Ablative Radioembolization (SIRT) of a Large Inoperable Renal Cell Carcinoma Invading the Liver That Resulted in Hematuria Control and Complete Necrosis by mRECIST Criteria

ABSTRACT

We report the successful application of radioembolization (SIRT) in a 77-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis and repeated episodes of macroscopic hematuria due to a large renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney extending to liver segment VI. A compassionate SIRT therapy was performed with resin microspheres through the upper pole renal artery and the feeding segmental artery of liver segment VI. Hematuria was resolved after treatment, and 4 months later, a follow-up CT scan revealed tumor size reduction and complete tumor necrosis (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria). Ablative SIRT therapy could be a safe and efficient option in a large inoperable RCC.

Functional Analysis of Viable Circulating Tumor Cells from Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Using TetherChip Technology

Metastasis, rather than the growth of the primary tumor, accounts for approximately 90% of breast cancer patient deaths. Microtentacles (McTNs) formation represents an important mechanism of metastasis. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype with limited targeted therapies. The present study aimed to isolate viable circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and functionally analyze them in response to drug treatment. CTCs from 20 TNBC patients were isolated and maintained in culture for 5 days. Biomarker expression was identified by immunofluorescence staining and VyCap analysis. Vinorelbine-induced apoptosis was evaluated based on the detection of M30-positive cells. Our findings revealed that the CTC absolute number significantly increased using TetherChips analysis compared to the number of CTCs in patients' cytospins (p = 0.006) providing enough tumor cells for drug evaluation. Vinorelbine treatment (1 h) on live CTCs led to a significant induction of apoptosis (p = 0.010). It also caused a significant reduction in Detyrosinated α-tubulin (GLU), programmed death ligand (PD-L1)-expressing CTCs (p < 0.001), and disruption of McTNs. In conclusion, this pilot study offers a useful protocol using TetherChip technology for functional analysis and evaluation of drug efficacy in live CTCs, providing important information for targeting metastatic dissemination at a patient-individualized level.

Investigation of Clinically Significant Molecular Aberrations in Patients with Prostate Cancer: Implications for Personalized Treatment, Prognosis and Genetic Testing

The data on tumor molecular profiling of European patients with prostate cancer is limited. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence and prognostic and predictive values of gene alterations in unselected patients with prostate cancer. The presence of gene alterations was assessed in patients with histologically confirmed prostate cancer using the ForeSENTIA^® Prostate panel (Medicover Genetics), targeting 36 clinically relevant genes and microsatellite instability testing. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of gene alterations in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes. Overall, 196 patients with prostate cancer were evaluated (median age 72.2 years, metastatic disease in 141 (71.9%) patients). Gene alterations were identified in 120 (61%) patients, while alteration in HRR genes were identified in 34 (17.3%) patients. The most commonly mutated HRR genes were ATM (17, 8.7%), BRCA2 (9, 4.6%) and BRCA1 (4, 2%). The presence of HRR gene alterations was not associated with advanced stage (p = 0.21), age at diagnosis (p = 0.28), Gleason score (p = 0.17) or overall survival (HR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.41-1.26; p = 0.251). We identified clinically relevant somatic gene alterations in European patients with prostate cancer. These molecular alterations have prognostic significance and therapeutic implications and/or may trigger genetic testing in selected patients. In the era of precision medicine, prospective research on the predictive role of these alterations for innovative treatments or their combinations is warranted.

Real-world Data and Economic Evaluation of Nivolumab in Previously Treated Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Greek Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

Nivolumab is an FDA-approved immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for patients with advanced, pre-treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, treatment profiles and patient outcomes often differ in routine clinical practice while the financial impact of approved therapies is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the efficacy, tolerability, and economic impact of nivolumab in real-world settings (RWS) in Greece.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients diagnosed with advanced pre-treated NSCLC, receiving nivolumab were recruited from October 2015 until November 2019 across 18 different clinical centers in Greece. Endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety. Cost analysis was conducted using a third-party public-payer perspective (National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision; EOPYY).

RESULTS

A total of 346 patients, median age 66.5 years, were included. With 43.4 months median follow-up, median PFS was 7.8 months and median OS 15.8 months. The 1-year OS rate was 56.5%, 2-year OS 38.8%, and 3-year OS 27.3%. The ORR was 29.5% and DCR 58.7%, with a median response duration of 26.8 months. Patients with objective response were more likely to experience long-term survival (HR=0.14, p<0.001). Only 8.4% of patients experienced grade 3-4 adverse events. The presence of immune-related adverse events was associated with improved OS (HR=0.77, p=0.043). Nivolumab-associated economic burden accounted for €2,214.10 per cycle for each patient, mainly attributed to drug-acquisition costs.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of real-world efficacy, safety, and economic burden of nivolumab in pre-treated patients with NSCLC in Greece. Indirectly compared to clinical trials, nivolumab was associated with improved efficacy in RWS, further supporting its use in clinical practice and providing insights on clinical prognosticators. The main cost component affecting the nivolumab economic burden was drug-acquisition costs, while toxicity-associated cost was negligible.

Immune Checkpoint and EMT-Related Molecules in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from Triple Negative Breast Cancer Patients and Their Clinical Impact

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. There are few targeted therapies for these patients, leading to an unmet need for new biomarkers. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of PD-L1, CTLA-4, GLU, and VIM in CTCs of TNBC patients. Ninety-five patients were enrolled in this study: sixty-four TNBC and thirty-one luminal. Of these patients, 60 were in the early stage, while 35 had metastatic disease. Protein expression was identified by immunofluorescence staining experiments and VyCAP analysis. All the examined proteins were upregulated in TNBC patients. The expression of the GLU+VIM+CK+ phenotype was higher (50%) in metastatic TNBC compared to early TNBC patients (17%) (p = 0.005). Among all the BC patients, a significant correlation was found between PD-L1+CD45-CK+ and CTLA-4+CD45-CK+ phenotypes (Spearman test, p = 0.024), implying an important role of dual inhibition in BC. Finally, the phenotypes GLU+VIM+CK+ and PD-L1+CD45-CK+ were associated with shorter OS in TNBC patients (OS: log-rank p = 0.048, HR = 2.9, OS: log-rank p < 0.001, HR = 8.7, respectively). Thus, PD-L1, CTLA-4, GLU, and VIM constitute significant biomarkers in TNBC associated with patients' outcome, providing new therapeutic targets for this difficult breast cancer subtype.

A Randomized, Phase III Trial to Evaluate Rucaparib Monotherapy as Maintenance Treatment in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Ovarian Cancer (ATHENA-MONO/GOG-3020/ENGOT-ov45)

PURPOSE

ATHENA (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03522246) was designed to evaluate rucaparib first-line maintenance treatment in a broad patient population, including those without BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA) mutations or other evidence of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), or high-risk clinical characteristics such as residual disease. We report the results from the ATHENA-MONO comparison of rucaparib versus placebo.

METHODS

Patients with stage III-IV high-grade ovarian cancer undergoing surgical cytoreduction (R0/complete resection permitted) and responding to first-line platinum-doublet chemotherapy were randomly assigned 4:1 to oral rucaparib 600 mg twice a day or placebo. Stratification factors were HRD test status, residual disease after chemotherapy, and timing of surgery. The primary end point of investigator-assessed progression-free survival was assessed in a step-down procedure, first in the HRD population (BRCA-mutant or BRCA wild-type/loss of heterozygosity high tumor), and then in the intent-to-treat population.

RESULTS

As of March 23, 2022 (data cutoff), 427 and 111 patients were randomly assigned to rucaparib or placebo, respectively (HRD population: 185 v 49). Median progression-free survival (95% CI) was 28.7 months (23.0 to not reached) with rucaparib versus 11.3 months (9.1 to 22.1) with placebo in the HRD population (log-rank P = .0004; hazard ratio [HR], 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.72); 20.2 months (15.2 to 24.7) versus 9.2 months (8.3 to 12.2) in the intent-to-treat population (log-rank P < .0001; HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.68); and 12.1 months (11.1 to 17.7) versus 9.1 months (4.0 to 12.2) in the HRD-negative population (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.95). The most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events were anemia (rucaparib, 28.7% v placebo, 0%) and neutropenia (14.6% v 0.9%).

CONCLUSION

Rucaparib monotherapy is effective as first-line maintenance, conferring significant benefit versus placebo in patients with advanced ovarian cancer with and without HRD.

Validation of Patras Immunotherapy Score model for prediction and prognosis of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab: results from a European multicentre study

Background:

Recently, the Patras Immunotherapy Score (PIOS) has been developed to estimate the survival benefit of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab. The aim of this study was to validate the clinical value of PIOS in an external cohort of aNSCLC patients.

Methods:

PIOS is a baseline formula produced by the combination of performance status, body mass index, age and line of treatment. In this multicentre study, 626 patients with confirmed NSCLC pathology, who had been treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab, as well as 444 patients with aNSCLC, who had been managed with chemotherapy alone, were retrospectively enrolled. Predictive and prognostic values of PIOS were finally evaluated.

Results:

Patients treated with immunotherapy and higher PIOS score had an improved progression-free survival not only in univariate [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.621, p = 0.001], but also in multivariable analysis (HR = 0.651, p = 0.003). In addition, improved overall survival with increasing PIOS score was also observed (HR = 0.608, p < 0.001) with this association remaining statistically significant after adjusting for programmed-cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (HR = 0.620, p < 0.001). In addition, patients with disease progression (PD) had lower scores compared to those with stable disease (SD), partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) in a two-tier model (p < 0.001) as well as in a four-tier model (PD, SD, PR and CR; p < 0.001). Prognostic significance of PIOS score also persisted using a binary logistic regression analysis, adjusted for disease stage and PD-L1 status (p = 0.002, odds ratio: 0.578). Contrarily, PIOS had no prognostic significance in the chemotherapy group; however, upon combined analysis of the two cohorts, PIOS was found to have a significant interaction with the type of treatment (HR = 0.066 with p < 0.001), confirming its predictive value for immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

This study provides further validation of PIOS in aNSCLC patients treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy.

ATHENA–MONO (GOG-3020/ENGOT-ov45): A randomized, double-blind, phase 3 trial evaluating rucaparib monotherapy versus placebo as maintenance treatment following response to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer

LBA5500

Background: While PARP inhibitors have shown efficacy as first-line (1L) maintenance treatment for patients (pts) with ovarian cancer (OC), questions remain about the pt population that may benefit from their use. ATHENA (NCT03522246) was designed to test if rucaparib may be effective as 1L maintenance treatment in a broad pt population, including those without BRCA mutations or other evidence of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), or high-risk clinical characteristics such as residual disease. Here we report results from the ATHENA–MONO comparison of rucaparib vs placebo. Methods: Pts with stage III–IV high-grade OC who had completed cytoreductive surgery (R0 permitted) and 4–8 cycles of 1L platinum-doublet (bevacizumab allowed with chemotherapy) with a response were randomized 4:1 to oral rucaparib 600 mg BID or placebo. Pts were stratified by HRD status (as determined by FoundationOne CDx), residual disease status after chemotherapy, and timing of surgery. The primary endpoint of investigator-assessed PFS per RECIST was assessed in a step-down procedure first in the HRD population (BRCA mutant or BRCA wild-type/loss of heterozygosity [LOH] high carcinoma) and then in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Blinded independent central review (BICR)–assessed PFS was a stand-alone, secondary endpoint. PFS in BRCA mutant and HRD-negative pts (BRCA wild-type/LOH low) were exploratory endpoints. Results: As of Mar 23, 2022 (visit cutoff), 427 and 111 pts were randomized to rucaparib monotherapy or placebo (median time on treatment, 14.7 and 9.9 mo). PFS data are shown in the Table. Most common grade ≥3 TEAEs were anemia (rucaparib, 28.7% vs placebo, 0%), neutropenia (14.6% vs 0.9%), and ALT/AST increased (10.6% vs 0.9%). Rucaparib dose reduction, interruption, and discontinuation due to TEAEs occurred in 49.4%, 60.7%, and 11.8% of pts. Conclusions: Rucaparib monotherapy is effective as 1L maintenance with significant benefit vs placebo observed in the ITT and HRD populations, as well as the non-nested subgroup of pts without known HRD. Clinical trial information: NCT03522246. [Table: see text]

Prevention of venous thromboembolism in ambulatory patients with active cancer: Results from ACT4CAT study

e18677

Background: Venous ThromboEmbolism (VTE), might be a challenge with a lot of negative consequences for patients with active cancer. VTE affects ongoing anticancer treatment, worsening morbidity and mortality, increases economic burden and escalates psychological distress. Incidence of VTE in patients with cancer reported 20%. Current guidelines recommend pharmacologic prophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients with Khorana score ≥2. Methods: ACT4CAT is a prospective observational phase IV study conducted by HeSMO Greece, aiming to record the clinical practice of VTE prophylaxis in active cancer patients. Ambulatory patients who received thromboprophylaxis enrolled after signing informed consent. Study was approved by bioethics committee. Results: 691 patients from 19 oncology departments received thromboprophylaxis in 1st line 57.6%, 2nd line 14.8%, adjuvant 9.0% and neoadjuvant 7.5%. Age ≥65 found 55%, BMI≥30 17.5% and males 63%. Tumor types: gastrointestinal 45.4%, lung 25.8%, urological 11.6%, gynecological 6.0%, breast 4.2% and others 7.0%. High-Risk for Thrombosis Agents (HRTAs) received 87.2%, specifically: platinum agents (56.3%), antimetabolites (54.2%) and immunotherapy (12.1%). 54,5% of the anticancer agents had potential drug-drug interaction (DDI) with anticoagulation treatment. Thromboprophylaxis duration lasted 5.3±3.5 months. Main agents were: tinzaparin 89.6%, fondaparinux 6.0%, bemiparin 2.2%, enoxaparin 1.6%, apixaban 0.3% and rivaroxaban 0.3%. Intermediate thromboprophylaxis dose received 68% of patients, lower in adjuvant setting (45.2%), with a preference in metastatic cases (OR: 1.5 95% CI: 1.02-2.3, p = 0.026). 14 thrombotic events reported (efficacy: 98.0%, 95%CI: 96.6-98.8%) and 12 grade 1 bleeding (1.7%, 95%CI: 1.0-3.0%). Conclusions: Prevention of VTE in ambulatory patients with active cancer found effective and safe. Apart from the Khorana score, specific patient characteristics, metastasis, HRTAs and DDIs seemed that affect clinical decision for thromboprophylaxis mainly with LMWHs and often on intermediate dose regardless the clinical setting. Oncologists appeared informed that CAT is not negligible risk. Clinical trial information: NCT03909399. [Table: see text]

Size-mediated effects of climate on tree growth and mortality in Mediterranean Brutia pine forests

The Eastern Mediterranean Basin is experiencing long-term drought conditions that affect the growth and mortality of many forest tree species. We analysed tree rings from 113 Pinus brutia (living and dead) trees of different age (<50, 50-85, >85 years old) and size to study how climatic variation during the 20th century has shaped their radial-growth and mortality patterns. We selected the pine forest on the island of Lesvos (Greece) representing the largest continuous P. brutia forest on the Aegean islands, to develop a chronology that could provide a bridge between the available tree-ring data sets from the Western and Eastern Mediterranean region. The analysis of the novel chronology captured well-known drought events during the 20th century, such as those in 1949, 1990 and 2007, and provided an equation to reconstruct the intensity of droughts (10 month time scale). P. brutia tree-growth indicated a positive trend from the beginning until the 3rd quarter of the 21st century and then flattened for living trees. Trees that eventually died between 2010 and 2019, were characterized by a much lower growth than surviving trees and also illustrated a long-lasting negative growth trend. Precipitation and water availability (inferred from the SPEI drought index) were positively related to the growth of living and dead trees, mainly in the middle and old age classes. Temperature effect on tree growth shifted from negative to positive with increasing age of living trees, but remained always negative across all age classes in trees that eventually died. Our findings verify the positive effect of water availability on tree growth and survival of Mediterranean pines and highlight a size-mediated effect of temperature on tree growth, probably coupled with individual-tree access to underground water resources. Increased air temperatures during various time periods related to tree physiological activity seem to negatively affect tree survival across all age classes, in Mediterranean P. brutia forests, highlighting their potential vulnerability to global warming conditions.

Front-Line Bevacizumab plus Chemotherapy with or without Maintenance Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Observational Study by the Hellenic Oncology Research Group

Front-line bevacizumab (BEV) in combination with taxanes offers benefit in progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic breast cancer (mBC). The medical records of mBC patients, treated with front-line BEV-based chemotherapy, were retrospectively reviewed in order to generate real life safety and efficacy data. Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative mBC treated with front-line BEV in combination with chemotherapy were eligible. Maintenance therapy with BEV and/or hormonal agents was at the physicians’ discretion. Among the 387 included patients, the most common adverse events were anemia (61.9%, mainly grade 1), grade 3/4 neutropenia (16.5%), grade 1/2 fatigue (22.3%), and grade 1/2 neuropathy (19.6%). Dose reductions were required in 164 cycles (7.1%) and toxicity led to treatment discontinuation in 21 patients (5.4%). The median PFS and the median overall survival (OS) were 13.3 (95% CI: 11.7–14.8) and 32.3 months (95% CI: 27.7–36.9), respectively. Maintenance therapy, with hormonal agents (ET) and/or BEV, was associated with longer OS versus no maintenance therapy (47.2 versus 23.6 months; p < 0.001) in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive disease and BEV maintenance offered longer OS versus no maintenance in patients with HR-negative disease (52.8 versus 23.3; p = 0.023). These real-life data show that front-line BEV-based chemotherapy in HER2-negative mBC patients is an effective treatment with an acceptable toxicity profile. The potential benefit of maintenance treatment, especially ET, is important and warrants further research.

Prophylaxis of cancer‑associated venous thromboembolism with low‑molecular‑weight heparin‑tinzaparin: Real world evidence

Thromboprophylaxis, as a preventive measure for cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), may be beneficial for patients with active cancer and high-risk for thrombosis. The present post hoc analysis include a total of 407 patients enrolled in the Greek Management of Thrombosis study, who received thromboprophylaxis with tinzaparin. The objectives of the present analysis were: i) To obtain sufficient evidence for the administration of prophylaxis in patients with active cancer, irrespective of Khorana risk assessment model score; ii) to identify the selection criteria for both dose and duration of tinzaparin; and iii) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tinzaparin administered for CAT prophylaxis. The main tumor types for the patients included in the present study were as follows: Lung (25.1%), pancreatic (14.3%), breast (9.1%), stomach (8.4%), colorectal (7.9%) and ovarian (7.6%). Furthermore, metastatic disease was observed in 69.5% of the patients. High thrombotic burden agents (HTBAs) were administered to 66.3% of the patients, and 17.4% received erythropoietin. A total of 43.7% of the patients exhibited a Khorana score <2. The results of the present study demonstrated that both the presence of metastatic disease and the use of HTBAs seemed to influence oncologists' decisions for the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients with active cancer, regardless of Khorana score. Tinzaparin, in dose expressed in the standard notation for heparins, i.e., anti-Xa factor international units (Anti-Xa IU), was administered at an intermediate dose (InterD; 8,000-12,000 Anti-Xa IU; once daily) to 52.4% of patients, while the remaining patients received a prophylactic dose (ProD; ≤4,500 Anti-Xa IU; once daily). The average duration of thromoprophylaxis was 5 months. Furthermore, a total of 14 (3.4%) thrombotic events and 6 (1.5%) minor bleeding events were recorded. A total of four thrombotic events were observed following an InterD treatment of tinzaparin, while 10 thrombotic events were observed following ProD treatment. The present study also demonstrated that an InterD of tinzaparin was administered more frequently to patients with a body mass index >30 kg/m², a history of smoking and a history of metastatic disease, along with administration of erythropoietin. InterD tinzaparin treatment was found to be potentially more efficacious and without safety concerns. The present study is a registered clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov code, NCT03292107; registration date, September 25, 2017).

Vaccine third dose and cancer patients: necessity or luxury?

The current state of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is an equilibrium between expanding vaccine coverage on the one hand, and emergence of variants of concern which compromise vaccine effectiveness and enhance viral transmission on the other. Inequity in vaccine distribution, primarily an ethical issue, challenges this equilibrium, as industrialized countries prepare to administer a third booster dose to their population. Solid tumor cancer patients typically respond well to initial full vaccination and someone could argue that they should not be prioritized for an adjuvant third dose, since protection from severe disease has largely been achieved with the two-dose regimen. Nevertheless, their immune status is dynamic and not all of them exhibit an adequate immune response. A booster third dose is necessary for the inadequate responders, while it will result in better protection of all patients from mild disease as well, which if presented could have ominous consequences due to their overall frailty, and their need to adhere to strict therapeutic schemes. International scientific and public health communities should develop approaches that allow for wide immediate vaccination coverage of the developing world, in parallel with administration of adjuvant doses to solid tumor cancer patients (and other at-risk categories) of the developed nations, in order to avoid prolonging the pandemic, which will be prospectively against cancer patients' best interest.

Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Patients with Cancer (ReCOVer Study): A Prospective Cohort Study of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group

Data on the effectiveness and safety of approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in cancer patients are limited. This observational, prospective cohort study investigated the humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in 232 cancer patients from 12 HeCOG-affiliated oncology departments compared to 100 healthcare volunteers without known active cancer. The seropositivity rate was measured 2-4 weeks after two vaccine doses, by evaluating neutralising antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using a commercially available immunoassay. Seropositivity was defined as ≥33.8 Binding-Antibody-Units (BAU)/mL. A total of 189 patients and 99 controls were eligible for this analysis. Among patients, 171 (90.5%) were seropositive after two vaccine doses, compared to 98% of controls (p = 0.015). Most seronegative patients were males (66.7%), >70-years-old (55.5%), with comorbidities (61.1%), and on active treatment (88.9%). The median antibody titers among patients were significantly lower than those of the controls (523 vs. 2050 BAU/mL; p < 0.001). The rate of protective titers was 54.5% in patients vs. 97% in controls (p < 0.001). Seropositivity rates and IgG titers in controls did not differ for any studied factor. In cancer patients, higher antibody titers were observed in never-smokers (p = 0.006), women (p = 0.022), <50-year-olds (p = 0.004), PS 0 (p = 0.029), and in breast or ovarian vs. other cancers. Adverse events were comparable to registration trials. In this cohort study, although the seropositivity rate after two vaccine doses in cancer patients seemed satisfactory, their antibody titers were significantly lower than in controls. Monitoring of responses and further elucidation of the clinical factors that affect immunity could guide adaptations of vaccine strategies for vulnerable subgroups.

An Observational Study to Assess the Molecular Epidemiology and Direct Medical Costs of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Mutations in Patients with Advanced EGFR Mutation-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Afatinib in Real-World Clinical Settings in Greece

Purpose

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the preferred first-line option for patients with advanced, EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Afatinib, a second-generation irreversible EGFR-TKI, has been extensively used in Greece in this setting; however, real-world data regarding molecular epidemiology and financial implications of afatinib use are lacking.

Materials and Methods

This was an observational, non-interventional, multicenter, retrospective cohort study, based on real-world data collected from the medical charts/records of patients treated with afatinib between 15/03/2015 and 25/06/2020 and were recorded on a web-based data capture system. Cox models were used to assess the prognostic significance of clinicopathological parameters with respect to clinical outcomes of interest. Cost analysis was conducted from a public third-payer perspective, and only direct medical costs reimbursed by the payer were considered.

Results

A total of 59 patients were treated with afatinib for their EGFR mutation-positive advanced NSCLC; the median age was 61 years (range: 37-91). Performance status was zero in 61%, and brain metastases were present in 13.6%. Forty-four patients (74.6%) had a deletion in exon 19 only, while nine (15.3%) had a mutation in exon 21, 8 of them in L858R and one in L861Q. At a median follow-up of 41.8 months (95% CI 35.9-51.4), the median PFS was 14.3 months (95% CI 12.2-16.4), and the median OS was 29 months (95% CI 25.6-33.4). Corresponding values for patients with deletion 19 only were 14.3 months (95% CI 11.5-18.5) and 28.1 months (95% CI 21.1-32.6), respectively. The mean expenditure for the treatment of each patient equals €25,333.68; with €21,865.06 being attributed to drug acquisition costs, €3325.35 to monitoring costs and €143.27 to adverse event treatment-related costs.

Conclusion

Long-term data in the real-world setting in Greece confirm activity, tolerability and cost-effectiveness of afatinib as first-line treatment of patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04640870.

Association of the advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) with immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Background

The advanced lung cancer inflammation index [ALI: body mass index × serum albumin/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)] reflects systemic host inflammation, and is easily reproducible. We hypothesized that ALI could assist guidance of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included 672 stage IV NSCLC patients treated with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors alone or in combination with chemotherapy in 25 centers in Greece and Germany, and a control cohort of 444 stage IV NSCLC patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy without subsequent targeted or immunotherapy drugs. The association of clinical outcomes with biomarkers was analyzed with Cox regression models, including cross-validation by calculation of the Harrell's C-index.

Results

High ALI values (>18) were significantly associated with longer overall survival (OS) for patients receiving ICI monotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.402, P < 0.0001, n = 460], but not chemo-immunotherapy (HR = 0.624, P = 0.111, n = 212). Similar positive correlations for ALI were observed for objective response rate (36% versus 24%, P = 0.008) and time-on-treatment (HR = 0.52, P < 0.001), in case of ICI monotherapy only. In the control cohort of chemotherapy, the association between ALI and OS was weaker (HR = 0.694, P = 0.0002), and showed a significant interaction with the type of treatment (ICI monotherapy versus chemotherapy, P < 0.0001) upon combined analysis of the two cohorts. In multivariate analysis, ALI had a stronger predictive effect than NLR, PD-L1 tumor proportion score, lung immune prognostic index, and EPSILoN scores. Among patients with PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50% receiving first-line ICI monotherapy, a high ALI score >18 identified a subset with longer OS and time-on-treatment (median 35 and 16 months, respectively), similar to these under chemo-immunotherapy.

Conclusions

The ALI score is a powerful prognostic and predictive biomarker for patients with advanced NSCLC treated with PD-L1 inhibitors alone, but not in combination with chemotherapy. Its association with outcomes appears to be stronger than that of other widely used parameters. For PD-L1-high patients, an ALI score >18 could assist the selection of cases that do not need addition of chemotherapy.

•

ALI is prognostic and predictive for patients with advanced NSCLC treated with immunotherapy monotherapy, but not chemo-immunotherapy.

•

Its association with outcomes is stronger than that of other parameters (PD-L1 TPS, NLR, lung immune prognostic index, EPSILoN).

•

For PD-L1-high patients, an ALI score >18 could assist the selection of cases that do not need addition of chemotherapy.

Real-world clinical outcome and toxicity data and economic aspects in patients with advanced breast cancer treated with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors combined with endocrine therapy: the experience of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group

Background

We evaluated real-world clinical outcomes and toxicity data and assessed treatment-related costs in patients with advanced breast cancer who received treatment with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKi).

Patients and methods

We conducted a prospective–retrospective analysis of patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer who received a CDKi, in combination with endocrine therapy, at any line of treatment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Cost analysis was conducted from a public third-payer (National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY)) perspective, assessing only costs related to direct medical care, including drug therapy costs and adverse drug reaction (ADR)-related costs.

Results

From July 2015 to October 2019, 365 women received endocrine therapy combined with CDKi; median age was 61 years, postmenopausal 290 (80.6%) patients. CDKi were administered as first-line treatment in 149 (40.9%) patients, second-line treatment in 96 (26.4%) and third-line treatment and beyond in 119 (32.7%) patients. The most common adverse events were neutropenia, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and fatigue. Grade 3–4 adverse events occurred in 86 (23.6%) patients, whereas 8 (2.2%) patients permanently discontinued treatment due to toxicity. The median PFS for patients who received CDKi as first-line, second-line and third-line treatment and beyond was 18.7, 12 and 7.4 months, respectively. The median overall survival since the initiation of CDKi treatment was 29.9 months (95% CI: 23.0–not yet reached (NR)). The mean pharmaceutical therapy cost estimated per cycle was 2 724.12 € for each patient, whereas the main driver of the ADR-related costs was haematological adverse events.

Conclusions

Treatment with CDKi was well tolerated, with a low drug discontinuation rate. Patients who received CDKi as first-line treatment had improved PFS and OS compared with second-line treatment and beyond. The main component of direct medical costs assessed in the cost analysis comprises CDKi pharmaceutical therapy costs.

Trial registration number

NCT04133207

Mitomycin-C versus oxaliplatin during cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal metastases secondary to colorectal carcinoma: a retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

Combining cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) can benefit patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer, however the optimal choice of the HIPEC chemotherapy is still under debate. The present study compares the clinical outcome in patients with peritoneal metastases treated with CRS and HIPEC using Mitomycin - C versus Oxaliplatin.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients that underwent CRS and HIPEC for recurrent colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases. Patient characteristics, procedure details, and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

114 consecutive patients were included in the analysis (62 males - 52 females, mean age 58,3 years). The mean intraoperative PCI-score was 15.3 (range: 3 - 36). The mean follow-up period was 28.2 months. Patients receiving MMC - based HIPEC had significantly higher mean overall survival compared to oxaliplatin (54 versus 26 months), translated to a hazard ratio of 0.26 (95% CI 0.128 - 0.529, p<0.01). The HIPEC regimen as well as the completeness of cytoreduction were the only independent prognostic factors of survival in our sample.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results imply that the use of MMC offers a survival advantage over oxaliplatin when used for HIPEC in CRC PC. A randomised trial comparing oxaliplatin and MMC would enhance decision-making in such patients.

Real-world safety and efficacy data of immunotherapy in patients with cancer and autoimmune disease: the experience of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

Data on the safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with concurrent autoimmune diseases (AID) are limited.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective multicenter review of medical records of patients with cancer and underlying AID who received ICI. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Among 123 patients with pre-existing AID who received ICI, the majority had been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, 68.3%) and melanoma (14.6%). Most patients had a rheumatologic (43.9%), or an endocrine disorder (21.1%). Overall, 74 (60.2%) patients experienced an immune-related adverse event (irAE) after ICI initiation, AID flare (25.2%), or new irAE (35%). Frequent irAEs included thyroiditis, dermatitis and colitis. ICI was permanently discontinued due to unacceptable (8.1%) or fatal (0.8%) toxicity. In patients with NSCLC, corticosteroid treatment at the initiation of immunotherapy was associated with poor PFS (HR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.40-5.50, p = 0.003). The occurrence of irAE was associated with increased PFS (HR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.92, p = 0.026). Both parameters maintained their independent prognostic significance.

CONCLUSIONS

ICI in patients with cancer and pre-existing AID is associated with manageable toxicity that infrequently requires treatment discontinuation. However, since severe AID flare might occur, expected ICI efficacy and toxicity must be balanced.

CLINICAL TRIAL IDENTIFIER

NCT04805099.

Predictive and prognostic significance of PIOS (Patras Immunotherapy Score) model in patients with advanced NSCLC treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab: Results from a validation cohort

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Background: The treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) has tremendously changed during the last few years, especially, since immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) were incorporated in the daily clinical practice. However, clinical useful biomarkers remain an unmet need. Recently, our group established and proposed a new score, Patras Immunotherapy Score (PIOS), which was found to have predictive and prognostic value in a discovery group with aNSCLC patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab. The objective of the current study was to validate our initial observation and confirm the clinical significance of PIOS formula in an external and multicentric cohort of aNSCLC patients. Methods: PIOS is a baseline formula derived by combining the following non-interventional clinical parameters, Performance Status (PS), Body Mass Index (BMI), age and Line Of Treatment (LOT) and it is calculated as PIOS = (PS×BMI)/(LOT×AGE). In the current multicenter study, 626 aNSCLC patients, treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab monotherapy, were retrospectively selected, blindly to the clinical outcome, and enrolled. The primary endpoints of this study were to investigate the predictive and prognostic value of PIOS in terms of progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and best overall response. Results: Firstly, PIOS was associated with best overall response. Following a two-tier model, patients who had progressed (PD) had lower scores than those with stable disease (SD), partial response (PR) or complete response (CR) (p < 0.001). This association remained significant using a four-tier model (PD, SD, PR and CR) for evaluation of best overall response (p < 0.001). In addition, predictive significance of PIOS score also persisted using a binary logistic regression analysis, adjusted for disease stage and PD-L1 status (p = 0.002, OR 0.578, 95% CI 0.408-0.821). Furthermore, patients with higher PIOS score had longer PFS compared to patients with lower PIOS score (ΗΡ 0.621, 95% CI 0.470-0.821, p = 0.001), while multivariate analysis for PFS, adjusted for clinical stage and PD-L1, confirmed the predictive value of PIOS score (HR 0.651, 95% CI 0.492-0.863, p = 0.003). Moreover, PIOS score was also associated with prognosis (p < 0.001). The median OS for the favorable group was 778 days compared to 341 days for the unfavorable group with low PIOS score (HR = 0.608, 95% CI 0.482-0.766, p < 0.001) at univariate analysis. This association remained statistically significant (HR 0.620, 95% CI 0.492-0.783, p < 0.001) after adjusting for PD-L1 expression. Conclusions: These data provide further validation for PIOS as predictive and prognostic biomarker in aNSCLC patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab monotherapy.

Thromboprophylaxis in active cancer patients: Is it a controversial clinical issue or not? Preliminary results of ACT4CAT study

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Background: Cancer Associated Thrombosis (CAT) is an increasing challenge for oncology patients since oncologists sometimes are reluctant to mitigate the risk with thromboprophylaxis. Active cancer patients while receiving chemotherapy have a 7fold risk of thrombosis compared with no cancer patients. Anticoagulation holds a prominent place in prevention of CAT usually with Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWHs). Methods: ACT4CAT is prospective observational study conducted by HeSMO across Greece, aiming to record the clinical practice of CAT prophylaxis in patients with solid tumors. Ambulatory, high thrombotic risk, active cancer patients who received thromboprophylaxis enrolled after signing informed consent. Results: Preliminary results collected from 18 oncology departments. From 431 enrolled patients 322 (65.4%) had completed the study. Tumor types included: lung 28.8%, gastrointestinal 39.8%, gynecological 7.0%, breast 4.4%, urological 7.0% and others 20%. Majority of patients (88.2%) received High-Risk for Thrombosis Chemotherapy Agents (HRTCAs) such as platinum agents (55.9%), antimetabolites (44.7%) and immunotherapy (12.6%). In 1st line were 62.1%, 2nd line 18.4%, adjuvant 8.9% and neoadjuvant 2.4%. The following table depicts: age, gender, metastatic disease, Khorana score ≥2 and HRTCAs. All patients received thromboprophylaxis for 5.3±3.6 months with: tinzaparin 90.8%, fondaparinux 5.5%, bemiparin 1.5%, enoxaparin 1.2%, apixaban 0.5% and rivaroxaban 0.5%. Intermediate doses received 70.9% of patients regardless clinical setting (1st, 2nd, adjuvant & neoadjuvant: 70.2%, 79.2%, 51.3% and 70.0% respectively, p = 0.0254), although intermediate doses were used more in metastatic stages (OR:2.4 95%CI: 1.4-4.2, p = 0.0028). Nine thrombotic events reported (2.1%, 95%CI: 1.1-3.9%), irrespective of clinical setting but with a trend towards prophylactic doses. Eleven grade 1 bleedings reported (2.6%, 95%CI: 1.4-4.5%), despite clinical setting or dose used. Conclusions: Thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory active cancer patients with high thrombotic risk is safe and effective. Oncologists are alerted about CAT negative influences in cancer patients’ prognosis. Apart from Khorana score, factors such as metastases, use of HRTCAs and drug-drug interactions influence the clinical decision of thromboprophylaxis in active cancer patients mainly with LMWHs and quite often with intermediate doses regardless clinical setting. Clinical trial information: NCT03909399. [Table: see text]

Clinical Significance of Germline Cancer Predisposing Variants in Unselected Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Our aim was to determine the prevalence, prognostic and predictive role of germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (P/LPVs) in cancer predisposing genes in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Germline testing of 62 cancer susceptibility genes was performed on unselected patients diagnosed from 02/2003 to 01/2020 with PDAC, treated at Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG)-affiliated Centers. The main endpoints were prevalence of P/LPVs and overall survival (OS). P/LPVs in PDAC-associated and homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes were identified in 22 (4.0%) and 42 (7.7%) of 549 patients, respectively. P/LPVs were identified in 16 genes, including ATM (11, 2.0%) and BRCA2 (6, 1.1%), while 19 patients (3.5%) were heterozygotes for MUTYH P/LPVs and 9 (1.6%) carried the low-risk allele, CHEK2 p.(Ile157Thr). Patients carrying P/LPVs had improved OS compared to non-carriers (22.6 vs. 13.9 months, p = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, there was a trend for improved OS in P/LPV carriers (p = 0.063). The interaction term between platinum exposure and mutational status of HRR genes was not significant (p-value = 0.35). A significant proportion of patients with PDAC carries clinically relevant germline P/LPVs, irrespectively of age, family history or disease stage. The predictive role of these P/LPVs has yet to be defined. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03982446.

Steroid Use Independently Predicts for Poor Outcomes in Patients With Advanced NSCLC and High PD-L1 Expression Receiving First-Line Pembrolizumab Monotherapy

BACKGROUND

Real-world data have suggested a detrimental effect of steroid use in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving immunotherapy. However, previous studies included heterogeneous cohorts of patients receiving different lines of treatment with several immuno-oncology agents and various combinations of chemotherapy and immuno-oncology agents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A comprehensive clinicopathologic database of patients with NSCLC and programmed cell death ligand 1 >50% treated with frontline pembrolizumab monotherapy was constructed in 14 centers in Italy, Spain, Greece, and Switzerland. A multivariate analysis adjusting for the established prognostic factors was performed using a Cox regression model.

RESULTS

For the 265 eligible patients, the median age at diagnosis was 67 years, 66% were male, 90% were current or former smokers, 18% had had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or 3. Of the NSCLC subtypes, 64% were adenocarcinoma and 25% were squamous cell. Of the patients, 18% had had brain metastases at diagnosis and 24% had received steroids before or during pembrolizumab treatment. The median time to progression was 4.4 months with and 13.7 months without steroid use (hazard ratio [HR], 2.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.69-3.85; log-rank P < .001). The median survival was 22.5 months for the whole cohort, 7.7 months for the steroid group, and not reached for the non-steroid group (HR, 3.64; 95% CI, 2.34-5.68; log-rank P < .001). On multivariate analysis accounting for all established prognostic variables, steroid use was still independently associated with a high risk of progression (HR, 1.864; 95% CI, 1.179-2.949; P = .008) and death (HR, 2.292; 95% CI, 1.441-3.644; P < .001) CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced NSCLC and programmed cell death ligand 1 expression > 50% receiving frontline pembrolizumab monotherapy, any use of steroids before or during treatment was associated with an 86% increase in the risk of progression and a 2.3-fold increase in the risk of death, even accounting for palliative indication-related bias, including the presence of central nervous system metastasis. The use of steroids for palliative indications should be restricted to absolutely necessary for patients receiving immuno-oncology monotherapy.

Impact of performance status on non-small-cell lung cancer patients with a PD-L1 tumour proportion score ≥50% treated with front-line pembrolizumab

Objectives: We retrospectively analysed patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harbouring high PD-L1 expression (>50%) and treated with front-line pembrolizumab, comparing outcomes of patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) 2 to those with PS 0-1.Methods: Data were collected by 16 participating centres. All patients with NSCLC and high PD-L1, treated with first-line pembrolizumab were included. We collected medical data from patient files, pathology and laboratory reports. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, PS, and tumour characteristics were reported. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate (RR) were calculated.Results: 302 patients were included, 246 with PS 0-1, 56 with PS 2. RR was 72% among patients with PS 0-1 compared to 45% with PS2 (odds ratio (OR) 0.31 (95% CI: 0.17-0.57), p < .001). Median PFS was 2.6 months (95% CI: 1.9-5.1) among patients with PS2 and 11.3 months (95% CI: 8.5-14.4) among those with PS 0-1. Median OS was 7.8 months (95% CI: 2.5-10.7) in the PS2 group, not reached in the PS 0-1 group. PS 2 remained predictive of poor outcomes in multivariate analysis.Conclusion: PS 2 is a strong independent predictor of poor response and survival in NSCLC patients with high PD-L1, treated with front-line pembrolizumab. Prospective randomised trials comparing immunotherapy to chemotherapy in this population would be welcome.

Real-World Data on Thromboprophylaxis in Active Cancer Patients: Where Are We? Are We Getting There?

Background: Cancer patients are at high risk for cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT). CAT is the second leading cause of death in these patients but it can be preventable with thromboprophylaxis. Patients and Methods: An observational, prospective, multicenter study aiming to record CAT management in clinical practice was conducted by the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO). Results: A total of 426 active cancer patients (mean age 65.3 years, mean BMI: 26.1 kg/m²) who received thromboprophylaxis, were included from 18 oncology units. Tumor types were lung 25.1%, pancreas 13.9%, breast 8.7%, stomach 8.5%, ovarian 7.8%, and others 36%, while 69% had metastases. A total of 71% had a Khorana score ≤2 and 61% received High Thrombotic Risk Chemotherapy Agents (HTRCAs, e.g., platinum). For thromboprophylaxis patients received mainly Low Molecular Weight Heparins (LMWHs), on higher than prophylactic doses in 50% of cases. Overall, 16 (3.8%) thrombotic events and 6 (1.4%) bleeding events were recorded. Notably, patients on higher doses of LMWHs compared to patients who received standard prophylactic doses had 70% lower odds to develop thrombotic events (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.10–1.0, p = 0.04). Conclusion: CAT is an important issue in oncology. Along with the Khorana score, factors as metastases and use of HTRCAs should also be taken into consideration. Thromboprophylaxis for active cancer patients with LMWHs, even on higher doses is safe and efficient.

Three- versus six-month adjuvant FOLFOX or CAPOX for high-risk stage II and stage III colon cancer patients: the efficacy results of Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG) participation to the International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) project

BACKGROUND

The International Duration Evaluation of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (IDEA) aimed to investigate whether a 3 months (3M) of oxaliplatin/fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) is non-inferior to the 6-month (6M) administration in 3-year disease-free survival (3yDFS) in high-risk (HR) stage II or stage III colon cancer (CC).

METHODS

Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG)-IDEA randomized patients between 3M and 6M of CT with FOLFOX4 or CAPOX.

RESULTS

In total 1115 patients, 413 with HR stage II and 702 with stage III CC, were randomized. The median follow-up was 67.0 (38.3-126.0) months. Overall, 394 DFS events (202 in 3M arm and 192 in 6M arm) where recorded. The 3yDFS rate was 77.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 72.1% to 82.3%] for 3M and 77.9% (72.6% to 82.5%) for 6M of treatment [hazard ratio (HR) 1.05 (95% CI 0.61-1.55); P = 0.647]. Eighty DFS events (3M N = 41; 6M N = 39) were observed in HR stage II patients for a 3yDFS rate of 82.7% and 83.4%, respectively (HR 1.05; 95% CI 0.68-1.63, P = 0.829). For stage III patients, 314 DFS events (3M N = 161 and 6M N = 153) were observed, for a 3yDFS rate of 72.9% for 3M versus 74.1% for 6M (HR 1.06; 95% CI 0.81-1.42, P = 0.622). For HR stage II patients receiving FOLFOX4, 3yDFS rate was 76.7% for 3M and 79.3% for 6M (HR 1.21; 95% CI 0.54-2.70). For HR stage II patients receiving CAPOX the 3yDFS rate was 85.4% for 3M and 83.8% for 6M (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.59-1.67). For stage III patients receiving FOLFOX4, the 3yDFS rate was 71.5% for 3M and 77.3% for 6M (HR 1.18; 95% CI 0.74-1.86). For stage III patients receiving CAPOX, the 3yDFS rate was 74.5% for 3M and 74.7% for 6M (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.70-1.44).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the HORG-IDEA study are in line with those of the global IDEA project, indicating that the 3yDFS is dependent on the administered adjuvant regimen and the choice and duration of regimen should be personalized.

CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01308086.

ACT for prevention and prophylaxis of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT)

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Background: CAT is the 2nd leading cause of death in oncology patients and there is need for thrombosis management across the natural history of cancer because of its dynamic nature. Anticoagulant therapy is the cornerstone of prevention and treatment, since thrombosis interferes with cancer treatment, increases health care resource utilization, imposes emotional and economic burden. Methods: A prospective observational study conducted by HeSMO across Greece, aiming to record the clinical practice of CAT prophylaxis in patients with solid tumors. Ambulatory, high risk for thrombosis, active cancer patients who received thromboprophylaxis are enrolled after signing informed consent. Results: Preliminary results are collected from 17 oncology departments. From the 272 enrolled patients, 176 (64.7%) have completed second visit (3-4 cycles of anticancer treatment). Primary cancers included: lung 31.3%, pancreas 26.1%, colorectal 13.6%, gynecological cancers 10.2%, stomach 7.8%, bladder 6.3%, and others.75.6% of the patients had metastatic disease. 1/3 of the patients were smokers or ex-smokers, and 33% underwent surgery. Most of patients (65.9%) were at 1st line treatment and 17.6% at 2nd line. The vast majority (90.3%) were treated with High-Risk for Thrombosis Chemotherapy Agents (HRTCAs) such as cisplatin etc. Regarding Khorana score, 65.1% had ≥2. In particular, 86.7% of patients with Khorana score ≤1 received HRTCAs while 95.4% of patients with score = 2.All patients received thromboprophylaxis, specifically: 93.0% tinzaparin, 5.2% fondaparinux and 1.8% other (enoxaparin, bemiparin) with average duration 5.3±3.1 months. 67.1% of the patients received higher than standard prophylactic doses. 3 patients (1.7%) experienced thrombotic events (2 DVT and 1 PE). These 3 patients had metastases and were treated with HRTCAs. Five grade 1 bleeding events were reported (2.8%). Conclusions: Thromboprophylaxis of CAT is both safe and effective. Oncologists are alerted about CAT negative influences in cancer patients’ prognosis. Apart from Khorana score, factors such as metastases, use of HRTCAs along with drug-drug interactions, increase the LMWHs usage often in higher than prophylactic doses in CAT management. Clinical trial information: NCT03909399.

Poor performance status and front-line pembrolizumab in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with PD-L1>50%

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Background: We retrospectively analysed real-world clinical outcomes of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harbouring high PD-L1 expression ( > 50%) and treated with first-line pembrolizumab, following the Keynote 024 regimen. In the recent PePS2 trial and Checkmate 817, we see that some patients with PS2 could benefit from a durable response to checkpoint inhibitors. However, current data does not suggest an improvement in median OS compared to historical data on chemotherapy in this setting. Methods: Data was collected by 16 participating centers. The trial was approved by local ethics committees and patients included signed a general consent form. All patients with NSCLC with PD-L1 expression ≥50%, treated with first-line pembrolizumab were included, from the introduction of first-line pembrolizumab to the present. We collected medical data from patient files, pathology reports and laboratory reports for all patients. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), and tumor characteristics were reported. Overall survival (OS) was calculated from the date of the first cycle of pembrolizumab to death and estimated through the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: 302 patients were identified, of which 247 with a PS of 0-1, 52 with a PS of 2. Patients (3) with PS3 were excluded. The median age was 69 with a range from 19 to 87 years. There were 193 males and 106 females, 90% were active or former smokers, 19% had brain lesions at diagnosis. Only 14% received brain radiotherapy. Median OS was 7.2 months among patients with PS2, while not reached for those with PS0-1 (HR 3.80, 95% confidence interval 2.49-5.78). Conclusions: Patients with a PS of 2 had significantly worse survival than those with PS0-1. The retrospective nature of our trial and lack of a control arm treated with chemotherapy do not allow us to postulate as to whether PS is predictive or prognostic. Our data suggests worse survival among NSCLC patients with PS2 treated with front-line pembrolizumab. A prospective randomized trial comparing immunotherapy to chemotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy in this population would be welcome.

ABREAST: a prospective, real-world study on the effect of nab-paclitaxel treatment on clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with metastatic breast cancer

PURPOSE

The efficacy of nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. However, real-world evidence on effectiveness remains limited.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The primary objective of this multicenter prospective study was to assess the overall response rate (ORR) of patients with MBC treated with nab-paclitaxel. Secondary objectives included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and quality of life, assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B) instrument.

RESULTS

Eligible patients (N = 150; 36% with de novo MBC presentation) with a median age of 64.5 years were enrolled (86% were ER+, 33.3% (50/150) were ≥ 70 years of age and 53% were treated in the third or later line of treatment). A median of 6 cycles were administered but 26% of patients required dose reduction due to toxicity. The ORR was 26.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 19.6-33.7], the median PFS was 6.2 months (95% CI 5.2-7.3), and the median OS 21.1 months (95% CI 17.2-not estimable). There was no statistical significant difference in the median PFS of patients < and ≥ 70 years of age. The patients' baseline FACT-B total score remained unchanged. The serious and non-serious adverse event incidence rates were 13% and 48%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study provides further evidence on quality of life, efficacy, and safety of nab-paclitaxel in patients with MBC and sheds more light in special subpopulations such as the elderly and those treated beyond the second line.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced musculoskeletal manifestations. A multicentre prospective study

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are anti-cancer drugs that act by enhancing anti-tumour immunity. Due to their mechanism of action, they have been associated with immune related adverse events (Ir-AE), including musculoskeletal manifestations.

Aim

To assess a) the prevalence, clinical and imaging (MRI) characteristics of ICI-induced musculoskeletal immune related adverse events (ir-AE) in a prospective manner, b) the potential association of musculoskeletal ir-AE with oncologic response and changes in the immune system at the level of soluble molecules (cytokines) as well as T/B cell subpopulations.

Methods

This a multicentre prospective study. We plan to recruit all patients who are going to start treatment with ICI from October 2019 until October 2020 in all collaborating Oncology Departments. This study is consisted of a clinical and a laboratory arm.

Results

The study is currently recruiting patients.

Conclusions

We anticipate that this study will provide useful data regarding the clinical characteristics of ICI-induced musculoskeletal manifestations as well as potential predictive biomarkers.

Survey on the current gynaecological approach of ovarian cancer patients: The utility of HIPEC

BACKGROUND

The aim of this survey was to acquire an overview of the current management of ovarian cancer with an emphasis on the utility of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).Methods: An email was sent to Oncologists prior to PSOGI International Symposium on Advanced Ovarian Cancer, Athens 11-13 April 2019. Doctors submitted responses on the relevant website. The self-report survey contained 17 questions.

RESULTS

In total, 467 Medical Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists or Gynaecologic Oncologists were participated and answered to this survey. The resectability of disease was evaluated by laparoscopy from 48.5% of the participants, while 51.5% answered that they stage their patients pre-surgically with the use of CT or MRI. The preferred first intervention in advanced ovarian cancer patients is the neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval cytoreductive surgery (72%). Regarding the use of HIPEC, almost half of the participants answered that there is role of HIPEC use in ovarian cancer patients undergoing interval debulking surgery, while almost 70% answered positively about the utility of HIPEC use in ovarian cancer recurrence. As for the role of lymphadenectomy in advanced ovarian cancer patients, half of the responders answered negatively. Finally, only 25% of the participants responded that they always check the BRCA status of their ovarian cancer patients, despite the possible differentiation of treatment based on the molecular profiling (80%).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this survey indicate the utility of HIPEC in treatment of ovarian cancer patients and the differences in the overall management of ovarian cancer patients in the current clinical practice.

Abstract P2-15-07: Real-world multicenter, prospective study of the effects of nab-paclitaxel on clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with metastatic breast cancer in Greece. The ‘ABReast’ study

Introduction: Nanoparticle albumin-bound (nab)-paclitaxel (nab-P) is approved for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) who have failed first-line treatment for metastatic disease and for whom standard, anthracycline containing therapy is not indicated. Real-world evidence on the effectiveness of nab-P is sparse. From this perspective, this non-interventional study was designed to assess the impact of nab-P on the clinical outcomes and the quality of life of patients with MBC in the routine care of Greece. Materials and methods: This multicenter prospective study enrolled consented females with MBC initiated (≤7 days prior to enrollment) on nab-P according to physicians decision. Clinicopathologic parameters and patient-reported outcomes [Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B)] were collected at approximately 9-week intervals during the first 12 months of study participation and approximately every 18 weeks thereafter, until the end of the study observation period (maximum 30 months). Results: Between April 2016 and October 2017, 150 eligible patients (99.3% Caucasian) were enrolled in the study in 16 oncology centers. The patients’ median age was 64.5 years (range: 30.7-84.0) and ECOG performance status was 0 in 66.4% and 1 in 26.2%. 45.3% of patients had ≥1 comorbidity (21.3% cardiovascular diseases). The median time elapsed since MBC diagnosis was 22.4 months, while 36.0% of patients were de novo metastatic. The distribution of hormone receptor (HR)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status was 74.6% HR+/HER2-, 11.9% HR-/HER2-, 11.2% HR+/HER2+, and 2.2% HR-/HER2+. Most commonly occurring metastatic sites were the bones (55.3%), lung (50.0%), and liver (40.0%). Prior taxane-based therapy was annotated in 40.0% of patients. Of the patients, 11.3% received nab-P as first, 36.0% as second, 23.3% as third, and 29.3% as fourth or further treatment line. A median of 6 cycles (range: 1-33) was administered; 42.7% of the patients completed &gt;6 and 22.0% &gt;8 cycles. Dose reductions were required for 26.0% of the patients, mainly due to toxicity. The objective response rate was 26.7% and the clinical benefit rate was 44.0%. After a median follow-up of 19.3 months, 92 patients had progressed and 57 had died (14 without progression). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.2-7.3]. The 6- and 12-month PFS rates were 50.6% and 30.5%, respectively. The median overall survival was 21.1 months (95% CI: 17.2-not estimable). Liver [hazard ratio (HR): 1.81; 95% CI: 1.24-2.66] and lung (HR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.04-2.25) metastases were associated with a higher risk of progression or death. No statistically significant change in the patients’ baseline FACT-B total score (median: 93.0) was observed. The serious and non-serious adverse event (AE) incidence rates were 12.7% and 48.0%, respectively with a total of 37 grade ≥3 AEs (not including disease progression) reported. Conclusion: This study generated real-world evidence on the effectiveness of nab-paclitaxel; no new safety signals emerged.

Citation Format: Anna Koumarianou, Paris Makrantonakis, Flora Zagouri, Christos Papadimitriou, Athina Christopoulou, Epaminontas Samantas, Christos Christodoulou, Amanda Psyrri, Dimitris Bafaloukos, Gerasimos Aravantinos, Pavlos Papakotoulas, Sofia Baka, Charalampos Andreadis, Athanasios Alexopoulos, Iliada Bombolaki, Katerina Kampoli, Sofia Liori, Kiki Karvounis, Alexandros Ardavanis. Real-world multicenter, prospective study of the effects of nab-paclitaxel on clinical outcomes and quality of life of patients with metastatic breast cancer in Greece. The ‘ABReast’ study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-15-07.

Management of Cancer-associated Thrombosis (CAT): Symptomatic or Incidental

BACKGROUND

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), the second leading cause of death in patients with cancer can be treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) according to guidelines.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A multicenter prospective observational study was carried out to record anti-thrombotic treatment practice, assess thrombosis recurrence and bleeding, and identify potential risk factors. Adult patients from 18 Oncology Departments throughout Greece were followed-up for 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients with CAT receiving anticoagulant treatment were enrolled (35% incidental); 85% were treated for more than 6 months, 95.8% were treated with tinzaparin and smaller percentages with other agents. Thrombosis recurred in three patients and there was minor bleeding in four patients. Bleeding was associated with high body mass index (>35 kg/m²), trauma history, renal insufficiency and bevacizumab use.

CONCLUSION

Incidental thrombosis contributes significantly to CAT burden. Long-term use of LMWH seems to be effective and safe. Several risk factors associated with bleeding should be considered during anti-coagulation therapy planning.

Outcomes from salvage chemotherapy or pembrolizumab beyond progression with or without local ablative therapies for advanced non-small cell lung cancers with PD-L1 ≥50% who progress on first-line immunotherapy: real-world data from a European cohort

Background

In this real-world multicenter study we addressed the activity of post-progression anticancer treatments after first-line pembrolizumab in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with PD-L1 ≥50%.

Methods

Clinico-pathological data of PD-L1 ≥50% advanced NSCLCs who failed first-line pembrolizumab were collected in 14 Oncologic Centers from different European countries. Types of subsequent anticancer treatment and outcomes on salvage chemotherapy or pembrolizumab beyond progression with or without the addition of local ablative therapies were reported.

Results

Out of 173 patients, 100 had progressed on pembrolizumab, of which 60 patients (60%) met eligibility criteria and were treated with either salvage chemotherapy (42/60, 70%) or pembrolizumab beyond progression (18/60, 30%). Overall, median age was 66 years, 63.3% were male, 60.0% had a performance status of 0-1, 88.3% were smokers and 61.7% had adenocarcinoma histology. In patients evaluable for response, objective response rate to salvage chemotherapy was 41.9%, with no significant difference according to the type of regimen (42.9% for platinum-based and 40.0% for single-agent chemotherapy). Median progression-free survival (PFS) to salvage chemotherapy was 4.5 months. Among patients treated with pembrolizumab beyond progression, 13 out of 18 patients (72.2%) had progressive disease in ≤2 organ sites, of whom 9 (69.2%) were managed with the addition of local ablative therapies consisting of radiation at progressive lesion(s). No significant difference was noted in terms of post-progression survival between the salvage chemotherapy and the pembrolizumab beyond progression groups of patients (6.9 versus 8.1 months, respectively, P=0.08).

Conclusions

In PD-L1 ≥50% advanced NSCLCs who progress on first-line pembrolizumab, salvage chemotherapy is associated with a remarkable anticancer activity, while select patients may benefit from continuation of pembrolizumab beyond progression, with the possible addition of local ablative radiotherapy in oligoprogressive cases.

Secondary debulking for ovarian carcinoma relapse: The R-R dilemma – is the prognosis different for residual or recurrent disease?

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the kind of ovarian cancer relapse by separating residual from recurrent disease and correlating them with patient survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of 200 women with ovarian carcinoma relapse between 2005 and 2017.

RESULTS

The main sites of residual disease included the great omentum, epiploic appendices, liver round ligament, gallbladder, and cervical/vaginal stump. The median survival for women with residual disease treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) + hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) + systemic chemotherapy was 38 months compared with the control group, which reached 23.8 months. The morbidity rates were 18% vs 7%, respectively, and the mortality rates were 2.5% vs 1.3%. The main sites of recurrent disease included the mesenterium, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and Glisson’s capsule. Women with recurrent disease treated with CRS + HIPEC + systemic chemotherapy had median survival rates of 26 months vs 16 months in the control group. The morbidity rates were 22% vs 15%, respectively, and the mortality rates were 3.3% vs 0%.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing secondary debulking plus HIPEC for ovarian carcinoma relapse have a different prognosis when compared with patients with residual and recurrent disease. A different prognosis is presented in women undergoing secondary debulking plus HIPEC for ovarian carcinoma relapse when comparing patients with residual and recurrent disease.

CRS and HIPEC in patients with peritoneal metastasis secondary to colorectal cancer: The small-bowel PCI score as a predictor of survival

Background

Combining cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic IntraPeritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) can benefit patients with peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer. The present study evaluates the small bowel subset of the Peritoneal Cancer Index (Small-Bowel-PCI score (SB-PCI), min-max 0–12) as a prognostic factor in such patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients that underwent CRS and HIPEC for recurrent colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastasis. Patient characteristics, procedure details, and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Eighty patients were included. The mean intraoperative PCI-score was 16.8, with a mean SB-PCI score of 5.9. CC0/1 was achieved in 62/80 patients. The mean follow-up period was 26.3 months. Univariate regression analysis showed that the ECOG status, the presence of severe complications, the HIPEC regimen (oxaliplatin vs. mitomycin-C), the PCI score, the SB-PCI score and the completeness of cytoreduction correlated significantly with overall survival. In multivariate analysis, the SB-PCI and CC score were identified as independent prognostic factors of survival. When the SB-PCI was stratified in three groups (0–4, 5–8 and 9–12), Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed significant difference in survival (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The SB-PCI correlates with overall survival in patients with peritoneal metastases secondary to colorectal cancer in this retrospective cohort. Its use should be validated in prospective patient series.

Is cancer associated thrombosis (CAT) an underestimated issue in oncology clinical practice? Real-world data regarding long term management of CAT

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Background: Cancer is associated with thrombosis due to different pathophysiological processes. CAT is the 2nd cause of death in oncology patients and can occur anytime during the natural history of cancer. CAT is not rare complication, can delay anti-cancer therapy and increase health systems costs. Methods: A prospective observational study (Greek Management of Thrombosis-GMaT) conducted by HeSMO in Greek Oncology units for two years aiming to record clinical practice of CAT management. Patients with active cancer who received CAT treatment or thromboprophylaxis were enrolled after signing informed consent. Results: 546 patients were enrolled from 18 oncology units. Primary cancers were: lung 23.9%, pancreas 13.3%, breast 7.6%, colorectal 8.9%, stomach 8.3%, ovarian 7.6% and other 30.5%. 120 patients received LMWH for Venus Thombo-Embolism (VTE) treatment (Group A) and 426 for thromboprophylaxis (Group B). Group A: 89/120 (74.17%) patients continued in 2nd year and 58.6% received CAT treatment (6.9±4.4 months). Only 2 had VTE recurrence in 2nd year (versus 3 in 1st year). 4/120 (3.33%) had bleeding events (grade 1) in 1st year while no bleeding events occurred in 2nd year. Group B: 345/426 (80.98%) patients continued in 2nd year. 126 (30%) had Khorana score ≥3 and 300 (70%) had Khorana score ≤2. In 2nd year, 123 (35.65%) received thromboprophylaxis (7.3±3.7 months) while 79.4% of them were initially treated with High Thrombotic Treatment Agents (HTTA: e.g. platinum, 5-FU) and 83.1% had metastatic disease. In 2nd year, 52.5% received LMWHs at prophylactic dose and 47.5% at therapeutic dose. Overall, 12 (2.82%) had thrombotic events whereas 4 were recorded in 2nd year. Notably, patients treated with therapeutic doses had lower probability to have a thrombotic event (OR: 5.8, 95% CI: 1.7 to 20.5, p < .05). Six (1.41%) bleeding events (grade 1) occurred in 1st year and one (0.81%) in 2nd year. Conclusions: LMWHs can be used for long term CAT management. Therapeutic LMWHs doses as thromboprophylaxis are safe and effective. Khorana score is a useful model for CAT risk assessment but some other factors such as disease stage and HTTA might be taken into account. CAT can occur anytime during the natural history of cancer. Oncologists should be aware about CAT and its negative influences in patients’ prognosis and quality of life.

Screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients for lynch syndrome (LS) emphasizes the need for public insurance coverage of genetic testing: Results of a national program by the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncology (HeSMO)

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Background: Lynch Syndrome is associated with germline mutations in Mismatch Repair (MMR) genes ( MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). CRC patients whose tumors exhibit high-level microsatellite instability (MSI-H) have an increased probability of LS. Although the diagnosis of LS has important implications for the patient and the family, germline genetic testing is not reimbursed by the Hellenic Public State Healthcare Services. To address this need HeSMO conducted a national program to screen and diagnose CRC patients with LS. Methods: All patients with CRC were eligible. Assessment for LS involved initially screening tumor tissue for the presence of MMR deficiency, either via molecular MSI testing or via immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the absence of one or more MMR proteins. Patients with an MMR-deficient tumor in the absence of a somatic cause (e.g. BRAF mutation or MLH1 promoter hypermethylation) underwent genetic counseling and germline testing to confirm a LS diagnosis. Results: From June 2017 to December 2018, 104 patients diagnosed with CRC were enrolled and tested. Median age of diagnosis was 58,5 years (range 32 - 89) and male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1. Fifty patients (48%) had tumors that exhibited the MSI-H phenotype. From the MSI-H tumors, 41 (82%) did not harbor the BRAF V600E mutation and 33 of them (80.5%) did not harbor an MLH1 promoter hypermethylation. Therefore, 33 patients were invited for genetic counseling and testing. Fifteen patients (45.45%) were diagnosed with LS: 6 ( 40 %) had a mutation in MLH1 (one of which had also a mutation in PMS2 gene), 4 (26.6%) in MSH6, 4 (26.6%) in MSH2 and 1 (6.6%) in PMS2. Conclusions: In our series, 30% of the CRC patients with MSI-H tumors were tested positive for LS. These results confirm the value of a universal screening program of CRC patients for LS. Hopefully, these results will convince the Hellenic Public State Healthcare Services to reimburse screening and germline genetic testing of CRC patients for LS.

Real life efficacy and safety data of bevacizumab-based front line treatment in advance or metastatic ovarian cancer patients: Focus on patients with malignant ascites—A phase IV study

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Background: The standard of care for Epithelial Ovarian cancer (EOC) is the combination of a taxane plus a platinum compound (TC) whereas the addition of bevacizumab (bev) to this regimen (TC-bev) has been shown to improve the PFS. Patients (pts) with ascites have more aggressive disease and less overall survival. The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of the TC/bev regimen in the real life clinical practice. Methods: A multi-center observational study, approved by the ethics committees of the participating centers, including 314 pts with stage III/IV EOC, was conducted (11.2011-06.2014) in Greece. Two independent cohorts, with similar clinico-pathologic characteristics, were treated with front-line TC (n = 109) or TC/bev (n = 205) according to the physician’s choice. 83 (40.5%) and 40 (36.7%) in the TC/bev and TC groups presented with ascites. Results: Disease control was achieved in 90.7% and in 78.9% of patients treated with TC/bev and TC, respectively (p = 0.003). Pts with ascites treated with TC/bev experienced a better overall response rate (ORR) (68.7% Vs 55%) and less progression disease (PD) compared to patients receiving TC (13.2% Vs 30.8%). The median PFS in all pts was 21.5mo and 12.4mo (p < 0.001) and median PFS in ascites pts was 18.1mo and 10.3mo in the TC/bev and TC cohort , respectively (p < 0.001). The median OS was not reached in the TC/bev group and it was 36.9mo in the TC group, ( p = 0.059) while in the ascites pts also has not reached and it is 22.5m, respectively ( p = 0.023). The 3 year survival rate in all pts was 59.4% and 50.4% and in ascites pts was 55.3% and 30% in the TC/bev and TC respectively. Neutropenia was the most common grade 3/4 adverse event in 16.6% and 9.1% in TC/bev- and TC- treated patients ( p = 0.072) with no other adverse events > 5%. Conclusions: These real life data demonstrate that the combination of TC/bev represents an active and well tolerated regimen offering survival benefit in patients with stage III/IV EOC and especially in patients with ascites. Additional larger prospective studies are required to confirm these observations. Clinical trial information: NCT01982500.