Clinical variables associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor outcomes in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma: a multicentre retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are indicated for metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC), but predictive and prognostic factors are lacking. We investigated clinical variables associated with ICI outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a multicentre retrospective cohort study of 135 patients who received ICI for mUC, 2016-2021, at three Canadian centres. Clinical characteristics, body mass index (BMI), metastatic sites, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), response and survival were abstracted from chart review.

RESULTS

We identified 135 patients and 62% had received ICI as a second-line or later treatment for mUC. A BMI ≥25 was significantly correlated to a higher overall response rate (ORR) (45.4% vs 16.3%, p value=0.020). Patients with BMI ≥30 experienced longer median overall survival (OS) of 24.8 vs 14.4 for 25≤BMI<30 and 8.5 months for BMI <25 (p value=0.012). The ORR was lower in the presence of bone metastases (16% vs 41%, p value=0.006) and liver metastases (16% vs 39%, p value=0.013). Metastatic lymph nodes were correlated with higher ORR (40% vs 20%, p value=0.032). The median OS for bone metastases was 7.3 versus 18 months (p value <0.001). Patients with liver metastases had a median OS of 8.6 versus 15 months (p value=0.006). No difference for lymph nodes metastases (13.5 vs 12.7 months, p value=0.175) was found. NLR ≥4 had worse OS (8.2 vs 17.7 months, p value=0.0001). In multivariate analysis, BMI ≥30, bone metastases, NLR ≥4, performance status ≥2 and line of ICI ≥2 were independent factors for OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data identified BMI and bone metastases as novel clinical biomarkers that were independently associated with ICI outcomes in mUC. External and prospective validation are warranted.

The role of CRAF in cancer progression: from molecular mechanisms to precision therapies

The RAF family of kinases includes key activators of the pro-tumourigenic mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Hyperactivation of RAF proteins, particularly BRAF and CRAF, drives tumour progression and drug resistance in many types of cancer. Although BRAF is the most studied RAF protein, partially owing to its high mutation incidence in melanoma, the role of CRAF in tumourigenesis and drug resistance is becoming increasingly clinically relevant. Here, we summarize the main known regulatory mechanisms and gene alterations that contribute to CRAF activity, highlighting the different oncogenic roles of CRAF, and categorize RAF1 (CRAF) mutations according to the effect on kinase activity. Additionally, we emphasize the effect that CRAF alterations may have on drug resistance and how precision therapies could effectively target CRAF-dependent tumours. Here, we discuss preclinical and clinical findings that may lead to improved treatments for all types of oncogenic RAF1 alterations in cancer.

The Clinical, Genomic, and Transcriptomic Landscape of BRAF Mutant Cancers

BACKGROUND

BRAF mutations are classified into four molecularly distinct groups, and Class 1 (V600) mutant tumors are treated with targeted therapies. Effective treatment has not been established for Class 2/3 or BRAF Fusions. We investigated whether BRAF mutation class differed according to clinical, genomic, and transcriptomic variables in cancer patients.

METHODS

Using the AACR GENIE (v.12) cancer database, the distribution of BRAF mutation class in adult cancer patients was analyzed according to sex, age, primary race, and tumor type. Genomic alteration data and transcriptomic analysis was performed using The Cancer Genome Atlas.

RESULTS

BRAF mutations were identified in 9515 (6.2%) samples among 153,834, with melanoma (31%), CRC (20.7%), and NSCLC (13.9%) being the most frequent cancer types. Class 1 harbored co-mutations outside of the MAPK pathway (TERT, RFN43) vs. Class 2/3 mutations (RAS, NF1). Across all tumor types, Class 2/3 were enriched for alterations in genes involved in UV response and WNT/β-catenin. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment of WNT/β-catenin and Hedgehog signaling in non-V600 mutated CRC. Males had a higher proportion of Class 3 mutations vs. females (17.4% vs. 12.3% q = 0.003). Non-V600 mutations were generally more common in older patients (aged 60+) vs. younger (38% vs. 15% p < 0.0001), except in CRC (15% vs. 30% q = 0.0001). Black race was associated with non-V600 BRAF alterations (OR: 1.58; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Class 2/3 BRAFs are more present in Black male patients with co-mutations outside of the MAPK pathway, likely requiring additional oncogenic input for tumorigenesis. Improving access to NGS and trial enrollment will help the development of targeted therapies for non-V600 BRAF mutations.

Analysis of the Circulating Metabolome of Patients with Cutaneous, Mucosal and Uveal Melanoma Reveals Distinct Metabolic Profiles with Implications for Response to Immunotherapy

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) than mucosal and uveal melanoma patients (MM/UM). Aiming to explore these differences and understand the distinct response to ICI, we evaluated the serum metabolome of advanced CM, MM, and UM patients. Levels of 115 metabolites were analyzed in samples collected before ICI, using a targeted metabolomics platform. In our analysis, molecules involved in the tryptophan-kynurenine axis distinguished UM/MM from CM. UM/MM patients had higher levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HKyn), whilst patients with CM were found to have higher levels of kynurenic acid (KA). The KA/3-HKyn ratio was significantly higher in CM versus the other subtypes. UM, the most ICI-resistant subtype, was also associated with higher levels of sphingomyelin-d18:1/22:1 and the polyamine spermine (SPM). Overall survival was prolonged in a cohort of CM patients with lower SPM levels, suggesting there are also conserved metabolic factors promoting ICI resistance across melanoma subtypes. Our study revealed a distinct metabolomic profile between the most resistant melanoma subtypes, UM and MM, compared to CM. Alterations within the kynurenine pathway, polyamine metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolic pathway may contribute to the poor response to ICI. Understanding the different metabolomic profiles introduces opportunities for novel therapies with potential synergic activity to ICI, to improve responses of UM/MM.

Intrathecal trastuzumab versus alternate routes of delivery for HER2-targeted therapies in patients with HER2+ breast cancer leptomeningeal metastases

BACKGROUND

Patients with HER2+ breast cancer (BC) frequently develop leptomeningeal metastases (LM). While HER2-targeted therapies have demonstrated efficacy in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic settings, including for parenchymal brain metastases, their efficacy for patients with LM has not been studied in a randomized controlled trial. However, several single-armed prospective studies, case series and case reports have studied oral, intravenous, or intrathecally administered HER2-targeted therapy regimens for patients with HER2+ BC LM.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data to evaluate the efficacy of HER2-targeted therapies in HER2+ BC LM in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Targeted therapies evaluated were trastuzumab (intrathecal or intravenous), pertuzumab, lapatinib, neratinib, tucatinib, trastuzumab-emtansine and trastuzumab-deruxtecan. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), with CNS-specific progression-free survival (PFS) as a secondary endpoint.

RESULTS

7780 abstracts were screened, identifying 45 publications with 208 patients, corresponding to 275 lines of HER2-targeted therapy for BC LM which met inclusion criteria. In univariable and multivariable analyses, we observed no significant difference in OS and CNS-specific PFS between intrathecal trastuzumab compared to oral or intravenous administration of HER2-targeted therapy. Anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody-based regimens did not demonstrate superiority over HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In a cohort of 15 patients, treatment with trastuzumab-deruxtecan was associated with prolonged OS compared to other HER2-targeted therapies and compared to trastuzumab-emtansine.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis, comprising the limited data available, suggest that intrathecal administration of HER2-targeted therapy for patients with HER2+ BC LM confers no additional benefit over oral and/or IV treatment regimens. Although the number of patients receiving trastuzumab deruxtecan in this cohort is small, this novel agent offers promise for this patient population and requires further investigation in prospective studies.

Abstract P2-01-06: Real-world outcome and cost analysis of the addition of pertuzumab to neoadjuvant therapy in localized HER2 positive breast cancer: a single center experience

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in woman and can be classified based on the expression of hormonal receptor as well as the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). HER2 amplification is associated with an aggressive clinical course and higher recurrence rates following curative intend surgery. For non-metastatic T2 or node-positive HER2-positive disease neoadjuvant treatment is favored. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have endorsed the use of dual HER2 blockage with trastuzumab and pertuzumab combined with chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting. However, pertuzumab isn’t frequently reimbursed in public health care systems for this indication. Patients who don’t achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) at surgery are eligible for adjuvant T-DM1, adding significant side effects on patients and cost on the healthcare system.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients receiving anti-HER2 therapy in the neoadjuvant setting at the Jewish General hospital between 2015 and 2021. After 2019, pertuzumab was routinely added to standard neoadjuvant therapy enabling us to compare patients treated with or without dual-HER2 blockade. Our primary endpoint is the percentage of pCR at surgery. Secondary objectives are to estimate and compare the cost of anti-HER2 targeted therapy in the perioperative setting and side effect burden on patients. Statistical analyses were done using fisher exact test with statistical significance defined p value &lt; 0.05 in a one-sided test. Drug cost was calculated using publicly available resources.

RESULTS: We identified 83 patient who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy for HER2 amplified breast cancer. 44 patients received only trastuzumab has anti-HER2 therapy and 39 patients were treated with dual HER2 blockade containing pertuzumab. The addition of pertuzumab was associated with improved the pCR rate (67% vs. 27%; p = 0.0016). The increased pCR rate was observed in hormone-receptor positive and negative tumors. We also described a non-statistically significant trend in reduction in the requirement for axillary dissection with the use of pertuzumab (28% vs. 39%; P=0.2208). The increased in pCR rate with pertuzumab reduced the number of patients eligible for adjuvant T-DM1. If all patients with residual disease had received adjuvant T-DM1, the cost of neoadjuvant pertuzumab would be neutral, with a mean anti-HER2 drug cost of 65 150 CA$ in the pertuzumab-trastuzumab group and 66 116 CA$ in the trastuzumab group.

CONCLUSION: Our real-world analysis confirmed that neoadjuvant chemotherapy with dual HER2-blockade was well tolerated and associated with increased the pCR rate compared to regimens containing trastuzumab only. This measure is neutral on drug cost by reducing the amount of patients eligible for adjuvant T-DM1. Further research is warranted to estimate the overall health-care utilization costs of neoadjuvant pertuzumab-trastuzumab in settings where adjuvant T-DM1 is available.

Table 3: Pathologic complete response (pCR) and type of surgery in patients who received dual HER2 blockade with neoadjuvant pertuzumab-trastuzumab plus chemotherapy and in patients receiving trastuzumab only with chemotherapy at Jewish General Hospital between 2015 and 2021. ** p &lt; 0,01, ns non-statistically significant

Citation Format: Francois Panet, Matt Young, Stephanie Wong, Alice Dragomir, April A. N. Rose, Lawrence Panasci. Real-world outcome and cost analysis of the addition of pertuzumab to neoadjuvant therapy in localized HER2 positive breast cancer: a single center experience [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-06.

Inhibition of the MNK1/2-eIF4E Axis Augments Palbociclib-Mediated Antitumor Activity in Melanoma and Breast Cancer

Aberrant cell-cycle progression is characteristic of melanoma, and CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib, are currently being tested for efficacy in this disease. Despite the promising nature of CDK4/6 inhibitors, their use as single agents in melanoma has shown limited clinical benefit. Herein, we discovered that treatment of tumor cells with palbociclib induces the phosphorylation of the mRNA translation initiation factor eIF4E. When phosphorylated, eIF4E specifically engenders the translation of mRNAs that code for proteins involved in cell survival. We hypothesized that cancer cells treated with palbociclib use upregulated phosphorylated eIF4E (phospho-eIF4E) to escape the antitumor benefits of this drug. Indeed, we found that pharmacologic or genetic disruption of MNK1/2 activity, the only known kinases for eIF4E, enhanced the ability of palbociclib to decrease clonogenic outgrowth. Moreover, a quantitative proteomics analysis of melanoma cells treated with combined MNK1/2 and CDK4/6 inhibitors showed downregulation of proteins with critical roles in cell-cycle progression and mitosis, including AURKB, TPX2, and survivin. We also observed that palbociclib-resistant breast cancer cells have higher basal levels of phospho-eIF4E, and that treatment with MNK1/2 inhibitors sensitized these palbociclib-resistant cells to CDK4/6 inhibition. In vivo we demonstrate that the combination of MNK1/2 and CDK4/6 inhibition significantly increases the overall survival of mice compared with either monotherapy. Overall, our data support MNK1/2 inhibitors as promising drugs to potentiate the antineoplastic effects of palbociclib and overcome therapy-resistant disease.

The spindle assembly checkpoint is a therapeutic vulnerability of CDK4/6 inhibitor-resistant ER+ breast cancer with mitotic aberrations

Inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6i) are standard first-line treatments for metastatic ER⁺ breast cancer. However, acquired resistance to CDK4/6i invariably develops, and the molecular phenotypes and exploitable vulnerabilities associated with resistance are not yet fully characterized. We developed a panel of CDK4/6i-resistant breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived organoids and demonstrate that a subset of resistant models accumulates mitotic segregation errors and micronuclei, displaying increased sensitivity to inhibitors of mitotic checkpoint regulators TTK and Aurora kinase A/B. RB1 loss, a well-recognized mechanism of CDK4/6i resistance, causes such mitotic defects and confers enhanced sensitivity to TTK inhibition. In these models, inhibition of TTK with CFI-402257 induces premature chromosome segregation, leading to excessive mitotic segregation errors, DNA damage, and cell death. These findings nominate the TTK inhibitor CFI-402257 as a therapeutic strategy for a defined subset of ER⁺ breast cancer patients who develop resistance to CDK4/6i.

Melanomas with concurrent BRAF non-p.V600 and NF1 loss-of-function mutations are targetable by BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination therapy

Although combination BRAF/MEK inhibition has produced significant survival benefits for BRAF p.V600 mutant melanomas, targeted therapies approved for BRAF non-p.V600 mutant melanomas remain limited. Through the analysis of 772 cutaneous melanoma exomes, we reveal that BRAF non-p.V600 mutations co-occurs more frequently with NF1 loss, but not with oncogenic NRAS mutations, than expected by chance. We present cell signaling data, which demonstrate that BRAF non-p.V600 mutants can signal as monomers and dimers within an NF1 loss context. Concordantly, BRAF inhibitors that inhibit both monomeric and dimeric BRAF synergize with MEK inhibition to significantly reduce cell viability in vitro and tumor growth in vivo in BRAF non-p.V600 mutant melanomas with co-occurring NF1 loss-of-function mutations. Our data suggest that patients harboring BRAF non-p.V600 mutant melanomas may benefit from current FDA-approved BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination therapy currently reserved for BRAF p.V600 mutant patients.

HSP90 inhibitors induce GPNMB cell-surface expression by modulating lysosomal positioning and sensitize breast cancer cells to glembatumumab vedotin

Transmembrane glycoprotein NMB (GPNMB) is a prognostic marker of poor outcome in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Glembatumumab Vedotin, an antibody drug conjugate targeting GPNMB, exhibits variable efficacy against GPNMB-positive metastatic TNBC as a single agent. We show that GPNMB levels increase in response to standard-of-care and experimental therapies for multiple breast cancer subtypes. While these therapeutic stressors induce GPNMB expression through differential engagement of the MiTF family of transcription factors, not all are capable of increasing GPNMB cell-surface localization required for Glembatumumab Vedotin inhibition. Using a FACS-based genetic screen, we discovered that suppression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) concomitantly increases GPNMB expression and cell-surface localization. Mechanistically, HSP90 inhibition resulted in lysosomal dispersion towards the cell periphery and fusion with the plasma membrane, which delivers GPNMB to the cell surface. Finally, treatment with HSP90 inhibitors sensitizes breast cancers to Glembatumumab Vedotin in vivo, suggesting that combination of HSP90 inhibitors and Glembatumumab Vedotin may be a viable treatment strategy for patients with metastatic TNBC.

Evaluating clinical activity of MAPK targeted therapies (TT) in cancer patients (pts) with non-V600 BRAF mutations: A systematic scoping review and meta-analysis

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Background: Oncogenic nonV600 BRAF mutations (muts) can be classified according to distinct molecular characteristics. TT strategies for class 2 and 3 BRAF muts have not been established. In recent years there have been numerous reports of clinical activity for various TT in pts with nonV600 muts. We performed a systematic scoping review and meta-analysis to assess treatment outcomes with MAPK TT according to BRAF class, cancer type and TT type. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted from 2010-20. All studies were independently reviewed and extracted by 2 reviewers and in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Individual patient level data were collected and analyzed from studies that met the following inclusion criteria: published reports of 1) advanced cancer pts with; 2) class 2 or class 3 nonV600 BRAF muts; 3) who received MAPK TT; 4) with treatment response (TR) data available. Primary outcome was overall TR rate (TRR). To assess differences between groups, odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression model. Results: 15,171 studies were screened and 168 were included for data extraction. We identified 100 studies with a total of 396 pts that met inclusion criteria. There were 17 reports (161 pts) of prospective clinical trials and 83 retrospective studies (235 pts). RECIST criteria were used for TR assessment in 183 (46%) pts. The entire study included 280 pts with class 2 and 116 pts with class 3 BRAF muts. Overall, 111 (28%) pts achieved a TR. TRR according to primary tumor type, BRAF class, and TT type is indicated in Table. TRR was lower in reports of prospective studies compared to retrospective studies (OR 0.14, P = 0.002), and in studies that employed RECIST criteria vs. those that didn’t (OR 0.29, P = 0.044). TRR was higher among pts with class 2 muts vs. those with class 3 muts (OR 2.21, P = 0.042). Conclusions: These data establish that MAPK TT have demonstrated clinical activity in cancers with oncogenic nonV600 mutations, and that BRAF mutation class may dictate responsiveness to different TT strategies. TRR may be over-estimated in the retrospective literature. This analysis will be valuable for molecular tumor boards and to guide future clinical trial design. Prospective clinical trials of TT in this pt population are warranted.[Table: see text]

Preliminary results of BEAVER: An investigator-initiated phase II study of binimetinib and encorafenib for the treatment of advanced solid tumors with non-V600E BRAF mutations (mts)

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Background: Recurring oncogenic non-V600E BRAF mts have been identified in many cancer types. Preclinical data indicate that some BRAF non-V600E mts can be targeted with BRAF + MEK inhibitors. BEAVER is an investigator-initiated study designed to test the safety and efficacy of binimetinib and encorafenib (B+E) in patients (pts) with non-V600E BRAF mts. Methods: Key eligibility criteria are: pts with advanced solid tumors with BRAF non-V600E activating (class 1 and 2) or inhibitory (class 3) mts, and no prior BRAF/MEK inhibitors. Pts receive binimetinib (45mg PO BID) and encorafenib (450mg PO daily) on a 28-day cycle until intolerable toxicity or progression. The primary objective is OR rate (ORR) as per RECIST 1.1. In this Simon 2-stage trial, ≥1 of 7 pts need to have an objective response (OR) before commencing second stage of study (26 pts total). Secondary objectives include: safety, DCR, PFS, and OS. Exploratory objectives include: genomic profiling of tumors, evaluating circulating tumor DNA dynamics and development of patient derived xenograft (PDX) models. Results: From June 2019 to Feb 2021, 12 pts were screened and 9 pts enrolled; 9 are evaluable for safety and 8 for efficacy. Tumor types were melanoma and colon (n=2 each), as well as gallbladder, lung, breast and uterine cancers (n=1 each). Median age was 62 yrs (range 40-72). Median number of prior treatments was 2 (range 0-6). 1 pt had a class 1, 3 pts had class 2, and 5 pts had class 3, non-V600E BRAF mts. The median number of cycles was 2 (range: 1-7). Common treatment-related adverse events were mostly grade ≤ 2, and included: Blurred vision (78%), fatigue (67%), nausea (44%), vomiting (33%), and rash (33%). Dose reductions were required in 4/9 pts (44%) due to: blurred vision (22%), central serous retinopathy (11%), malaise (11%) and increased lipase (11%). Drug-related grade 3 AEs occurred in 2/9 pts and included: malaise (11%), confusion (11%), fatigue (11%) and increased lipase (11%). All eye toxicities were reversible with dose interruption. ORR was 12.5% (1/8) with one unconfirmed PR in a melanoma pt (BRAF G469S), treated for 6.5 months. One gallbladder cancer pt (BRAF D594N) had SD, and 6 pts had PD as best response. Genomic profiling was performed on archival tumors for 8 pts. Two PDX models were established. Responses to B+E in PDX models mirrored responses in 2 corresponding pts who had PD. Genomic and molecular profiling of pt tumors and corresponding PDXs identified multiple potential mechanisms of B+E resistance including: activation of EGFR and Akt pathways and inactivation of NF1 and Rb1. Conclusions: Preliminary data confirmed the safety of B+E and showed preliminary evidence of anti-tumor activity in advanced cancer pts with non-V600E BRAF mts. This study met the criterion for advancing to stage 2. Enrolment in the BEAVER trial and correlative biomarker analyses are ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03839342.

Genomic Landscape of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor‒Like Melanoma

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST)-like melanoma is a rare malignancy with overlapping characteristics of both neural sarcoma and melanoma. Although the genomics of cutaneous melanoma has been extensively studied, those of MPNST-like melanoma have not. To characterize the genomic landscape of MPNST-like melanoma, we performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study at a tertiary academic cancer center. Consecutive patients with a confirmed histologic diagnosis of MPNST-like melanoma were screened, and those whose tissues were locally available were included in this analysis. Archival tissue from six patients (eight samples) was submitted for whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing analysis. We compared these data with available genomic studies of cutaneous melanoma and MPNST. NF1 was altered (mutated, deleted, or amplified) in 67% of patients. Genes related to cell cycle regulation were frequently altered, with frequent deletion of ZNF331, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously described in cutaneous melanoma. The serine protease inhibitor SERPINB4 was deleted in 100% of the patients. We show that MPNST-like melanoma presents overlapping genomic features with cutaneous melanoma and MPNST, but it is unique by the frequency of loss of function of ZNF331 and SERPINB4.

Clinical impact of COVID-19 on patients with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibition

Background

Patients with cancer who are infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are more likely to develop severe illness and die compared with those without cancer. The impact of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) on the severity of COVID-19 illness is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ICI confers an additional risk for severe COVID-19 in patients with cancer.

Methods

We analyzed data from 110 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 while on treatment with ICI without chemotherapy in 19 hospitals in North America, Europe and Australia. The primary objective was to describe the clinical course and to identify factors associated with hospital and intensive care (ICU) admission and mortality.

Findings

Thirty-five (32%) patients were admitted to hospital and 18 (16%) died. All patients who died had advanced cancer, and only four were admitted to ICU. COVID-19 was the primary cause of death in 8 (7%) patients. Factors independently associated with an increased risk for hospital admission were ECOG ≥2 (OR 39.25, 95% CI 4.17 to 369.2, p=0.0013), treatment with combination ICI (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.58 to 20.36, p=0.0273) and presence of COVID-19 symptoms (OR 5.30, 95% CI 1.57 to 17.89, p=0.0073). Seventy-six (73%) patients interrupted ICI due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, 43 (57%) of whom had resumed at data cut-off.

Interpretation

COVID-19–related mortality in the ICI-treated population does not appear to be higher than previously published mortality rates for patients with cancer. Inpatient mortality of patients with cancer treated with ICI was high in comparison with previously reported rates for hospitalized patients with cancer and was due to COVID-19 in almost half of the cases. We identified factors associated with adverse outcomes in ICI-treated patients with COVID-19.

Biologic subtypes of melanoma predict survival benefit of combination anti-PD1+anti-CTLA4 immune checkpoint inhibitors versus anti-PD1 monotherapy

Purpose

Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1)±anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are standard therapeutic options for metastatic melanoma. We assessed whether biologic subtype according to primary tumor type or genomic subtype can function as predictive biomarkers for anti-PD1±anti-CTLA4 ICI in patients with advanced melanoma.

Methods

We performed a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of patients who received anti-PD1±anti-CTLA4 ICI for advanced melanoma between 2012 and 2019. Primary tumor type, BRAF and NRAS mutation status, and other covariates were abstracted from chart review. Log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess differences in clinical progression-free (cPFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

We identified 230 patients who received 249 lines of anti-PD1±anti-CTLA4 ICI for unresectable or metastatic disease. Of these patients, 74% were cutaneous, 11% mucosal, 8% unknown primary and 7% acral. BRAF and NRAS mutations were identified in 35% and 28% of patients, respectively. In multivariable analyses of the entire cohort, acral or mucosal primary tumor type, >3 metastatic sites, elevated LDH were predictive of shorter cPFS and OS. Combination ICI therapy was associated with longer cPFS (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.86, p=0.007) and OS (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.65, p<0.001). Combination ICI was significantly associated with longer OS in unknown primary and mucosal melanoma. There was a non-significant trend toward longer OS with anti-PD1+anti-CTLA4 in cutaneous melanoma, but not in acral melanoma. In multivariable analyses, combination ICI was associated with longer OS in NRAS (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.62, p=0.003, n=69) and BRAF V600E/K (HR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.90, p=0.024, n=86) mutant melanoma but not BRAF/NRAS wild-type (n=94) melanoma.

Conclusions

In our cohort, primary melanoma tumor type and genomic subtype were independent predictive markers of cPFS and OS for patients with metastatic melanoma receiving anti-PD1 ICI. Primary tumor type and genomic subtype—including NRAS—should be further evaluated in prospective clinical trials to determine their value as predictive markers. Biologic subtypes may facilitate clinical decision-making when recommending combination ICI treatment (anti-PD1±anti-CTLA4) versus anti-PD1 alone for patients with metastatic melanoma.

Increasing Referrals of Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancer to a Cancer Rehabilitation Program: A Quality Improvement Initiative

BACKGROUND

People with cancer are at risk for initial, late, and long-term effects of cancer and its treatments. Cancer rehabilitation (CR) focuses on prevention/treatment of these sequelae and optimization of physical, social, and vocational functioning. Our center has a multidisciplinary impairment-driven outpatient CR program, but referrals of patients with GI cancer were low.

AIMS

We aimed (for 2019, relative to 2018) (1) to increase CR referrals of patients with GI cancer by 50% and (2) to increase the proportion of referrals coming from oncologists. Balancing measures included inappropriate referrals and cancellations.

METHODS

A rapid cycle improvement approach was used to optimize GI referrals to the CR program. Barriers to CR referral were identified through a literature review and informal interviews of GI clinicians. Barriers included (a) knowledge of CR program existence, (b) awareness of the referral process, (c) time, and (d) lack of CR program exposure. The team used Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles every 2 months from January to December 2019 to address barriers. A p-chart was used to analyze the results.

RESULTS

PDSA cycles included CR program advertisement, a presentation to GI staff, nurse-led patient identification, patient-facing posters, and clinician thank-you emails. The p-chart showed a 100% relative increase in referral numbers and an improvement in the percentage of patients referred by oncologists from 51% to 75%. There was no significant change in inappropriate referrals or cancellations.

CONCLUSION

Through PDSA cycles, we improved the total number of patients with GI cancer and percentage referred by an oncologist to a CR program. Future work will assess sustainability.

Genomic landscape of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST)-like melanoma

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Background: Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor (MPNST)-like melanoma is a rare entity wherein cutaneous melanoma mimics histomorphological features of MPNST. The genomic landscape of MPNST-like melanoma has not been previously described. We report the genomic findings of 6 patients diagnosed with MPNST-like melanoma. Methods: We identified consecutive patients with confirmed histological diagnosis of MPNST-like melanoma. Archival tissue was submitted for whole exome and transcriptome sequencing analysis and genomic findings were compared to publicly available data on the genomic landscape of both melanoma and limited genetic descriptions of MPNST. Results: Six patients diagnosed with MPNST-like melanoma between November 2002 and July 2018 had archival tissue available (8 samples). Mean age at diagnosis was 60.5 years (38-74). The mean tumor mutational burden (TMB) was 35.72 mutations/exon coding megabase, ranging from 4.27 to 86.36. NF1 alterations were found in 4 (67%) of cases: one had 3 truncating mutations (W696 + X1870_splice + R1590C) associated with NF1 amplification, one had a deep deletion and another two had truncating mutations (I1908L and W696 + A1530V). Two tumors had non-V600 BRAF mutations that predict alteration in kinase function. We observed deletions of cell cycle regulators: CDKN2A and CDKN2B in 33%; and ZNF331 (19q13.42) in 83% of cases. SERPINB4 (18q21.3), described previously as a tumor suppressor in oral squamous cell carcinomas, was deleted in all samples. The patient with NF1 amplification and truncating mutations received immunotherapy due to metastatic disease and achieved a complete response; his tumor had a TMB of 72.6. Another patient who died of metastatic melanoma, treated with chemotherapy in the pre-immunotherapy era, lacked any NF1 mutation but had a Q61K NRAS mutation; the tumor had a TMB of 15. The remaining patients were treated with surgical resection alone and continue on follow-up. Conclusions: MPNST-like melanoma shares some frequently altered genes in cutaneous melanoma but possesses an excess of NF-1 mutations or deletions, in keeping with its neural-like phenotype. The high frequency of SERPINB4 alterations suggests a critical tumor suppressor role in this subtype of melanoma, warranting further investigation. Additionally, cell cycle dysregulation caused by deletion of ZNF331 and CDKN2A/B may be important in MPNST-like melanoma carcinogenesis.

Targeting GPNMB with glembatumumab vedotin: Current developments and future opportunities for the treatment of cancer

GPNMB has emerged as an immunomodulator and an important positive mediator of tumor progression and metastasis in numerous solid cancers. Tumor intrinsic GPNMB-mediated effects on cellular signaling, coupled with the ability of GPNMB to influence the primary tumor and metastatic microenvironments in a non-cell autonomous fashion, combine to augment malignant cancer phenotypes. In addition, GPNMB is often overexpressed in a variety of cancers, making it an attractive therapeutic target. In this regard, glembatumumab vedotin, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets GPNMB, is currently in clinical trials as a single agent in multiple cancers. In this review, we will describe the physiological functions of GPNMB in normal tissues and summarize the processes through which GPNMB augments tumor growth and metastasis. We will review the pre-clinical and clinical development of glembatumumab vedotin, evaluate on-going clinical trials, explore emerging opportunities for this agent in new disease indications and discuss exciting possibilities for this ADC in the context of combination therapies.

MAPK Pathway Inhibitors Sensitize BRAF-Mutant Melanoma to an Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting GPNMB

PURPOSE

To determine if BRAF and/or MEK inhibitor-induced GPNMB expression renders melanomas sensitive to CDX-011, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting GPNMB.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The Cancer Genome Atlas melanoma dataset was interrogated for a panel of MITF-regulated melanosomal differentiation antigens, including GPNMB. BRAF-mutant melanoma cell lines treated with BRAF or MEK inhibitors were assessed for GPNMB expression by RT-qPCR, immunoblot, and FACS analyses. Transient siRNA-mediated knockdown approaches were used to determine if MITF is requirement for treatment-induced GPNMB upregulation. GPNMB expression was analyzed in serial biopsies and serum samples from patients with melanoma taken before, during, and after disease progression on MAPK inhibitor treatment. Subcutaneous injections were performed to test the efficacy of MAPK inhibitors alone, CDX-011 alone, or their combination in suppressing melanoma growth.

RESULTS

A MITF-dependent melanosomal differentiation signature is associated with poor prognosis in patients with this disease. MITF is increased following BRAF and MEK inhibitor treatment and induces the expression of melanosomal differentiation genes, including GPNMB. GPNMB is expressed at the cell surface in MAPK inhibitor-treated melanoma cells and is also elevated in on-treatment versus pretreatment biopsies from melanoma patients receiving MAPK pathway inhibitors. Combining BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors with CDX-011, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting GPNMB, is effective in causing melanoma regression in preclinical animal models and delays the recurrent melanoma growth observed with MEK or BRAF/MEK inhibitor treatment alone.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of MAPK pathway inhibitors with an antibody-drug conjugate targeting GPNMB is an effective therapeutic option for patients with melanoma. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 6088-98. ©2016 AACR.

Granulocytic immune infiltrates are essential for the efficient formation of breast cancer liver metastases

Introduction

Breast cancer cells display preferences for specific metastatic sites including the bone, lung and liver. Metastasis is a complex process that relies, in part, on interactions between disseminated cancer cells and resident/infiltrating stromal cells that constitute the metastatic microenvironment. Distinct immune infiltrates can either impair the metastatic process or conversely, assist in the seeding, colonization and growth of disseminated cancer cells.

Methods

Using in vivo selection approaches, we previously isolated 4T1-derived breast cancer cells that preferentially metastasize to these organs and tissues. In this study, we examined whether the propensity of breast cancer cells to metastasize to the lung, liver or bone is associated with and dependent on distinct patterns of immune cell infiltration. Immunohistocytochemistry and immunohistofluorescence approaches were used to quantify innate immune cell infiltrates within distinct metastases and depletion of Gr1⁺ (Ly-6C and Ly-6G) or specifically Ly-6G⁺ cells was performed to functionally interrogate the role of Ly-6G⁺ infiltrates in promoting metastasis to these organs.

Results

We show that T lymphocytes (CD3⁺), myeloid-derived (Gr-1⁺) cells and neutrophils (Ly-6G⁺ or NE⁺) exhibit the most pronounced recruitment in lung and liver metastases, with markedly less recruitment within bone metastatic lesions. Interestingly, these infiltrating cell populations display different patterns of localization within soft tissue metastases. T lymphocytes and granulocytic immune infiltrates are localized around the periphery of liver metastases whereas they were dispersed throughout the lung metastases. Furthermore, Gr-1⁺ cell-depletion studies demonstrate that infiltrating myeloid-derived cells are essential for the formation of breast cancer liver metastases but dispensable for metastasis to the lung and bone. A specific role for the granulocytic component of the innate immune infiltrate was revealed through Ly-6G⁺ cell-depletion experiments, which resulted in significantly impaired formation of liver metastases. Finally, we demonstrate that the CD11b⁺/Ly-6G⁺ neutrophils that infiltrate and surround the liver metastases are polarized toward an N2 phenotype, which have previously been shown to enhance tumor growth and metastasis.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the liver-metastatic potential of breast cancer cells is heavily reliant on interactions with infiltrating Ly-6G⁺ cells within the liver microenvironment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13058-015-0558-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Abstract P1-02-02: Processing of GPNMB by ADAM-10 in Breast Tumors Releases an Extracellular Domain with Angiogenic Properties

Background: Glycoprotein non-metastatic B (GPNMB), also known as Osteoactivin, is a cell surface bound, transmembrane protein that is expressed in 41-74% of breast cancers. We have shown that it promotes migration, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells, that it is associated with shorter recurrence-free and overall survival times, and that it is most commonly expressed among breast tumors of the basal/triple-negative subtypes. Patients with basal/triple-negative breast cancer have aggressive disease and are not amenable to currently available targeted therapies. For these reasons GPNMB is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in breast cancer; indeed, a GPNMB-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (CDX-011) has shown impressive clinical response among patients with GPNMB-positive breast cancer and is being investigated in Phase IIb clinical trials. Despite its promise as a therapeutic target in breast cancer, little is known about the functional role of GPNMB the primary tumor microenvironment.

Materials and Methods: We have employed 66cl4 murine mammary carcinoma cells and human BT549 breast cancer cells to investigate the effects of GPNMB on tumor growth and angiogenesis, respectively in vivo. Control and GPNMB-expressing tumors were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for degree of proliferation apoptosis and angiogenesis. To better characterize functionally important domains of GPNMB we employed immunoblot and ELISA analyses to assess levels of full length, intact GPNMB and shed GPNMB ectodomain in breast cancer cells. Transient siRNA-mediated knockdown studies were used to identify sheddases responsible for GPNMB shedding. Finally, we employed in vitro migration assays to assess function of the shed extracellular domain (ECD) of GPNMB.

Results: In this study we show that GPNMB promotes the outgrowth of mammary tumors in vivo and enhances their microvascular density. In an effort to investigate the functional domains of GPNMB that are responsible for this pro-angiogenic effect, we found that that the extracellular domain (ECD) of GPNMB is constitutively shed in breast cancer cells and show that this ECD is capable of inducing endothelial migration. Finally, we have implicated a disintegrin and metalloprotease-10 (ADAM10) as a novel sheddase responsible for liberation GPNMB ectodomain.

Conclusion: In this study we have described ADAM10-mediated shedding of GPNMB ECD - a protein fragment that induces endothelial cell migration - as a novel mechanism by which GPNMB can promote angiogenesis in breast cancer. Further efforts to characterize the effect of GPNMB on endothelial cell function will be discussed.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2010;70(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-02-02.

ADAM10 releases a soluble form of the GPNMB/Osteoactivin extracellular domain with angiogenic properties

Background

Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB)/Osteoactivin (OA) is a transmembrane protein expressed in approximately 40–75% of breast cancers. GPNMB/OA promotes the migration, invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells; it is commonly expressed in basal/triple-negative breast tumors and is associated with shorter recurrence-free and overall survival times in patients with breast cancer. Thus, GPNMB/OA represents an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in breast cancer; however, little is known about the functions of GPNMB/OA within the primary tumor microenvironment.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We have employed mouse and human breast cancer cells to investigate the effects of GPNMB/OA on tumor growth and angiogenesis. GPNMB/OA-expressing tumors display elevated endothelial recruitment and reduced apoptosis when compared to vector control-derived tumors. Primary human breast cancers characterized by high vascular density also display elevated levels of GPNMB/OA when compared to those with low vascular density. Using immunoblot and ELISA assays, we demonstrate the GPNMB/OA ectodomain is shed from the surface of breast cancer cells. Transient siRNA-mediated knockdown studies of known sheddases identified ADAM10 as the protease responsible for GPNMB/OA processing. Finally, we demonstrate that the shed extracellular domain (ECD) of GPNMB/OA can promote endothelial migration in vitro.

Conclusions/Significance

GPNMB/OA expression promotes tumor growth, which is associated with enhanced endothelial recruitment. We identify ADAM10 as a sheddase capable of releasing the GPNMB/OA ectodomain from the surface of breast cancer cells, which induces endothelial cell migration. Thus, ectodomain shedding may serve as a novel mechanism by which GPNMB/OA promotes angiogenesis in breast cancer.

Overexpression of galectin-7, a myoepithelial cell marker, enhances spontaneous metastasis of breast cancer cells

Galectins are members of a family of beta-galactosides-binding proteins that have recently emerged as novel modulators in different aspects of cancer. The expression of galectins in tumors and/or the tissue surrounding them has been well documented. Since galectin-7 expression has been associated with epithelial tissues and varies significantly in various types of cancer, we have investigated for the first time its role in breast cancer. Using two preclinical mouse models, high levels of galectin-7 expression in breast cancer cells drastically increased their ability to metastasize to lungs and bones. Significant increases in the number of pulmonary metastases and osteolytic lesions were induced by overexpression of galectin-7 compared with control cells. In human tissues, galectin-7 was specifically found in myoepithelial cells of normal human breast tissue, but not in luminal cells. Its expression was severely altered in breast carcinoma, many samples showing greater than 70% of galectin-7 positive cells. High expression levels of galectin-7 were restricted to high-grade breast carcinomas, including HER2 overexpressing and basal-like groups. In HER2 overexpressing cases, galectin-7 expression was associated with lymph node axillary metastasis. Taken together, our results indicate that galectin-7 may represent a potential target for both specific detection and therapeutic inhibition of metastatic breast cancer.

Glycoprotein nonmetastatic B is an independent prognostic indicator of recurrence and a novel therapeutic target in breast cancer

PURPOSE

Although the murine orthologue of glycoprotein nonmetastatic B (GPNMB), Osteoactivin, promotes breast cancer metastasis in an in vivo mouse model, its importance in human breast cancer is unknown. We have examined the significance of GPNMB expression as a prognostic indicator of recurrence and assessed its potential as a novel therapeutic target in breast cancer.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The clinical significance of GPNMB expression in breast cancer was addressed by analyzing GPNMB levels in several published gene expression data sets and two independent tissue microarrays derived from human breast tumors. GPNMB-expressing human breast cancer cell lines were further used to validate a toxin-conjugated anti-GPNMB antibody as a novel therapeutic agent.

RESULTS

GPNMB expression correlates with shorter recurrence times and reduced overall survival of breast cancer patients. Epithelial-specific GPNMB staining is an independent prognostic indicator for breast cancer recurrence. GPNMB is highly expressed in basal and triple-negative breast cancers and is associated with increased risk of recurrence within this subtype. GPNMB expression confers a more migratory and invasive phenotype on breast cancer cells and sensitizes them to killing by CDX-011 (glembatumumab vedotin), a GPNMB-targeted antibody-drug conjugate.

CONCLUSIONS

GPNMB expression is associated with the basal/triple-negative subtype and is a prognostic marker of poor outcome in patients with breast cancer. CDX-011 (glembatumumab vedotin) is a promising new targeted therapy for patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancers, a patient population that currently lacks targeted-therapy options.

Osteoactivin promotes breast cancer metastasis to bone

The skeleton is a preferred site of metastasis in patients with disseminated breast cancer. We have used 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma cells, which metastasize to bone from the mammary fat pads of immunocompetent mice, to identify novel genes involved in this process. In vivo selection of parental cells resulted in the isolation of independent, aggressively bone metastatic breast cancer populations with reduced metastasis to the lung. Gene expression profiling identified osteoactivin as a candidate that is highly and selectively expressed in aggressively bone metastatic breast cancer cells. These cells displayed enhanced migratory and invasive characteristics in vitro, the latter requiring sustained osteoactivin expression. Osteoactivin depletion in these cells, by small interfering RNA, also lead to a loss of matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression, whereas forced osteoactivin expression in parental 4T1 cells was sufficient to elevate matrix metalloproteinase-3 levels, suggesting that this matrix metalloproteinase may be an important mediator of osteoactivin function. Overexpression of osteoactivin in an independent, weakly bone metastatic breast cancer cell model significantly enhanced the formation of osteolytic bone metastases in vivo. Finally, high levels of osteoactivin expression in primary human breast cancers correlate with estrogen receptor-negative status and increasing tumor grade. Thus, we have identified osteoactivin as a protein that is expressed in aggressive human breast cancers and is capable of promoting breast cancer metastasis to bone.

Breast cancer-derived factors facilitate osteolytic bone metastasis

Bone is the most common site of breast cancer metastasis. Skeletal metastases resulting from breast cancer are most often osteolytic, and contribute to the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. Over the past several years, significant effort has been focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms that govern this process. To accomplish this task, animal model systems have been generated to study the process of breast cancer metastasis to bone. These include: intraosseous injection that models tumor growth in the bone marrow, cardiac injections that permit cancer cell dissemination to the bone marrow from the bloodstream, and spontaneous bone metastasis originating from the mammary gland. Importantly, these various model systems have been combined with gene expression profiling to compare breast cancer populations with distinct bone metastatic potentials in the hopes of finding the genes that facilitate this process. The result has been the accumulation of an impressive body of evidence detailing a complex web of interactions between breast cancer cells, the mineralized bone matrix and host cells resident in bone; such as osteoblasts, osteoclasts and bone marrow endothelium. In this review we will address new developments that underscore the importance of secreted proteins and cell surface receptors expressed on breast cancer cells that play key roles in promoting bone resorption and tumor growth. Recent results from both basic and clinical research reveal that similar metastatic functions, such as adhesion and invasion, are conserved across a variety of bone metastatic breast cancer cells and different sets of genes can fulfill these requirements.