Multidisciplinary clinical guidelines in proactive monitoring, early diagnosis, and effective management of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd)-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD) in breast cancer patients

[Diffuse interstitial lung disease induced by antibody-drug conjugates]

INTRODUCTION

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) represent a promising new therapeutic class in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Studies assessing ADC have highlighted a pulmonary toxicity profile in the form of interstitial lung disease (ILD).

STATE OF THE ART

Several ADCs for NSCLC are currently being developed. In studies evaluating Trastuzumab-Deruxtecan (Her-2 target), incidence of drug-induced ILD ranged from 10.7 to 26.0%, and from 3.6 to 25.0% in those evaluating Datopotamab-Deruxtecan (TROP-2 target). Incidence of 9.9 and 5% of ILD was observed with Telisotuzumab-Vedotin (c-MET target) and Patritumab-Deruxtecan (Her-3 target), respectively. No cases of ILD have been reported with Sacituzumab-Govitecan (TROP-2 target) or Tusamitamab-Ravtansine (CEACAM5 target).

PERSPECTIVES

Several risk factors for ADC-induced ILD seem to emerge, including respiratory comorbidities, renal insufficiency, or type and dosage of ADC. Current studies are focusing on the combination of ADC and immunotherapy, although there are few data now available on pulmonary toxicity profiles.

CONCLUSION

Among the many ADCs being developed, several can cause ILD of varying grades and intensity. Knowledge of their risks, diagnostic and therapeutic modalities is required in order to quickly detect and treat ADC-induced ILD.

Efficacy of a novel interstitial lung disease monitoring program in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with trastuzumab-deruxtecan

PURPOSE

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a well described and potentially fatal complication of trastuzumab-deruxtecan (T-DXd). It is currently unknown if specific monitoring is beneficial in the early detection of ILD in these patients. We describe the efficacy and feasibility of a novel ILD monitoring protocol in breast cancer patients treated with T-DXd at our institution.

METHODS

An ILD monitoring protocol developed at our institution included baseline and ongoing monitoring with pulmonary function testing (PFTs) and high-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) at pre-specified intervals. Patients with metastatic HER2+ or HER2-low breast cancer treated at Huntsman Cancer Institute who received ≥ 1 cycle of T-DXd between 2020 and 2023 were included (n = 68). Patient outcomes and provider adherence to the protocol were retrospectively evaluated. Providers were classified as "no adherence" if they did not elect to participate in any elements of the recommended protocol or as "some adherence" if they had at least some monitoring per protocol.

RESULTS

10 cases of ILD were identified with an incidence of 12% (3/25) in the no adherence group and 16% (7/43) in the some adherence group. ILD cases in the no adherence group included one grade 2 and two grade 5 cases. The some adherence group included three grade 1 and four grade 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

An ILD monitoring protocol consisting of baseline PFTs and ongoing monitoring with PFTs and HRCT is a feasible approach as evidenced by a majority provider adherence rate. This type of protocol may be effective in preventing severe cases of ILD and identifying grade 1 events that may permit treatment re-challenge.

Disproportionality analysis of interstitial lung disease associated with novel antineoplastic agents during breast cancer treatment: a pharmacovigilance study

Background

Studies have shown that some antineoplastic agents may be associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), but large-scale real-world data are lacking. This study aimed to detect signals of disproportionate reporting for ILD associated with novel antineoplastic agents used in breast cancer treatment.

Methods

In this pharmacovigilance study, we collected data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS; Jan 01, 2004-Dec 31, 2023) and the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER; Jan 01, 2004-Mar 31, 2024) databases. Data retrieval involved direct download of structured datasets from the FDA and PMDA portals. Participant selection included reports of FDA-approved novel antineoplastic agents for breast cancer with documented ILD as a preferred term, excluding duplicates, non-breast cancer indications, unapproved drugs, and cases where drugs were classified as concomitant or interacting. Signals of disproportionate reporting were assessed using the reporting odds ratio (ROR), with statistical significance defined as a lower 95% confidence interval >1 and ≥3 ILD cases.

Findings

A total of 2913 patients with ILD from FAERS and 1868 from JADER were analysed. We identified 9 agents with reporting signals for ILD in FAERS: ROR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for trastuzumab deruxtecan was 12.17 (95% CI 11.04-13.41), atezolizumab 6.04 (5.02-7.28), everolimus 3.21 (2.95-3.50), abemaciclib 2.87 (2.52-3.27), pertuzumab 2.84 (2.49-3.25), olaparib 2.29 (1.65-3.19), trastuzumab emtansine 2.27 (1.91-2.69), pembrolizumab 2.06 (1.65-2.58), and trastuzumab 1.36 (1.25-1.49). 7 drugs associated with ILD in JADER are also captured in FAERS. Fatal cases presented with a shorter median onset time compared to nonfatal cases (56 vs. 71 days in FAERS, P = 0.015; 59 vs. 76.5 days in JADER, P = 0.046). Analyses indicated stronger reporting associations between novel antineoplastic agents and ILD compared to chemotherapeutics (FAERS: OR 2.47, 2.16-2.81; JADER: OR 1.61, 1.37-1.88; P < 0.0001). ILD reports were more frequent among older patients (FAERS: HR 1.0097, 1.0036-1.0159, P = 0.0020; JADER: HR 1.0183, 1.0094-1.0270, P < 0.0001), while higher weight correlated with fewer reports (FAERS: HR 0.9783, 0.9729-0.9836; P < 0.0001).

Interpretation

Our study detected signals of disproportionate reporting for ILD with some novel antineoplastic agents in breast cancer, fatal cases had a shorter median onset time than nonfatal ones. Novel antineoplastic agents showed stronger signal of disproportionate reporting associations with ILD than chemotherapeutics. Older age and lower weight were associated with more frequent ILD reports. The limitations-including incomplete data, inherent pharmacovigilance biases, and coprescription bias-preclude causal interpretation of the observed associations and may lead to overestimation or underestimation of reporting signals. These findings highlight the need for vigilant ILD monitoring but require validation through prospective studies to clarify true clinical risks.

Funding

None.

Update on Pulmonary Toxicity Induced by New Breast Cancer Treatments

In recent years, new anticancer drugs have been investigated and approved for the treatment of breast cancer based on improved survival outcomes. However, these new treatments have specific class-related side effects. Pulmonary toxicity has been identified as an adverse event of special interest with everolimus, and is becoming an increasingly significant clinical challenge with the recent approval of trastuzumab deruxtecan. Overall, the risk of pulmonary toxicity is quite low but in some cases lung damage can be fatal. We conducted an update including the available published data regarding the incidence, mechanisms of pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and treatment of lung toxicity induced by new anticancer drugs. A literature search was performed between January and June 2024, considering papers, clinical trials, case reports, case series, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews published from January 2014 to June 2024. We also provide an algorithm for diagnosis and treatment, along with real-life cases managed at the Modena Cancer Center. Data provided here show that pulmonary toxicity is a quite frequent side effect and underline that early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial for the best outcome of patients, whose overall prognosis is being improved by the availability of these new anticancer agents.

Monitoring and management of adverse effects associated with trastuzumab deruxtecan: a UAE-specific consensus

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the UAE and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Although early diagnosis contributes to favorable prognoses, novel treatment modalities like antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have significantly broadened the therapeutic landscape for patients in metastatic settings. The recognition of "HER2-low" expression as a targetable category has caused a paradigm shift in the management of breast cancer. Although initially developed to target HER2-positive breast cancer, trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), an ADC, has now also been approved to treat metastatic or unresectable HER2-low breast cancers. Despite the inherent specificity of an ADC, the risk of off-site toxicity exists and is an essential component while assessing the risk-benefit ratio of the treatment. Developing strategies to balance efficacy and safety is crucial, especially for newly approved therapies like T-DXd. Regional perspectives, cultural beliefs, and demographic factors influence treatment decisions and outcomes. The objective of this paper is to establish a UAE-specific consensus among oncologists on practical T-DXd treatment considerations and management of associated side effects. Establishing a consensus on monitoring and managing T-DXd side effects among experts can promote informed decision-making.

Serum KL-6 levels reflect the severity of interstitial lung disease caused by immune checkpoint inhibitors

Tumor immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has emerged as a powerful strategy in treating malignant tumors, exhibiting efficacy in both first-line and second-line treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite their success, ICIs can lead to adverse reactions, including interstitial lung disease (ILD), with an incidence ranging from 2.7 % to 20.0 %. The lack of clear correlations with dosage, duration, or drug efficacy, coupled with nonspecific clinical manifestations, poses challenges in timely diagnosis and effective management. This study examined the association between ICIs-related ILD and serum levels of KL-6 and inflammatory markers in NSCLC patients. A total of 382 NSCLC patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SQC, n = 81), adenocarcinoma (ACA, n = 132), and large cell carcinoma (LCC, n = 169) were included, of whom 191 developed ILD following ICIs treatment. Serum KL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-6 were quantified using ELISA. Results showed significantly elevated serum KL-6 levels in ILD patients (759.35 ± 214.14 U/mL) compared to those without ILD (270.81 ± 124.98 U/mL). Cancer subtype analysis revealed increased KL-6 levels across SQC, ACA, and LCC ILD patients (SQC: 645.89 ± 255.07, ACA: 797.39 ± 192.30, LCC: 783.57 ± 191.21; p < 0.001). ROC analysis identified diagnostic thresholds for KL-6: 277.4 U/mL for SQC (sensitivity 0.9756, specificity 0.8250), 346.9 U/mL for ACA (sensitivity 0.9583, specificity 0.8333), and 281.3 U/mL for LCC (sensitivity 0.9873, specificity 0.6111). Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between KL-6 and TNF-α (r = 0.4626, p = 0.0023), IL-8 (r = 0.5584, p = 0.0001), and IL-6 (r = 0.5336, p = 0.0003) in SQC ILD patients. These findings suggest that elevated KL-6 levels and inflammatory markers are indicative of ILD in ICIs-treated NSCLC patients, with potential diagnostic implications across cancer subtypes.

Small intestinal metastasis from primary breast cancer: a case report and review of literature

Small intestinal metastasis from primary breast cancer remains a rare clinical occurrence. Despite extensive research into its clinicopathological features and treatment options, the specific pathogenesis and optimal management strategies remain incompletely understood. This case report presents a patient with breast cancer that metastasized to the small intestine. The primary breast tumor was diagnosed as classic invasive lobular carcinoma. Subsequent surgical intervention successfully addressed the intestinal obstruction and confirmed the metastatic origin of the small intestinal tumor. Interestingly, the metastatic lesions exhibited features suggestive of pleomorphic lobular carcinoma. A PET-CT scan was performed to evaluate the distant metastasis status of this patient. Notably, hormonal receptor status shifted from positive to negative, while HER2 expression changed from negative to low between the primary tumor and metastatic lesions. The presence of an undiagnosed pleomorphic component in the primary tumor might explain the disease's progressive nature. In this case, systemic treatment with trastuzumab deruxtecan yielded favorable therapeutic outcomes. Overall, our findings suggest that re-evaluation of receptor status in breast cancer metastases is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies. Furthermore, a combination of palliative resection of small intestinal metastases and targeted therapy for HER2-low breast cancer may potentially improve survival.

Systemic Therapy of Gastric Cancer-State of the Art and Future Perspectives

Background: The prognosis of patients diagnosed with locally advanced and metastatic gastric and esophago-gastric junction cancer is critical. The optimal choice of systemic therapy is essential to optimize survival outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive literature review via PubMed and analysis of major oncology congresses (European Society for Medical Oncology and American Society of Clinical Oncology websites) were conducted to ascertain the current status and latest developments in the systemic treatment of patients with localized or advanced gastric and esophago-gastric junction adenocarcinoma. Results: While neoadjuvant and perioperative chemotherapy for localized tumor stages is the preferred approach in the Western Hemisphere, adjuvant chemotherapy remains the preferred course of action in East Asia. The administration of chemotherapy, typically in the form of combinations comprising platinum and fluoropyrimidine compounds in combination with docetaxel, represents a standard of care. Investigations are underway into the potential of immunotherapy and other biologically targeted agents in the perioperative setting. To select the most appropriate therapy for advanced gastric cancer, including adenocarcinoma of the esophago-gastric junction, it is essential to determine biomarkers such as HER2 expression, PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) (combined positive score), Claudin 18.2, and microsatellite instability (MSI). In the present clinical context, the standard first-line therapy is a combination of fluoropyrimidine and a platinum derivative. The selection of chemotherapy in combination with antibodies is contingent upon the specific biomarker under consideration. Conclusions: This article reviews the current state of the art based on recent clinical trial results and provides an outlook on the future of systemic therapy.

Clinical best practices in interdisciplinary management of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 antibody-drug conjugates-induced interstitial lung disease/pneumonitis: An expert consensus in China

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have demonstrated effectiveness in treating various cancers, particularly exhibiting specificity in targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. Recent advancements in phase 3 clinical trials have broadened current understanding of ADCs, especially trastuzumab deruxtecan, in treating other HER2-expressing malignancies. This expansion of knowledge has led to the US Food and Drug Administration's approval of trastuzumab deruxtecan for HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer, HER2-positive gastric cancer, and HER2-mutant nonsmall cell lung cancer. Concurrent with the increasing use of ADCs in oncology, there is growing concern among health care professionals regarding the rise in the incidence of interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis (ILD/p), which is associated with anti-HER2 ADC therapy. Studies on anti-HER2 ADCs have reported varying ILD/p mortality rates. Consequently, it is crucial to establish guidelines for the diagnosis and management of ILD/p in patients receiving anti-HER2 ADC therapy. To this end, a panel of Chinese experts was convened to formulate a strategic approach for the identification and management of ILD/p in patients treated with anti-HER2 ADC therapy. This report presents the expert panel's opinions and recommendations, which are intended to guide the management of ILD/p induced by anti-HER2 ADC therapy in clinical practice.

The radiologist's role in detecting systemic anticancer therapy-related interstitial lung disease: an educational review

Systemic anticancer therapies (SACTs) are the leading cause of drug-induced interstitial lung disease (ILD). As more novel SACTs become approved, the incidence of this potentially life-threatening adverse event (AE) may increase. Early detection of SACT-related ILD allows for prompt implementation of drug-specific management recommendations, improving the likelihood of AE resolution and, in some instances, widening the patient's eligibility for future cancer treatment options. ILD requires a diagnosis of exclusion through collaboration with the patient's multidisciplinary team to rule out other possible etiologies of new or worsening respiratory signs and symptoms. At Grade 1, ILD is asymptomatic, and thus the radiologist is key to detecting the AE prior to the disease severity worsening. Planned computed tomography scans should be reviewed for the presence of ILD in addition to being assessed for tumor response to treatment, and when ILD is suspected, a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan should be requested immediately. An HRCT scan, with < 2-mm slice thickness, is the most appropriate method for detecting ILD. Multiple patterns of ILD exist, which can impact patient prognosis. The four main patterns include acute interstitial pneumonia / acute respiratory distress syndrome, organizing pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and non-specific interstitial pneumonia; their distinct radiological features, along with rarer patterns, are discussed here. Furthermore, HRCT is essential for following the course of ILD and might help to determine the intensity of AE management and the appropriateness of re-challenging with SACT, where indicated by drug-specific prescribing information. ILD events should be monitored closely until complete resolution. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The incidence of potentially treatment-limiting and life-threatening systemic anticancer therapy-related interstitial lung disease (SACT-related ILD) events is likely increasing as more novel regimens become approved. This review provides best-practice recommendations for the early detection of SACT-related ILD by radiologists. KEY POINTS: Radiologists are crucial in detecting asymptomatic (Grade 1) ILD before severity/prognosis worsens. High-resolution computed tomography is the most appropriate method for detecting ILD. Drug-induced ILD is a diagnosis of exclusion, involving a multidisciplinary team. Familiarity with common HRCT patterns, described here, is key for prompt detection. Physicians should highlight systemic anticancer therapies (SACTs) with a known risk for interstitial lung diseases (ILD) on scan requisitions.

Pharmacogenomics: A Genetic Approach to Drug Development and Therapy

The majority of the well-known pharmacogenomics research used in the medical sciences contributes to our understanding of medication interactions. It has a significant impact on treatment and drug development. The broad use of pharmacogenomics is required for the progress of therapy. The main focus is on how genes and an intricate gene system affect the body's reaction to medications. Novel biomarkers that help identify a patient group that is more or less likely to respond to a certain medication have been discovered as a result of recent developments in the field of clinical therapeutics. It aims to improve customized therapy by giving the appropriate drug at the right dose at the right time and making sure that the right prescriptions are issued. A combination of genetic, environmental, and patient variables that impact the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of medications results in interindividual variance in drug response. Drug development, illness susceptibility, and treatment efficacy are all impacted by pharmacogenomics. The purpose of this work is to give a review that might serve as a foundation for the creation of new pharmacogenomics applications, techniques, or strategies.

Antibody-drug conjugate adverse effects can be understood and addressed based on immune complex clearance mechanisms

ABSTRACT

Numerous antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are being developed for cancer immunotherapy. Although several of these agents have demonstrated considerable clinical efficacy and have won Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, in many instances, they have been characterized by adverse side effects (ASEs), which can be quite severe in a fraction of treated patients. The key hypothesis in this perspective is that many of the most serious ASEs associated with the use of ADCs in the treatment of cancer can be most readily explained and understood due to the inappropriate processing of these ADCs via pathways normally followed for immune complex clearance, which include phagocytosis and trogocytosis. We review the key published basic science experiments and clinical observations that support this idea. We propose that it is the interaction of the ADC with Fcγ receptors expressed on off-target cells and tissues that can most readily explain ADC-mediated pathologies, which therefore provides a rationale for the design of protocols to minimize ASEs. We describe measurements that should help identify those patients most likely to experience ASE due to ADC, and we propose readily available treatments as well as therapies under development for other indications that should substantially reduce ASE associated with ADC. Our focus will be on the following FDA-approved ADC for which there are substantial literatures: gemtuzumab ozogamicin and inotuzumab ozogamicin; and trastuzumab emtansine and trastuzumab deruxtecan.

Trastuzumab deruxtecan in breast cancer

Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) consisting of a humanised, anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) monoclonal antibody covalently linked to a topoisomerase I inhibitor cytotoxic payload (DXd). The high drug-to-antibody ratio (8:1) ensures a high DXd concentration is delivered to target tumour cells, following internalisation of T-DXd and subsequent cleavage of its tetrapeptide-based linker. DXd's membrane-permeable nature enables it to cross cell membranes and potentially exert antitumour activity on surrounding tumour cells regardless of HER2 expression. T-DXd's unique mechanism of action is reflected in its efficacy in clinical trials in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (in heavily pretreated populations and in those previously treated with a taxane and trastuzumab), as well as HER2-low metastatic breast cancer. Thus, ADCs such as T-DXd have the potential to change the treatment paradigm of targeting HER2 in metastatic breast cancer, including eventually within the adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting.

Advances in the study of marketed antibody-drug Conjugates (ADCs) for the treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer continues to have a high incidence rate among female malignancies. Despite significant advancements in treatment modalities, the heterogeneous nature of breast cancer and its resistance to various therapeutic approaches pose considerable challenges. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) effectively merge the specificity of antibodies with the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents, offering a novel strategy for precision treatment of breast cancer. Notably, trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) has provided a new therapeutic option for HER2-positive breast cancer patients globally, especially those resistant to conventional treatments. The development of trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) and sacituzumab govitecan (SG) has further broadened the applicability of ADCs in breast cancer therapy, presenting new hopes for patients with low HER2 expression and triple-negative breast cancer. However, the application of ADCs presents certain challenges. For instance, their treatment may lead to adverse reactions such as interstitial lung disease, thrombocytopenia, and diarrhea. Moreover, prolonged treatment could result in ADCs resistance, complicating the therapeutic process. Economically, the high costs of ADCs might hinder their accessibility in low-income regions. This article reviews the structure, mechanism of action, and clinical trials of commercially available ADCs for breast cancer treatment, with a focus on the clinical trials of the three drugs, aiming to provide insights for clinical applications and future research.

Pan-cancer assessment of antineoplastic therapy-induced interstitial lung disease in patients receiving subsequent therapy immediately following immune checkpoint blockade therapy

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DIILD) is a serious adverse event potentially induced by any antineoplastic agent. Whether cancer patients are predisposed to a higher risk of DIILD after receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is unknown.

METHODS

This study retrospectively assessed the cumulative incidence of DIILD in consecutive cancer patients who received post-ICI antineoplastic treatment within 6 months from the final dose of ICIs. There was also a separate control cohort of 55 ICI-naïve patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received docetaxel.

RESULTS

Of 552 patients who received ICIs, 186 met the inclusion criteria. The cohort predominantly comprised patients with cancer of the lung, kidney/urinary tract, or gastrointestinal tract. The cumulative incidence of DIILD in the entire cohort at 3 and 6 months was 4.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4%-8.7%) and 7.2% (95% CI 4.0%-11.5%), respectively. There were significant differences according to cancer type (Gray's test, P = .04), with the highest cumulative incidence of DIILD in patients with lung cancer being 9.8% (95% CI 4.3%-18.0%) at 3 months and 14.2% (95% CI 7.3%-23.3%) at 6 months. DIILD was caused by docetaxel in six of these 11 lung cancer patients (54.5%). After matching, the cumulative incidence of docetaxel-induced ILD in patients with NSCLC in the post-ICI setting was higher than that in the ICI-naïve setting: 13.0% (95% CI 3.3%-29.7%) vs 4.3% (95% CI 0.3%-18.2%) at 3 months; and 21.7% (95% CI 7.9%-39.9%) vs 4.3% (95% CI 0.3%-18.2%) at 6 months. However, these were not significant differences (hazard ratio, 5.37; 95% CI 0.64-45.33; Fine-Gray P = .12).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with lung cancer were at high risk of developing DIILD in subsequent regimens after ICI treatment. Whether NSCLC patients are predisposed to additional risk of docetaxel-induced ILD by prior ICIs warrants further study.