Safety and anti-tumour activity of the IgE antibody MOv18 in patients with advanced solid tumours expressing folate receptor-alpha: a phase I trial

All antibodies approved for cancer therapy are monoclonal IgGs but the biology of IgE, supported by comparative preclinical data, offers the potential for enhanced effector cell potency. Here we report a Phase I dose escalation trial (NCT02546921) with the primary objective of exploring the safety and tolerability of MOv18 IgE, a chimeric first-in-class IgE antibody, in patients with tumours expressing the relevant antigen, folate receptor-alpha. The trial incorporated skin prick and basophil activation tests (BAT) to select patients at lowest risk of allergic toxicity. Secondary objectives were exploration of anti-tumour activity, recommended Phase II dose, and pharmacokinetics. Dose escalation ranged from 70 μg-12 mg. The most common toxicity of MOv18 IgE is transient urticaria. A single patient experienced anaphylaxis, likely explained by detection of circulating basophils at baseline that could be activated by MOv18 IgE. The BAT assay was used to avoid enrolling further patients with reactive basophils. The safety profile is tolerable and maximum tolerated dose has not been reached, with evidence of anti-tumour activity observed in a patient with ovarian cancer. These results demonstrate the potential of IgE therapy for cancer.

Anti-cancer pro-inflammatory effects of an IgE antibody targeting the melanoma-associated antigen chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4

Outcomes for half of patients with melanoma remain poor despite standard-of-care checkpoint inhibitor therapies. The prevalence of the melanoma-associated antigen chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4) expression is ~70%, therefore effective immunotherapies directed at CSPG4 could benefit many patients. Since IgE exerts potent immune-activating functions in tissues, we engineer a monoclonal IgE antibody with human constant domains recognizing CSPG4 to target melanoma. CSPG4 IgE binds to human melanomas including metastases, mediates tumoricidal antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and stimulates human IgE Fc-receptor-expressing monocytes towards pro-inflammatory phenotypes. IgE demonstrates anti-tumor activity in human melanoma xenograft models engrafted with human effector cells and is associated with enhanced macrophage infiltration, enriched monocyte and macrophage gene signatures and pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. IgE prolongs the survival of patient-derived xenograft-bearing mice reconstituted with autologous immune cells. No ex vivo activation of basophils in patient blood is measured in the presence of CSPG4 IgE. Our findings support a promising IgE-based immunotherapy for melanoma.

Codon-specific KRAS mutations predict survival benefit of trifluridine/tipiracil in metastatic colorectal cancer

Genomics has greatly improved how patients with cancer are being treated; however, clinical-grade genomic biomarkers for chemotherapies are currently lacking. Using whole-genome analysis of 37 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with the chemotherapy trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI), we identified KRAS codon G12 (KRAS^G12) mutations as a potential biomarker of resistance. Next, we collected real-world data of 960 patients with mCRC receiving FTD/TPI and validated that KRAS^G12 mutations were significantly associated with poor survival, also in analyses restricted to the RAS/RAF mutant subgroup. We next analyzed the data of the global, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 RECOURSE trial (n = 800 patients) and found that KRAS^G12 mutations (n = 279) were predictive biomarkers for reduced overall survival (OS) benefit of FTD/TPI versus placebo (unadjusted interaction P = 0.0031, adjusted interaction P = 0.015). For patients with KRAS^G12 mutations in the RECOURSE trial, OS was not prolonged with FTD/TPI versus placebo (n = 279; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.73-1.20; P = 0.85). In contrast, patients with KRAS^G13 mutant tumors showed significantly improved OS with FTD/TPI versus placebo (n = 60; HR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.15-0.55; P < 0.001). In isogenic cell lines and patient-derived organoids, KRAS^G12 mutations were associated with increased resistance to FTD-based genotoxicity. In conclusion, these data show that KRAS^G12 mutations are biomarkers for reduced OS benefit of FTD/TPI treatment, with potential implications for approximately 28% of patients with mCRC under consideration for treatment with FTD/TPI. Furthermore, our data suggest that genomics-based precision medicine may be possible for a subset of chemotherapies.

Folate receptor alpha in ovarian cancer tissue and patient serum is associated with disease burden and treatment outcomes

BACKGROUND

Survival rates for ovarian cancer remain poor, and monitoring and prediction of therapeutic response may benefit from additional markers. Ovarian cancers frequently overexpress Folate Receptor alpha (FRα) and the soluble receptor (sFRα) is measurable in blood. Here we investigated sFRα as a potential biomarker.

METHODS

We evaluated sFRα longitudinally, before and during neo-adjuvant, adjuvant and palliative therapies, and tumour FRα expression status by immunohistrochemistry. The impact of free FRα on the efficacy of anti-FRα treatments was evaluated by an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity assay.

RESULTS

Membrane and/or cytoplasmic FRα staining were observed in 52.7% tumours from 316 ovarian cancer patients with diverse histotypes. Circulating sFRα levels were significantly higher in patients, compared to healthy volunteers, specifically in patients sampled prior to neoadjuvant and palliative treatments. sFRα was associated with FRα cell membrane expression in the tumour. sFRα levels decreased alongside concurrent tumour burden in patients receiving standard therapies. High concentrations of sFRα partly reduced anti-FRα antibody tumour cell killing, an effect overcome by increased antibody doses.

CONCLUSIONS

sFRα may present a non-invasive marker for tumour FRα expression, with the potential for monitoring patient response to treatment. Larger, prospective studies should evaluate FRα for assessing disease burden and response to systemic treatments.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in Young Adults, Age < 50, Is Associated with Late Stage at Presentation and a Very Poor Prognosis in Patients That Do Not Have a Targeted Therapy Option: A Real-World Study

(1) Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in young patients is uncommon. Real-world evidence on the outcomes of these patients is limited. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of young NSCLC patients, age < 50 years at diagnosis, who were treated between 2011−2020 in South-East-London cancer centres. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and outcomes were analysed. (3) Results: Of 248 NSCLC patients, median age was 46 years, 50% (n = 125) female, 58% (n = 145) white, 18% (n = 45) black and 4% (n = 10) Asian ethnicity. Amongst patients with a documented smoking history, 30% (n = 64) were never-smokers. Most patients had adenocarcinoma (77%, n = 191) and presented with metastatic disease (67%, n = 166). Only 31% (n = 76) had treatment with curative intent. In patients who presented or developed metastatic non-squamous NSCLC (n = 179), EGFR mutation status was known in 88% (n = 157) and mutation present in 19% (n = 34), ALK was known in 66% (n = 118) with a translocation in 10% (n = 18), ROS1 status was known in 57% (n = 102) with a translocation in 4% (n = 8), and KRAS status was known in 66% (n = 119) with a mutation in 12% (n = 22). Overall, 76% (n = 152) patients with metastatic NSCLC received first-line systemic anti-cancer therapy. Median overall survival in metastatic NSCLC was 9.0 months (95% CI 6.5−11.6 months), with superior median overall survival in those with a targeted therapy option (28.7 months) compared to those without (6.6 months; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: Young patients contribute a significant proportion of those presenting with lung cancer. They present with advanced stage at diagnosis and have a poor prognosis. Identification of a targeted therapy option is associated with improved survival. However, most patients do not have a known genomic driver, which is in part due to limited testing, particularly in the early years of this study period. These findings highlight the particular importance of rapid-turnaround comprehensive genomic profiling in this age group and the need to identify strategies to facilitate earlier diagnosis in young NSCLC patients.

Evaluation of an automated artificial intelligence (AI)/ natural language processing (NLP) engine to match patients (pts) with advanced solid cancers to biomarker-driven early phase (EP) clinical trials

e13513

Background: The increasing complexity of precision medicine in oncology creates significant challenges in identification of pts for biomarker-driven clinical trials. Worldwide expansion of genomic testing will identify more pts with potentially actionable alterations, but the manual task of matching pts to clinical trials requires laborious interpretation of fragmented medical information and knowledge of suitable trial eligibility criteria. Inspirata’s Trial Navigator (TN) solution uses AI and NLP to automatically extract relevant information from both patient medical records and trial protocols to identify appropriate trials. We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the ability of TN to match pts referred to the Guy’s Hospital EP trials unit. Methods: Anonymised referral letters and genomic reports for pts referred from Jan 2019 to Dec 2020 were used. A subset was used to train TN to extract relevant variables for matching against eligibility criteria for all UK Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) Network trials open within 160 km of Guy’s Hospital at the time of referral, favouring biomarker-matched studies. Finally, TN was tasked with finding 5 ECMC trial matches for 40 referred pts. Matches were scored for eligibility and tumour and/ or biomarker suitability using a quality index (QI): 0, ineligible; 1, generic match; 2, tumour match; 3, biomarker match; 4, tumour and biomarker match. Results: Of 40 pts, most common tumour groups included gastrointestinal (55%), HNSCC (20%) and gynae (10%). TN was able to correctly identify at least 1 suitable trial (median = 4) for 39/40 pts (97%). Selection biomarkers were available for 27 pts, of whom 21 (78%) were matched to at least one appropriate biomarker-directed trial, 5 (12%) were matched to biomarker-agnostic trials and one was not correctly matched due to exclusion for progressive CNS metastases. Of 13 pts without biomarker information, 11 (84%) were matched to at least 1 tumour-appropriate trial and 2 to tumour-agnostic trials. Of all 200 trial matches, 134 (67%) were appropriately matched, of which 80 (59%) were external to Guy’s Cancer centre. Conclusions: TN successfully matched 90% of these preselected cancer pts to an appropriate biomarker- or tumour-directed trial, indicating potential to improve access and recruitment to early phase cancer trials, including those external to the primary treating site with which referrers may not be familiar. A prospective multicentre evaluation of TN is warranted to further define improvements in trial recruitment and efficiency.[Table: see text]

Abstract P036: Trial in progress: Combination of the dual RAF/MEK inhibitor VS-6766 with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus with expansion in patients with KRAS mutant NSCLC

The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) pathway is a frequently deregulated oncogenic pathway in cancer driven by RAS and RAF mutations as well as being a key signaling pathway downstream of deregulated receptor tyrosine kinases. Although RAF and MEK have been validated as anticancer targets and several BRAF and MEK inhibitors are FDA approved, acquired resistance develops in most patients. Preclinically, inhibition of RAF or MEK has been found to activate AKT/mTOR signaling as a potential resistance mechanism, and combination of MEK inhibition with an inhibitor of the AKT/mTOR pathway yields improved anti-tumor activity. However, combined inhibition of MEK with an AKT or mTOR inhibitor has typically shown poor clinical tolerability. VS-6766 is a unique dual RAF/MEK inhibitor which blocks MEK activity without the compensatory MEK activation that limits the efficacy of other MEK inhibitors. VS-6766 has shown clinical responses as a single agent in gynecological cancers and KRAS mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (Guo Lancet Oncology 2020), and has shown clinical responses in combination with the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor defactinib in patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer and KRAS mutated NSCLC. To explore the combination of VS-6766 with blockade of the AKT/mTOR pathway, we tested the combination of VS-6766 with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus for potential synergy across a variety of RAS pathway mutations and tumor types in preclinical experiments. In 3D proliferation assays in vitro, VS-6766 was synergistic with everolimus in reducing viability of cell lines representing multiple MAPK pathway alterations, including KRAS (G12C, G12D, G12V and G13D), BRAF V600E, NRAS and NF1 mutations. Synergy of VS-6766 with everolimus was observed in 8/9 NSCLC, 16/20 colorectal cancer, 7/10 melanoma and 5/7 pancreatic cancer cell lines tested. These preclinical data support testing the combination of VS-6766 with everolimus in patients with KRAS mutant NSCLC as well as in numerous other cancer indications with various MAPK pathway alterations. A phase I study is ongoing to assess the combination of VS-6766 with everolimus with an intermittent dosing schedule. The clinical trial uses a rule-based design of 3+3 dose escalation cohorts, initially with once weekly dosing of VS-6766 in combination with everolimus. If this was found to be tolerable, the combination of twice weekly dosing of both compounds was to be explored. Following establishment of the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for the combination, an expansion cohort (n = 10) in patients with KRAS mutant NSCLC was planned. The trial is currently recruiting into an expansion cohort of patients with KRAS mutated NSCLC ;NCT02407509, (Trial in Progress).

Citation Format: Thubeena Manickavasagar, Chara Stavraka, Kaiser Anam, Silvia Coma, Sanjib Chowdhury, Jonathan A. Pachter, Tom Parker, Mona Parmar, Laura Finneran, Emma Hall, James Spicer, Anna Minchom, Udai Banerji. Trial in progress: Combination of the dual RAF/MEK inhibitor VS-6766 with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus with expansion in patients with KRAS mutant NSCLC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2021 Oct 7-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2021;20(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P036.

Macrophages in ovarian cancer and their interactions with monoclonal antibody therapies

The unmet clinical need for effective treatments in ovarian cancer has yet to be addressed using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which have largely failed to overcome tumour-associated immunosuppression, restrict cancer growth, and significantly improve survival. In recent years, experimental mAb design has moved away from solely targeting ovarian tumours and instead sought to modulate the wider tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) may represent an attractive therapeutic target for mAbs in ovarian cancer due to their high abundance and close proximity to tumour cells and their active involvement in facilitating several pro-tumoural processes. Moreover, the expression of several antibody crystallisable fragment (Fc) receptors and broad phenotypic plasticity of TAMs provide opportunities to modulate TAM polarisation using mAbs to promote anti-tumoural phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the role of TAMs in ovarian cancer TME and the emerging strategies to target the contributions of these cells in tumour progression through the rationale design of mAbs.

Trifluridine/Tipiracil in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A UK Multicenter Real-world Analysis on Efficacy, Safety, Predictive and Prognostic Factors

BACKGROUND

The orally administered combination trifluridine/tipiracil has been approved as third line treatment in mCRC, demonstrating survival benefit and acceptable toxicity profile in the phase III RECOURSE study.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We performed a multicenter retrospective real-world analysis of patients with mCRC receiving trifluridine/tipiracil between 2016 and 2019 in eight cancer centers across the United Kingdom.

RESULTS

A total of 236 patients were included with median age of 69 years. All patients had received at least 2 lines of fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy doublet with oxaliplatin or irinotecan. About 10% of patients had ECOG ≥ 2. Median duration of trifluridine/tipiracil treatment was 3 months with an ORR of 2.1% and disease control rate of 21.6%. Median OS was 7.6 and median PFS 3.3 months. A dose reduction was required in 27% of patients, while 7.6% discontinued treatment due to toxicity. The most common grade 3 toxicities were neutropenia (34%), fatigue (10%), anemia (9%) and febrile neutropenia (5%). Baseline NLR <5 and CEA <200 had favorable prognostic (HR: 0.52 and 0.39, P≤ .001) and predictive value (OR: 4.1 and 6.7, P< .05). Development of grade 3 neutropenia predicted treatment response (OR: 0.32, P< .001). Following treatment with trifluridine/tipiracil 41% were referred for phase I trial or rechallenged with chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Trifluridine/tipiracil is well tolerated in refractory mCRC patients with comparable efficacy and toxicity profile to that of the phase III RECOURSE. Pretreatment NLR and CEA could serve as potential markers for patient selection, while treatment-induced grade 3 neutropenia predicted response. Prospective validation is needed.

The role of gut microbiome in modulating response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in cancer

Immunotherapy has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of several cancers. There have been significant efforts to identify biomarkers that can predict response and toxicities related to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICPI) therapy. Despite these advances, it has been challenging to tease out why a subset of patients benefit more than others or why certain patients experience immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Although the immune-modulating properties of the human gut bacterial ecosystem are yet to be fully elucidated, there has been growing interest in evaluating the role of the gut microbiome in shaping the therapeutic response to cancer immunotherapy. Considerable research efforts are currently directed to utilizing metagenomic and metabolic profiling of stool microbiota in patients on ICPI-based therapies. Dysbiosis or loss of microbial diversity has been associated with a poor treatment response to ICPIs and worse survival outcomes in cancer patients. Emerging data have shown that certain bacterial strains, such as Faecalibacterium that confer sensitivity to ICPI, also have a higher propensity to increase the risk of irAEs. Additionally, the microbiome can modulate the local immune response at the intestinal interface and influence the trafficking of bacterial peptide primed T-cells distally, influencing the toxicity patterns to ICPI. Antibiotic or diet induced alterations in composition of the microbiome can also indirectly alter the production of certain bacterial metabolites such as deoxycholate and short chain fatty acids that can influence the anti-tumor tolerogenesis. Gaining sufficient understanding of the exact mechanisms underpinning the interplay between ICPI induced anti-tumor immunity and the immune modulatory role gut microbiome can be vital in identifying potential avenues of improving outcomes to cancer immunotherapy. In the current review, we have summarized and highlighted the key emerging data supporting the role of gut microbiome in regulating response to ICPIs in cancer.

C-Fos Digital Expression Analysis in Human PapillomavirusRelated Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Background: Fos Proto-Oncogene (c-Fos) represents a well analyzed gene involved in solid malignancies’ development and progression. The corresponding protein forms heterodimer with c-jun, a strong transcription factor. C-Fos/c-Jun complex influences critically the intracellular signal transduction to the nucleus. Our aim was to detect and evaluate c-Fos protein expression patterns in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) tissues. Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary OSCCs tissue sections were used. Immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis were implemented for identifying and evaluating c-Fos protein expression levels, respectively. Results: C-Fos protein over expression (moderate to high imunostaining intensity values) was observed in 28/50 (56%) tissue cores, whereas low expression rates were detected in the rest of the examined cases (22/50- 44%). C-Fos overall expression was strongly associated with the stage and grade of the examined tumors (p=0.014, p=0.003, respectively) and also with Human papillomavirus (HPV) persistent infection (p=0.004). c-Fos up regulation is frequently observed in OSCCs. Conclusion: C-Fos high expression levels are correlated with an aggressive phenotype (advanced stage/lymph node metastasis) in patients with OSCC, especially in HPV positive cases, especially High Risk subtypes. Due to its elevated oncogenic activity, c-Fos should be a target for novel therapeutic strategies in OSCC combined or not with other oncogenes involving in signaling transduction pathways.

IgE Activates Monocytes from Cancer Patients to Acquire a Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype

IgE contributes to host-protective functions in parasitic and bacterial infections, often by monocyte and macrophage recruitment. We previously reported that monocytes contribute to tumour antigen-specific IgE-mediated tumour growth restriction in rodent models. Here, we investigate the impact of IgE stimulation on monocyte response, cellular signalling, secretory and tumour killing functions. IgE cross-linking on human monocytes with polyclonal antibodies to mimic formation of immune complexes induced upregulation of co-stimulatory (CD40, CD80, CD86), and reduced expression of regulatory (CD163, CD206, MerTK) monocyte markers. Cross-linking and tumour antigen-specific IgE antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of cancer cells by cancer patient-derived monocytes triggered release of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNFα, MCP-1, IL-10, CXCL-10, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23). High intratumoural gene expression of these mediators was associated with favourable five-year overall survival in ovarian cancer. IgE cross-linking of trimeric FcεRI on monocytes stimulated the phosphorylation of intracellular protein kinases widely reported to be downstream of mast cell and basophil tetrameric FcεRI signalling. These included recently-identified FcεRI pathway kinases Fgr, STAT5, Yes and Lck, which we now associate with monocytes. Overall, anti-tumour IgE can potentiate pro-inflammatory signals, and prime tumour cell killing by human monocytes. These findings will inform the development of IgE monoclonal antibody therapies for cancer.

Biliary Tract Cancers: Molecular Heterogeneity and New Treatment Options

Most patients with biliary tract cancer (BTC) are diagnosed with advanced disease, relapse rates are high in those undergoing surgery and prognosis remains poor, while the incidence is increasing. Treatment options are limited, and chemotherapy is still the standard of care in both adjuvant and advanced disease setting. In recent years, different subtypes of BTC have been defined depending on the anatomical location and genetic and/or epigenetic aberrations. Especially for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) novel therapeutic targets have been identified, including fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 gene fusions and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutations, with molecularly targeted agents having shown evidence of activity in this subgroup of patients. Additionally, other pathways are being evaluated in both iCCA and other subtypes of BTC, alongside targeting of the immune microenvironment. The growing knowledge of BTC biology and molecular heterogeneity has paved the way for the development of new therapeutic approaches that will completely change the treatment paradigm for this disease in the near future. This review provides an overview of the molecular heterogeneity of BTC and summarizes new targets and emerging therapies in development. We also discuss resistance mechanisms, open issues, and future perspectives in the management of BTC.

Surgical and Systemic Treatment of Hereditary Breast Cancer: A Mini-Review With a Focus on BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations

Hereditary breast cancer accounts for 5%-10% of breast cancer cases. The majority of familial cases have been linked to germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, though other high penetrance susceptibility genes have also been identified through genomic testing advances. Optimal surgical treatment for these patients, who are of a younger age, has several challenges as it usually involves aggressive therapeutic and risk reducing interventions. At the same time, the therapeutic armamentarium for BRCA1/2 mutation carriers apart from platinum salts, has been enriched with the addition of poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors with promising outcomes. In this review we provide a succinct and comprehensive overview of the surgical and systemic treatment options for patients with BRCA1/2 mutation related breast cancer and an update on the most recent systemic treatment advances.

Abstract CT141: Phase 1 trial of MOv18, a first-in-class IgE antibody therapy for cancer

Background: All antibodies approved for the treatment of cancer are monoclonal IgGs, and no IgE therapy has yet been tested in humans. The biology of IgE, compared with IgG, offers potential for enhanced immune surveillance and superior effector cell potency against tumor cells. IgE antibodies in preclinical cancer models are not associated with allergic toxicity even in immunocompetent animals, and in vivo efficacy compares favorably with equivalent IgGs.

Methods: We conducted a first-in-human first-in-class trial of MOv18, a chimeric monoclonal IgE, in patients with solid tumors expressing folate receptor-alpha, the antigen recognized by this antibody. Antigen expression was deemed positive in the presence of &gt;5% membrane staining of any intensity using the mouse clone BN3.2. Intravenous treatment was administered weekly for 6 weeks, then two-weekly. The trial incorporated pre-treatment skin prick testing with MOv18 IgE, and an ex vivo basophil activation test (BAT) using patient whole blood, with the aim of predicting systemic allergic toxicity and excluding patients at potential risk. Safety, efficacy, markers of immune response, and pharmacokinetics have been evaluated in 24 patients to date, at total doses ranging from 0.07 to 3.0mg.

Results: Treatment was well tolerated in almost all patients. The most common toxicity was readily manageable urticaria, without systemic symptoms, signs or tryptase elevation. One patient treated at the 0.5mg dose experienced anaphylaxis, with tryptase elevation, despite a negative pre-dose skin prick test. This was the only patient in the trial with baseline circulating basophils that could be activated by ex vivo exposure to MOv18 IgE. This BAT assay was subsequently used to ensure no further patient with reactive basophils was exposed. Maximum tolerated dose has not yet been reached. Dose-dependent increases in Cmax were observed, and plasma concentrations of 70-100ng/mL achieved at the 1.5mg dose are comparable to typical levels of endogenous IgE. No consistent anti-drug antibody response has been detected. Preliminary evidence of anti-tumor activity was seen in a patient with ovarian cancer at a total MOv18 IgE dose of 0.7mg. Shrinkage of peritoneal metastases was accompanied by a tumor marker reduction meeting Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup criteria for response.

Conclusions: These results support for the first time the safety of IgE as a treatment for cancer, and provide preliminary evidence for anti-tumor efficacy of this new therapeutic class. The mechanism of cutaneous toxicity is being investigated. Clinical testing of class-switched IgE versions of approved IgG-based therapeutic antibodies is warranted.

Citation Format: James Spicer, Bristi Basu, Ana Montes, Udai Banerji, Rebecca Kristeleit, Gareth J. Veal, Christopher Corrigan, Stephen Till, George Nintos, Timothy Brier, Ionut G. Funingana, Joo Ern Ang, Kam Zaki, Annie Griffin, Claire Barton, Paul Jones, Sarah Mellor, Susan Brook, Katie Stoddart, Christopher Selkirk, Simon Carroll, Heike Lentfer, Natalie Woodman, Amy Pope, Giulia Pellizzari, Mano Nakamura, Kristina M. Ilieva, Atousa Khiabany, Chara Stavraka, Hannah Gould, Jitesh Chauhan, Heather Bax, Sarah Pinder, Debra Josephs, Sophia Karagiannis. Phase 1 trial of MOv18, a first-in-class IgE antibody therapy for cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr CT141.

Basophils from Cancer Patients Respond to Immune Stimuli and Predict Clinical Outcome

Basophils are involved in manifestations of hypersensitivity, however, the current understanding of their propensity for activation and their prognostic value in cancer patients remains unclear. As in healthy and atopic individuals, basophil populations were identified in blood from ovarian cancer patients (n = 53) with diverse tumor histologies and treatment histories. Ex vivo basophil activation was measured by CD63 expression using the basophil activation test (BAT). Irrespective of prior treatment, basophils could be activated by stimulation with IgE- (anti-FcεRI and anti-IgE) and non-IgE (fMLP) mediated triggers. Basophil activation was detected by ex vivo exposure to paclitaxel, but not to other anti-cancer therapies, in agreement with a clinical history of systemic hypersensitivity reactions to paclitaxel. Protein and gene expression analyses support the presence of basophils (CCR3, CD123, FcεRI) and activated basophils (CD63, CD203c, tryptase) in ovarian tumors. Greater numbers of circulating basophils, cells with greater capacity for ex vivo stimulation (n = 35), and gene signatures indicating the presence of activated basophils in tumors (n = 439) were each associated with improved survival in ovarian cancer. Circulating basophils in cancer patients respond to IgE- and non-IgE-mediated signals and could help identify hypersensitivity to therapeutic agents. Activated circulating and tumor-infiltrating basophils may be potential biomarkers in oncology.

Chromosome 17 In Situ Hybridization Grid-based Analysis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an aggressive malignancy due to its increased ability for local metastases and distant lymph node metastases. Extensive cytogenetic analyses have detected chromosome instability (CI) patterns in OSCC including gross chromosome numerical alterations, such as polysomy and sporadically monosomy that negatively affect the biological behaviour of the malignancy. Our aim was to investigate the frequency and impact of chromosome 17 (Chr 17) numerical imbalances in OSCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty (n=50) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary OSCCs tissue sections were used. Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) was implemented for detecting Chr 17 centromeric numerical imbalances. Concerning the screening process in CISH slides, a novel real-time reference and calibration grid platform was implemented.

RESULTS

Chr 17 multiple copies were observed in 12/50 (24%) of the examined cases. Polysomy was observed in 10/50 (20%) tissue sections, monosomy in 2/50 (4%), whereas the rest of them demonstrated a normal, diploid pattern (38/50-76%). Chr 17 numerical differences were associated with the grade of differentiation of the examined tumors (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Chr 17 numerical imbalances (polysomy predominantly and monosomy) are observed in sub-groups of OSCCs correlating with a progressive dedifferentiation of malignant tissues. The proposed grid-based platform on CISH slides provides a novel, fast and accurate screening-mapping mechanism for detecting chromosome numerical aberrations.

Coagulopathy in COVID-19 infection: a case of acute upper limb ischemia

Coagulation abnormalities and thrombosis have been recently identified as sequelae of severe infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report a case of severe coagulopathy manifesting with right upper limb arterial and deep vein thrombosis in an 80-year-old male patient with severe COVID-19 associated pneumonia. He clinically deteriorated and received care in the intensive care unit where he was intubated. At that point, his coagulation laboratory tests were deranged, and he eventually developed dry gangrene in his right thumb and index finger, as well as a deep venous thromboembolism in his right axillary vein. Despite receiving treatment dose anticoagulation and undergoing arterial embolectomy, revascularization was unsuccessful. Amputation of the right arm at the level of the elbow was considered, but the patient died from respiratory failure.

Topoisomerase IIa Protein Expression Patterns in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIM

Topoisomerase II alpha (TopoIIa) is a critical gene associated with response to chemo-therapeutic agents, such as anthracyclines, especially in breast adenocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of aberrant TopoIIa protein expression in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty (n=50) LSCC cases were enrolled in the study. Immunohistochemistry and a digital image analysis assay were implemented.

RESULTS

TopoIIa protein overexpression was observed in 32/50 (64%) cases, whereas low expression rates were detected in 18/50 (36%). TopoIIa overall expression presented strong association with the grade of the examined malignant tissues and borderline association with stage. TopoIIa overexpression correlated also with Human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity.

CONCLUSION

TopoIIa overexpression was observed in significant subsets of LSCCs, and correlated predominantly with the grade of differentiation. HPV persistent infection seems to be associated with increased TopoIIa protein expression. TopoIIa expression analysis appears to be critical in identifying sub-groups of patients eligible for specific chemotherapy.

Impact of Cyclin D1 deregulation in HPV-mediated squamous intraepithelial lesions based on cell spots analysis

PURPOSE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) involvement in cervical carcinogenesis represents a classical template of analyzing viral-mediated carcinogenesis. Our purpose was to investigate the role of abnormal cyclin D1 protein expression in HPV-mediated squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs).

METHODS

Eighty cases characterized as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) and also borderline cases with molecularly proven HPV infection were examined. Using liquid-based cytology, we constructed 10 slides, each containing 8 cell spots. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) was performed using an anti-Cyclin D1 antibody. Digital image analysis was also implemented for evaluating objectively the protein expression levels on the corresponding stained slides.

RESULTS

Cyclin D1 protein overexpression (moderate to high staining intensity values) was observed in 8/80 (10%) cell spots, whereas low expression rates were detected in 72/80 (90%) cases. Cyclin D1 overall expression was strongly associated with the HPV type group (HR-HPV) of the examined cases (p=0.001) and borderline with the cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) categorization (p=0.06). Concerning the influence of marker's protein expression in SIL cytological categorization, no statistical significance was identified (p=0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclin D1 overexpression is observed in a subset of SILs developed by HR-HPV persistent infection in cervical epithelial host cells. Although SIL and CIN categorization seem to be not influenced by cyclin D1 expression levels, mechanisms of gene's deregulation should be a promising molecular target for discriminating specific genetic signatures in the corresponding initial cervical neoplastic lesions.

Abstract P2-16-15: 10-year outcome for women randomized in a phase III trial comparing doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide with doxorubicin and docetaxel as primary medical therapy in early breast cancer: An anglo-celtic cooperative oncology group study

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of women with primary or locally advanced breast cancer randomised to receive either doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) or doxorubicin and docetaxel (AD) as primary chemotherapy.

Patients and methods: Eligible patients with histology-proven breast cancer with primary tumours ≥ 3 cm, inflammatory or locally advanced disease, and no evidence of distant metastases, were randomised to receive a maximum of 6 cycles of either doxorubicin (60 mg/m(2)) plus cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m(2)) i/v or doxorubicin (50 mg/m(2)) plus docetaxel (75 mg/m(2)) i/v every 3 weeks, followed by surgery on completion of chemotherapy.

Results: Clinical and pathologic responses have previously been reported 1. Time to relapse, site of relapse, and all-cause mortality were recorded. This updated analysis compares long-term disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) using stratified log rank methods. A total of 363 patients were randomised to AC (n = 181) or AD (n = 182). At a median follow-up of 119 months, there is no significant difference between the two groups for DFS (P = 0.274) and OS (P = 0.327). The 10-year DFS for AC is 54% (95% CI 47-62%) and for AD 60% (95% CI 52-67). The 10-year OS is 49% (95% CI 42-57%) for AC and 51% (95% CI 43-58%) for AD. Metastatic breast cancer accounted for 89% of deaths in those treated with AC and 86% in those treated with AD. Estrogen receptor (ER) and nodal status were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS (p&lt;0.0005), but not the chemotherapy regimen (p=0.282 for DFS, p=0.426 for OS).

Conclusions: This was one of the first studies to evaluate taxanes versus anthracyclines in the neoadjuvant setting. Our mature data do not support an added clinical benefit for the simultaneous administration of AD compared to AC. This supports current practice with respect to sequential treatment with taxanes followed by anthracyclines leading to an increase in pathological complete response rate and better survival outcomes.

1. Evans TR, Yellowlees A, Foster E et al. Phase III randomized trial of doxorubicin and docetaxel versus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as primary medical therapy in women with breast cancer: an Anglo-Celtic cooperative Oncology group study. J Clin Oncol 2005, 23: 2988–2995.

Citation Format: Chara Stavraka, T. R. Jeffry Evans, Joanna Dunlop, Helena Earl, David A. Cameron, Robert E Coleman, Timothy Perren, Robert CF Leonard, Janine L Mansi. 10-year outcome for women randomized in a phase III trial comparing doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide with doxorubicin and docetaxel as primary medical therapy in early breast cancer: An anglo-celtic cooperative oncology group 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 P2-16-15.

Clinical implementation of pre-treatment DPYD genotyping in capecitabine-treated metastatic breast cancer patients

Purpose

Metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients with DPYD genetic variants linked to loss of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity are at risk of severe capecitabine-associated toxicities. However, prospective DPYD genotyping has not yet been implemented in routine clinical practice. Following a previous internal review in which two patients underwent lengthy hospitalisations whilst receiving capecitabine, and were subsequently found to be DPD deficient, we initiated routine DPYD genotyping prior to starting capecitabine. This study evaluates the clinical application of routine DPYD screening at a large cancer centre in London.

Methods

We reviewed medical records for consecutive patients with mBC who underwent DPYD genotyping before commencing capecitabine between December 2014 and December 2017. Patients were tested for four DPYD variants associated with reduced DPD activity.

Results

Sixty-six patients underwent DPYD testing. Five (8.4%) patients were found to carry DPYD genetic polymorphisms associated with reduced DPD activity; of these, two received dose-reduced capecitabine. Of the 61 patients with DPYD wild-type, 14 (23%) experienced grade 3 toxicities which involved palmar–plantar erythrodysesthesia (65%), and gastrointestinal toxicities (35%); no patient was hospitalised due to toxicity.

Conclusions

Prospective DPYD genotyping can be successfully implemented in routine clinical practice and can reduce the risk of severe fluoropyrimidine toxicities.

Real-world experience of trifluridine/tipiracil in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: A multicenter United Kingdom study

668

Background: TAS-102 is an orally administered combination of the thymidine-based nucleic acid analogue, trifluridine and the thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, tipiracil hydrochloride. Following the phase III RECOURSE study, it received approval as third line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer showing significant improvement in overall and progression free survival and an acceptable toxicity profile. Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective observational study of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving TAS-102 as third line treatment between 2016 and 2018 in Cancer centers across the UK. Results: A total of 143 patients were included (94 men, 49 women). Median age was 68 years (35-82). All patients had received at least 2 lines of fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy doublet with oxaliplatin or irinotecan. About 90% of patients had ECOG ≥ 1. Median duration of treatment was 2.9 months (0.5-22.9), with a response rate of 1.6% and stable disease achieved in 24%. Median OS was 7 months (95% CI 5.84-8.15) and median PFS 2.6 months (95% CI 2.2-3.36). A dose reduction was required in 28% of patients, while 8% discontinued treatment due to toxicity. AEs reported included fatigue 81.3% (G3 16.8%), nausea 34.5% (G3 4.5%) and diarrhoea 25.5% (G3 1.8%). Neutropenia was common 50.4%, (≥ G3: 25.4%) with 4.2% cases of neutropenic fever while thrombocytopenia was less frequent 8.7% (≥ G3 1.8%). Conclusions: The OS, PFS and ORR observed in our real-world experience were consistent with the RECOURSE trial, though we noted a lower disease control rate. Overall, TAS-102 was well tolerated and the most prevalent adverse events seen in our patients were in keeping with those reported in the trial. Although severe toxicities were less frequent than the trial, we experienced higher rates of toxicity induced dose reductions and treatment cessations, which could reflect the differences between trial and real world populations. Further validation is warranted.

Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC): an update of genetics, molecular biology, and therapeutic interventions

Combined hepatocellular cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare and aggressive primary hepatic malignancy with significant histological and biological heterogeneity. It presents with more aggressive behavior and worse survival outcomes than either hepatocellular carcinoma or CC and remains a diagnostic challenge. An accurate diagnosis is crucial for its optimal management. Major hepatectomy with hilar node resection remains the mainstay of treatment in operable cases. Advances in the genetic and molecular characterization of this tumor will contribute to the better understanding of its pathogenesis and shape its future management.

Abstract B44: Protein interactions involving LARP1 in chemotherapy resistant ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy accounting for 152,000 deaths annually worldwide. Due to the lack of a validated diagnostic tool, patients usually present with disseminated disease and the majority will develop resistance to platinum chemotherapy. Resensitizing OC to cisplatin-based chemotherapy is an unmet clinical need. The RNA-binding protein LARP1 is highly expressed in OC and is a post-transcriptional regulator of cell survival and tumorigenesis. LARP1 depletion using RNA interference (RNAi) restores platinum sensitivity in cisplatin-resistant OC cell lines and shows a synergistic anti-tumour effect with cisplatin. We explored the effect of this resensitization on the efficiency of protein translation using the Surface Sensing of Translation (SUnSET) method. Whilst cisplatin-induced genotoxic stress attenuated de novo protein synthesis in platinum sensitive OVCAR3 cells, this was not observed in platinum-resistant OVCAR8 cells where residual protein synthesis was maintained. However this residual translation was completely abolished after RNAi to LARP1 suggesting that, in the OVCAR8 cells, LARP1 maintains protein synthesis during genotoxic stress. Although LARP1 is known to bind Poly A binding protein (PABP) we questioned whether other interacting partners might also regulate this response. Using immunoprecipitation followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in OVCAR3 and OVCAR8 cells before and after cisplatin treatment, we identified PABPC1, PABPC4 and YB-1 as strong interactors with LARP1. By western blotting, Duolink Proximity Ligation Assay and Immunofluorescence we then confirmed these candidates as being complexed with LARP1. We are currently elucidating the functional role of these interactions on the LARP1-mediated genotoxic stress response with the overall aim of identifying therapeutic strategies to overcome platinum-resistance in ovarian cancer.

Citation Format: Chara Stavraka, Manuela Mura, Roman Fischer, Marie-Laetitia Thezenas, Sadaf Ghaem Maghami, James Chettle, Laki Buluwela, Benedikt Kessler, Sarah P. Blagden. Protein interactions involving LARP1 in chemotherapy resistant ovarian cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translational Control of Cancer: A New Frontier in Cancer Biology and Therapy; 2016 Oct 27-30; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(6 Suppl):Abstract nr B44.

Abstract B30: The RNA-binding protein LARP1 is a cancer therapeutic target

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecological cancers killing 60% of women diagnosed with the disease within 5 years. The major contributor to this high mortality is the emergence of chemotherapy resistance; the tumor is initially sensitive to chemotherapy (especially cisplatin, the mainstay of treatment) but recurs with increasingly resistant disease. Effective methods of overcoming treatment resistance are a major unmet medical need and would prolong survival and improve quality of life for women with this disease. We have shown previously that the RNA binding protein La-related protein 1 (LARP1) binds and post-transcriptionally regulates the stability of mRNAs encoding cell survival and stress response proteins including mTOR, BCL2 and BIK. In ovarian cancer tissue, elevated levels of LARP1 protein correlate with adverse survival outcome and chemotherapy resistance. In vivo inhibition of LARP1 using therapeutic RNA interference (packaged in DOPC nanoliposomes) restores cisplatin sensitivity in resistant ovarian cancer xenograft models. In concurrent studies, using a novel ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method, we have quantified LARP1 in the circulation of ovarian cancer patients and found that high levels correspond with poor prognosis. Circulating LARP1 has prognostic significance and may act as a companion biomarker to a LARP1 inhibitor. We conclude that LARP1, through its regulation of multiple mRNAs within critical pathophysiological pathways, is an important cancer therapeutic target and that RNA-based drugs designed to target LARP1 restore chemotherapy sensitivity in xenograft models.

Citation Format: Essam A. Ghazaly, John Le Quesne, Dahai Jiang, Selanere L. Mangala, James Chettle, Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo, Gabriel Lopez-Berestein, Chathunissa Gnanaranjan, Manuela Mura, Chara Stavraka, Anil K. Sood, Sarah P. Blagden. The RNA-binding protein LARP1 is a cancer therapeutic target. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Translational Control of Cancer: A New Frontier in Cancer Biology and Therapy; 2016 Oct 27-30; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(6 Suppl):Abstract nr B30.

The La-Related Proteins, a Family with Connections to Cancer

The evolutionarily-conserved La-related protein (LARP) family currently comprises Genuine La, LARP1, LARP1b, LARP4, LARP4b, LARP6 and LARP7. Emerging evidence suggests each LARP has a distinct role in transcription and/or mRNA translation that is attributable to subtle sequence variations within their La modules and specific C-terminal domains. As emerging research uncovers the function of each LARP, it is evident that La, LARP1, LARP6, LARP7 and possibly LARP4a and 4b are dysregulated in cancer. Of these, LARP1 is the first to be demonstrated to drive oncogenesis. Here, we review the role of each LARP and the evidence linking it to malignancy. We discuss a future strategy of targeting members of this protein family as cancer therapy.

First-in-human study of CH5132799, an oral class I PI3K inhibitor, studying toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, in patients with metastatic cancer

PURPOSE

This phase I dose-escalation study investigated the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and preliminary clinical activity of CH5132799.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients with metastatic solid tumors were eligible for the study. CH5132799 was administered orally once daily or twice daily in 28-day cycles.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients with solid tumors received CH5132799 at 2 to 96 mg once daily or 48 to 72 mg twice daily. The MTD was 48 mg on the twice-daily schedule but was not reached on the once daily schedule. DLTs were grade 3 elevated liver function tests (LFT), grade 3 fatigue, grade 3 encephalopathy, grade 3 diarrhea, and grade 3 diarrhea with grade 3 stomatitis; all DLTs were reversible. Most drug-related adverse events were grade 1/2. Diarrhea (34%) and nausea (32%) were the most common events. Mean Cmax and AUC0-24 in steady state at MTD were 175 ng/mL and 1,550 ng·h/mL, respectively, consistent with efficacious exposure based on preclinical modeling. Reduction in SUVmax with [(18)F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) was observed in 5 of 7 patients at MTD. A patient with PIK3CA-mutated clear cell carcinoma of the ovary achieved a partial response by GCIG CA125 criteria and further, a heavily pretreated patient with triple-negative breast cancer had marked improvement in her cutaneous skin lesions lasting six cycles.

CONCLUSION

CH5132799 is well tolerated at the MTD dose of 48 mg twice daily. At this dose, the drug had a favorable PK and PD profile and preliminary evidence of clinical activity.

Sexual activity and functioning in ovarian cancer survivors: an internet-based evaluation

OBJECTIVES

Sexual dysfunction is a known complication of treatment for many cancers, but there have been relatively few studies investigating outcomes for ovarian cancer survivors. We have previously reported that women treated for ovarian cancer experience persistent psychological and physical problems. Sexual functioning was highlighted as a significant factor and we sought to investigate this further.

METHODS

Women were invited to complete a questionnaire using both paper and online response formats. A validated tool, the Sexual Activity Questionnaire, was used to obtain information from women following a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

Across all responders (n = 102, mean age 51.3 years), 63% of women reported their ovarian cancer diagnosis had negatively changed their sex life. The most common reasons given for an absence of sexual activity were a lack of interest in sex, physical problems that prevented sex or no partner. Of the 46% of responders who stated they were sexually active, 77% reported pain or discomfort during intercourse and 87% described vaginal dryness.

CONCLUSION

For the majority of women, treatment for ovarian cancer negatively impacts on their sex lives. Many of the symptoms described by participants are potentially reversible and clinicians should be open to raising the issue of sexual functioning with their patients.

Developing an objective marker to optimize patient selection and predict survival benefit in early-phase cancer trials

BACKGROUND

Several prognostic indices have been devised to optimize patient selection for phase 1 oncology trials with no consensus as to the optimal score and none qualifying as a marker of treatment response.

METHODS

Multivariate predictors of overall survival (OS) were tested on 118 referred patients to develop the Hammersmith Score (HS). The score's ability to predict OS, progression-free survival (PFS), and 90-day mortality (90DM) was compared with other prognostic indices. Changes in HS were recalculated during treatment.

RESULTS

Albumin<35 g/L, lactate dehydrogenase>450 U/L, and sodium<135 mmol/L emerged as independent prognostic factors. These were used with equal weighting to devise the HS, a compound prognostic index ranging from 0 to 3. High (HS=2-3) score predicted worse OS (hazard ratio [HR]=6.5, P<.001), PFS (HR=2.8, P=.01), and 90DM (OR=9.0, P<.001). HS was a more accurate multivariate predictor of OS (HR=6.4, P<.001, C-index=0.72), PFS (HR=2.7, P=.03), and 90DM (area under the ROC curve 0.703) compared with other scores. Worsening of the HS during treatment predicted for shorter OS (P<.001). HS retained prognostic and predictive ability following external validation.

CONCLUSIONS

HS is a simple, validated index to optimize patient selection and predict survival benefit from phase 1 oncology treatments. Prospective validation is ongoing.

ProGem1: Phase I first-in-human study of the novel nucleotide NUC-1031 in adult patients with advanced solid tumors

2576

Background: NUC-1031 is a novel nucleotide (ProTide) that evades all three key cellular resistance mechanisms associated with gemcitabine (dFdC). NUC-1031 bypasses nucleoside transporters, is activated independent of deoxycytidine kinase and is resistant to cytidine deaminase-mediated degradation. NUC-1031 has demonstrated broad antiproliferative activity in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Patients with relapsed/refractory advanced solid tumors entered in sequential cohorts of up to 6 patients, with escalating doses of NUC-1031 administered as a 5-10 minute IV injection weekly or twice-weekly. Ongoing objectives are to determine recommended phase II dose, safety profile, pharmacokinetics (PK) and preliminary anti-tumor activity. Results: 8 patients (5 female, 3 male) with pancreatic (2), colorectal (2), breast (1), and ovarian (1) cancers; cholangiocarcinoma (1) and unknown primary (1) have been enrolled. Two dose levels - 500mg/m2 (4) and 1000mg/m2 (1) weekly and one dose level - 375 mg/m2(3) twice-weekly. No DLTs have been observed. Mean AUC (0 - 24 h) for NUC-1031 was 150.3 ± 84.8 µM/h (n=5). dFdC and dFdU were detected in plasma up to 24 h (range of 0 - 5.8 µM for dFdC and 0 - 14.9 µM for dFdU). NUC-1031 excreted in urine mainly as dFdU. The Table shows rapid elimination of NUC-1031 from plasma and high intracellular levels of the active gemcitabine triphosphate at 2 and 24 h. Stable disease achieved in 1 patient with rapidly progressing breast cancer. Two further patients had symptomatic relief and improved QOL, including a dramatic reduction in ascites and pain. Conclusions: PK data show NUC-1031 has ≥ 10x higher intracellular levels of the active compound, dFdCTP, and significantly lower plasma Cmax levels of the toxic metabolite, dFdU, compared to equivalent levels of gemcitabine. NUC-1031 has shown better intracellular delivery and toxicity profile than gemcitabine with some promising early indicators of clinical efficacy. Clinical trial information: NCT01621854. [Table: see text]

A study to evaluate the cause of bone demineralization in gynecological cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

An association between treatment for gynecological cancers and risk of osteoporosis has never been formally evaluated. Women treated for these cancers are now living longer than ever before, and prevention of treatment-induced morbidities is important. We aimed to distinguish, in gynecological cancer survivors, whether cancer therapy has additional detrimental effects on bone health above those attributable to hormone withdrawal.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan results from 105 women; 64 had undergone bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy for gynecological malignancies, and 41 age-matched women had undergone BSO for benign etiologies. All were premenopausal prior to surgery.

RESULTS

The median age at DEXA scan for the cancer group was 42 years, and 66% had received hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) following their cancer treatment. For the benign group, the median age was 40 years, and 87% had received HRT. Thirty-nine percent of cancer survivors had abnormal DEXA scan results compared to 15% of the control group, with the majority demonstrating osteopenia. The mean lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral densities (BMDs) were significantly lower in cancer patients. A history of gynecological cancer treatment was associated with significantly lower BMD in a multivariate logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Women treated for gynecological malignancies with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy have significantly lower BMDs than age-matched women who have undergone oophorectomy for noncancer indications. Prospective evaluation of BMD in gynecological cancer patients is recommended to facilitate interventions that will reduce the risk of subsequent fragility fractures.

Clinical, ethical and financial implications of incidental imaging findings: experience from a phase I trial in healthy elderly volunteers

Background

The detection of incidental findings (IF) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies is common and increases as a function of age. Responsible handling of IF is required, with implications for the conduct of research and the provision of good clinical care.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of IF in a prospective cohort of healthy elderly volunteers who underwent MRI of the torso as a baseline investigation for a phase I trial. We assessed the follow-up pathway with consequent cost implications and impact on trial outcomes.

Methods

A total of 29 elderly healthy volunteers (mean age 67, range 61–77, 59% female) were eligible at screening and underwent MRI for assessment of visceral and subcutaneous fat.

Results

IF were detected in 19 subjects (66%). Suspected IF of high and low clinical significance were found in 14% and 52% of participants, respectively. Follow up of IF was conducted in 18 individuals, confirming abnormalities in 13 subjects, 3 of whom were recommended for deferred clinical re-evaluation. The remaining 5 subjects had false positive IF based on second line imaging tests. Costs of follow-up medical care were considerable.

Conclusion

MRI abnormalities are common in elderly individuals, as a result of age and non-diagnostic quality of research scans. In the presence of IF in the context of clinical trials, immediate referrals and follow up assessments may be required to rule out suspected pathology prior to exposing trial participants to investigational medicine products (IMP). Unanticipated costs, ethical implication and the possible impact of IF on trial outcomes need to be taken into account when designing and conducting trials with an IMP.

A pharmacokinetic (PK) pharmacodynamic (PD) driven first-in-human study of the oral class I PI3K inhibitor CH5132799, in patients with advanced solid tumors

3022

Background: The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is a promising target in cancer. CH5132799 is a novel PI3K inhibitor, selectively inhibiting class I PI3Ks (α, β, δ and γ) with no inhibition of class II and III or mTOR, and with potent antitumor activity in preclinical studies (Tanaka et al, Clin Cancer Res; 17; 3272-81, 2011). First-in-human study objectives were determination of maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety/tolerability, PK/PD and clinical activity (RECIST). Methods: A 3+3 dose escalation design was used. The initial dosing schedule of CH5132799(schedule A) was once a day (QD). Due to a relatively short half-life, a twice a day (BID) schedule (schedule B) was introduced. PK profiles were studied over 72 hours. PD analyses included quantification of various phosphoproteins in platelet rich plasma (PRP). Tumor assessments were performed at baseline and cycle 3 day 1 (C3D1) and FDG-PET scans at baseline, C1D8 and C3D1. Results: 29 patients (pts) with a variety of solid tumors have been treated (A 23 pts, B 6 pts, the most common tumors were breast, oesophageal, colorectal and ovarian). The starting doses were 2 mg (A) and 48 mg (B). The current doses being explored are 96 mg (A) and 72 mg (B). The most frequently reported drug-related AEs were Grade 1/2 diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, anorexia and anemia. 1 DLT (Grade 3 elevated LFT) was observed in a hepatocellular carcinoma pt at 48 mg BID. MTD has not yet been determined. The preliminary mean ±SD Cmax and AUC at 96 mg QD were 202±129 ng/ml and 1407±935 ng·hr/ml respectively, which is consistent with an efficacious exposure based on preclinical models. Some patients achieved the expected exposure at over 32 mg. From single dose of 48mg there was a reduction of phosphorylation of AKT in PRP after treatment, consistent with pathway modulation. A patient with clear cell ovarian cancer and a PIK3CA mutation treated at 48 mg BID showed >50% decrease in SUV on a PET scan at C1D8 and a 75% decrease in CA-125 at C2D1. 5 pts exhibited SD (>8 weeks). Conclusions: CH5132799 is well tolerated either QD ≤96 mg or BID ≤48 mg. Dose-escalation continues and updated safety/efficacy/PK/PD data will be presented.

Use of inflammation-based scores to optimize the selection of patients with advanced cancer considered for early-phase clinical trials

e13033

Background: The presence of adequate organ function, favorable performance status (PS) and exhaustion of standard treatments are the main factors guiding accrual onto Phase I trials. As inflammation is inherent to the pathogenesis and prognosis of cancer we investigated the prognostic and predictive performance of inflammation based indices including the neutrophil (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Methods: Unselected referrals to the Phase I unit (2007-2011) were considered. Demographic, treatment, staging data and routine blood tests were collected. Patients were defined as high risk if NLR>5 or PLR>300 respectively. Changes in the NLR (ΔNLR) were recalculated at disease reassessment. Kaplan Meier and log rank test were used to assess Progression Free (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) with each variable. Significant factors were further tested in a multivariate Cox model. C-index was used to calculate the discriminative ability of each score and ROC curves to predict 90 days survival (90DS). Results: We included 126 patients with median age 63 years (range: 22-80); median OS 4.4 months (0.2-39), 36% male; 92% with metastases, 23% PS>1. On univariate analysis LDH>450, PS, NLR≥5, hypoalbuminaemia, NLR normalization (ΔNLR) (p<0.001), >2 previous treatment lines (p=0.01) predicted for OS. After multivariate analysis low albumin, high LDH and ΔNLR remained independent predictors (p<0.05). Shorter PFS was predicted by elevated LDH and ΔNLR (p<0.05). PS and NLR ranked as most accurate predictors of both 90DS with area under the ROC curve values of 0.66 (0.55-0.77) and 0.64 (0.54-0.75) and OS with c-index scores of 0.69 (0.56-0.82) and 0.60 (0.50-0.70). When combined to PS, the NLR improved its accuracy to 0.72 (0.59-0.83). NLR≥5 at screening was associated with advanced PS, low albumin (p<0.002), LDH>450 and >2 metastatic sites (p<0.05). Conclusions: The NLR can improve the selection of patients considered for experimental therapies, with its normalization following treatment predicting for a survival benefit of 7 months in our series.

Multivariate screening of prognostic factors to identify a novel, simple, and objective marker to optimize patient selection and predict survival benefit in early-phase trials

2608

Background: Several prognostic indices have been devised to optimize patient selection for phase I trials. However, there is no consensus as to the optimal score and none qualifies as a marker of response. We developed a simple score through a multivariate screening of individual variables and compared its performance with existing prognostic scores including the Royal Marsden, Nijmegen and Prince Margaret Hospital scores. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed characteristics and outcomes of 120 referrals to our phase I center (2007 - 2011). Independent predictors for overall survival (OS) were identified from univariate (Kaplan Meier) and multivariate (Cox regression) analyses and used to create the Hammersmith Hospital score (HS). This was compared with the other indices for predicting progression free survival (PFS), OS and 90 day mortality (90 DM). Multivariate logistic regression and ROC curves were used to estimate 90 DM and c-index was used to estimate the prognostic ability of the different indices. Changes in HS following treatment (ΔHS) were calculated at 6 weeks RECIST in a subset of patients receiving targeted therapies (n= 50). Results: Median age was 62 years (range: 28 – 80); median OS 4.3 months (range: 0.2 – 39); 34% male; 25% PS>1. Multivariate screening identified albumin <35 g/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >450 U/L and sodium <135mmol/L as the strongest independent predictors of OS (p<0.05). These were entered into a 3-point score (HS) that classifies patients as being at high risk (score 2-3) vs. low risk (score 0-1) of worse OS (HR= 5.8, p<0.001), PFS (HR= 2.7, p= 0.04) and 90 DM (OR= 5.9, p= 0.001). All scores predicted for OS on univariate analysis (p<0.05). On multivariate analysis HS performed best to predict OS (HR= 3.9, p<0.001 C-index score= 0.71), PFS (HR= 2.6 p= 0.04) and 90 DM with area under the ROC curve 0.71. ΔHS independently predicted for OS (p<0.001), with worsening of the score reflecting poorer OS. Prospective validation is ongoing. Conclusions: HS is a simple score that outperforms other prognostic indices. This can be used to select individuals for future studies as well as an additional marker of response.

Postoperative pain management and acupuncture: a case report of meniscal cyst excision

We report a case of pain management after a meniscal cyst excision, with the use of electroacupuncture (EA). There are a few reports which indicate that postoperative pain management is prerequisite for the patient's optimal recovery, but surveys in the UK and the USA have identified an unacceptable prevalence of poor pain control after surgery, which might increase the risk of a chronic pain state. The conventional treatment of postoperative pain includes systemic medications such as opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other non-opioid agents. In our case, the rehabilitation lasted for 6 months without significant benefit. After that period our patient was treated with EA. By the end of the first EA session the relief of pain was notable and after a course of 10 treatments the patient reported complete relief of the symptoms with no recurrence during a 2 year follow up period. In conclusion, this might indicate that EA could be useful for postoperative pain management.