (4% vs 33% for WT). Nonsmokers were more likely to harbor KRAS transition rather than transversion mutations (3 transition, 1 transversion), while the converse held for smokers (51 transversions, 8 transitions). Median PFS was similar for KRAS vs WT (K .65 vs WT 4.8 months, p=0.81). RR (29% for both groups), disease control rates (K 73% vs WT 78%), and median OS (K 13.5 vs WT 12.1 months, p=.525) were also similar. Outcomes of KRAS pts to 2nd line chemotherapy (PFS 2.2, OS 8.6) are similar to those seen for WT patients in this setting. There was no significant difference in outcomes based on gender, smoking status, drug received (pemetrexed-based vs taxane based), or specific KRAS genotype. Conclusions: Pts with KRAS mutations experience similar outcomes to standard chemotherapy as those who are wild-type for EGFR and KRAS. Going forward, these data can serve as a reference for control arms of KRAS-specific randomized trials.

ALK and MET genes in advanced lung adenocarcinomas: The Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium experience

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Background: The Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium (LCMC) consisting of 14 US Cancer Centers was established to evaluate a panel of molecular mutations in advanced lung adenocarcinoma. ALK gene fusions and MET gene amplification were assessed by FISH in CLIA certified laboratories. Methods: Molecular tests were performed in stage IIIB or IV lung adenocarcinoma. To date, FISH assays have been completed in 901 patients for ALK (ALK break-apart, Abbott Molecular) and in 654 patients for MET (in house/Abbott Molecular reagents). ALK+ specimens were defined by split 3’ALK/5’ALK signals (gap >2 signal diameters) or single 3’ALK signals in >15% of tumor cells. MET gene amplification (MET+) was defined by ratio mean MET/mean CEP7 ≥2. Results: The ALK+ patient subset (N=75, 8.3%) compared to the ALK- had significantly lower age at diagnosis (52 vs. 60, p<0.001) and less frequent heavy smoking history (61% never-smokers among ALK+ vs. 31% among ALK-, p<0.001; pack-year for current/former smokers 17 vs. 40, p=0.003). Liver metastases were significantly more frequent among ALK+ than ALK- (23% vs.10%, p=0.004); no difference was detected in bone, brain and adrenal gland metastases. MET+ (N=29, 4.4%) was significantly associated with female sex (72% female among MET+ vs. 39% among MET-, p<0.001) and marginally more frequent in patients with adrenal metastasis; no difference was detected for age at diagnosis and smoking history. Follow-up on 73 ALK+ patients indicated that 56% received crizotinib as targeted therapy. Response was unknown in 8% and unreportable in 22% patients enrolled in ongoing randomized trials. Among patients with evaluable response, complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease were found respectively in 3%, 66%, 28%, and 3%. Conclusions: The LCMC successfully tested ALK and MET FISH in a large number of lung adenocarcinomas. It was demonstrated that directing positive patients to specific interventions is feasible, and that grouping of testing and trials within consortia may maximise relevant trial accrual in rare molecular subtypes. Supported by NCI-GO award. Submitted on behalf of the LCMC.

Delay of chemotherapy through use of post-progression erlotinib in patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancer

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Background: 1st-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy for patients (pts) with EGFR-mutant lung cancer prolongs progression free survival (PFS) and improves quality of life. When pts develop acquired resistance to TKI, chemotherapy is the only approved systemic treatment. Anecdotal evidence suggests that change of therapy can be delayed in some pts through continued TKI beyond progression (PD), but the effectiveness of this approach has not been quantified. Methods: Through an IRB-approved mechanism, pts with advanced lung cancer and EGFR sensitizing mutations treated on 3 prospective trials of 1st-line erlotinib were identified. Only pts with RECIST PD while on erlotinib were studied. Time from PD until use of an alternate systemic therapy (or death) and characteristics at PD (development of new extra-thoracic metastases or cancer-related symptoms) were assessed. Results: 42 eligible pts were identified with the following characteristics: median age 70, 86% female, 93% non-Asian, 50% never-smokers, 83% adenocarcinoma, 100% EGFR-mutant (55% exon 19, 36% exon 21, 9% exon 18). Median PFS on erlotinib was 13 months. After PD, alternate systemic therapy was delayed >3 months in 19 pts (45%; 95%CI: 31%-60%), through a combination of post-PD erlotinib (16 pts), radiation (6 pts), and/or surgery (3 pts), or on observation alone (2 pts). These 19 pts commonly had exon 19 deletions and were more likely to have no cancer-related symptoms at PD (Table), and had a median post-PD survival of 29 months. Alternate systemic therapy was delayed >12 months in 8 pts (19%). Conclusions: In a subset of pts with EGFR-mutant lung cancer and acquired resistance to TKI, chemotherapy can be delayed with the aid of post-PD TKI and local treatment modalities. This indolent PD is likely due to ongoing tumor EGFR dependence. In pts who are tolerating TKI and have asymptomatic progression, we recommend this palliative treatment strategy as an option for delaying chemotherapy and maximizing quality of life. [Table: see text]

Factors associated with smoking abstinence among smokers and recent-quitters with lung and head and neck cancer

INTRODUCTION

Smoking cessation among cancer patients is critical for improving outcomes. Understanding factors associated with smoking abstinence after the diagnosis of cancer can provide direction to develop and test interventions to enhance cessation rates. The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of smoking outcomes among cancer patients.

METHODS

Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data from 163 smokers or recent-quitters (quit≤6 months) at study entry of which 132 and 121 had data collected at 3 and 6 months. Biochemical verification was conducted with urinary cotinine and carbon monoxide. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, Pearson correlations, Fisher's exact test, and multivariable logistic regression were used for analyses.

RESULTS

Seven-day-point-prevalence-abstinence (PPA) rates were 90/132 (68%) at 3 months; 46/71 (65%) among lung and 44/61 (72%) among head and neck cancer patients, whereas 7-day-PPA rates were 74/121 (61%) at 6 months; 31/58 (53%) among lung and 43/63 (68%) among head and neck cancer patients. Continuous abstinence rates were 63/89 (71%) at 3 months; 32/45 (71%) among lung and 31/44 (70%) among head and neck cancer patients, whereas continuous abstinence rates were 46/89 (52%) at 6 months; 18/45 (40%) among lung and 28/44 (64%) among head and neck cancer patients. Lower cancer-related, psychological and nicotine withdrawal symptoms were associated with increased 7-D-PPA abstinence rates at 3 and 6 months in univariate models. In multivariable models, however, decreased craving was significantly related with 7-day-PPA at 3 months and decreased craving and increased self-efficacy were associated with 7-D-PPA at 6 months. Decreased craving was the only factor associated with continuous abstinence at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking outcomes among lung and head and neck cancer patients appear to have remained the same over the last two decades despite the availability of an increased number of pharmacotherapy options to treat tobacco dependence. Decreased craving and increased self-efficacy were the most consistent factors associated with improved smoking outcomes but symptom control may also play a role in optimal management. Use of combined, and/or higher doses of pharmacotherapy along with behavioral interventions that increase self-efficacy and manage symptoms may promote enhanced cessation rates.

Cost-effectiveness of computed tomography screening for lung cancer in the United States

INTRODUCTION

A randomized trial has demonstrated that lung cancer screening reduces mortality. Identifying participant and program characteristics that influence the cost-effectiveness of screening will help translate trial results into benefits at the population level.

METHODS

Six U.S. cohorts (men and women aged 50, 60, or 70 years) were simulated in an existing patient-level lung cancer model. Smoking histories reflected observed U.S. patterns. We simulated lifetime histories of 500,000 identical individuals per cohort in each scenario. Costs per quality-adjusted life-year gained ($/QALY) were estimated for each program: computed tomography screening; stand-alone smoking cessation therapies (4-30% 1-year abstinence); and combined programs.

RESULTS

Annual screening of current and former smokers aged 50 to 74 years costs between $126,000 and $169,000/QALY (minimum 20 pack-years of smoking) or $110,000 and $166,000/QALY (40 pack-year minimum), when compared with no screening and assuming background quit rates. Screening was beneficial but had a higher cost per QALY when the model included radiation-induced lung cancers. If screen participation doubled background quit rates, the cost of annual screening (at age 50 years, 20 pack-year minimum) was below $75,000/QALY. If screen participation halved background quit rates, benefits from screening were nearly erased. If screening had no effect on quit rates, annual screening costs more but provided fewer QALYs than annual cessation therapies. Annual combined screening/cessation therapy programs at age 50 years costs $130,500 to $159,700/QALY, when compared with annual stand-alone cessation.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost-effectiveness of computed tomography screening will likely be strongly linked to achievable smoking cessation rates. Trials and further modeling should explore the consequences of relationships between smoking behaviors and screen participation.

Mutations in the DDR2 kinase gene identify a novel therapeutic target in squamous cell lung cancer

While genomically targeted therapies have improved outcomes for patients with lung adenocarcinoma, little is known about the genomic alterations which drive squamous cell lung cancer. Sanger sequencing of the tyrosine kinome identified mutations in the DDR2 kinase gene in 3.8% of squamous cell lung cancers and cell lines. Squamous lung cancer cell lines harboring DDR2 mutations were selectively killed by knock-down of DDR2 by RNAi or by treatment with the multi-targeted kinase inhibitor dasatinib. Tumors established from a DDR2 mutant cell line were sensitive to dasatinib in xenograft models. Expression of mutated DDR2 led to cellular transformation which was blocked by dasatinib. A squamous cell lung cancer patient with a response to dasatinib and erlotinib treatment harbored a DDR2 kinase domain mutation. These data suggest that gain-of-function mutations in DDR2 are important oncogenic events and are amenable to therapy with dasatinib. As dasatinib is already approved for use, these findings could be rapidly translated into clinical trials.

SIGNIFICANCE

DDR2 mutations are present in 4% of lung SCCs, and DDR2 mutations are associated with sensitivity to dasatinib. These findings provide a rationale for designing clinical trials with the FDA-approved drug dasatinib in patients with lung SCCs.

The BATTLE trial: personalizing therapy for lung cancer

The Biomarker-integrated Approaches of Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer Elimination (BATTLE) trial represents the first completed prospective, biopsy-mandated, biomarker-based, adaptively randomized study in 255 pretreated lung cancer patients. Following an initial equal randomization period, chemorefractory non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were adaptively randomized to erlotinib, vandetanib, erlotinib plus bexarotene, or sorafenib, based on relevant molecular biomarkers analyzed in fresh core needle biopsy specimens. Overall results include a 46% 8-week disease control rate (primary end point), confirm prespecified hypotheses, and show an impressive benefit from sorafenib among mutant-KRAS patients. BATTLE establishes the feasibility of a new paradigm for a personalized approach to lung cancer clinical trials.

SIGNIFICANCE

The BATTLE study is the first completed prospective, adaptively randomized study in heavily pretreated NSCLC patients that mandated tumor profiling with "real-time" biopsies, taking a substantial step toward realizing personalized lung cancer therapy by integrating real-time molecular laboratory findings in delineating specific patient populations for individualized treatment.

Abstract PL04-01: Improving patient outcomes in lung cancer by targeting different driver mutations

Multiple groups reported in 2004 on the association between clinical response to treatment with gefitinib and erlotinib and somatic mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in patients with lung cancer. Subsequent research showed these somatic sensitizing mutations of EGFR are also driver mutations. Somatic mutations of EGFR are predictive markers for higher response rates, prolonged time to progression, and a trend towards longer survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with gefitinib or erlotinib rather than combination chemotherapy. The prospective clinical trials have led to approval of gefitinib for as initial treatment for patients with sensitizing mutations of EGFR or following relapse after conventional chemotherapy in Europe. Erlotinib is recommended as initial therapy for patients with sensitizing mutations of EGFR in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

However, only 10% to 30% of patients with lung cancer have activating mutations of EGFR. Ongoing research is attempting to identify additional driver mutations in patients with lung cancer and other malignancies that can be targeted with existing or novel compounds. The activating mutations in both adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas of the lung are being systemically characterized through the Tumor Sequencing Project, The Cancer Genome Atlas projects (http://cancergenome.nih.gov/wwd/program), and other programs around the world. These projects have identified the most frequently mutated and/or activated genes in both lung adenocarcinoma and in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

In addition to EGFR mutations, other driver mutations that can be effectively treated with existing targeted agents have been identified including EML4-ALK intrachromosomal rearrangements and BRAF mutations. Investigators from Japan discovered a gene that arose from a intrachromosomal rearrangement in adenocarcinomas of the lung which could transform NIH 3T3 cells. The transforming gene is a fusion of the ALK gene with echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4). The chromosomal rearrangement gives rise to a fusion gene in which the ALK tyrosine kinase is constitutively activated. Further studies have shown the EML4-ALK rearrangements are present in NSCLC arising in patients from the United States and Europe. The translocated gene can now be detected by using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in histological sections of the tumor. There are drugs that are directed against the ALK tyrosine kinase including PF2341066 or crizotinib. Crizotinib has been tested in patients with EML4-ALK intrachromosomal rearrangements in an expansion cohort of the phase I trials. Crizotinib has shown evidence of antitumor activity with response rates of approximately 57% and progression-free survival in excess of 6 months in patients with this rearrangement. Crizotinib is being tested in patients with relapsed NSCLC and EML4-ALK translocations randomized to either conventional therapy with pemetrexed or docetaxel versus crizotinib (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01000025).

Other potential therapeutic targets in patients with NSCLC include activating mutations in BRAF, present in 2% of patients with NSCLC. BRAF has been shown to be a driver mutations in melanoma and successfully targeted with PLX4032 {Bollag, #4046; Flaherty, #4045}. One thousand adenocarcinomas of the lung are now being characterized for 10 different mutations, gene amplification, and chromosomal rearrangements through the 14 institutions participating in the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium (http://www.golcmc.com/). The Clinical Trials Committee within the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium has established trials with drugs specifically directed at these driver mutations in different subsets of patients with lung cancer. The goal is to continue to expand the number of patients who can be treated with effective targeted therapy against these driver mutations.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr PL04-01. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-PL04-01

Imaging of lung cancer in the era of molecular medicine

Recent discoveries characterizing the molecular basis of lung cancer brought fundamental changes in lung cancer treatment. The authors review the molecular pathogenesis of lung cancer, including genomic abnormalities, targeted therapies, and resistance mechanisms, and discuss lung cancer imaging with novel techniques. Knowledge of the molecular basis of lung cancer is essential for radiologists to properly interpret imaging and assess response to therapy. Quantitative and functional imaging helps assessing the biologic behavior of lung cancer.

Patient-reported receipt of and interest in smoking-cessation interventions after a diagnosis of cancer

BACKGROUND

Smoking cessation is essential after the diagnosis of cancer to enhance clinical outcomes. Although effective smoking-cessation treatments are available, <50% of smokers with cancer report receiving treatment. Reasons for the low dissemination of such treatment are unclear.

METHODS

Data were collected from questionnaires and medical record reviews from 160 smokers or recent quitters with lung or head and neck cancer. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, and logistic regression were used in the analyses. The median age of participants was 57 years, 63% (n = 101) were men, 93% (n = 149) were white, and 57% (n = 91) had lung cancer.

RESULTS

Eight-six percent (n = 44) of smokers and 75% (n = 82) of recent quitters reported that healthcare providers gave advice to quit smoking. Sixty-five percent (n = 33) of smokers and 47% (n = 51) of recent quitters reported that they were offered assistance from their healthcare providers to quit smoking. Fifty-one percent (n = 26) of smokers and 20% (n = 22) of recent quitters expressed an interest in a smoking-cessation program. An individualized smoking-cessation program was the preferred type of program. Among smokers, younger patients with early stage disease and those with partners who were smokers were more interested in programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the majority of patients received advice and were offered assistance to quit smoking, approximately 50% of smokers were interested in cessation programs. Innovative approaches to increase interest in cessation programs need to be developed and tested in this population.

CT tumor volume measurement in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Performance characteristics of an emerging clinical tool

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Determine inter- and intraobserver variability of computed tomography (CT) tumor volume measurements in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated in a Phase II clinical trial using chest CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-three advanced NSCLC patients with a total of 53 measurable lung lesions enrolled in a Phase II, multicenter, open-label clinical trial of erlotinib were retrospectively studied with institutional review board approval. Two radiologists independently measured the tumor size, volume, and CT attenuation coefficient using commercially available volume analysis software. Concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess inter- and intraobserver agreement.

RESULTS

High CCCs (0.949-0.990) were observed in all types of measurements for interobserver agreement. The 95% limits of agreements for volume, unidimensional, and bidimensional measurements were (-26.0%, 18.6%), (-23.1%, 24.4%), and (-34.0%, 48.6%), respectively. Volume measurement had slightly higher CCC and narrower 95% limits of agreement compared to uni- and bidimensional measurements. CCCs for intraobserver agreement were high (range, 0.946-0.996) with CCC for volume being slightly higher than CCCs of uni- and bidimensional measurements. The smaller the tumor volume was, the larger the interobserver difference of CT attenuation. Location, morphology, or adjacent atelectasis had no significant impact on inter- or intraobserver variability.

CONCLUSION

CT tumor volume measurement in advanced NSCLC patients using clinical chest CT and commercially available software demonstrated high inter- and intraobserver agreement, indicating that the method may be used routinely in clinical practice.

Development of central nervous system metastases in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and somatic EGFR mutations treated with gefitinib or erlotinib

PURPOSE

Gefitinib and erlotinib can penetrate into the central nervous system (CNS) and elicit responses in patients with brain metastases (BM) from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there are incomplete data about their impact on the development and control of CNS metastases.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC with somatic EGFR mutations initially treated with gefitinib or erlotinib were identified. The cumulative risk of CNS progression was calculated using death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

Of the 100 patients, 19 had BM at the time of diagnosis of advanced NSCLC; 17 of them received CNS therapy before initiating gefitinib or erlotinib. Eighty-four patients progressed after a median potential follow-up of 42.2 months. The median time to progression was 13.1 months. Twenty-eight patients developed CNS progression, 8 of whom had previously treated BM. The 1- and 2-year actuarial risk of CNS progression was 7% and 19%, respectively. Patient age and EGFR mutation genotype were significant predictors of the development of CNS progression. The median overall survival for the entire cohort was 33.1 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest a lower risk of CNS progression in patients with advanced NSCLC and somatic EGFR mutations initially treated with gefitinib or erlotinib than published rates of 40% in historical series of advanced NSCLC patients. Further research is needed to distinguish between the underlying rates of developing CNS metastases between NSCLC with and without EGFR mutations and the impact of gefitinib and erlotinib versus chemotherapy on CNS failure patterns in these patients.

Haplotypes of estrogen receptor-beta and risk of non-small cell lung cancer in women

Epidemiologic and biologic evidence suggests that lung cancer has different clinical and biological characteristics in women, and that estrogen may contribute to the pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated whether germline variation in the estrogen receptor-beta gene (ESR2) is associated with lung cancer risk among 1021 female cases and 826 female controls enrolled in the Lung Cancer Susceptibility Study at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 1992 to 2004. Four haplotype-tagging polymorphisms (htSNPs) (rs3020450, rs1256031, rs1256049, rs4986938) captured the common genetic variation across the ESR2 locus from a set of markers culled from healthy controls from a public database and sequencing the coding regions of 95 breast cancer cases. Using the expectation-maximization algorithm, five common haplotypes were resolved (CCGC (43%), TCAT (287%), TCAC (11%), CCAC (9%) and CCAT (6%)). Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for individual htSNPs and haplotype scores. Neither the four individual htSNPs nor their resolved haplotypes were associated with lung cancer risk in the entire population, nor in strata defined by parity (yes versus no), age (<50 years versus ≥ 50 years) or smoking history (current-, former-, never-smokers). Our findings indicate that ESR2 is not associated with risk of lung cancer in women.