Phase II trial of ixabepilone and carboplatin with or without bevacizumab in patients with previously untreated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Interactome with 364 Novel Protein-Protein Interactions

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer affecting the outer lining of the lung, with a median survival of less than one year. We constructed an 'MPM interactome' with over 300 computationally predicted protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and over 2400 known PPIs of 62 literature-curated genes whose activity affects MPM. Known PPIs of the 62 MPM associated genes were derived from Biological General Repository for Interaction Datasets (BioGRID) and Human Protein Reference Database (HPRD). Novel PPIs were predicted by applying the HiPPIP algorithm, which computes features of protein pairs such as cellular localization, molecular function, biological process membership, genomic location of the gene, and gene expression in microarray experiments, and classifies the pairwise features as interacting or non-interacting based on a random forest model. We validated five novel predicted PPIs experimentally. The interactome is significantly enriched with genes differentially ex-pressed in MPM tumors compared with normal pleura and with other thoracic tumors, genes whose high expression has been correlated with unfavorable prognosis in lung cancer, genes differentially expressed on crocidolite exposure, and exosome-derived proteins identified from malignant mesothelioma cell lines. 28 of the interactors of MPM proteins are targets of 147 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. By comparing disease-associated versus drug-induced differential expression profiles, we identified five potentially repurposable drugs, namely cabazitaxel, primaquine, pyrimethamine, trimethoprim and gliclazide. Preclinical studies may be con-ducted in vitro to validate these computational results. Interactome analysis of disease-associated genes is a powerful approach with high translational impact. It shows how MPM-associated genes identified by various high throughput studies are functionally linked, leading to clinically translatable results such as repurposed drugs. The PPIs are made available on a webserver with interactive user interface, visualization and advanced search capabilities.

A comparison of the efficacy of antiangiogenic agents combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: a network meta-analysis

OBJECTION

To explore the effects of combinations of antiangiogenic agents and chemotherapy agents on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and indirectly compare the therapeutic effect of Endostar combined with chemotherapy and bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy on NSCLC.

METHODS

We searched 3 electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. The ORRs, HRs and 95% confidence intervals of OS and PFS were used to compare the efficacy of Endostar combined with chemotherapy and bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy. We use the Bayesian network meta-analysis method to make indirect comparisons and obtain rank probabilities; in addition, we used single-arm meta-analysis to synthesize the existing data.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies were included in the analysis. Among them, we included a total of 14 interventions. A total of 12,862 patients participated in this analysis. The single-arm meta-analysis showed that the pooled ORR and 95% CI were 0.35 (0.31, 0.39), the pooled HR of OS and 95% CI were 0.89 (0.81, 0.98), and the pooled HR of PFS and 95% CI were 0.67 (0.56, 0.81). According to the results of network meta-analysis, there were no significant differences between the 5 kinds of bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy regimens and the 4 kinds of Endostar combined with chemotherapy regimens for improving ORR and prolonging OS and PFS. The rank probabilities suggested that in terms of ORR, Pla + Pem + Bev was the first-ranked intervention (0.288). Pla + Pem + Endo was the first-ranked intervention for prolonging OS (0.423) and Pla + Gem + Endo was the first-ranked intervention for prolonging PFS (0.302).

CONCLUSION

Antiangiogenic agents combined with platinum-containing dual drugs can provide benefits to NSCLC patients. In addition, bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy regimens has better theraputic effect on ORR while Endostar combined with chemotherapy may have better effects on OS and PFS for the treatment of NSCLC patients.

An update on the developing mitotic inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Mitosis is necessary to sustain life and is followed immediately by cell division into two daughter cells. Microtubules play a key role in the formation of the mitotic spindle apparatus and cytokinesis at the end of mitosis. Various anti-microtubule agents such as taxanes and vinca alkaloids are widely used in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but their use is associated with hematologic toxicity profile, acquired resistance and hypersensitivity reactions. Areas covered: The Nab-paclitaxels are the more recent antimitotic agents approved in NSCLC showing a better tolerability and activity when compared to previous ones. Despite this, the outcome of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer is poor. Due to the key role of mitosis, research is focused on the identification of new mitotic drug targets other than microtubule inhibitors, such as cell cycle targets, aurora kinases and Polo-like kinases. Expert opinion: Despite improvements in chemotherapeutic choices and supportive care, the majority of patients experience a deteriorating quality of life and significant toxicities associated to a poor outcome. Thus, the therapeutic management of patients with advanced NSCLC represents an ongoing challenge and novel agents targeting mitosis are under investigation.

Incidence and risk of hypertension with bevacizumab in non-small-cell lung cancer patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Aim

A study was conducted to determine the overall risk and incidence of hypertension with bevacizumab in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Materials and methods

Electronic databases such as the Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched for related trials. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the overall incidence rates, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by using either random-effect or fixed-effect models depending on the heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 3,155 subjects from nine studies were included. The overall incidences of all-grade and high-grade hypertension in NSCLC patients were 19.55% (95% CI 10.17%–34.3%) and 6.95% (95% CI 5.81%–8.30%). Bevacizumab use was associated with a significantly increased risk in all-grade hypertension (OR 8.07, 95% CI 3.87–16.85; P=0.0002) and high-grade hypertension (OR 5.93, 95% CI 3.41–10.32; P<0.0001). No evidence of publication bias was determined for the ORs of hypertension in our meta-analysis.

Conclusion

Bevacizumab is associated with a significantly increased risk of hypertension development in NSCLC patients. Early monitoring and effective management of hypertension might be important steps for the safe use of this drug.

Efficacy and safety of angiogenesis inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and has become a promising target for cancer drug development. We aimed to quantify the overall efficacy and safety of angiogenesis inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing angiogenesis inhibitors with non-angiogenesis inhibitors for NSCLC patients. The extracted data on objective response rates (ORRs), disease control rates (DCRs), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were pooled. Common adverse events (AEs) were also studied.

RESULTS

A total of 33 RCTs involving 17,396 patients were included. Compared with non-angiogenesis inhibitors, angiogenesis inhibitors resulted in significant improvement in PFS (HR, 0.81; 95 % CI 0.76-0.85; p < 0.001), OS (HR, 0.95; 95 % CI 0.92-0.98; p = 0.004), ORR (RR, 1.54; 95 % CI 1.37-1.73; p < 0.001) and DCR (RR, 1.18; 95 % CI 1.10-1.27; p < 0.001). The AEs associated with angiogenesis inhibitors were generally predictable and manageable.

CONCLUSION

Angiogenesis inhibitors were superior to non-angiogenesis inhibitors in terms of ORR, DCR, PFS and OS in advanced NSCLC patients. Further studies are warranted to explore the predictive biomarkers to pick up those who may gain utmost benefit from anti-angiogenic therapy.

Phase II study of carboplatin, docetaxel and bevacizumab for chemotherapy-naïve patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate a 3-drug combination of carboplatin, docetaxel and bevacizumab as a front-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell carcinoma (NSCLC), a single arm phase II study was conducted.

METHODS

Patients with stage IIIB/IV or postoperative recurrent non-squamous NSCLC were treated with carboplatin (targeted area under the curve of 6 mg h/L), docetaxel (60 mg/m(2)), and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) on day 1, repeated every 3 weeks for 4 to 6 cycles, followed by maintenance with bevacizumab every 3 weeks until disease progression or occurrence of predefined toxicity. The planned patient number was 40, and the primary endpoint was progression free survival (PFS) as assessed by independent reviewers.

RESULTS

One patient refused the treatment after enrollment; thus, 39 patients were treated and analyzed. The 3-drug therapy was delivered for a median of 4 cycles, and 54 % of the patients proceeded to the maintenance therapy for a median of 4 cycles. The overall response rate was 74.4 % (29/39), with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of 60.0 to 88.7 %. The median PFS and overall survival (OS) were 6.2 months (95 % CI, 4.8-8.5 months) and 22.4 months (95 % CI, 11.3-26.2 months), respectively. Toxicities of grade 3 or higher included neutropenia in 71.8 %, febrile neutropenia in 23.1 %, and hypertension in 38.5 % of the patients, but they were transient and manageable.

CONCLUSION

The primary endpoint was met. The regimen yielded promising results with an excellent overall response rate, PFS, and OS for chemotherapy-naïve patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC. Further studies are warranted.

Class III β-tubulin overexpression within the tumor microenvironment is a prognostic biomarker for poor overall survival in ovarian cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant carboplatin/paclitaxel

Critics have suggested that neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking may select for resistant clones or cancer stem cells when compared to primary cytoreduction. β-tubulins are chemotherapeutic targets of taxanes and epothilones. Class III β-tubulin overexpression has been linked to chemoresistance and hypoxia. Herein, we describe changes in class III β-tubulin in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma in response to NACT, in relationship to clinical outcome, and between patients who underwent NACT versus primary debulking; we characterize in vitro chemosensitivity to paclitaxel/patupilone of cell lines established from this patient population, and class III β-tubulin expression following repeated exposure to paclitaxel. Using immunohistochemistry, we observed among 22 paired specimens obtained before/after NACT decreased expression of class III β-tubulin following therapy within stroma (p=0.07), but not tumor (p=0.63). Poor median overall survival was predicted by high levels of class III β-tubulin in both tumor (HR 3.66 [1.11,12.05], p=0.03) and stroma (HR 4.53 [1.28,16.1], p=0.02). Class III β-tubulin expression by quantitative-real-time-polymerase-chain-reaction was higher among patients who received NACT (n=12) compared to primary cytoreduction (n=14) (mean±SD fold-change: 491.2±115.9 vs. 224.1±55.66, p=0.037). In vitro subculture with paclitaxel resulted in class III β-tubulin upregulation, however, cell lines that overexpressed class III β-tubulin remained sensitive to patupilone. Overexpression of class III β-tubulin in patients dispositioned to NACT may thus identify an intrinsically aggressive phenotype, and predict poor overall survival and paclitaxel resistance. Decreases in stromal expression may represent normalization of the tumor microenvironment following therapy. Epothilones warrant study for patients who have received neoadjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel.

Synergistic activity of ixabepilone plus other anticancer agents: preclinical and clinical evidence

Ixabepilone demonstrates marked synergistic activity in combination with capecitabine, which served as the rationale for the evaluation of this combination in the clinic. Ixabepilone plus capecitabine is currently approved for patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (MBC) progressing after treatment with an anthracycline and a taxane; approval was based on the results of two phase III trials comparing the combination with capecitabine monotherapy. An array of preclinical studies in multiple solid tumor types show that ixabepilone demonstrates therapeutic synergy with targeted therapies including trastuzumab, bevacizumab, brivanib, and cetuximab; with immune-modulating agents such as anti-CTLA-4 antibody; and with other chemotherapy drugs such as irinotecan and epirubicin. Notably, experiments in several xenograft models show that ixabepilone provides greater antitumor synergism when combined with bevacizumab than either paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel combined with bevacizumab. These preclinical findings provide a foundation for ongoing phase II clinical trials using ixabepilone in combination with trastuzumab or lapatinib in HER2-positive breast cancer; with bevacizumab in breast cancer, endometrial cancer, renal cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); with cetuximab in breast cancer, NSCLC, and pancreatic cancer; and with brivanib, dasatinib, sorafinib, sunitinib, or vorinostat in MBC. Preliminary results from several of these trials suggest that ixabepilone-based combinations have promising anticancer activity.