Olaparib not cost-effective as maintenance therapy for platinum-sensitive, BRCA1/2 germline-mutated metastatic pancreatic cancer

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of olaparib as a maintenance therapy in platinum-responsive, metastatic pancreatic cancer patients harboring a germline BRCA1/2 mutation, using the Swiss context as a model.

METHODS

Based on data from the POLO trial, published literature and local cost data, we developed a partitioned survival model of olaparib maintenance including full costs for BRCA1/2 germline testing compared to FOLFIRI maintenance chemotherapy and watch-and-wait. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the base case and several scenario analyses and estimated 5-year budget impact.

RESULTS

Comparing olaparib with watch-and wait and maintenance chemotherapy resulted in incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of CHF 2,711,716 and CHF 2,217,083 per QALY gained, respectively. The 5-year costs for the olaparib strategy in Switzerland would be CHF 22.4 million, of which CHF 11.4 million would be accounted for by germline BRCA1/2 screening of the potentially eligible population. This would amount to a budget impact of CHF 15.4 million (USD 16.9 million) versus watch-and-wait.

CONCLUSIONS

Olaparib is not a cost-effective maintenance treatment option. Companion diagnostics are an equally important cost driver as the drug itself.

Regulatory Challenges: Is a Surrogate End Point Instead of Overall Survival Enough for Regulatory Approval of (Neo)Adjuvant Cancer Treatment? The Swissmedic Perspective

Surrogate end point only is not enough—the Swiss regulator`s perspective on (neo)adjuvant trials.

[Long-term side effects of immune checkpoint inhibition]

INTRODUCTION

The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors has fundamentally changed the treatment landscape of solid tumors in recent years. Even in advanced stages or in tumors with historically poor prognosis, such as triple-negative breast cancer, progression-free survival, as well as overall survival of affected individuals, have considerably improved. As a result, the side effects and consequences of therapy, their detection, and treatment are becoming an increasingly important part of patient follow-up.

Complication rates of peripherally inserted central catheters vs implanted ports in patients receiving systemic anticancer therapy: A retrospective cohort study

While implanted port catheters ("PORTs") have historically been the standard device for intravenous systemic anticancer therapy, the use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased continuously and reliable catheter selection guidelines are lacking. We compare complication rates of PORTs and PICCs in cancer treatment in a retrospective study of 3365 patients with both solid organ (n = 2612) and hematologic (n = 753) malignancies, between 2001 and 2021. 26.4% (n = 890) of all patients were treated via PICCs and 73.6% (2475) via PORTs. 20.7% (578) experienced a major catheter-related complication with a higher rate in PICCs than in PORTs (23.5% vs 14.9%, P < .001). Among major complications, infections and mechanical complications were more common in PICCs than in PORTs (11.9% vs 6.4%, P = .001, 7.3% vs 4.2%, P = .002), whereas the rate of thrombosis was similar (3.4% vs 3.0%, P = .9). While PORTs had a higher rate of periprocedural complications (2.7% vs 1.1%, P < .05), PICCs overall complication rate exceeded PORTs within 3 days from implantation. Median follow-up was 49 (PICC) and 60 weeks (PORT). PORTs are safer and therefore should be preferred in this setting regardless of catheter dwell time.

Pre-treatment comorbidities, C-reactive protein and eosinophil count, and immune-related adverse events as predictors of survival with checkpoint inhibition for multiple tumour entities

BACKGROUND

The development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) may be associated with clinical efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) in patients with cancer. We therefore investigated the effect of irAEs and pre-treatment parameters on outcome in a large, real-life patient cohort.

METHODS

We performed a single-centre, retrospective, observational study including patients who received CPIs from 2011 to 2018 and followed until 2021. The primary outcome was overall survival, and the secondary outcome was the development of irAEs.

RESULTS

In total, 229 patients with different tumour entities (41% non-small cell lung cancer [NSCLC], 29% melanoma) received a total of 282 CPI treatment courses (ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab or atezolizumab). Thirty-four percent of patients developed irAEs (of these 17% had CTCAE Grade ≥3). Factors independently associated with mortality were pre-treatment CRP ≥10 mg/L (hazard ratio [HR] 2.064, p = 0.0003), comorbidity measured by Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.149, p = 0.014) and irAEs (HR 0.644, p = 0.036) (age-adjusted, n = 216). Baseline eosinophil count ≤0.2 × 10⁹ /L was a further independent predictor of mortality (age-, CRP-, CCI- and irAE-adjusted HR = 2.252, p = 0.002, n = 166). Anti-CTLA-4 use (p < 0.001), and pre-treatment CRP <10 mg/L were independently associated with irAE occurrence (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an independent association between irAE occurrence and improved overall survival in a real-life cohort spanning multiple tumour entities and treatment regimens. Pre-treatment comorbidities, CRP and eosinophil count represent potential markers for predicting treatment response.

ROS Induction Targets Persister Cancer Cells with Low Metabolic Activity in NRAS-Mutated Melanoma

Clinical management of melanomas with NRAS mutations is challenging. Targeting MAPK signaling is only beneficial to a small subset of patients due to resistance that arises through genetic, transcriptional, and metabolic adaptation. Identification of targetable vulnerabilities in NRAS-mutated melanoma could help improve patient treatment. Here, we used multiomics analyses to reveal that NRAS-mutated melanoma cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype with a quiescent metabolic program to resist cellular stress induced by MEK inhibition. The metabolic alterations elevated baseline reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, leading these cells to become highly sensitive to ROS induction. In vivo xenograft experiments and single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that intratumor heterogeneity necessitates the combination of a ROS inducer and a MEK inhibitor to inhibit both tumor growth and metastasis. Ex vivo pharmacoscopy of 62 human metastatic melanomas confirmed that MEK inhibitor-resistant tumors significantly benefited from the combination therapy. Finally, oxidative stress response and translational suppression corresponded with ROS-inducer sensitivity in 486 cancer cell lines, independent of cancer type. These findings link transcriptional plasticity to a metabolic phenotype that can be inhibited by ROS inducers in melanoma and other cancers.

SIGNIFICANCE

Metabolic reprogramming in drug-resistant NRAS-mutated melanoma cells confers sensitivity to ROS induction, which suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in combination with MAPK pathway inhibitors.

A multicenter phase II trial of anti-EGFR-immunoliposomes loaded with doxorubicin in patients with advanced triple negative breast cancer

Advanced triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive, but initially chemo-sensitive disease. The prognosis is poor and more than three quarters of patients experience progression 12 months after the initiation of conventional first-line chemotherapy. Approximately two thirds of TNBC express epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR). We have developed an anti-EGFR targeted nanocontainer drug by inserting anti-EGFR antibody fragments into the membrane of pegylated liposomes (anti-EGFR-ILs-dox). The payload consists of doxorubicin, a standard drug for TNBC. In a first-in-human phase I trial in 26 patients with various advanced solid malignancies, anti-EGFR-ILs-dox has shown little toxicity and encouraging efficacy. In this single-arm phase II trial, we assessed the efficacy of anti-EGFR-ILs-dox as first-line therapy in patients with advanced, EGFR + TNBC. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival at 12 months (PFS12m). Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DOR), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). 48 patients received anti-EGFR-ILs-dox 50 mg/m² iv, on day one of a 28 days-cycle until progression. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for PFS12m was 13% (one-sided 90% CI 7%, 95% CI [5%, 25%]), median PFS was 3.5 months (95% CI 1.9, 5.4). The trial has not reached its primary endpoint. There were no new toxicity signals. Based on these results, anti-EGFR-ILs-dox should not be further developed for TNBC. It remains an open question whether anti-EGFR-ILs-dox would offer more opportunities in other EGFR-expressing malignancies, where targeting this receptor has already shown anticancer effects.Trial registration: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02833766. Registered 14/07/2016.

Biology, vulnerabilities and clinical applications of circulating tumour cells

In recent years, exceptional technological advances have enabled the identification and interrogation of rare circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from blood samples of patients, leading to new fields of research and fostering the promise for paradigm-changing, liquid biopsy-based clinical applications. Analysis of CTCs has revealed distinct biological phenotypes, including the presence of CTC clusters and the interaction between CTCs and immune or stromal cells, impacting metastasis formation and providing new insights into cancer vulnerabilities. Here we review the progress made in understanding biological features of CTCs and provide insight into exploiting these developments to design future clinical tools for improving the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

MyCTC chip: microfluidic-based drug screen with patient-derived tumour cells from liquid biopsies

Cancer patients with advanced disease are characterized by intrinsic challenges in predicting drug response patterns, often leading to ineffective treatment. Current clinical practice for treatment decision-making is commonly based on primary or secondary tumour biopsies, yet when disease progression accelerates, tissue biopsies are not performed on a regular basis. It is in this context that liquid biopsies may offer a unique window to uncover key vulnerabilities, providing valuable information about previously underappreciated treatment opportunities. Here, we present MyCTC chip, a novel microfluidic device enabling the isolation, culture and drug susceptibility testing of cancer cells derived from liquid biopsies. Cancer cell capture is achieved through a label-free, antigen-agnostic enrichment method, and it is followed by cultivation in dedicated conditions, allowing on-chip expansion of captured cells. Upon growth, cancer cells are then transferred to drug screen chambers located within the same device, where multiple compounds can be tested simultaneously. We demonstrate MyCTC chip performance by means of spike-in experiments with patient-derived breast circulating tumour cells, enabling >95% capture rates, as well as prospective processing of blood from breast cancer patients and ascites fluid from patients with ovarian, tubal and endometrial cancer, where sensitivity to specific chemotherapeutic agents was identified. Together, we provide evidence that MyCTC chip may be used to identify personalized drug response patterns in patients with advanced metastatic disease and with limited treatment opportunities.

Strategien zur gemeinsamen Entscheidungsfindung in der Therapie bei Patient_innen mit onkologischen Erkrankungen

Zusammenfassung. In der Onkologie ist die gemeinsame Entscheidungsfindung (Shared decision-Making, SDM) bei therapeutischen Fragen ein komplexer Prozess, bei dem zahlreiche personen-, behandlungs- und kontextbezogene Faktoren die Auswahl geeigneter Behandlungsoptionen und die endgültigen Behandlungsentscheidungen beeinflussen können. SDM spielt eine entscheidende Rolle, indem es die Patient_innen in das Arzt-Patienten-Gespräch und in die anstehenden Behandlungsentscheidungen gezielt einbezieht. Bei präferenzsensitiven Entscheidungen kann der SDM-Prozess für Patient_innen besonders belastend sein und sowohl Ärzt_innen als auch Patient_innen sehen in der unzureichenden Vorbereitung des Patienten respektive der Patientin ein Hindernis für SDM. Elektronische oder webbasierte Entscheidungshilfen könnten dazu beitragen, onkologische Patient_innen bereits im Vorfeld des Arzt-Patienten-Gespräches auf den SDM-Prozess vorzubereiten. Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es, einen aktuellen Überblick über die Rolle des SDM und seine zukünftige Entwicklung in der Onkologie zu geben. Bei dieser Entwicklung wird der Einsatz von Entscheidungshilfen im Rahmen eines Phasen-Models des SDM für die Onkologie beleuchtet. Dabei liegt der Schwerpunkt auf der potenziellen Nutzung der Chatbot-Technologie zur Vorbereitung der Patient_innen auf die Teilnahme am SDM und Optimierung der Arzt-Patienten-Kommunikation. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet auch einige wichtige Forschungslücken für die künftige Entwicklung von Chatbots als Entscheidungshilfen in der Onkologie.

Clinical and Biological Aspects of Disseminated Tumor Cells and Dormancy in Breast Cancer

Progress in detection and treatment have drastically improved survival for early breast cancer patients. However, distant recurrence causes high mortality and is typically considered incurable. Cancer dissemination occurs via circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and up to 75% of breast cancer patients could harbor micrometastatses at time of diagnosis, while metastatic recurrence often occurs years to decades after treatment. During clinical latency, disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can enter a state of cell cycle arrest or dormancy at distant sites, and are likely shielded from immune detection and treatment. While this is a challenge, it can also be seen as an outstanding opportunity to target dormant DTCs on time, before their transformation into lethal macrometastatic lesions. Here, we review and discuss progress made in our understanding of DTC and dormancy biology in breast cancer. Strides in our mechanistic insights of these features has led to the identification of possible targeting strategies, yet, their integration into clinical trial design is still uncertain. Incorporating minimally invasive liquid biopsies and rationally designed adjuvant therapies, targeting both proliferating and dormant tumor cells, may help to address current challenges and improve precision cancer care.

Distinct psycho-oncological support inclinations and needs in patients with cancer: A large sample latent class analysis approach

BACKGROUND

In patients with cancer, the routine recording of distress symptoms has been widely established in recent years. Psycho-oncological support has proven to reduce distress and increase quality of life. Despite high levels of distress as well as physical and emotional challenges in patients with cancer, a significant proportion forgoes psycho-oncological services.

METHODS

A cross-sectional retrospective evaluation was carried out. Latent class analysis was used to examine the relationship between distress, physical and emotional challenges, and desire for psycho-oncological services in 2191 patients with cancer.

RESULTS

Latent class analysis revealed four homogeneous subgroups: a) patients with high distress, high physical and low emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology, b) patients with high distress, low physical and high emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology, c) patients with high distress, high physical and emotional challenges and a desire for psycho-oncology, d) patients with low distress, low physical and emotional challenges and no desire for psycho-oncology.

CONCLUSION

The identification of these subgroups of patients with cancer is useful for health care providers in order to focus their efforts in patients with cancer. It might contribute to a more tailored treatment offer for specific subgroups whose needs have so far been insufficiently met.

A Phase 1/2 Single-arm Clinical Trial of Recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) VPM1002BC Immunotherapy in Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Recurrence After Conventional BCG Therapy: SAKK 06/14

BACKGROUND

VPM1002BC is a genetically modified Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain with potentially improved immunogenicity and attenuation.

OBJECTIVE

To report on the efficacy, safety, tolerability and quality of life of intravesical VPM1002BC for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) recurrence after conventional BCG therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We designed a phase 1/2 single-arm trial (NCT02371447). Patients with recurrent NMIBC after BCG induction ± BCG maintenance therapy and intermediate to high risk for cancer progression were eligible.

INTERVENTION

Patients were scheduled for standard treatment of six weekly instillations with VPM1002BC followed by maintenance for 1 yr. Treatment was stopped in cases of recurrence.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary endpoint was defined as the recurrence-free rate (RFR) in the bladder 60 wk after trial registration. The sample size was calculated based on the assumption that ≥30% of the patients would be without recurrence at 60 wk after registration.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

After exclusion of two ineligible patients, 40 patients remained in the full analysis set. All treated tumours were of high grade and 27 patients (67.5%) presented with carcinoma in situ. The recurrence-free rate in the bladder at 60 wk after trial registration was 49.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 32.1-64.4%) and remained at 47.4% (95% CI 30.4-62.6%] at 2 yr and 43.7% (95% CI 26.9-59.4%) at 3 yr after trial registration. At the same time, progression to muscle-invasive disease had occurred in three patients and metastatic disease in four patients. Treatment-related grade 1, 2, and 3 adverse events (AEs) were observed in 14.3%, 54.8%, and 4.8% of the patients, respectively. No grade ≥4 AEs occurred. Two of the 42 patients did not tolerate five or more instillations during induction. Limitations include the single-arm trial design and the low number of patients for subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

At 1 yr after treatment start, almost half of the patients remained recurrence-free after therapy with VPM100BC. The primary endpoint of the study was met and the therapy is safe and well tolerated.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We conducted a trial of VPM100BC, a genetically modified bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) strain for treatment of bladder cancer not invading the bladder muscle. At 1 year after the start of treatment, almost half of the patients with a recurrence after previous conventional BCG were free from non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The results are encouraging and VPM1002BC merits further evaluation in randomised studies for patients with NMIBC.

Targeting immunoliposomes to EGFR-positive glioblastoma

Background

We assessed the capacity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted immunoliposomes to deliver cargo to brain tumor tissue in patients with relapsed glioblastoma harboring an EGFR amplification. We aimed to assess the tolerability and effectiveness of anti-EGFR immunoliposomes loaded with doxorubicin (anti-EGFR ILs-dox) in glioblastoma multiforme patients.

Patients and methods

Patients with EGFR-amplified, relapsed glioblastoma were included in this phase I pharmacokinetic trial. Patients received up to four cycles of anti-EGFR ILs-dox. Twenty-four hours later, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were obtained. In addition, we also treated three patients with anti-EGFR ILs-dox before resection of their relapsed glioblastoma. Doxorubicin concentrations were measured in plasma, CSF, and tumor tissue. Safety and efficacy parameters were also obtained.

Results

There were no or negligible levels of doxorubicin found in the CSF demonstrating that anti-EGFR ILs-dox are not able to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, significant levels were detected in glioblastoma tissue 24 h after the application, indicating that the disruption of BBB integrity present in high-grade gliomas might enable liposome delivery into tumor tissue. No new safety issues were observed. The median progression-free survival was 1.5 months and the median overall survival was 8 months. One patient undergoing surgery had a very long remission suggesting that neoadjuvant administration may have a positive effect on outcome.

Conclusions

We clearly demonstrate that anti-EGFR-immunoliposomes can be targeted to EGFR-amplified glioblastoma and cargo—in this case doxorubicin—can be delivered, although these immunoliposomes do not cross the intact BBB. (The GBM-LIPO trial was registered as NCT03603379).

•

Human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for EGFR-targeted immunoliposomes.

•

Demonstration of delivery of immunoliposomes to glioblastoma tissue.

•

EGFR as a target to deliver drug-containing nanoparticles to glioma tissue.

The Tumor Profiler Study: integrated, multi-omic, functional tumor profiling for clinical decision support

The application and integration of molecular profiling technologies create novel opportunities for personalized medicine. Here, we introduce the Tumor Profiler Study, an observational trial combining a prospective diagnostic approach to assess the relevance of in-depth tumor profiling to support clinical decision-making with an exploratory approach to improve the biological understanding of the disease.

Reliability of liquid biopsy analysis: an inter-laboratory comparison of circulating tumor DNA extraction and sequencing with different platforms

Liquid biopsy, the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), is a promising tool in oncology, especially in personalized medicine. Although its main applications currently focus on selection and adjustment of therapy, ctDNA may also be used to monitor residual disease, establish prognosis, detect relapses, and possibly screen at-risk individuals. CtDNA represents a small and variable proportion of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) which is itself present at a low concentration in normal individuals and so analyzing ctDNA is technically challenging. Various commercial systems have recently appeared on the market, but it remains difficult for practitioners to compare their performance and to determine whether they yield comparable results. As a first step toward establishing national guidelines for ctDNA analyses, four laboratories in Switzerland joined a comparative exercise to assess ccfDNA extraction and ctDNA analysis by sequencing. Extraction was performed using six distinct methods and yielded ccfDNA of equally high quality, suitable for sequencing. Sequencing of synthetic samples containing predefined amounts of eight mutations was performed on three different systems, with similar results. In all four laboratories, mutations were easily identified down to 1% allele frequency, whereas detection at 0.1% proved challenging. Linearity was excellent in all cases and while molecular yield was superior with one system this did not impact on sensitivity. This study also led to several additional conclusions: First, national guidelines should concentrate on principles of good laboratory practice rather than recommend a particular system. Second, it is essential that laboratories thoroughly validate every aspect of extraction and sequencing, in particular with respect to initial amount of DNA and average sequencing depth. Finally, as software proved critical for mutation detection, laboratories should validate the performance of variant callers and underlying algorithms with respect to various types of mutations.

Interim safety analysis of the DANTE trial: Perioperative atezolizumab in combination with FLOT versus FLOT alone in patients with resectable esophagogastric adenocarcinoma—A randomized, open-label phase II trial of the German Gastric Group at the AIO and SAKK

4549

Background: The DANTE study evaluates atezolizumab in the perioperative treatment of locally advanced, potentially resectable gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in combination with perioperative FLOT. Here, we report the protocol-defined interim safety analysis. Methods: DANTE is a multinational, prospective, multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated, open label phase II trial. Patients (pts) with locally advanced, potentially resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach and GEJ (≥cT2 and/or N-positive) without distant metastases are enrolled. Pts are randomized 1:1 to 4 pre-operative 2-week cycles of FLOT followed by surgery and 4 additional cycles of FLOT plus atezolizumab at 840 mg every 2 weeks, followed by a total of 8 additional cycles of atezolizumab at 1200 mg every 3 weeks as monotherapy (arm A) or FLOT alone (arm B). Primary endpoint is time to disease progression or relapse after surgery (PFS/DFS). Results: Recruitment started in Sep 2018; by Feb 2020, a total of 175 pts have been randomized. This analysis is based on the first 40 pts (20 pts in each arm). The pts had a median age of 62 y and 75% of pts had an ECOG PS of 0 in both arms. The cohort was well balanced in terms of tumor location and clinical stage. 5% of the 40 patients (overall 7.4% of 175 pts enrolled) showed microsatellite instability. 90% of pts enrolled completed all pre-operative cycles in each arm. Total number of adverse events with relation to study treatment was 154 in arm A and 148 in arm B. Total number of serious adverse events (SAE; related or not) was 16 in Arm A and 14 in arm B. 20% of pts in each arm had an SAE due to perioperative morbidity. No surgical mortality was observed. 18 and 19 pts proceeded to operation in arms A and B, respectively. Premature treatment discontinuation occurred in 2 pts in each arm: disease progression (1) and deterioration of general health condition (1) in arm A; and pts’ wish (1) and death (1) in arm B. Median hospitalization time was 15 days in arm A and 16 days in arm B. Conclusions: Perioperative atezolizumab plus FLOT is feasible and safe. The study continues recruitment. Clinical trial information: NCT03421288 .

Results of the phase I open label clinical trial SAKK 06/14 assessing safety of intravesical instillation of VPM1002BC, a recombinant mycobacterium Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG), in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and previous failure of conventional BCG therapy

Background: VPM1002BC is a modified mycobacterium Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The genetic modifications are expected to result in better immunogenicity and less side effects. We report on patient safety and immunology of the first intravesical application of VPM1002BC in human.

Methods: Six patients with BCG failure received a treatment of 6 weekly instillations with VPM1002BC. Patients were monitored for adverse events (AE), excretion of VPM1002BC and cytokines, respectively.

Results: No DLT (dose limiting toxicity) occurred during the DLT-period. No grade ≥3 AEs occurred. Excretion of VPM1002BC in the urine was limited to less than 24 hours. Plasma levels of TNFα significantly increased after treatment and blood-derived CD4+ T cells stimulated with PPD demonstrated significantly increased intracellular GM-CSF and IFN expression.

Conclusion: The intravesical application of VPM1002BC is safe and well tolerated by patients and results in a potential Th1 weighted immune response.

Safety of perioperative atezolizumab in combination with FLOT versus FLOT alone in patients with resectable esophagogastric adenocarcinoma: An interim safety analysis of the DANTE, a randomized, open-label phase II trial of the German Gastric Group at the AIO and the SAKK

398

Background: The DANTE study evaluates atezolizumab in the perioperative treatment of locally advanced, potentially resectable gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in combination with perioperative FLOT. Here, we report the protocol-defined interim safety analysis. Methods: DANTE is a large, multinational, prospective, multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated, open label phase II trial. Patients (pts) with locally advanced, potentially resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach and GEJ (≥cT2 and/or N-positive) without distant metastases are enrolled. Pts are randomized 1:1 to 4 pre-operative 2-week cycles (8 weeks) of FLOT followed by surgery and 4 additional cycles of FLOT plus atezolizumab at 840 mg every 2 weeks, followed by a total of 8 additional cycles of atezolizumab at 1200 mg every 3 weeks as monotherapy (arm A) or FLOT alone (arm B). Primary endpoint is time to disease progression or relapse after surgery (PFS/DFS). Results: Recruitment started in Sept 2018; by September 2019, a total of 122 pts have been randomized. This analysis is based on the first 40 pts (20 pts in each arm). The pts had a median age of 62 y and 75% of pts had an ECOG PS of 0 in both arms. The cohort was well balanced in terms of tumor location and clinical stage. 90% of pts enrolled completed all pre-operative cycles in each arm. Total number of adverse events with relation to study treatment was 154 in arm A and 148 in arm B. Total number of serious adverse events (SAE; related or not) was 16 in Arm A and 14 in arm B. 20% of pts in each arm had an SAE due to perioperative morbidity. No surgical mortality was observed. 18 and 19 pts proceeded to operation in arms A and B, respectively. Premature treatment discontinuation occurred in 2 pts in each arm: disease progression (1) and deterioration of general health condition (1) in arm A; and pts’ wish (1) and death (1) in arm B. Median hospitalization time was 15 days in arm A and 16 days in arm B. Conclusions: perioperative atezolizumab plus FLOT is feasible and safe. The study continued recruitment. Clinical trial information: NCT03421288.

Perioperative atezolizumab in combination with FLOT versus FLOT alone in patients with resectable esophagogastric adenocarcinoma: DANTE, a randomized, open-label phase II trial of the German Gastric Group of the AIO and the SAKK

TPS4142

Background: Perioperative FLOT chemotherapy has become a standard of care for locally advanced, resectable gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the GEJ. However, patient outcomes are still unsatisfactory and 5-year survival in T3-4 or nodal positive disease is still around 50%. Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway has proven active in different cancers, including esophagogastric cancer, and was associated with response rates in the 10-15% range in unselected, heavily pre-treated gastric cancer patients. Atezolizumab is a PD-L1 inhibitor with established efficacy and tolerability profiles. This study evaluates atezolizumab in the perioperative treatment of locally advanced, potentially resectable gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in combination with FLOT. Methods: This is a large, multinational, prospective, multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated, open label phase II trial. Patients with locally advanced, potentially resectable adenocarcinoma of the stomach and GEJ (≥cT2 and/or N-positive) without distant metastases are enrolled. Eligibility status is centrally evaluated. Patients are randomized 1:1 to 4 pre-operative 2-week cycles (8 weeks) of FLOT (Docetaxel 50 mg/m²; Oxaliplatin 85 mg/m²; Leucovorin 200 mg/m²; 5-FU 2600 mg/m²) followed by surgery and 4 additional cycles of FLOT plus atezolizumab at 840 mg every 2 weeks, followed by a total of 8 additional cycles of atezolizumab at 1200 mg every 3 weeks as monotherapy (arm A) or FLOT alone (arm B). Primary endpoint is time to disease progression or relapse after surgery (PFS/DFS) as assessed by the Kaplan-Meier-Method. The statistical design is based on a target HR of 0.68, a power of 0.8, and a significance level of p< 0.05 (1-sided log rank test). A total of 295 patients will be randomized. Main secondary endpoints are rates of centrally assessed pathological regression (rates of complete and nearly complete pathological regression), overall survival, R0 resection, and safety. Recruitment started in Sept 2018; by February 2019, a total of 27 patients have been randomized. Clinical trial information: NCT03421288.

SwissMTB: establishing comprehensive molecular cancer diagnostics in Swiss clinics

Background

Molecular precision oncology is an emerging practice to improve cancer therapy by decreasing the risk of choosing treatments that lack efficacy or cause adverse events. However, the challenges of integrating molecular profiling into routine clinical care are manifold. From a computational perspective these include the importance of a short analysis turnaround time, the interpretation of complex drug-gene and gene-gene interactions, and the necessity of standardized high-quality workflows. In addition, difficulties faced when integrating molecular diagnostics into clinical practice are ethical concerns, legal requirements, and limited availability of treatment options beyond standard of care as well as the overall lack of awareness of their existence.

Methods

To the best of our knowledge, we are the first group in Switzerland that established a workflow for personalized diagnostics based on comprehensive high-throughput sequencing of tumors at the clinic. Our workflow, named SwissMTB (Swiss Molecular Tumor Board), links genetic tumor alterations and gene expression to therapeutic options and clinical trial opportunities. The resulting treatment recommendations are summarized in a clinical report and discussed in a molecular tumor board at the clinic to support therapy decisions.

Results

Here we present results from an observational pilot study including 22 late-stage cancer patients. In this study we were able to identify actionable variants and corresponding therapies for 19 patients. Half of the patients were analyzed retrospectively. In two patients we identified resistance-associated variants explaining lack of therapy response. For five out of eleven patients analyzed before treatment the SwissMTB diagnostic influenced treatment decision.

Conclusions

SwissMTB enables the analysis and clinical interpretation of large numbers of potentially actionable molecular targets. Thus, our workflow paves the way towards a more frequent use of comprehensive molecular diagnostics in Swiss hospitals.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12911-018-0680-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

First-in human, phase 1, dose-escalation pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of the oral dual PI3K and mTORC1/2 inhibitor PQR309 in patients with advanced solid tumors (SAKK 67/13)

BACKGROUND

PQR309 is an orally bioavailable, balanced pan-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 and mTORC2 inhibitor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is an accelerated titration, 3 + 3 dose-escalation, open-label phase I trial of continuous once-daily (OD) PQR309 administration to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics in patients with advanced solid tumours. Primary objectives were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were included in six dosing cohorts and treated at a daily PQR309 dose ranging from 10 to 150 mg. Common adverse events (AEs; ≥30% patients) included fatigue, hyperglycaemia, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, rash, anorexia and vomiting. Grade (G) 3 or 4 drug-related AEs were seen in 13 (46%) and three (11%) patients, respectively. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed in two patients at 100 mg OD (>14-d interruption in PQR309 due to G3 rash, G2 hyperbilirubinaemia, G4 suicide attempt; dose reduction due to G3 fatigue, G2 diarrhoea, G4 transaminitis) and one patient at 80 mg (G3 hyperglycaemia >7 d). PK shows fast absorption (T_max 1-2 h) and dose proportionality for C_max and area under the curve. A partial response in a patient with metastatic thymus cancer, 24% disease volume reduction in a patient with sinonasal cancer and stable disease for more than 16 weeks in a patient with clear cell Bartholin's gland cancer were observed.

CONCLUSION

The MTD and RP2D of PQR309 is 80 mg of orally OD. PK is dose-proportional. PD shows PI3K pathway phosphoprotein downregulation in paired tumour biopsies. Clinical activity was observed in patients with and without PI3K pathway dysregulation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT01940133.

AKT-ions with a TWIST between EMT and MET

The transcription factor Twist is an important regulator of cranial suture during embryogenesis. Closure of the neural tube is achieved via Twist-triggered cellular transition from an epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype, a process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), characterized by a remarkable increase in cell motility. In the absence of Twist activity, EMT and associated phenotypic changes in cell morphology and motility can also be induced, albeit moderately, by other transcription factor families, including Snail and Zeb. Aberrant EMT triggered by Twist in human mammary tumour cells was first reported to drive metastasis to the lung in a metastatic breast cancer model. Subsequent analysis of many types of carcinoma demonstrated overexpression of these unique EMT transcription factors, which statistically correlated with worse outcome, indicating their potential as biomarkers in the clinic. However, the mechanisms underlying their activation remain unclear. Interestingly, increasing evidence indicates they are selectively activated by distinct intracellular kinases, thereby acting as downstream effectors facilitating transduction of cytoplasmic signals into nucleus and reprogramming EMT and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) transcription to control cell plasticity. Understanding these relationships and emerging data indicating differential phosphorylation of Twist leads to complex and even paradoxical functionalities, will be vital to unlocking their potential in clinical settings.

Inflammatory Cytokines Induce Podoplanin Expression at the Tumor Invasive Front

Tumor invasion is a critical first step in the organismic dissemination of cancer cells and the formation of metastasis in distant organs, the most important prognostic factor and the actual cause of death in most of the cancer patients. We report herein that the cell surface protein podoplanin (PDPN), a potent inducer of cancer cell invasion, is conspicuously expressed by the invasive front of squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the cervix in patients and in the transgenic human papillomavirus/estrogen mouse model of cervical cancer. Laser capture microscopy combined with gene expression profiling reveals that the expression of interferon-responsive genes is up-regulated in PDPN-expressing cells at the tumor invasive front, which are exposed to CD45-positive inflammatory cells. Indeed, PDPN expression can be induced in cultured SCC cell lines by single or combined treatments with interferon-γ, transforming growth factor-β, and/or tumor necrosis factor-α. Notably, shRNA-mediated ablation of either PDPN or STAT1 in A431 SCC cells repressed cancer cell invasion on s.c. transplantation into immunodeficient mice. The results highlight the induction of tumor cell invasion by the inflammatory cytokine-stimulated expression of PDPN in the outermost cell layers of cervical SCC.

[Neoadjuvant, adjuvant and palliative systemic therapy of colorectal cancer]

Neoadjuvant, adjuvant and palliative systemic therapy of colorectal cancer Abstract. Neoadjuvant therapy is indicated for stage T3 / 4 and all N1 rectal cancers. Usually, chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine or 5FU is applied within a timeframe of 5 ½ weeks. 6 to 9 weeks later surgery is performed. The aim of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is resectability and a low local recurrence rate. After surgery with curative intent, adjuvant chemotherapy increases the cure rate by 20 % in node-positive (stage III) colon cancer. For most patients, 3 months of capecitabine / oxaliplatin are adequate. For high risk patients, 6 months of therapy are necessary if a Folfox regimen is used. In the palliative setting, understanding the biology of the tumor is the key to systemic therapy. Next generation sequencing of tumor DNA is mandatory. Mismatch repair proficient tumors benefit from dual chemotherapy in combination with an antibody. Median survival increases from 6 to 30 months through palliative chemotherapy. Mismatch repair deficient tumors are in need of immunotherapy. Long lasting remission have been observed in this population.

PQR309 Is a Novel Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor with Preclinical Antitumor Activity in Lymphomas as a Single Agent and in Combination Therapy

Purpose: Activation of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway is recurrent in different lymphoma types, and pharmacologic inhibition of the PI3K/mTOR pathway has shown activity in lymphoma patients. Here, we extensively characterized the in vitro and in vivo activity and the mechanism of action of PQR309 (bimiralisib), a novel oral selective dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor under clinical evaluation, in preclinical lymphoma models.Experimental Design: This study included preclinical in vitro activity screening on a large panel of cell lines, both as single agent and in combination, validation experiments on in vivo models and primary cells, proteomics and gene-expression profiling, and comparison with other signaling inhibitors.Results: PQR309 had in vitro antilymphoma activity as single agent and in combination with venetoclax, panobinostat, ibrutinib, lenalidomide, ARV-825, marizomib, and rituximab. Sensitivity to PQR309 was associated with specific baseline gene-expression features, such as high expression of transcripts coding for the BCR pathway. Combining proteomics and RNA profiling, we identified the different contribution of PQR309-induced protein phosphorylation and gene expression changes to the drug mechanism of action. Gene-expression signatures induced by PQR309 and by other signaling inhibitors largely overlapped. PQR309 showed activity in cells with primary or secondary resistance to idelalisib.Conclusions: On the basis of these results, PQR309 appeared as a novel and promising compound that is worth developing in the lymphoma setting. Clin Cancer Res; 24(1); 120-9. ©2017 AACR.

mTORC1/autophagy-regulated MerTK in mutant BRAFV600 melanoma with acquired resistance to BRAF inhibition

BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) and the combination therapy of BRAF and MEK inhibitors (MEKi) were recently approved for therapy of metastatic melanomas harbouring the oncogenic BRAFV600 mutation. Although these therapies have shown pronounced therapeutic efficacy, the limited durability of the response indicates an acquired drug resistance that still remains mechanistically poorly understood at the molecular level. We conducted transcriptome gene profiling in BRAFi-treated melanoma cells and identified that Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) is specifically upregulated. MerTK overexpression was demonstrated not only in melanomas resistant to BRAFi monotherapy (5 out of 10 samples from melanoma patients) but also in melanoma resistant to BRAFi+MEKi (1 out of 3), although MEKi alone does not affect MerTK. Mechanistically, BRAFi-induced activation of Zeb2 stimulates MerTK in BRAFV600 melanoma through mTORC1-triggered activation of autophagy. Co-targeting MerTK and BRAFV600 significantly reduced tumour burden in xenografted mice, which was pheno-copied by co-inhibition of autophagy and mutant BRAFV600.

Inhibition of Akt and other AGC kinases: A target for clinical cancer therapy?

AGC kinases have been identified to contribute to cancer development and progression. Currently, most AGC inhibitors in clinical development are Akt inhibitors such as MK-2206 or GDC-0068, which are known to promote cell growth arrest and to sensitize cancer cells to radiotherapy. Response rates in clinical trials with single agent Akt inhibitors are typically low. The observed adverse events are within the expected limits for compounds inhibiting the PI3K-mTOR axis. Preclinical and early clinical data for combination therapies are accumulating. Based on these data, several Akt inhibitors are about to enter phase 3 trials. Besides drugs that target Akt, p70S6K inhibitors have entered clinical development. Again, the response rates were rather low. In addition, relevant toxicities were identified, including a risk for coagulopathies with these compounds. Multi-AGC kinase inhibitors are also in early clinical development but the data is not sufficient yet to draw conclusions regarding their efficacy and side-effect profile. PKC inhibitors have been tested in the phase 3 setting but were found to lack efficacy. More trials with isoform-specific PKC inhibitors are expected. Taken together, therapies with AGC kinase inhibitors as single agents are unlikely to meet success. However, combination therapies and a precise stratification of patients according to the activation of signaling axes may increase the probability to see relevant efficacy with these compounds. The emergence of onco-immunotherapies holds some new challenges for these agents.

SAKK 24/09: safety and tolerability of bevacizumab plus paclitaxel vs. bevacizumab plus metronomic cyclophosphamide and capecitabine as first-line therapy in patients with HER2-negative advanced stage breast cancer - a multicenter, randomized phase III trial

Background

Adding bevacizumab to chemotherapy improves response rates and progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic breast cancer (mBC). We aimed to demonstrate decreased toxicity with metronomic chemotherapy/bevacizumab compared with paclitaxel/bevacizumab.

Methods

This multicenter, randomized phase III trial compared bevacizumab with either paclitaxel (arm A) or daily oral capecitabine-cyclophosphamide (arm B) as first-line treatment in patients with HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. The primary endpoint was the incidence of selected grade 3–5 adverse events (AE) including: febrile neutropenia, infection, sensory/motor neuropathy, and mucositis. Secondary endpoints included objective response rate, disease control rate, PFS, overall survival (OS), quality of life (QoL), and pharmacoeconomics. The study was registered prospectively with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01131195 on May 25, 2010.

Results

Between September 2010 and December 2012, 147 patients were included at 22 centers. The incidence of primary endpoint-defining AEs was similar in arm A (25 % [18/71]; 95 % CI 15–35 %) and arm B (24 % [16/68]; 95 % CI 13–34 %; P = 0.96). Objective response rates were 58 % (42/73; 95 % CI 0.46–0.69) and 50 % (37/74; 95 % CI 0.39–0.61) in arms A and B, respectively (P = 0.45). Median PFS was 10.3 months (95 % CI 8.7–11.3) in arm A and 8.5 months (95 % CI 6.5–11.9) in arm B (P = 0.90). Other secondary efficacy endpoints were not significantly different between study arms. The only statistically significant differences in QoL were less hair loss and less numbness in arm B. Treatment costs between the two arms were equivalent.

Conclusion

This trial failed to meet its primary endpoint of a reduced rate of prespecified grade 3–5 AEs with metronomic bevacizumab, cyclophosphamide and capecitabine.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2823-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Grover's-like drug eruption in a patient with metastatic melanoma under ipilimumab therapy

Background

Dermatologic toxicity is an important adverse effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1) or PD ligand 1 (PD-L1). Skin toxicity most commonly includes a maculopapular erythematous rash and pruritus. Rarely life threatening complications such as Steven’s Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis may occur.

Case presentation

Here we report the uncommon event of a drug-induced transient acantholytic dermatosis (Grover’s disease) in a 73-year-old Caucasian male treated with ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma. Five weeks after initiation of therapy, the patient developed a widespread polymorphic papulovesicular dermatosis on the trunk and proximal extremities with intense pruritus. Skin biopsy showed acantholytic dyskeratosis with interface dermatitis consistent with a Grover’s-like drug eruption.

Conclusions

These findings should raise awareness for uncommon immune-related dermatological toxicities of immunomodulatory antibodies targeting the CTLA-4 signaling axis. We recommend biopsies of unexpected skin lesions to rapidly identify dermatological adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Abstract 2287: Final results of the pharmacodynamic (PD) data of PQR309-001, a first-in-human trial of a combined PI3K/mTOR inhibitor in advanced solid tumors

Background: PQR309 is a novel, oral, balanced pan-class 1 PI3K, mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibitor. PQR309-001 was a first-in-man dose escalation study evaluating PQR309 in patients with advanced solid tumours.

The primary objective of the study was to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of PQR309, its safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives included characterization of PQR309 pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD).

Methods: We investigated PQR309 treatment-induced PD, including changes of 16 PI3K-mTOR and MAPK associated phospho-proteins, and 84 mRNAs in serial tumor biopsies obtained from patients enrolled in study PQR309-001. 13 patients were eligible for PD analysis after histologic evaluation of fresh-frozen tissue. A solid-phase assay with phospho-specific antibodies was used for the investigation of PI3K/mTOR and MAPK signalling. RNA analysis was performed with an RTK/PI3K-specific RNA array.

Results: Under treatment with PQR309, phospho-Akt (p_T308 and p_S473), phospho-mTOR and phospho-S6 were significantly downregulated compared to baseline (p&lt;0.05, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Moreover, patients with radiographic tumor shrinkage (n = 7) had significantly stronger phospho-Akt (p_T308), phospho-mTOR and phospho-S6 reduction than patients whose tumor was growing (n = 6) (p&lt;0.05, Mann-Whitney test). Importantly, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, as the readout of MAPK activity, was decreased overall with no statistically significant difference between shrinking and growing tumors. The analysis of mRNAs showed a trend towards upregulation of PDGFRA (3.2 times, not statistically significant) after 21 days of therapy with PQR309. Intriguingly, no consistent changes of other PI3K-related RNAs was observed.

Conclusion: PD assessments in tumour tissue samples from patients treated with PQR309 demonstrated a reduction of phosphorylation of direct targets for PQR309 (PI3K and mTOR) as well as downstream effectors of mTOR. Furthermore, the data indicate that downregulation of phospho-Akt (p_T308) and mTORC1 activity may be predictive of tumor shrinkage while upregulation of PDGFRA may represent a mechanism of resistance against PI3K/mTOR inhibition.

Citation Format: Andreas Wicki, Vincent Prêtre, Reto Ritschard, Nicholas Brown, Vincent Bize, Thomas Fabbro, Natasa Cmiljanovic, Sasa Dimitrijevic, Deborah Schmitz, Michael Stumm, Rebecca Kristeleit. Final results of the pharmacodynamic (PD) data of PQR309-001, a first-in-human trial of a combined PI3K/mTOR inhibitor in advanced solid tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 2287.

Acquired Resistance to Clinical Cancer Therapy: A Twist in Physiological Signaling

Although modern therapeutic strategies have brought significant progress to cancer care in the last 30 years, drug resistance to targeted monotherapies has emerged as a major challenge. Aberrant regulation of multiple physiological signaling pathways indispensable for developmental and metabolic homeostasis, such as hyperactivation of pro-survival signaling axes, loss of suppressive regulations, and impaired functionalities of the immune system, have been extensively investigated aiming to understand the diversity of molecular mechanisms that underlie cancer development and progression. In this review, we intend to discuss the molecular mechanisms of how conventional physiological signal transduction confers to acquired drug resistance in cancer patients. We will particularly focus on protooncogenic receptor kinase inhibition-elicited tumor cell adaptation through two major core downstream signaling cascades, the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. These pathways are crucial for cell growth and differentiation and are frequently hyperactivated during tumorigenesis. In addition, we also emphasize the emerging roles of the deregulated host immune system that may actively promote cancer progression and attenuate immunosurveillance in cancer therapies. Understanding these mechanisms may help to develop more effective therapeutic strategies that are able to keep the tumor in check and even possibly turn cancer into a chronic disease.

Systemic inflammation in a melanoma patient treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors-an autopsy study

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) have been recently approved for treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite important clinical benefits, these therapies are associated with a diverse spectrum of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that are typically transient, but occasionally severe or even fatal.

Case presentation

This autopsy case illustrates that clinically overt irAEs may represent only a fraction of the total spectrum of immune-related organ pathology in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report a comprehensive analysis of systemic irAE pathology based on the autopsy of a 35-year-old female patient with metastatic melanoma treated first with ipilimumab and then nivolumab. The clinical course was characterized by a mixed tumor response with regression of skin and lung metastases and fatal progression of metastatic disease in the small bowel, peritoneum and brain. During therapy with ipilimumab, radiographic features of immune-related pneumonitis were noted. The autopsy examination established a sarcoid-like granulomatous reaction of the lung, pulmonary fibrosis and diffuse alveolar damage. Importantly, a clinically unapparent but histologically striking systemic inflammation involving the heart, central nervous system, liver and bone marrow was identified. Severe immune-related end-organ damage due to lymphocytic myocarditis was found.

Conclusions

Autopsy studies are an important measure of quality control and may identify clinically unapparent irAEs in patients treated with immunotherapy. Pathologists and clinicians need to be aware of the broad spectrum of irAEs for timely management of treatment-related morbidity.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40425-016-0117-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Abstract A117: An integrated phosphoproteomic approach to dissect the mechanism of action of the novel dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PQR309 in B-cell lymphomas

Introduction. PQR309 is a novel oral dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (Cmiljanovic et al, AACR 2015) that has shown pre-clinical activity in lymphomas (Tarantelli et al, ASH 2014). Positive results from the first-in-human Phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors have just been presented (NCT01940133; Kristeleit et al, ASCO 2015). A phase I is now open in patients with relapsed or refractory lymphomas (NCT02249429). Here, we present results from extensive proteomic studies to dissect the PQR309 mechanism of action in lymphomas.

Methods. 8 cell lines derived from mantle cell lymphoma (MCL, n = 3), activated B-cell like diffuse large B cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL, n = 2), germinal center B cell DLBCL (GCB-DLBCL, n = 2), prolymphocytic leukemia (n = 1), exposed to DMSO or PQR309, were analyzed with the PathScan Akt Signaling Antibody Array (Cell Signaling Technology). Six of the cell lines (2 MCL, 2 ABC-DLBCL, 2 GCB-DLBCL) were also analyzed via Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) (Carna Biosciences, Inc., Kobe Japan) and mass spectrometry (Biognosys, Schlieren, Switzerland). Changes at individual phosphoresidues were validated by immunoblotting or flow cytometry.

Results. Lymphoma cell lines derived from mature lymphoid neoplasms were exposed to PQR309 or to DMSO and analyzed for phosphorylation changes using different proteomic approaches. We first performed an analysis using an antibody-based array exploring phosphorylation changes in 14 proteins involved in the AKT signaling pathway, detecting reduced phosphoresidues after PQR309 in 10 of these proteins (RPS6, PDK1, GSK3B, AKT1S1, BAD, RPS6KA1, PTEN, PRKAA1/PRKAA2, AKT-Thr308, P70S6K-Thr421/Ser424). Then, we assessed 180 phospho-residues via RPPA, detecting a down-regulation of phosphoresidues in 7 proteins (RPS6, EIF4G, EIF4EBP1, MAPK1/MAPK3, SMAD3, AKT1S1, MTOR). Finally, phosphopeptides were enriched and prepared for mass spectrometry. LC-MS/MS shotgun measurements were carried out on protein libraries enriched for phosphopeptides, identifying a total of 4,349 unique phosphopeptide sequences. A functional analyses of the observed changes in phosphopeptides showed that these were enriched in proteins involved in transcription and metabolism regulation, RAS signaling, G2/M checkpoint, mitotic spindle assembly, unfolded protein response, NF-kB signaling, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, DNA repair, and in proteins encoded by target genes of E2F, MYC and SP1. CXCR4, T2FA, SRRM2, SUGP2 were among the top up-regulated phosphopeptides, while RPS6, PDCD4, IF4B were among the top down-regulated phosphopeptides.

Conclusions. The use of multiple proteomic approaches allowed the identification of pathway and proteins affected by PQR309 in lymphoma cells, providing insights of the drug mechanism of action and new potential pharmacodynamics markers.

Citation Format: Chiara Tarantelli, Eugenio Gaudio, Ivo Kwee, Luciano Cascione, Elena Bernasconi, Petra Hillmann, Georg Stussi, Doriano Fabbro, Emanuele Zucca, Andreas Wicki, Vladimir Cmiljanovic, Francesco Bertoni. An integrated phosphoproteomic approach to dissect the mechanism of action of the novel dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PQR309 in B-cell lymphomas. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr A117.

Abstract CT310: First-in-man (FIM) pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) phase I trial of PQR309 in advanced solid tumors

Background: PQR309 is a novel, oral, balanced pan-PI3K, mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibitor. Preclinical experiments show promising anti-cancer activity. The primary objectives of this FIM trial of PQR309 were definition of maximal tolerated dose (MTD), and safety.

Methods: The trial was designed as an accelerated 3+3 study. Patients with advanced solid tumors with no standard management options were eligible. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was defined as either grade 4 neutropenia &gt;7 days, febrile neutropenia, grade 4 thrombocytopenia, non-hematological toxicity of either grade 4, uncontrolled grade 3 &gt;7 days or dose-limiting grade 2, or treatment delay &gt;14 days. The DLT period was 21 days. Starting dose of PQR-309 was 10mg once daily (OD) continuously, based on preclinical data and a No observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 4 mg/kg in non-rodent species. The predefined dose levels were 10, 20, 40, 80, 120mg adjusted by dose banding method to the patient weight. Additional flat doses at 80 and 100 mg were investigated. The highest dose reached with this schedule was 150mg OD. Toxicities were assessed throughout dose escalation. 21 patients were included in the trial.

Results: No DLT has been observed to date. Drug-related adverse events (AE) included hyperglycemia, rash, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. The most common AE ≥ grade 3 was hyperglycemia in 5 patients. Blood sugar levels were manageable with oral antidiabetic drugs or insulin. Preliminary PK evaluation estimates a half-life of about 20 hours. Cmax and AUC show dose proportionality. Preliminary PD assessment of 16 phospho-proteins involved in PI3K and MAPK signaling in fresh-frozen tumor biopsies, indicates downregulation of p-Akt, pS6 and p4EPB from 40mg OD. In addition, moderate inhibition of p-Erk was also observed. This correlates with preclinical data. Preliminary signs of clinical anti-cancer activity include 1 patient with clear cell cancer of the Bartholin's gland experiencing stable disease for over 16 weeks. No DLT has been observed up to doses of 150mg OD. Based on these data, further dose escalation in this study will continue with intermittent dosing schedules. Trials of PQR309 in combination with other anti-cancer agents are planned.

Citation Format: Andreas Wicki, Cristiana Sessa, Alexa Childs, Anastasios Stathis, Dagmar Hess, Markus Joerger, Roger von Moos, Jordi Rodon, Cinta Hierro, Natasa Cmiljanovic, Vincent Bize, Simona Berardi, Alexandros Xyrafas, Rebecca Kristeleit. First-in-man (FIM) pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) phase I trial of PQR309 in advanced solid tumors. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr CT310. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-CT310

Simultaneous targeting of VEGF-receptors 2 and 3 with immunoliposomes enhances therapeutic efficacy

BACKGROUND

Tumor progression depends on angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors (VEGFRs) are the main signal transducers that stimulate endothelial cell migration and vessel sprouting. At present, only VEGFR2 is targeted in the clinical practice.

PURPOSE

To develop new, anti-angiogenic nanoparticles (immunoliposomes, ILs), that redirect cytotoxic compounds to tumor-associated vascular cells.

METHODS

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) was targeted against VEGFR2- and VEGFR3-expressing cells by inserting anti-VEGFR2 and/or anti-VEGFR3 antibody fragments into the lipid bilayer membrane of PLD. These constructs were tested in vitro, and in vivo in the Rip1Tag2 mouse model of human cancer.

RESULTS

The combination treatment with anti-VEGFR2-ILs-dox and anti-VEGFR3-ILs-dox was superior to targeting only VEGFR2 cells and provides a highly efficient approach of depleting tumor-associated vasculature. This leads to tumor starvation and pronounced reduction of tumor burden.

CONCLUSION

Nanoparticles against VEGFR2 and -3 expressing tumor-associated endothelial cells represent a promising and novel anti-cancer strategy.

Large-scale manufacturing of GMP-compliant anti-EGFR targeted nanocarriers: production of doxorubicin-loaded anti-EGFR-immunoliposomes for a first-in-man clinical trial

We describe the large-scale, GMP-compliant production process of doxorubicin-loaded and anti-EGFR-coated immunoliposomes (anti-EGFR-ILs-dox) used in a first-in-man, dose escalation clinical trial. 10 batches of this nanoparticle have been produced in clean room facilities. Stability data from the pre-GMP and the GMP batch indicate that the anti-EGFR-ILs-dox nanoparticle was stable for at least 18 months after release. Release criteria included visual inspection, sterility testing, as well as measurements of pH (pH 5.0-7.0), doxorubicin HCl concentration (0.45-0.55 mg/ml), endotoxin concentration (<1.21 IU/ml), leakage (<10%), particle size (Z-average of Caelyx ± 20 nm), and particle uptake (uptake absolute: >0.50 ng doxorubicin/μg protein; uptake relatively to PLD: >5 fold). All batches fulfilled the defined release criteria, indicating a high reproducibility as well as batch-to-batch uniformity of the main physico-chemical features of the nanoparticles in the setting of the large-scale GMP process. In the clinical trial, 29 patients were treated with this nanoparticle between 2007 and 2010. Pharmacokinetic data of anti-EGFR-ILs-dox collected during the clinical study revealed stability of the nanocarrier in vivo. Thus, reliable and GMP-compliant production of anti-EGFR-targeted nanoparticles for clinical application is feasible.

Vemurafenib-induced radiation recall dermatitis: case report and review of the literature

The cutaneous effects of BRAF (serine/threonine protein kinase B-raf) inhibitors such as vemurafenib remain poorly defined. Rash, squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthoma and photosensitivity are the most common grade 2 or 3 adverse events observed in clinical trials. We here report the case of a patient with a BRAF V600E mutated metastatic melanoma who developed severe radiation recall dermatitis 6 weeks after completing radiotherapy. Vemurafenib treatment had been initiated 1 week before the development of dermatitis because of rapidly progressing disease. Upon topical treatment of the affected skin areas, clinical symptoms regressed over a period of 2 months, although vemurafenib was continuously administered. As our case goes in line with other reports, we believe that physicians should be aware of this additional cutaneous side effect of vemurafenib and that continuation of the treatment is safe when close clinical control and interdisciplinary management can be provided.

Pre-existing antihypertensive treatment predicts early increase in blood pressure during bevacizumab therapy: the prospective AVALUE cohort study

BACKGROUND

Antiangiogenic therapy is routinely used in a variety of cancer entities. Hypertension is the most common side effect of all currently available antiangiogenic treatments.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this prospective observational clinical trial, we investigated risk factors for blood pressure elevation in patients exposed to an antiangiogenic agent and explored the correlation between hypertension and the duration of antiangiogenic treatment.

RESULTS

In 169 patients, pre-existing antihypertensive medication was the most prominent risk factor associated with increased blood pressure during therapy. Between visits 1 and 3, the median systolic blood pressure increased by 10.85 mmHg in patients with pre-existing hypertension receiving antihypertensive medication while it increased by only 2.69 mmHg in patients without hypertension. The median increase in diastolic pressure was 7.28 versus 0.11 mmHg in patients with versus without pre-existing hypertension. Increases in blood pressure occurred early (within 6 weeks of starting therapy). In spite of this significant increase in the blood pressure, no major bleeding events or other related complications were observed during antiangiogenic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-existing hypertension and treatment with antihypertensive medication correlated with a more pronounced increase in blood pressure. Thus, intensified antihypertensive therapy might be warranted early during bevacizumab therapy in patients already receiving antihypertensive treatment.

[Melanoma- finally good news]

Until two years ago, there was no systemic therapy that prolonged overall survival in patients with malignant melanoma. In the meantime, two new therapeutic approaches have improved the prognosis of this disease. Ipilimumab is an activator of cytotoxic T-cells. It induces an immune response which results in prolonged remission in 15-20% of patients. Vemurafenib is a specific BRAF inhibitor and induces quick and sometimes complete remissions in patients with BRAF V600E mutated melanomas. Thus, there are two new treatments with proven survival benefit in patients with metastatic melanoma.