Infections in lung cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy and targeted therapy: An overview on the current scenario

Patients with a diagnosis of lung cancer are often vulnerable to infection, and the risk is increased by tumor-associated immunosuppression and the effects of the treatments. Historically, links between the risk of infection and cytotoxic chemotherapy due to neutropenia and respiratory syndromes are well established. The advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death- ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) have changed the treatment paradigm for lung cancer patients. Our understanding of the risk of infections while administrating these drugs is evolving, as are the biological mechanisms that are responsible. In this overview, we focus on the risk of infection with the use of targeted therapies and ICIs, summarizing current evidence from preclinical and clinical studies and discussing their clinical implications.

Risk of Infection with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

The relative risk (RR) of infection for patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is unknown.

Objectives

This study evaluated the risk of infection for patients with solid tumors undergoing ICI therapy based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients and Methods

The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Pubmed databases were searched up to 1 December 2020. Randomized trials comparing any ICI alone, with chemotherapy (CT), or with other agents versus placebo, CT, or other agents were included. Three independent reviewers extracted the data. The primary outcome was the RR of all-grade (G) and G3–5 infections for patients receiving ICI-based treatments. Random or fixed-effect models were used according to statistical heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 21,451 patients from N = 36 studies were eligible. ICIs were associated with a similar risk of all-grade infections (RR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.84–1.24; P = 0.85) versus non-ICI treatments (G1–5 events: 9.6 versus 8.3%). When the ICIs alone were compared to CT, their use was associated with 42% less risk of all-grade infections (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.4–0.85; P = 0.01). Compared to CT, the combination of ICIs and CT increased the risk of all-grade (RR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.23–1.53; P < 0.01) and severe infections (RR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.17–1.96; P < 0.01). In anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4, monotherapy, and combination trials, the RR of all-grade infections was 0.72 (95% CI 0.49–1.05; P = 0.09), 1.18 (95% CI 0.95–1.46; P = 0.13), 1.74 (95% CI 1.13–2.67; P = 0.01), 0.97 (95% CI 0.79–1.19; P = 0.75) and 2.26 (95% CI 1.34–3.8; P < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

Compared to CT alone, ICIs were safer and are recommended for frail patients. Conversely, CT + ICIs or ICIs combinations increased infection risk. Further studies are required to identify high-risk patients and evaluate the need for CT dose reduction or prophylactic myeloid growth factors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11523-021-00824-3.

Phase II, noncomparative, open label, multicenter, study of osimertinib, in patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR mutated, T790M undetectable or unknown non-small cell lung cancer (Stage IIIB-IV) after no immediate prior EGFR TKI (OSIRIS study)

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Background: Osimertinib (OSI) is a potent irreversible EGFR TKI approved for 1st line therapy advanced EGFR+ NSCLC and for 2nd line T790M+ pts. The AURA trial showed promising results even in pts with T790M- NSCLC after no immediate prior OSI in locally advanced or metastatic EGFR+ NSCLC, T790M undetectable or unknown, after 1st line EGFR TKI and subsequent chemotherapy. Methods: This phase II trial was performed to investigate the role OSI in locally advanced or metastatic EGFR+ NSCLC, T790M undetectable or unknown, after 1st line EGFR TKI (1 or 2 generation) and subsequent chemotherapy. Eligible pts (M or F, > 18 years, ECOG 0-2) received OSI (80 mg/day) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Objective response rate (ORR) was the primary endopoint. Assuming a 10% attrition rate, 90 pts were planned to be enrolled according to the Optimal Simon’s 2 stage design. In the first stage, 32 pts were planned to be accrued, and if ≤ 3 responses were observed the study would be stopped. Otherwise, 49 additional pts were planned to be accrued. The null hypothesis would have been rejected if ≥ 12 responses were observed. This design yields a type I error rate of 0.05 and 80% power. Results: From May 2017 to October 2020, a total of 54 pts were enrolled (17 M and 37 F, mean age 66 years). The study was stopped early due to an extremely slow enrolment rate. However, the ORR of 31.5% (95% CI 19.5% - 45.5%) was significantly higher than the null hypothesis of 9% (p<0.0001). 17 pts obtained a partial response and 20 a stable disease with an overall disease control rate of 68.5%. Median PFS was 9 mos and median OS was 15 mos. Forty-one pts experienced at least 1 adverse event (51.8% treatment related), more than 90% Grade 1 or 2, the most common being diarrhea. Conclusions: Despite early termination and incomplete recruitment, the treatment with OSI in pts with undetectable or unknown T790M showed a significant ORR and a PFS in line with results in T790M+. Currently, OSI represents the preferred option in naïve pts with EGFR+ NSCLC, regardless of T790M status and for pts who progress the recommended subsequent therapies include local therapy, continuing OSI or chemotherapy; in this new scenario, our results confirm that OSI rechallenge in subsequent line after chemotherapy should be explored. This research was conducted with support from AstraZeneca. Clinical trial information: 2016-002555-17.

Infections in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: Data from randomized trials

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Background: Febrile neutropenia and infections are well studied complications of chemotherapy (CT) and some targeted agents employed in oncology. Less is known about the risk of infection associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in cancer patients. The present systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to address this question in patients diagnosed with solid tumors enrolled in randomized trials employing ICIs as experimental treatment. Methods: The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Pubmed databases were searched from inception through December 1st, 2020. Randomized clinical trials comparing any ICI alone, with CT, or with other agents vs CT, placebo, or other agents in patients with solid tumors were included. Two independent reviewers used a standardized data extraction and quality assessment form. Discordant cases were discussed with a third independent investigator. The following information was extracted: baseline study characteristics, including the primary tumor, author, year of publication, type of trial, type of disease, and the type of therapy (experimental and control arms); and the incidence of any-grade (grades [G] 1–5), low-grade (G1–2), and high-grade (G3–4), fatal event (G5) infections, and type of event. Random or fixed-effect models were used according to the statistical heterogeneity. Results: 36 randomized clinical trials were deemed eligible. The total population reached 21451 patients. In the pooled analysis, the use of ICIs was associated with a similar risk of all-grade infections (relative risk, RR = 1.02; 95% CI 0.84–1.24; P = 0.85) compared to non-ICI treatments (G1-5 events: 9.6 vs. 8.3%). When the ICIs alone arms were compared to CT, the experimental arms were associated with a 42% less risk of all-grade infections (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.4–0.85; P = 0.01; N = 18 studies). Compared to CT, the combination of ICIs and CT increased the risk of all-grade infections (RR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.23–1.53; P < 0.01; N = 13 studies) and severe infections (RR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.17–1.96; P < 0.01; N = 12 studies). Fatal infections were similar in the experimental and control arms (0.5%). Conclusions: In patients with advanced solid tumors, when ICIs were administered with CT, the risk of all-grade and G3-5 infections was significantly increased. Compared to CT alone, ICIs were safer and their use should be recommended for frail patients. Further studies are required to identify high-risk patients and evaluate the need for CT dose reduction or prophylactic myeloid growth factors use.

Adherence to and effectiveness of lenalidomide after 1 year of treatment in a real world setting

BACKGROUND

In combination with dexamethasone, lenalidomide is prescribed in the oral treatment of Multiple Myeloma for patients who have received at least one previous therapy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate medication adherence to lenalidomide of Multiple Myeloma patients, as well as Progression Free Survival and Overall Survival one year from the beginning of the treatment.

SETTING

The study was carried out in Pescara Hospital, in Italy. All Multiple Myeloma patients who began lenalidomide therapy between January 1, 2012 and June 30, 2016 were included in our study.

METHODS

Adherence to treatment was calculated by using the ratio between the Received Daily Dose and the Prescribed Daily Dose. Effectiveness in real world has been evaluated as Progression Free Survival and Overall Survival one year from the beginning of the treatment.Main outcomes measure: We assessed medication adherence and effectiveness of lenalidomide in the treatment of Multiple Myeloma.

RESULTS

Adherence to the overall mean treatment was 0.73 ± 0.15, relative to 81 patients evaluated in our study. 32% of patients achieved an adherence equal to or greater than 80%. Real-life effectiveness in terms of Progression Free Survival and Overall Survival showed values of ​​53.75% and 88%, respectively, one year from the beginning of treatment.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of adherence in Multiple Myeloma patients treated with lenalidomide one year from the beginning of therapy reveal a concerning lack of adherence. Moreover, the lack of correlation of the levels of adherence with patient-related variables shows that, in the case of Multiple Myeloma, adherence is not related to personal, social and environmental characteristics that may determine each patient's correct treatment implementation, but is directly influenced by disease evolution.

Autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation versus bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone, with or without bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone consolidation therapy, and lenalidomide maintenance for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (EMN02/HO95): a multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 3 study

BACKGROUND

The emergence of highly active novel agents has led some to question the role of autologous haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) and subsequent consolidation therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. We therefore compared autologous HSCT with bortezomib-melphalan-prednisone (VMP) as intensification therapy, and bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (VRD) consolidation therapy with no consolidation.

METHODS

In this randomised, open-label, phase 3 study we recruited previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma at 172 academic and community practice centres of the European Myeloma Network. Eligible patients were aged 18-65 years, had symptomatic multiple myeloma stage 1-3 according to the International Staging System (ISS), measurable disease (serum M protein >10 g/L or urine M protein >200 mg in 24 h or abnormal free light chain [FLC] ratio with involved FLC >100 mg/L, or proven plasmacytoma by biopsy), and WHO performance status grade 0-2 (grade 3 was allowed if secondary to myeloma). Patients were first randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either four 42-day cycles of bortezomib (1·3 mg/m² administered intravenously or subcutaneously on days 1, 4, 8, 11, 22, 25, 29, and 32) combined with melphalan (9 mg/m² administered orally on days 1-4) and prednisone (60 mg/m² administered orally on days 1-4) or autologous HSCT after high-dose melphalan (200 mg/m²), stratified by site and ISS disease stage. In centres with a double HSCT policy, the first randomisation (1:1:1) was to VMP or single or double HSCT. Afterwards, a second randomisation assigned patients to receive two 28-day cycles of consolidation therapy with bortezomib (1·3 mg/m² either intravenously or subcutaneously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11), lenalidomide (25 mg orally on days 1-21), and dexamethasone (20 mg orally on days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12) or no consolidation; both groups received lenalidomide maintenance therapy (10 mg orally on days 1-21 of a 28-day cycle). The primary outcomes were progression-free survival from the first and second randomisations, analysed in the intention-to-treat population, which included all patients who underwent each randomisation. All patients who received at least one dose of study drugs were included in the safety analyses. This study is registered with the EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT 2009-017903-28) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01208766), and has completed recruitment.

FINDINGS

Between Feb 25, 2011, and April 3, 2014, 1503 patients were enrolled. 1197 patients were eligible for the first randomisation, of whom 702 were assigned to autologous HSCT and 495 to VMP; 877 patients who were eligible for the first randomisation underwent the second randomisation to VRD consolidation (n=449) or no consolidation (n=428). The data cutoff date for the current analysis was Nov 26, 2018. At a median follow-up of 60·3 months (IQR 52·2-67·6), median progression-free survival was significantly improved with autologous HSCT compared with VMP (56·7 months [95% CI 49·3-64·5] vs 41·9 months [37·5-46·9]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·73, 0·62-0·85; p=0·0001). For the second randomisation, the number of events of progression or death at data cutoff was lower than that preplanned for the final analysis; therefore, the results from the second protocol-specified interim analysis, when 66% of events were reached, are reported (data cutoff Jan 18, 2018). At a median follow-up of 42·1 months (IQR 32·3-49·2), consolidation therapy with VRD significantly improved median progression-free survival compared with no consolidation (58·9 months [54·0-not estimable] vs 45·5 months [39·5-58·4]; HR 0·77, 0·63-0·95; p=0·014). The most common grade ≥3 adverse events in the autologous HSCT group compared to the VMP group included neutropenia (513 [79%] of 652 patients vs 137 [29%] of 472 patients), thrombocytopenia (541 [83%] vs 74 [16%]), gastrointestinal disorders (80 [12%] vs 25 [5%]), and infections (192 [30%] vs 18 [4%]). 239 (34%) of 702 patients in the autologous HSCT group and 135 (27%) of 495 in the VMP group had at least one serious adverse event. Infection was the most common serious adverse event in each of the treatment groups (206 [56%] of 368 and 70 [37%] of 189). 38 (12%) of 311 deaths from first randomisation were likely to be treatment related: 26 (68%) in the autologous HSCT group and 12 (32%) in the VMP group, most frequently due to infections (eight [21%]), cardiac events (six [16%]), and second primary malignancies (20 [53%]).

INTERPRETATION

This study supports the use of autologous HSCT as intensification therapy and the use of consolidation therapy in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, even in the era of novel agents. The role of high-dose chemotherapy needs to be reassessed in future studies, in particular in patients with undetectable minimal residual disease after four-drug induction regimens including a monoclonal antiboby combined with an immunomodulatory agent and a proteasome inhibitor plus dexamethasone.

FUNDING

Janssen and Celgene.

Clinical significance of glycemic parameters on venous thromboembolism risk prediction in gastrointestinal cancer

AIM

To investigate the possible predictive role of routinely used glycemic parameters for a first venous thromboembolism (VTE) episode in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer ambulatory patients - with or without clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) or obesity - treated with chemotherapy.

METHODS

Pre-treatment fasting blood glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) and homeostasis model of risk assessment (HOMA) were retrospectively evaluated in a cohort study of 342 GI cancer patients. Surgery was performed in 142 (42%) patients with primary cancer, 30 (21%) and 112 (79%) of whom received neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies, respectively. First-line chemotherapy was administered in 200 (58%) patients with metastatic disease. The study outcome was defined as the occurrence of a first symptomatic or asymptomatic VTE episode during active treatment.

RESULTS

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or T2D were diagnosed in 30% of GI cancer patients, while overweight/obesity had an incidence of 41%. VTE occurred in 9.4% of patients (7% of non-diabetic non-obese), especially in those with a high ECOG score (P = 0.025). No significant association was found between VTE incidence and T2D, obesity, different tumor types, metastatic disease, Khorana class of risk, or different anti-cancer drugs, although VTE rates were substantially higher in patients receiving bevacizumab (17% vs 8%, P = 0.044). Conversely, all glucose metabolic indexes were associated with increased VTE risk at ROC analysis. Multivariate Cox proportional analyses confirmed that HOMA index (HR = 4.13, 95%CI: 1.63-10.5) or fasting blood glucose (HR = 3.56, 95%CI: 1.51-8.39) were independent predictors of VTE occurrence during chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The results here reported demonstrate that evaluating glucose metabolic asset may allow for VTE risk stratification in GI cancer, helping to identify chemotherapy-treated patients who might benefit from thromboprophylaxis. Further multicenter prospective studies involving a larger number of patients are presently needed.

Changes in sex hormone levels after radical prostatectomy: Results of a longitudinal cohort study

The changes in testosterone and gonadotropin levels in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy (RP) for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa) remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the changes in serum testosterone (Te), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the early months after RP for PCa and the correlation between these hormones at various follow-up times. A total of 100 male patients with clinically localized PCa were consecutively included in the study. The serum levels of Te, LH and FSH were measured prior to RP (baseline) and at 1 and 3 months post-operatively. Changes in the levels of Te, LH and FSH between the baseline and at 1 and 3 months after RP were analyzed with paired sample t-tests. The correlations between LH and Te levels at the various follow-up times were evaluated with a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. At 1 month subsequent to RP, the Te levels were significantly decreased (baseline vs. 1 month, P=0.021) and subsequently recovered to the pre-operative value at 3 months (baseline vs. 3 months, P=0.372). The mean Te level at baseline was 15.3 nmol/l, while at 1 and 3 months it was 13.8 and 14.4 nmol/l, respectively. By contrast, the levels of LH and FSH were significantly increased at 1 and 3 months post-surgery, compared with the baseline value (baseline vs. 1 or 3 months, P<0.0001). The pre-operative correlation between LH and Te was lost 1 month after RP and recovered after 3 months. Notably, the LH level at 1 month was markedly correlated with the Te levels recorded after 3 months. In the present study, patients developed compensated hypergonadotropic hypogonadism 3 months after RP.

Extra-mitochondrial aerobic metabolism in retinal rod outer segments: new perspectives in retinopathies

Vertebrate retinal rods are photoreceptors for dim-light vision. They display extreme sensitivity to light thanks to a specialized subcellular organelle, the rod outer segment. This is filled with a stack of membranous disks, expressing the proteins involved in visual transduction, a very energy demanding process. Our previous proteomic and biochemical studies have shed new light on the chemical energy processes that supply ATP to the outer segment, suggesting the presence of an extra-mitochondrial aerobic metabolism in rod outer segment, devoid of mitochondria, which would account for a quantitatively adequate ATP supply for phototransduction. Here the functional presence of an oxidative phosphorylation in the rod outer limb is examined for its relationship to many physiological and pathological data on the rod outer segment. We hypothesize that the rod outer limb is at risk of oxidative stress, in any case of impairment in the respiratory chain functioning, or of blood supply. In fact, the electron transfer chain is a major source of reactive O(2) species, known to produce severe alteration to the membrane lipids, especially those of the outer segment that are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. We propose that the disk membrane may become the target of reactive oxygen species that may be released by the electron transport chain under pathologic conditions. For example, during aging reactive oxygen species production increases, while cellular antioxidant capacity decreases. Also the apoptosis of the rod observed after exposure to bright or continuous illumination can be explained considering that an overfunctioning of phototransduction may damage the disk membrane to a point at which cytochrome c escapes from the intradiskal space, where it is presently supposed to be, activating a putative caspase 9 and the apoptosome. A pathogenic mechanism for many inherited and acquired retinal degenerations, representing a major problem in clinical ophthalmology, is proposed: a number of rod pathologies would be promoted by impairment of energy supply and/or oxidative stress in the rod outer segment. In conclusion we suppose that the damaging role of oxygen, be it hypoxia or hyperoxia invoked in most of the blinding diseases, acquired and even hereditary is to be seeked for inside the photoreceptor outer segment that would conceal a potential for cell death that is still to be recognized.

Testosterone and sexual activity

Male sexual activity is characterized by a synchronization of sexual desire arising in the brain and its transmission to the periphery, resulting in penile tumescence necessary for sexual intercourse. Testosterone (T) has been claimed for so long as a pivotal hormone in regulating male sexual function, acting both at central and peripheral level. We believe that T is indeed the main synchronizer of sexual activity regulating libido and enzymes as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which are crucial for the erectile process. In fact, NOS increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, while PDE5 reduces it. Because T positively controls both the initiation and the end of the penile erection, its net effect on erection is null. In fact, penile erections are often present even without T. The main action of T is to timely adjust the erectile process as a function of sexual desire, therefore finalizing erections to sex.

Evidence for bioeffects of LY 139478 on the human pre-osteoclastic cell line FLG 29.1

LY 139478, the hydrochloride salt of LY 117018, is a member of the nonsteroidal antiestrogens, benzothiophene derivatives, described to be full estrogen agonists in bone acting via an estrogen receptor-mediated mechanism. However, the cellular actions of these compounds on bone remodelling need to be established. To investigate the "in vitro" properties of LY 139478 on osteoclast precursors, the human pre-osteoclastic cell line FLG 29.1 was examined for evidence of bioeffects of this compound. Binding studies with tritiated 17 beta-estradiol (17 beta E2) demonstrated that the relative potency of LY 139478 in inhibiting estrogen binding to its receptor was equal to that of 17 beta E2. Significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth was induced by LY 139478 at 10 nM, 100 nM and 1 microM. Calcitonin-induced cAMP accumulation was significantly increased by low (1 pM) and high (1 microM) doses of both 17 beta E2 and the compound with a dose-dependent response. Differently than estrogen, LY 139478 at high dose significantly reduced IL-6 release by these cells. In addition, pharmacological doses of both 17 beta E2 and LY 139478 activated apoptotic cell death. These findings show that the benzothiophene-derived LY 139478 acts directly on the human pre-osteoclastic cell line FLG 29.1 as an estrogen agonist.

Use of a synthetic soluble bilirubin derivative to assess interference in creatinine measurements

In assessing interference from bilirubin, the use of a synthetic soluble derivative (ditaurobilirubin, DTB) is recommended as a surrogate for the natural conjugates (Bc). We compared the interference effect of unconjugated bilirubin (Bu), Bc, and DTB, using six mechanized methods for serum creatinine measurement. No significant interference was noted in methods that include removal of proteins or in an enzymatic method involving NADH oxidation. Heavy (negative) interference was observed in an alkaline picrate method, and in direct enzymatic methods based on hydrogen peroxide measurement: interference was always more pronounced in the presence of the two soluble derivatives (Bc and DTB), whose interference was of the same magnitude. These results point out the utility of testing for bilirubin interference by using soluble derivatives, in addition to Bu, and suggest the feasibility of using DTB as a surrogate for Bc for this purpose.