Real-World Data on Cabozantinib in Previously Treated Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Focus on Sequences and Prognostic Factors

Cabozantinib and Axitinib After Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study from England

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The tyrosine kinase inhibitors cabozantinib and axitinib have been widely used in England to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma following prior vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy, but data on real-world usage remain limited. Our objective was to describe the real-world treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who received second-line or later-line (≥ 2L) cabozantinib or axitinib after vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy in clinical practice in England.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used clinical practice data (collected 2011-20) from the English Cancer Analysis System database. Patient characteristics, treatment sequence and duration, and overall survival (time from initiation of cabozantinib/axitinib treatment to death) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Data from 1485 eligible adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma were analyzed: 440 received ≥  2L cabozantinib (2L for 88.6% of them); 1045 received ≥  2L axitinib (2L for 89.5%). The most common first-line treatments were sunitinib (2L cabozantinib subcohort, 48%; 2L axitinib subcohort, 46%) and pazopanib (46% and 54%, respectively); nivolumab was the most common third-line treatment (18% and 19%, respectively). Median (interquartile range) 2L therapy duration was 5.52 (2.73-11.74) months for cabozantinib and 4.60 (1.45-12.36) months for axitinib. Following adjustment for potential confounders using inverse probability weighting, overall survival (median [interquartile range]) was longer for ≥ 2L cabozantinib (11.2 [5.7-28.0] months) than for ≥  2L axitinib (10.4 [4.7-22.0] months; log-rank p = 0.0034).

CONCLUSIONS

The Cancer Analysis System database is a valuable research resource providing extensive real-world clinical data. Real-world overall survival was longer with ≥  2L cabozantinib than with axitinib.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04637204; registered November 2020.

Real-World Results of Cabozantinib Given as Alternative Schedule in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The multikinase-inhibitor Cabozantinib is a widely used treatment strategy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), either in combination with the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor nivolumab or as monotherapy. Cabozantinib is given continuously at a dose of 60 mg once daily when used as a single agent and at 40 mg when combined with nivolumab. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAE's) were shown to occur frequently.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of cabozantinib in patients with mRCC. Patients were treated in various lines. Furthermore, we analyzed the impact of an alternative treatment schedule in patients not able to maintain continuous dosing.

PATIENTS

This is a single center retrospective study from the Medical University of Vienna.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Overall response rates (ORR), progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated for the entire cohort, by treatment line and by treatment schedule.

RESULTS

Between January 2014 until April 2021, 71 patients received cabozantinib. Sixty-seven patients were eligible for full evaluation. By IMDC criteria, 32.4%, 59.2%, and 8.5% were classified as favorable, intermediate and poor risk respectively. Cabozantinib was offered as a 2nd-line or 3rd-line treatment in 38.0% and 32.4% of patients, respectively. An alternative treatment schedule was offered in 39.1% of patients. Objective responses were found in 43.3% (CR 6%) of patients and the median PFS was 10.8 months (95% CI: 5.5-16.2). When compared to continuous dosing, an alternative treatment schedule was associated with longer PFS (12.2 months (95% CI: 0-25.5) vs. 6.1 months (95% CI: 0.37-11.8) (P = .014, HR 0.46 (95% CI: 0.24-0.86), respectively) and a lower frequency and severity of TRAE's.

CONCLUSIONS

Safety and efficacy of cabozantinib in real world is comparable to what has been observed in the pivotal trials, irrespective of the treatment line. An alternative schedule may further improve efficacy and safety.

Cabozantinib in the Routine Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review of Real-World Evidence

Real-world cabozantinib use has increased since its approval to treat patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in 2016. We reviewed cabozantinib use in real-world clinical practice and compared outcomes with pivotal cabozantinib randomized control trials (RCTs). This PRISMA-standard systematic literature review evaluated real-world effectiveness and tolerability of cabozantinib in patients with RCC (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021245854). Systematic MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane database searches were conducted on November 2, 2022. Eligible publications included ≥ 20 patients with RCC receiving cabozantinib. After double-screening for eligibility, standardized data were abstracted, qualitatively summarized, and assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Of 353 screened publications, 41 were included, representing approximately 11,000 real-world patients. Most publications reported cabozantinib monotherapy cohort studies (40/41) of retrospective (39/41) and multicenter (32/41) design; most included patients from North America and/or Europe (30/41). Baseline characteristics were demographically similar between real-world and pivotal RCT populations, but real-world populations showed greater variation in prevalence of prior nephrectomy, multiple-site/brain metastasis, and nonclear-cell RCC histology. Cabozantinib activity was reported across real-world treatment lines and tumor types. Overall survival, progression-free survival, and objective response rate values from pivotal RCTs were within the ranges reported for equivalent outcomes across real-world studies. Common real-world grade ≥ 3 adverse events were consistent with those in pivotal RCTs (fatigue, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, diarrhea, hypertension), but less frequent. No new tolerability concerns were identified. Real-world RCC survival outcomes for cabozantinib monotherapy were broadly consistent with pivotal RCTs, despite greater heterogeneity in real-world populations.

Real-world efficacy and safety of cabozantinib following immune checkpoint inhibitor failure in Japanese patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Real-world data of cabozantinib after failure of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced renal cell carcinoma in Japanese population are limited. Additionally, prognostic factors of cabozantinib in this setting are still unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated data of 56 patients treated with cabozantinib subsequent to failed immune checkpoint inhibitors at four institutions. Regarding the efficacy profile, progression-free survival, overall survival and objective response rate were assessed. In terms of the safety profile, rate of adverse events, dose reduction and treatment interruption were assessed. Furthermore, risk factors of progression-free survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (52%) were treated with cabozantinib as second-line therapy. Most frequent prior immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment was nivolumab plus ipilimumab combination therapy as first-line therapy (n = 30, 54%). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 9.76 and 25.5 months, respectively, and objective response rate was 34%. All patients experienced at least one adverse event, and grade ≥ 3 adverse events were observed in 31 patients (55%). Forty-four (79%) and 31 (55%) patients needed dose reduction and treatment interruption, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that reduced initial dose (i.e. <60 mg) (hazard ratio: 2.50, P = 0.0355) and presence of lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio: 2.50, P = 0.0172) were independent factors of shorter progression-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Cabozantinib in Japanese patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who failed immune checkpoint inhibitors was efficacious and had a manageable safety profile. These results appear to be similar to those of previous clinical trials.

Cabozantinib in Patients with Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Primary Refractory to First-line Immunocombinations or Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

BACKGROUND

A subset of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), deemed as primary refractory, shows progressive disease as the best response to first-line therapy even when treated with novel immune-based combos.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the outcome of patients treated with second-line cabozantinib for mRCC primary refractory to first-line therapy defined as Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) progression in the computed tomography scan as the best response to the upfront treatment.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We retrospectively collected data from 11 worldwide centers.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox proportional models were used at univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

We collected data from 108 patients with mRCC primary refractory to pembrolizumab plus axitinib (17%), nivolumab plus ipilimumab (36%), or tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs; 31% sunitinib and 16% pazopanib). The median OS with cabozantinib was 9.11 mo, and it was 8.84 and 9.11 mo in patients primary refractory to immunocombinations and TKIs, respectively (p = 0.952). A significant difference was found between patients primary refractory to pembrolizumab plus axitinib (OS not reached) and those primary refractory to nivolumab plus ipilimumab (median OS 8.12 mo, p = 0.024). The median PFS with cabozantinib was 7.30 mo, without significant differences between patients primary refractory to immunocombinations and those primary refractory to TKIs (6.90 vs 7.59 mo, p = 0.435) or between patients primary refractory to pembrolizumab plus axitinib and those primary refractory to nivolumab plus ipilimumab (7.92 and 6.02, p = 0.509). Investigator-assessed overall response rates were 21% and 12% in patients primary refractory to first-line immunocombinations and TKIs, respectively, with a clinical benefit of 48% in the overall population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that cabozantinib is active in primary refractory mRCC patients regardless of which treatment is received as first-line therapy. Systemic options and prognosis of primary refractory patients with mRCC, particularly those treated with novel immune-based combos, are among the major challenges that we need to face in this field.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Patients primary refractory to first-line therapy are characterized by a poor prognosis. Herein, we aimed to assess the outcome of patients treated with second-line cabozantinib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) primary refractory to first-line therapy. Our results suggest that cabozantinib is active in primary refractory mRCC patients.

Real-World Treatment with Nivolumab or Cabozantinib for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) in the Veneto Region of Italy: Results of AMOUR Study

Background

Second- or third-line treatment options for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) have dramatically changed in the last few years. There are no criteria for the choice between nivolumab and cabozantinib, which both demonstrated overall survival (OS) gain in pivotal trials.

Objective

We conducted an analysis of oncological outcomes in patients treated in the Veneto Region (Italy), studying different sequences of TKI-nivolumab-cabozantinib or TKI-cabozantinib-nivolumab in a publicly funded healthcare system.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a retrospective, real-world analysis of all consecutive patients with mRCC treated with nivolumab or cabozantinib in 2017–2018 at 19 Oncology Units in the Veneto Region.

Results

We identified 170 patients, 73 % males, median age 68.4 years. All patients started second-line treatment, 59 % received a third-line therapy. Patients with NLR > 3 had a shorter OS (p < 0.0001). In the second-line treatment, nivolumab was administered to 108 patients (63 %), cabozantinib to 29 (17 %); in the third-line treatment nivolumab was administered to 42 patients (25 %), cabozantinib to 49 (29 %). Median OS and PFS in second line treatment were 28.4 and 6.6 months for nivolumab, 16.8 and 6.6 months for cabozantinib. Median OS and PFS in third-line treatment were 27 and 5.2 months for nivolumab, 16.6 and 7.5 months for cabozantinib. Median OS for nivolumab>cabozantinib sequence versus cabozantinib > nivolumab was 28.8 versus 19.9 months (p = 0.2); median PFS for both the sequences were similar at 5.7 months. A cost effectiveness per month of survival of the two sequences analysis was performed: the cost per month for the nivolumab > cabozantinib sequence was 1738.60whereas the cost for the other one was €1624.80.

Conclusions

In our real-world cohort, most patients received nivolumab as second-line treatment. Outcomes of single drugs are superimposable with those in the published literature. Both the sequences of nivolumab and cabozantinib appear to be viable, effective strategies from an OS and cost-effective perspective.

Exposure-response analyses of cabozantinib in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer

Aim

In the registration trial, cabozantinib exposure ≥ 750 ng/mL correlated to improved tumor size reduction, response rate and progression free survival (PFS) in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC). Because patients in routine care often differ from patients in clinical trials, we explored the cabozantinib exposure–response relationship in patients with mRCC treated in routine care.

Methods

Cabozantinib trough concentrations (C_min) were collected and average exposure was calculated per individual. Exposure–response analyses were performed using the earlier identified target of C_min > 750 ng/mL and median C_min. In addition, the effect of dose reductions on response was explored. PFS was used as measure of response.

Results

In total, 59 patients were included:10% were classified as favourable, 61% as intermediate and 29% as poor IMDC risk group, respectively. Median number of prior treatment lines was 2 (0–5). Starting dose was 60 mg in 46%, 40 mg in 42% and 20 mg in 12% of patients. Dose reductions were needed in 58% of patients. Median C_min was 572 ng/mL (IQR: 496–701). Only 17% of patients had an average C_min ≥ 750 ng/mL. Median PFS was 52 weeks (95% CI: 40–64). No improved PFS was observed for patients with C_min ≥ 750 ng/mL or ≥ 572 ng/ml. A longer PFS was observed for patients with a dose reduction vs. those without (65 vs. 31 weeks, p = .001). After incorporating known covariates (IMDC risk group and prior treatment lines (< 2 vs. ≥ 2)) in the multivariable analysis, the need for dose reduction remained significantly associated with improved PFS (HR 0.32, 95% CI:0.14–0.70, p = .004).

Conclusion

In these explorative analyses, no clear relationship between increased cabozantinib exposure and improved PFS was observed. Average cabozantinib exposure was below the previously proposed target in 83% of patients. Future studies should focus on validating the cabozantinib exposure required for long term efficacy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09338-1.

CaboPoint: a phase II study of cabozantinib as second-line treatment in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Cabozantinib is an inhibitor of multiple tyrosine kinases, including AXL, MET and VEGF receptors. Here, we describe the rationale and design for the phase II CaboPoint trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03945773), which will evaluate the efficacy and safety of cabozantinib as a second-line treatment in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma whose disease has progressed despite checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Patients will be recruited into two cohorts: prior ipilimumab plus nivolumab (cohort A) or prior checkpoint inhibitor-VEGF-targeted therapy (cohort B). All patients will receive once-daily oral cabozantinib 60 mg for up to 18 months. The primary end point is objective response rate. Secondary end points include overall survival, progression-free survival and safety.

Application of the Meet-URO score to metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with second- and third-line cabozantinib

Background:

The addition of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and bone metastases to the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) score (by the Meet-URO score) has been shown to better stratify pretreated metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients receiving nivolumab. This study aimed to validate the Meet-URO score in patients receiving cabozantinib to assess its predictivity and prognostic role.

Methods:

A multicenter retrospective analysis evaluated mRCC patients receiving ⩾second-line cabozantinib. NLR, IMDC score and bone metastases were assessed before the start of cabozantinib. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Harrell’s c-index was calculated to compare the accuracy of the prediction of the two scores.

Results:

Overall, 174 mRCC patients received cabozantinib as second and third line (51.7% and 48.3%, respectively) with a median follow-up of 6.8 months. A shorter median overall survival (mOS) was observed for the IMDC poor-risk group, NLR ⩾3.2 and the presence of bone metastases, while the IMDC intermediate-risk group had a similar mOS to the favourable-risk one. Applying the Meet-URO score, three risk groups were identified: group 1 (55.2% of patients) with a score of 0–3, group 2 (38.5%) with a score of 4–8 and group 3 (6.3%) with a score of 9. Compared to group 1 (mOS: 39.4 months), a statistically significant worse mOS was observed in group 2 (11.2 months) and group 3 (3.2 months) patients, respectively. The Meet-URO c-index score was 0.640, showing a higher discriminative ability than the IMDC score (c-index: 0.568).

Conclusion:

This analysis showed that the Meet-URO score provides a more accurate prognostic stratification than the IMDC score in mRCC patients treated with ⩾second-line cabozantinib besides nivolumab. Moreover, it is an easy-to-use tool with no additional costs for clinical practice (web-calculator is available at: https://proviso.shinyapps.io/Meet-URO15_score/). Future investigations will include the application of the Meet-URO score to the first-line immunotherapy-based combination therapies.

Early Clinical Experience with Cabozantinib for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma in the UK: Real-World Treatment Pathways and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Cabozantinib monotherapy is approved in the UK for patients with treatment-naïve intermediate- or poor-risk advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC), or patients who received prior vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy. Data are limited on the real-world use of cabozantinib for aRCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

CERES (NCT03696407) was a retrospective study of patients with aRCC who received cabozantinib through the UK managed access programme (MAP; August 2016-July 2017), at which time cabozantinib had European regulatory approval for second- or later-line use only. The study objectives were to characterize aRCC treatment patterns and evaluate cabozantinib effectiveness. Outcomes were stratified by cabozantinib treatment line, MAP treatment date (months 0-7 vs. 8-12) and (post hoc) Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; ≥ 6 vs. < 6).

RESULTS

Of 100 patients included, 99% had stage IV disease, 63% had a CCI ≥ 6 and 81% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status 0-1. Median (range) duration of follow-up was 10.8 (0.4-33.5) months. Cabozantinib was administered as second-line, third-line and fourth- or later-line in 41%, 31% and 28% of patients, respectively. Most patients (84%) initiated cabozantinib at 60 mg. Average (range) cabozantinib dose was 45.5 (19.6-59.8) mg/day; 66% of patients had ≥ 1 dose reduction. Disease progression was the most common reason for discontinuation (65.1%). Median (95% confidence interval) progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 6.01 (5.16-7.85) and 10.84 (7.92-16.85) months, respectively. Overall response rate was 34.5%; disease control rate 70.1% and duration of response 6.9 (1.8-26.9) months. No significant differences in survival estimates were observed between treatment line or treatment date subgroups. Total CCI score ≤ 6 (vs. > 6) was associated with prolonged median PFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Cabozantinib demonstrated clinical activity in this UK real-world aRCC population. The results provide a benchmark for future real-world studies in aRCC.

Cabozantinib in Pretreated Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma with Sarcomatoid Differentiation: A Real-World Study

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid differentiation is a highly aggressive form of kidney cancer.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to analyze the outcomes of patients treated with cabozantinib for metastatic renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid features.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data from 16 worldwide centers. Overall survival and progression-free survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Cox proportional models were used for univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

We collected data from 66 patients with metastatic sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma receiving cabozantinib as second-line (51%) or third-line (49%) therapy. The median progression-free survival from the start of cabozantinib was 7.59 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.75-17.49) and was longer in male patients (8.81 vs 5.95 months, p = 0.042) and in patients without bone metastases (7.59 vs 5.11 months, p = 0.010); the median overall survival was 9.11 months (95% CI 7.13-23.80). At the multivariate analysis, female sex (hazard ratio = 1.81; 95% CI 1.02-3.37, p = 0.046), bone metastases (hazard ratio = 2.62; 95% CI 1.34-5.10, p = 0.005), and International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium criteria (hazard ratio = 3.04; 95% CI 1.54-5.99, p = 0.001) were significant predictors of worse overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that cabozantinib is active in pretreated patients with sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma. Biomarkers are needed in this field to select patients for multi-kinase inhibitors or other options.

Clinical Outcomes of Metastatic Renal Carcinoma Following Disease Progression to Programmed Death (PD)-1 or PD-L1 Inhibitors (IO): A Meet-URO Group Real World Study (Meet-Uro 7)

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to collect data about of the outcome of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients who progressed after immune checkpoint inhibitors in order to enhance data about efficacy and safety of treatment beyond immune-oncology (IO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 162 eligible patients, progressing to IO, were enrolled from 16 Italian referral centers adhering to the Meet-Uro association. Baseline characteristics, outcome data and toxicities were retrospectively collected. Descriptive analysis was made using median values and ranges. Kaplan-Meier method and Mantel-Haenszel log-rank test were performed to compare differences between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 111 patients (68.5%) were treated after IO progression. In all, 51 patients (31.5%) did not receive further treatment for clinical deterioration. Median IO progression free survival (PFS) was 4 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.1-4.8). IO-PFS tends to be longer in patients reporting adverse events (AE) of any grade (5.03 [95% CI: 3.8-6.1] vs. 2.99 [95% CI: 2.4-3.5] months P=0.004). Subsequent therapies included cabozantinib (n=79, 48%), everolimus (n=11, 6.7%), and others (n=21, 12.9%).Median PFS post-IO was 6.5 months (95% CI: 5.1-7.8). Cabozantinib showed longer PFS compared with everolimus (7.6 mo [95% CI: 5.2-10.1] vs. 3.2 mo [95% CI: 1.8-4.5]) (hazard ratio: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1026-0.7968) and other drugs (4.3 mo [95% CI: 1.3-7.4]) (hazard ratio: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.35-1.23). All grade AE were reported in 83 patients (74%) and G3 to G4 AE in 39 patients (35%). Target therapies post-IO showed median overall survival of 14.7 months (95% CI: 0.3-21.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In our real world experience after progression to IO, vascular endotelial groth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors, given to patients, proved to be active and safe choices. Cabozantinib was associated with a better outcome in terms of median PFS.

Real-Word Experience of Cabozantinib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC): Results from the Canadian Kidney Cancer information system (CKCis)

BACKGROUND: Cabozantinib is an oral multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has demonstrated efficacy in metastatic renal-cell carcinoma (mRCC) randomized trials. OBJECTIVE: To explore the real-world effectiveness of cabozantinib in pretreated patients with mRCC, including patients who progressed on immune-oncology checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. METHODS: Using the Canadian Kidney Cancer information system (CKCis), patients with mRCC treated with cabozantinib monotherapy as second-line or later from January 1, 2011 to September 1, 2019 were identified. Patients were stratified based on line of cabozantinib received. We reported overall survival (OS), time to treatment failure (TTF) and disease control rate (DCR). Prognostic variables were analyzed using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: 157 patients received cabozantinib (median TTF 8.0 months; median OS 15.8 months): 37 (24%) in the second line (median TTF 10.4 months; median OS 18.9 months) 66 (42%) in third line (median TTF 5.9 months; median OS 13.3 months) and 54 (34%) in either 4th or 5th line (median TTF 9.4 months; median OS 16.8 months). One hundred sixteen patients (74%) received cabozantinib after prior ICI therapy (median TTF of 7.6 months; median OS of 15.8 months). DCR in all patients was 63% with 46%, 65% and 72% in 2nd line, 3rd line and 4th/5th line patients respectively. DCR in patients who received cabozantinib after prior ICI therapy was 64%. CONCLUSIONS: Cabozantinib is effective in a real-world, unselected population of mRCC patients, including in those who have progressed on prior ICI therapy, and in those exposed to multiple lines of therapy.

Soluble PD-L1 Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Simple Summary

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a heterogeneous and complex disease with almost no response to chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved great clinical success but no interesting circulating markers of clinical use have developed so far in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). We investigate the diagnostic and prognostic role of plasma PD-1 (sPD-1) and PD-L1 (sPD-L1) proteins for the first time together with the immunohistochemical expression counterpart of these proteins within the tumor front and tumor center in the same sample of patients with renal cancer undergoing surgery. We also investigate these plasma and tissue markers in the population of metastatic patients according to International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) prognostic groups and the response to systemic therapy. The independent role of sPD-L1 as a predictor of prognosis and treatment response is demonstrated.

Abstract

(1). Background: Immunohistochemical (IHC) evaluation of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) is being used to evaluate advanced malignancies with potential response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We evaluated both plasma and tissue expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in the same cohort of patients, including non-metastatic and metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). Concomitant plasma and tissue expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 was evaluated with emphasis on diagnostic and prognostic implications. (2) Methods: we analyzed PD-1 and PD-L1 IHC expression in tumor tissues and soluble forms (sPD-1 and sPD-L1) in plasma from 89 patients with CCRCC, of which 23 were metastatic and 16 received systemic therapy. The primary endpoint was evaluation of overall survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox regression model. Plasma samples from healthy volunteers were also evaluated. (3) Results: Interestingly, sPD-1 and sPD-L1 levels were lower in cancer patients than in controls. sPD-1 and sPD-L1 levels and their counterpart tissue expression both at the tumor center and infiltrating front were not associated. Higher expression of both PD-1 and PD-L1 were associated with tumor grade, necrosis and tumor size. PD-1 was associated to tumor stage (pT) and PD-L1 to metastases. sPD-1 and sPD-L1 were not associated with clinico-pathological parameters, although both were higher in patients with synchronous metastases compared to metachronous ones and sPD-L1 was also higher for metastatic patients compared to non-metastatic patients. sPD-1 was also associated with the International Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer Database Consortium (IMDC) prognostic groups in metastatic CCRCC and also to the Morphology, Attenuation, Size and Structure (MASS) response criteria in metastatic patients treated with systemic therapy, mainly tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. Regarding prognosis, PD-L1 immunostaining at the tumor center with and without the tumor front was associated with worse survival, and so was sPD-L1 at a cut-off >793 ng/mL. Combination of positivity at both the tissue and plasma level increased the level of significance to predict prognosis. (4) Conclusions: Our findings corroborate the role of PD-L1 IHC to evaluate prognosis in CCRCC and present novel data on the usefulness of plasma sPD-L1 as a promising biomarker of survival in this neoplasia.

Long progression-free survival with cabozantinib in a heavily pretreated patient with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a case report

Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of all tumors. Over the last decades, the prognosis of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) has improved owing to the approval of several drugs such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy. The median progression-free survival (PFS) does not exceed 8 months with the available drugs in pretreated patients with mRCC. We present a case of a patient with a long-term response to fourth-line treatment with cabozantinib. Our patient obtained a PFS of 33 months, which is much higher than that reported in literature.

Cabozantinib real-world effectiveness in the first-through fourth-line settings for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Results from the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium

Background

Cabozantinib is approved for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) based on the METEOR and CABOSUN trials. However, real‐world effectiveness and dosing patterns of cabozantinib are not well characterized.

Methods

Patients with mRCC treated with cabozantinib between 2011 and 2019 were identified and stratified using the International mRCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk groups. First‐ (1L), second‐ (2L), third‐ (3L), and fourth‐line (4L) overall response rate (ORR), time to treatment failure (TTF), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Dose reduction rates and their association with TTF and OS were determined.

Results

A total of 413 patients were identified. The ORRs across 1L to 4L were 32%, 26%, 25%, and 29%, respectively, and the median TTF rates were 8.3, 7.3, 7.0, and 8.0 months, respectively. The median OS (mOS) rates in 1L to 4L were 30.7, 17.8, 12.6, and 14.9 months, respectively. For patients treated with 1L PD(L)1 combination agent (n = 31), 2L cabozantinib had ORR of 22%, median TTF of 5.4 months, and mOS of 17.4 months. About 50% (129/258) of patients required dose reductions. The TTF and mOS were significantly longer for patients who required dose reduction vs. patients who did not, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.37 (95% CI 0.202–0.672, p < 0.01) and 0.46 (95% CI 0.215–0.980, p = 0.04), respectively. Limitations include the retrospective study design and the lack of central radiology review.

Conclusion

The ORR and TTF of cabozantinib were maintained from the 1L to 4L settings. Dose reductions due to toxicity were associated with improved TTF and OS. Cabozantinib has clinical activity after 1L Immuno‐oncology combination agents.

Body Mass Index in Patients Treated with Cabozantinib for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: A New Prognostic Factor?

We analyzed the clinical and pathological features of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients treated with cabozantinib stratified by body mass index (BMI). We retrospectively collected data from 16 worldwide centers involved in the treatment of RCC. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves. Cox proportional models were used at univariate and multivariate analyses. We collected data from 224 patients with advanced RCC receiving cabozantinib as second- (113, 5%) or third-line (111, 5%) therapy. The median PFS was significantly higher in patients with BMI ≥ 25 (9.9 vs. 7.6 months, p < 0.001). The median OS was higher in the BMI ≥ 25 subgroup (30.7 vs. 11.0 months, p = 0.003). As third-line therapy, both median PFS (9.2 months vs. 3.9 months, p = 0.029) and OS (39.4 months vs. 11.5 months, p = 0.039) were longer in patients with BMI ≥ 25. BMI was a significant predictor for both PFS and OS at multivariate analysis. We showed that a BMI ≥ 25 correlates with longer survival in patients receiving cabozantinib. BMI can be easily assessed and should be included in current prognostic criteria for advanced RCC.

Real-world evidence of cabozantinib in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma: Results from the CABOREAL Early Access Program

BACKGROUND

Real-world data on cabozantinib in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is limited. This study (CABOREAL) reports treatment patterns and outcomes for patients treated with cabozantinib through the French Early Access Program.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicentre (n = 26), observational, retrospective study enrolled patients with mRCC who had received ≥1 dose of cabozantinib. Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method; subgroups were compared using the log-rank test. A multiple Cox regression model assessed predictive factors of OS after cabozantinib initiation.

RESULTS

Four hundred and ten recruited patients started treatment between September 2016 and February 2018: the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≥2, 39.3%; poor International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk, 31.7%; 0-1, 2 and ≥3 previous treatment lines, 25.3%, 33.4% and 41.2%, respectively; bone metastases, 55.9%; brain metastases, 16.8%. Median (min-max) follow-up was 14.4 (0-30) months. Overall, 57.0% of patients had a dose reduction, 15.6% an alternative dose schedule. The median average daily dose was 40.0 mg. Median (quartile [Q]1-Q3) treatment duration was 7.6 (0.1-29.1) months, median OS was 14.4 months, and the 12-month OS rate was 56.5% (95% confidence interval: 51.5-61.2). Most patients (54.4%) received subsequent treatment. Predictive factors associated with longer OS were body mass index ≥25 kg/m² (p = 0.0021), prior nephrectomy (p = 0.0109), favourable or intermediate IMDC risk (p < 0.0001) and cabozantinib initiation at 60 mg/day (p = 0.0486).

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest real-world study to date, cabozantinib was effective in unselected, heavily pretreated patients with mRCC. Initiation at 60 mg/day was associated with improved outcomes. CLINICALTRIALS.

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03744585.