CNS Antitumor Activity of Amivantamab With Osimertinib in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Acquired Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition Amplification Resistance Mechanism: A Case Report

NSCLC w/EGFRex19del & MET amp: durable intracranial + systemic response to amivantamab/osimertinib.

Plasma Proteome-Based Test for First-Line Treatment Selection in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

Current guidelines for the management of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver mutations recommend checkpoint immunotherapy with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. This approach fails to account for individual patient variability and host immune factors and often results in less-than-ideal outcomes. To address the limitations of the current guidelines, we developed and subsequently blindly validated a machine learning algorithm using pretreatment plasma proteomic profiles for personalized treatment decisions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter observational trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04056247) of patients undergoing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based therapy (n = 540) and an additional patient cohort receiving chemotherapy (n = 85) who consented to pretreatment plasma and clinical data collection. Plasma proteome profiling was performed using SomaScan Assay v4.1.

RESULTS

Our test demonstrates a strong association between model output and clinical benefit (CB) from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based treatments, evidenced by high concordance between predicted and observed CB (R2 = 0.98, P < .001). The test categorizes patients as either PROphet-positive or PROphet-negative and further stratifies patient outcomes beyond PD-L1 expression levels. The test successfully differentiates between PROphet-negative patients exhibiting high tumor PD-L1 levels (≥50%) who have enhanced overall survival when treated with a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy compared with immunotherapy alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.23 [95% CI, 0.1 to 0.51], P = .0003). By contrast, PROphet-positive patients show comparable outcomes when treated with immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.42 to 1.44], P = .424).

CONCLUSION

Plasma proteome-based testing of individual patients, in combination with standard PD-L1 testing, distinguishes patient subsets with distinct differences in outcomes from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor-based therapies. These data suggest that this approach can improve the precision of first-line treatment for metastatic NSCLC.

Phase II Study of Docetaxel and Trametinib in Patients with KRAS Mutation Positive Recurrent Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC; SWOG S1507, NCT-02642042)

PURPOSE

Efficacy of MEK inhibitors in KRAS+ NSCLC may differ based on specific KRAS mutations and comutations. Our hypothesis was that docetaxel and trametinib would improve activity in KRAS+ NSCLC and specifically in KRAS G12C NSCLC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

S1507 is a single-arm phase II study assessing the response rate (RR) with docetaxel plus trametinib in recurrent KRAS+ NSCLC and secondarily in the G12C subset. The accrual goal was 45 eligible patients, with at least 25 with G12C mutation. The design was two-stage design to rule out a 17% RR, within the overall population at the one-sided 3% level and within the G12C subset at the 5% level.

RESULTS

Between July 18, 2016, and March 15, 2018, 60 patients were enrolled with 53 eligible and 18 eligible in the G12C cohort. The RR was 34% [95% confidence interval (CI), 22-48] overall and 28% (95% CI, 10-53) in G12C. Median PFS and OS were 4.1 and 3.3 months and 10.9 and 8.8 months, overall and in the subset, respectively. Common toxicities were fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, rash, anemia, mucositis, and neutropenia. Among 26 patients with known status for TP53 (10+ve) and STK11 (5+ve), OS (HR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.16-7.01), and RR (0% vs. 56%, P = 0.004) were worse in patients with TP53 mutated versus wild-type cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

RRs were significantly improved in the overall population. Contrary to preclinical studies, the combination showed no improvement in efficacy in G12C patients. Comutations may influence therapeutic efficacy of KRAS directed therapies and are worthy of further evaluation. See related commentary by Cantor and Aggarwal, p. 3563.

Representativeness of Patients Enrolled in the Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP)

PURPOSE

Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP), a public-private partnership, established infrastructure for conducting a biomarker-driven master protocol in molecularly targeted therapies. We compared characteristics of patients enrolled in Lung-MAP with those of patients in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trials to examine if master protocols improve trial access.

METHODS

We examined patients enrolled in Lung-MAP (2014-2020) according to sociodemographic characteristics. Proportions for characteristics were compared with those for a set of advanced NSCLC trials (2001-2020) and the US advanced NSCLC population using SEER registry data (2014-2018). Characteristics of patients enrolled in Lung-MAP treatment substudies were examined in subgroup analysis. Two-sided tests of proportions at an alpha of .01 were used for all comparisons.

RESULTS

A total of 3,556 patients enrolled in Lung-MAP were compared with 2,215 patients enrolled in other NSCLC studies. Patients enrolled in Lung-MAP were more likely to be 65 years and older (57.2% v 46.3%; P < .0001), from rural areas (17.3% v 14.4%; P = .004), and from socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods (42.2% v 36.7%, P < .0001), but less likely to be female (38.6% v 47.2%; P < .0001), Asian (2.8% v 5.1%; P < .0001), or Hispanic (2.4% v 3.8%; P = .003). Among patients younger than 65 years, Lung-MAP enrolled more patients using Medicaid/no insurance (27.6% v 17.8%; P < .0001). Compared with the US advanced NSCLC population, Lung-MAP under represented patients 65 years and older (57.2% v 69.8%; P < .0001), females (38.6% v 46.0%; P < .0001), and racial or ethnic minorities (14.8% v 21.5%; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Master protocols may improve access to trials using novel therapeutics for older patients and socioeconomically vulnerable patients compared with conventional trials, but specific patient exclusion criteria influenced demographic composition. Further research examining participation barriers for under represented racial or ethnic minorities in precision medicine clinical trials is warranted.

Quality-of-life outcomes and risk prediction for patients randomized to nivolumab plus ipilimumab vs nivolumab on LungMAP-S1400I

BACKGROUND

An important issue for patients with cancer treated with novel therapeutics is how they weigh the effects of treatment on survival and quality of life (QOL). We compared QOL in patients enrolled to SWOG S1400I, a substudy of the LungMAP biomarker-driven master protocol.

METHODS

SWOG S1400I was a randomized phase III trial comparing nivolumab plus ipilimumab vs nivolumab for treatment of immunotherapy-naïve disease in advanced squamous cell lung cancer. The primary endpoint was the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer severity score at week 7 and week 13 with a target difference of 1.0 points, assessed using multivariable linear regression. A composite risk model for progression-free and overall survival was derived using best-subset selection.

RESULTS

Among 158 evaluable patients, median age was 67.6 years and most were male (66.5%). The adjusted MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer severity score was 0.04 points (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.44 to 0.51 points; P = .89) at week 7 and 0.12 points (95% CI = -0.41 to 0.65; P = .66) at week 13. A composite risk model showed that patients with high levels of appetite loss and shortness of breath had a threefold increased risk of progression or death (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.88 to 4.98; P < .001) and that those with high levels of both appetite loss and work limitations had a fivefold increased risk of death (HR = 5.60, 95% CI = 3.27 to 9.57; P < .001)-compared with those with neither risk category.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence of a benefit of ipilimumab added to nivolumab compared with nivolumab alone for QOL in S1400I. A risk model identified patients at high risk of poor survival, demonstrating the prognostic relevance of baseline patient-reported outcomes even in those with previously treated advanced cancer.

Convergence of Precision Oncology and Liquid Biopsy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

This review article illuminates the role of liquid biopsy in the continuum of care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We discuss its current application in advanced-stage NSCLC at the time of diagnosis and at progression. We highlight research showing that concurrent testing of blood and tissue yields faster, more informative, and cheaper answers than the standard stepwise approach. We also describe future applications for liquid biopsy including treatment response monitoring and testing for minimal residual disease. Lastly, we discuss the emerging role of liquid biopsy for screening and early detection.

Abstract 5955: In Silico dissection of immune infiltrate signatures that are detected by DetermaIO, a predictor of response to immune therapy

Background: The composition of tumors includes not only malignant but also immune, stromal and other cell types. Understanding this dynamic tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is important to guide treatment and develop novel therapies and markers. We have previously validated immuno-oncology gene expression signatures (DetermaIO (DTIO) and a 101-gene algorithm), that predict efficacy of checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) based on distinguishing immunomodulatory (IM), mesenchymal stem-like (MSL), and mesenchymal (M) phenotypes. In this study we used TCGA and clinical cohorts to identify immune infiltrate populations within these defined TIME spaces and their association with ICI treatment.

Methods: We derived novel human immune infiltrate signatures from a translation of murine ImmGen cell populations and a search for conserved co-expression of immune markers across multiple tumors. In total, 20 tumors from TCGA were employed for derivation and analysis encompassing 7163 unique samples. These novel signatures were compared to published immune infiltrate signatures and then their association with ICI efficacy and each other assessed in three cohorts treated with ICI therapy, IMvigor210 and an additional bladder cohort, comprising 272 and 89 patients with censored outcome results, and a melanoma cohort (N=105).

Results: The ImmGen analysis created 35 immune cell signatures and pan-tumor conserved co-expression of immune markers created eight signatures. The co-expression signatures often contained a mixed population of cell-type markers, though largely dominated by either myeloid or lymphoid markers. These signatures showed highly reproducible proportions of samples with strong expression between train and test TCGA sets. Most immune signatures had their highest representation in IM and DTIO+ tumors, however there was also consistent identification of presumptive immune infiltrate presence in MSL, M and DTIO negative cases. Two of the conserved co-expression signatures, one comprised of B-cell markers, and the other of T cell and other lymphoid markers, were associated with ICI efficacy in IMvigor210 and validated in the other “real-world” bladder cohort (B-cell: OR=0.8, p=0.022, T lymphoid: OR=0.7, p=0.005). Both signatures also had significant association with outcome in the cohort with clinical response outcomes, being strongest in patients after treatment had initiated.

Conclusions: These cell-type signatures may be identifying novel immune infiltrate populations that co-exist within the tumor immune microenvironment and are potentially predictive of ICI response. The two signatures were not independent of DTIO in either cohort, suggesting that the 27-gene algorithm DTIO largely incorporates this information. This analysis begins to dissect the complex physiology of the tumor immune microenvironment that mediates response to immune therapy.

Citation Format: Brian Z. Ring, Catherine T. Cronister, Robert S. Seitz, Douglas T. Ross, Brock Schweitzer, David R. Gandara. In Silico dissection of immune infiltrate signatures that are detected by DetermaIO, a predictor of response to immune therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5955.

27-gene Immuno-Oncology (IO) Score is Associated With Efficacy of Checkpoint Immunotherapy in Advanced NSCLC: A Retrospective BC Cancer Study

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are standard of care in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, not all patients benefit, even among PD-L1 tumor proportional score (TPS) ≥50%, indicating an unmet need for additional biomarkers such as those assessing the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). DetermaIO is a 27-gene assay that classifies TIME and has previously demonstrated association with ICI response.

METHODS

FFPE samples were selected from BC Cancer and West Clinic Cancer Center patients with performance status (PS) ≤2 who received at least 2 cycles of ICI monotherapy in the first (1L) or second line (2L). IO scores were generated and analyzed for association with PFS and OS.

RESULTS

In the entire cohort (N=147), IO score was significantly associated with OS (HR=0.68, 95%CI 0.47-0.99, P = .042) and PFS (HR=0.62, 95%CI 0.43-0.88, P = .0069). In 1L treated patients (PD-L1≥50%, N=78), IO score was significantly associated with PFS (HR=0.55, 95%CI 0.32-0.94, P = .028). In exploratory analyses, IO score was associated with benefit in 1L PS2 patients for OS (HR = 0.26, 95%CI 0.091-0.74, P = .012) and PFS (HR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.098-0.72, P = .0095) which was confirmed in PFS subgroup analysis in the independent West Cancer Center study (N=13 HR=0.14, 95%CI 0.027-0.76, P = .023).

CONCLUSION

These data confirm the association of DetermaIO with ICI clinical benefit in NSCLC, and expand on previous studies by demonstrating that first line treated PD-L1≥50% patients can further be stratified by IO score to identify efficacy. Exploratory analysis suggested that the IO score identifies benefit in patients with poor PS.

Phase 1 Study of Ceritinib Combined With Trametinib in Patients With Advanced ALK- or ROS1-Positive NSCLC

Introduction

In patients with NSCLC harboring oncogenic ALK or ROS1 rearrangements, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have yielded high response rates and improvements in progression-free survival compared with cytotoxic chemotherapy; however, acquired resistance eventually develops. In preclinical models, ALK and MEK coinhibition was able to overcome ALK inhibitor resistance.

Methods

A phase 1 study of the ALK/ROS1 inhibitor ceritinib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib in patients with refractory NSCLC harboring ALK or ROS1 fusions was initiated. A three plus three dose-escalation scheme was used. Two dose levels were investigated. The primary end point was to determine the safety and tolerability of the combination.

Results

Nine patients (n = 8 ALK+, n = 1 ROS1+) were enrolled in the study and completed at least one cycle of therapy. The most common adverse events (all grades) were diarrhea (n = 9; 100%), rash (n = 8; 89%), abdominal pain (n = 5; 56%), and elevated aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase level (n = 4; 44%). The overall response rate was 22%, whereas disease control rate was 56%. Median duration of response was 7.85 months. The median progression-free survival was 3.0 months (95% confidence interval: 1.5-7.0 mo). The median overall survival was 8.9 months (95% confidence interval: 2.0-not reached).

Conclusions

Data from this trial indicate that the combination of ceritinib and trametinib had no unexpected toxicities and that a tolerable dose could be identified. A subset of patients seemed to obtain clinical benefit from this treatment after progression on prior ALK/ROS1 inhibitor treatment.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03087448.

A Genomically and Clinically Annotated Patient-Derived Xenograft Resource for Preclinical Research in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models are an effective preclinical in vivo platform for testing the efficacy of novel drugs and drug combinations for cancer therapeutics. Here we describe a repository of 79 genomically and clinically annotated lung cancer PDXs available from The Jackson Laboratory that have been extensively characterized for histopathologic features, mutational profiles, gene expression, and copy-number aberrations. Most of the PDXs are models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including 37 lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and 33 lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) models. Other lung cancer models in the repository include four small cell carcinomas, two large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas, two adenosquamous carcinomas, and one pleomorphic carcinoma. Models with both de novo and acquired resistance to targeted therapies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors are available in the collection. The genomic profiles of the LUAD and LUSC PDX models are consistent with those observed in patient tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas and previously characterized gene expression-based molecular subtypes. Clinically relevant mutations identified in the original patient tumors were confirmed in engrafted PDX tumors. Treatment studies performed in a subset of the models recapitulated the responses expected on the basis of the observed genomic profiles. These models therefore serve as a valuable preclinical platform for translational cancer research.

SIGNIFICANCE

Patient-derived xenografts of lung cancer retain key features observed in the originating patient tumors and show expected responses to treatment with standard-of-care agents, providing experimentally tractable and reproducible models for preclinical investigations.

Circulating Tumor DNA Kinetics Predict Progression-Free and Overall Survival in EGFR TKI-Treated Patients with EGFR-Mutant NSCLC (SWOG S1403)

PURPOSE

Dynamic changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) are under investigation as an early indicator of treatment outcome.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Serial plasma ctDNA (baseline, 8 weeks, and at progression) was prospectively incorporated into the SWOG S1403 clinical trial of afatinib ± cetuximab in tyrosine kinase inhibitor-naïve, EGFR mutation tissue-positive non-small cell lung cancer.

RESULTS

EGFR mutations were detected in baseline ctDNA in 77% (82/106) of patients, associated with the presence of brain and/or liver metastases and M1B stage. Complete clearance of EGFR mutations in ctDNA by 8 weeks was associated with a significantly decreased risk of progression, compared with those with persistent ctDNA at Cycle 3 Day 1 [HR, 0.23; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.12-0.45; P < 0.0001], with a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 15.1 (95% CI, 10.6-17.5) months in the group with clearance of ctDNA versus 4.6 (1.7-7.5) months in the group with persistent ctDNA. Clearance was also associated with a decreased risk of death (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.90), P = 0.02; median overall survival (OS): 32.6 (23.5-not estimable) versus 15.6 (4.9-28.3) months.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma clearance of mutant EGFR ctDNA at 8 weeks was highly and significantly predictive of PFS and OS, outperforming RECIST response for predicting long-term benefit.

The Armed Conflict and the Impact on Patients With Cancer in Ukraine: Urgent Considerations

On February 24, 2022, a war began within the Ukrainian borders. At least 3.0 million Ukrainian inhabitants have already fled the country. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, has been damaged. Children with cancer were urgently transported to foreign countries, in an effort to minimize interruption of their life-saving treatments. Most adults did not have that option. War breeds cancer—delaying diagnosis, preventing treatment, and increasing risk. We project that a modest delay in care of only 4 months for five prevalent types of cancer will lead to an excess of over 3,600 cancer deaths in the subsequent years. It is critical that we establish plans to mitigate that risk as soon as possible.

Ukraine conflict may cost 3600 lives or more because of a delay and lack of access for patients with cancer.

A phase I dose escalation, dose expansion and pharmacokinetic trial of gemcitabine and alisertib in advanced solid tumors and pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

Aurora Kinase A (AKA) inhibition with gemcitabine represents a potentially synergistic cancer treatment strategy via mitotic catastrophe. The feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of alisertib (MLN8237), an oral AKA inhibitor, with gemcitabine was evaluated in this open-label phase I trial with dose escalation and expansion.

METHODS

Key inclusion criteria included advanced solid tumor with any number of prior chemotherapy regimens in the dose escalation phase, and advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma with up to two prior chemotherapy regimens. Four dose levels (DLs 1-4) of alisertib (20, 30, 40, or 50 mg) were evaluated in 3 + 3 design with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² on days 1, 8, and 15 in 28-day cycles.

RESULTS

In total, 21 subjects were treated in dose escalation and 5 subjects were treated in dose expansion at DL4. Dose-limiting toxicities were observed in 1 of 6 subjects each in DL3 and DL4. All subjects experienced treatment-related adverse events. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events were observed in 73% of subjects, with neutropenia observed in 54%. Out of 22 subjects evaluable for response, 2 subjects (9%) had partial response and 14 subjects (64%) had stable disease. Median PFS was 4.1 months (95% CI 2.1-4.5). No significant changes in pharmacokinetic parameters for gemcitabine or its metabolite dFdU were observed with alisertib co-administration.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial established the recommended phase 2 dose of alisertib 50 mg to be combined with gemcitabine. Gemcitabine and alisertib are a feasible strategy with potential for disease control in multiple heavily pre-treated tumors, though gastrointestinal and hematologic toxicity was apparent.

Phase II Randomized Study of Ramucirumab and Pembrolizumab Versus Standard of Care in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Previously Treated With Immunotherapy-Lung-MAP S1800A

PURPOSE

Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a major unmet need. Combining ICI with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor inhibition has yielded promising results in multiple tumor types.

METHODS

In this randomized phase II Lung-MAP nonmatch substudy (S1800A), patients ineligible for a biomarker-matched substudy with NSCLC previously treated with ICI and platinum-based chemotherapy and progressive disease at least 84 days after initiation of ICI were randomly assigned to receive ramucirumab plus pembrolizumab (RP) or investigator's choice standard of care (SOC: docetaxel/ramucirumab, docetaxel, gemcitabine, and pemetrexed). With a goal of 130 eligible patients, the primary objective was to compare overall survival (OS) using a one-sided 10% level using the better of a standard log-rank (SLR) and weighted log-rank (WLR; G[rho = 0, gamma = 1]) test. Secondary end points included objective response, duration of response, investigator-assessed progression-free survival, and toxicity.

RESULTS

Of 166 patients enrolled, 136 were eligible (69 RP; 67 SOC). OS was significantly improved with RP (hazard ratio [80% CI]: 0.69 [0.51 to 0.92]; SLR one-sided P = .05; WLR one-sided P = .15). The median (80% CI) OS was 14.5 (13.9 to 16.1) months for RP and 11.6 (9.9 to 13.0) months for SOC. OS benefit for RP was seen in most subgroups. Investigator-assessed progression-free survival (hazard ratio [80% CI]: 0.86 [0.66 to 1.14]; one-sided SLR, P = .25 and .14 for WLR) and response rates (22% RP v 28% SOC, one-sided P = .19) were similar between arms. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 42% of patients in the RP group and 60% on SOC.

CONCLUSION

This randomized phase II trial demonstrated significantly improved OS with RP compared with SOC in patients with advanced NSCLC previously treated with ICI and chemotherapy. The safety was consistent with known toxicities of both drugs. These data warrant further evaluation.

Representativeness of patients enrolled in the Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP)

6543

Background: A major goal of Lung-MAP, a biomarker-driven master protocol conducted within the National Clinical Trials Network of the NCI using a public-private partnership, was to improve access to novel therapeutics. Representative enrollment of patient sub-groups in clinical trials is essential for improving confidence that trial findings are valid and applicable to all patients. We examined the representativeness of patients enrolled in Lung-MAP by demographic and area-level measures compared to patients in other advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trials and with the US NSCLC population. Methods: We analyzed data on patients enrolled to Lung-MAP between 2014-2020 according to sex, age ( < 65 years v. ≥ 65 years), race (White v. Black v. Asian), ethnicity (Hispanic v. not Hispanic), residence (rural v. urban), insurance type (Medicaid or no insurance v. private), and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation (quintiles of Area Deprivation Index score). Rates were compared to SWOG-led NSCLC trials conducted between 2001-2020 (date range to provide sufficient power) and, where possible, to US NSCLC population rates using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry data (2014-2018). Two-sided tests of proportions at the 5% level were used for all comparisons. Results: 3,556 patients enrolled to Lung-MAP were compared to 2,267 patients enrolled to SWOG-led NSCLC studies. Lung-MAP patients were more likely to be ≥ 65 years old (57.2% v. 46.7%; p <.001) and from rural areas (17.3% v. 14.3%; p =.002) but less likely to be female (38.6% v. 47.2%; p <.001), Asian (2.7% v. 5.1%; p < 0.0001), or Hispanic (2.4% v. 3.7%; p =.003). Compared to the US NSCLC population, Lung-MAP patients were less likely to be ≥ 65 years (57.2% v. 73.5%; p <.001), female (38.6% v. 47.8%; p <.001), or a racial or ethnic minority (15.5% v. 19.3%; p <.001). Lung-MAP patients were more likely to be from socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods (42.2% vs. 36.5%, p <.001). Among patients aged < 65 years, Lung-MAP enrolled more patients reporting Medicaid/no insurance as their primary insurance (27.6% v. 17.9%; p <.001). Conclusions: Lung-MAP improved access to novel therapeutics for older patients, rural patients, those with Medicaid/no insurance, and patients from socioeconomically deprived areas compared to other NSCLC trials. Lung-MAP enrolled exclusively squamous cell lung cancers from 2014-2018, which explains decreased representation of females. Consistent with prior research, Lung-MAP patients were younger and less diverse compared to the US NSCLC population. Further examination of the underrepresentation of Asian and Hispanic patients in Lung-MAP is required to identify barriers to access and potential solutions. The conduct of a master protocol across multiple locations may improve trial participation for patients with limited access due to area-level (rural, socioeconomic deprivation) or insurance barriers.

Overall survival from a phase II randomized study of ramucirumab plus pembrolizumab versus standard of care for advanced non–small cell lung cancer previously treated with immunotherapy: Lung-MAP nonmatched substudy S1800A

9004

Background: Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy develops in most patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tumors that develop resistance to ICI constitute a major unmet need. Combined ICI and VEGF/VEGF receptor inhibition have shown benefit in multiple tumor types through immune modulation. We evaluated pembrolizumab and ramucirumab (P+R) in advanced, ICI-exposed NSCLC, under the aegis of Lung-MAP, a master protocol for pts with stage IV, previously treated NSCLC. Pt characteristics and treatment toxicities were presented at ASCO 2021. Methods: S1800A was a randomized phase II trial for pts ineligible for a biomarker-matched substudy with acquired resistance to ICI defined as previous ICI therapy for at least 84 days with progressive disease (PD) on or after therapy. Eligibility stipulated PD on prior platinum-based doublet therapy (sequential or in combination with ICI) and ECOG PS of 0-1. Pts were stratified by PD-L1 expression, histology, and intent to receive ramucirumab in the standard of care (SOC) arm and were randomized to P+R or SOC (investigator’s choice of docetaxel+R; docetaxel, pemetrexed, gemcitabine). With a goal of 144 total/130 eligible pts, the primary objective was to compare overall survival (OS) between the arms using a 1-sided 10% level log-rank test upon 90 deaths. Secondary endpoints included response, duration of response, investigator assessed-progression free survival and toxicity. Results: From May 17, 2019 to November 16, 2020, 166 pts were enrolled with 137 eligible (69 P+R; 68 SOC [45 +R, 23 w/o R]). Main causes for ineligibility were lack of PD on ICI or chemotherapy (6 SOC, 6 P+R), > 1 line of ICI (2 P+R), ICI discontinued due to toxicity (2 SOC), or lack of measurable disease (2 SOC, 1 P+R). OS was significantly improved with P+R (HR: 0.61 [0.38-0.97], 1-sided p-value = 0.019; median [95% CI] OS of 15.0 (13.2-17) months (mo) for P+R and 11.6 (8.5-13.8) mo in SOC arm). Progression-free survival (PFS) was not different between the arms (HR: 0.86 [0.57-1.31], 1-sided p-value=0.25; median PFS (95% CI) of 4.5 (4.0-6.9) mo for P+R and 5.2 (4.0-6.6) mo in SOC arm). ORR was not different between the arms (p=0.28). OS benefit for P+R was seen in most subgroups. Analysis of survival based on genomic alterations, tumor mutational burden and PD-L1 will be presented. Conclusions: Pembrolizumab + ramucirumab in pts with advanced NSCLC previously treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy led to improved OS compared to SOC. Discordance of ORR and PFS from OS has been reported in prior ICI trials (Rittmeyer et al. Lancet 2017). This is the first trial in the 2nd line setting without a chemotherapy backbone to demonstrate a potential survival benefit compared to SOC regimens including docetaxel and ramucirumab using the Lung-MAP platform. Clinical trial information: NCT03971474.

Osimertinib plus necitumumab in EGFR-mutant NSCLC: Final results from an ETCTN California Cancer Consortium phase I study

9014

Background: Osimertinib (Osi) is standard of care in 1st line (1L) EGFR mut NSCLC and TKI resistant T790Mpos NSCLC but acquired resistance emerges; outcomes are less robust in T790Mneg, C797Xpos and EGFR exon 20 insertion (ex20ins) disease. We examined Osi with the EGFR monoclonal antibody Necitumumab (Neci) in select settings of EGFR TKI resistance. Methods: Pts were accrued to 5 expansion cohorts (ExC) at recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of Osi 80 mg daily and Neci 800 mg D1 + D8 of q21d cycle. ExC (18 pts/cohort): A) T790Mneg progressive disease (PD) on 1st/2nd gen TKI as last therapy, B) T790Mneg PD on 1st/2nd gen TKI and PD on 3rd gen TKI, C) T790Mpos PD on 1st/2nd gen TKI and PD on 3rd gen TKI, D) EGFR ex20ins PD on chemotherapy, E) PD on 1L osi. In ExC A-C, T790M was confirmed centrally (tissue) by ddPCR. Additional correlative studies include: tissue NGS (> 400 gene panel), EGFR FISH, plasma for PK and serial EGFR ctDNA by ddPCR. Adverse events were graded (Gr) by CTCAEv5; ORR, PFS by RECIST 1.1. Primary pre-specified efficacy endpoint ≥3/18 pts responding per cohort. Results: 101 patients accrued (100 evaluable). Efficacy is summarized in the Table. Drug related Gr 3 AEs were seen in 38% of pts, mainly rash (21%). ORR among all pts was 19% (95% CI 12-28%) that varied across cohorts (Table). In ExC A-C, 69% pts had detectable EGFR activating mutations in ctDNA, with decline in mutant allele frequency (AF) on treatment in 80% and ctDNA clearance in 33%. Conclusions: Osi/Neci is feasible and tolerable at the RP2D. EGFR ctDNA was detectable at baseline in the majority of pts with decrease in AF on treatment. Osi/Neci was active in select settings of EGFR-TKI resistance, meeting its prespecified efficacy endpoint in T790Mneg PD on 1st/2nd gen TKI as last therapy (ExC A), EGFR ex20ins post-chemo (ExC D) and PD on 1L osimertinib (ExC E). mPFS in the EGFR ex20ins cohort was within the range of current EGFR Exon 20 ins agents in development. EGFR monoclonal antibodies with osimertinib warrant further study in settings of de novo and acquired EGFR dependent resistance to EGFR-TKI. Clinical trial information: NCT02496663. [Table: see text]

A first-in-human, phase 1 study of ASTX029, a dual-mechanism inhibitor of ERK1/2, in relapsed/refractory solid tumors

9085

Background: Aberrant activation of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK pathway is common in human cancers. This is an open-label Phase 1 study of ASTX029, a dual-mechanism extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor, in subjects with relapsed/refractory solid tumors (NCT03520075). Methods: The primary objective is to identify a recommended Phase 2 dose. Subjects with relapsed/refractory solid tumors were eligible for Phase 1A with any molecular feature and for Phase 1B if the tumor demonstrated RAS or BRAF mutations. ASTX029 was administered orally daily on a continuous basis in 21-day cycles. Phase 1A was a modified 3+3 dose-escalation design based on dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) events. Phase 1B subjects were treated at the recommended dose for expansion (RDE) based on emerging safety, pharmacokinetic (PK), and pharmacodynamic (PD) data. Disease response was evaluated by RECIST v1.1. Results: 76 subjects were treated with at least one dose of ASTX029 in Phase 1A (n = 56) and Phase 1B (n = 20). In Phase 1A, ASTX029 was evaluated from 10 mg to 280 mg daily. Two subjects experienced grade 2 central serous retinopathy (CSR) within a few days of dosing at the 280 mg daily dose level (one event was declared a DLT). Both subjects recovered to baseline within days of dose interruption. CSR is an expected AE based on the class of drugs. At the selected RDE dose level of 200 mg daily, the mean PK exposure was 109% of target exposure (13,022 ng*hr/ml), defined as the level expected to have biological activity based on mouse models. As of the data cut-off of February 7, 2022, the most frequent grade ≥2 AEs experienced by subjects (≥5%) assessed as related to ASTX029 included ocular AEs (n = 6: all Grade 2); nausea (n = 7: all Grade 2); diarrhea (n = 6: 5 Grade 2, 1 Grade 3); fatigue (n = 4: all Grade 2); rash (n = 4, 3 Grade 2, 1 Grade 3). There were 52 serious AEs, all unrelated to ASTX029 except for one subject with Grade 3 malaise. Four subjects had a partial response, including KRAS-G12A BRAF-D549N non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; Phase 1A: 120 mg treated 20.0 months); KRAS-G12D pancreatic cancer (Phase 1A: 200 mg treated 2.1 months); KRAS-G13D NSCLC (Phase 1B; treated 10.6 months); KRAS-G12S NSCLC (Phase 1B; treated 10.4 months and ongoing). In all, two partial responses were observed out of 3 NSCLC subjects enrolled in Phase 1B. Phospho-ERK and phospho-RSK were evaluated for PD effect on fresh tumor biopsies obtained at baseline and cycle 2. A PD effect and decreased cell proliferation (Ki-67) were observed in 6 of 9 and 3 of 8 evaluable Phase 1B samples, respectively. The most common reason for ASTX029 discontinuation was disease progression. Conclusions: This Phase 1 study of the ERK1/2 inhibitor ASTX029 has identified a dose level of 200 mg daily continuously for investigation in the Phase 2 study. PK and PD data suggest target exposures are achieved with preliminary clinical activity, especially in KRAS-mutated NSCLC. Clinical trial information: NCT03520075.

The 27-gene IO score is associated with molecular features and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients with gastric cancer

4058

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Unfortunately, most gastric cancer patients are asymptomatic until the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage. ICIs have improved patient outcomes in a variety of cancers, including GC. A variety of biomarkers have been used to identify patients most likely to benefit from ICI therapies such as high PD-L1 expression, MSI-high, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) positive, or TMB. Despite these potential biomarkers, most patients with advanced GC do not respond to ICI treatment Thus, there remains an unmet clinical need for a biomarker that can better predict response to ICI therapies. Herein, we demonstrate that the 27 gene IO score, a tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) classifier is associated with the existing molecular markers of gastric cancer and with objective response to ICI therapy in a clinical cohort. Methods: RNA-seq expression data was obtained from 3 independent cohorts including TCGA (STAD), ACRG (GSE84437, GSE84426), and clinical cohort with ICI response data (PRJEB25780, PRJEB40416). The 27 gene IO algorithm was applied to all available patient data to derive IO scores. Fisher’s exact test was used to examine the associations between IO score and clinical features and molecular subtypes in each cohort. R (version 4.1.2) was used to calculate ORs with 95%CIs, and ordinal logistic regression modeling. Results: From the TCGA cohort, the IO score was associated with the molecular features of EBV, MSI, TMB, and PD-L1 (n = 135, p < 0.05 for all). Similarly, in the ACRG cohorts, the IO score was significantly associated with EBV, MSI, and PD-L1 ( n = 294, p < 0.001 for all). To determine whether the IO score was associated with response to ICIs, we examined a cohort of Korean patients with advanced stage GC curated by Kim et. al. In this cohort of 59 patients, the IO score was associated with ICI response (Fisher’s exact test, p < 0.05). When response was grouped by responders vs. non-responders (CR/PR vs SD/PD), the odds ratio for the association between IO score and response was 5.3 (95% CI: 1.3 to 23.92, p = 0.01). The linearity of continuous value of the IO score was indicative of a direct relationship between IO score and improved objective response (ordinal logistic regression, t = 2.59, p < 0.01). Conclusions: PD-L1 and TMB have shown marked levels of both spatial and temporal heterogeneity in GCs, thus there exists a need for a more comprehensive biomarker that can fully assess the TIME. The 27 gene IO score is associated with many existing biomarkers in GC and has now been shown to also be associated with response to ICIs. As such, further studies are warranted to demonstrate that the 27 gene IO score may be a more comprehensive biomarker for assessing the TIME and provide complementary data to tumor-specific biomarkers, which together could aid in clinical decision making for ICI treatment of GCs.

A phase II study of talazoparib plus avelumab in patients with stage IV or recurrent nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer bearing pathogenic STK11 genomic alterations (SWOG S1900C, LUNG-MAP sub-study, NCT04173507)

9060

Background: Inactivating STK11 genomic alterations are prevalent in non-squamous (nsq) NSCLC and define a patient (pt) subgroup with poor prognosis and inferior response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). PARP inhibitors (PARPi) can potentiate response to CPIs in preclinical models. We conducted a single arm Phase II study within Lung-MAP to evaluate the efficacy and safety of talazoparib in combination with avelumab in patients (pts) with previously treated nsq NSCLC harboring pathogenic STK11 genomic alterations. Methods: Eligibility: STK11 pathogenic somatic mutation or bi-allelic loss on tumor identified via LUNGMAP screening; stage IV or recurrent nsq NSCLC, receipt of one prior line of anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 therapy and platinum-based chemotherapy for stage IV or recurrent disease (sequentially or in combination) and disease progression > 42 days following treatment initiation, a ECOG PS of 0-1, adequate organ function and no previous PARPi exposure. Pts received talazoparib (1000 mg PO daily) plus avelumab (800 mg IV Q2W). Co-primary objectives were to evaluate the best objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate at 12 weeks (DCR12) after study registration, assessed by RECISTv1.1. Rejection of an ORR of 10% required ≥ 8 responses or rejection of a DCR12 of 30% required ≥18 w/ disease control at 12 weeks and ≥4 responses. Results: 47 pts enrolled from January 16 - November 16, 2020; 42 pts met eligibility (50% male, 50% female). 54% of pts had PD-L1 TPS < 1%. The median TMB was 8.83 Mut/Mb and 45% of pts had KRAS mutations. 52% of the pts had received ≥2 prior lines of treatment for stage IV disease. As of the November 24, 2021 data cutoff, 3 pts remain on treatment, the ORR was 2% (n = 1) and the DCR12 was 40% (n = 17). 26 pts (62%) had SD as best objective response. One responding pt remained on treatment for > 14 mo. The median progression-free survival (39 events) was 2.7 mo (95% CI, 1.6-3.9 mo) and the median overall survival (30 events) was 7.6 mo (95% CI, 6.3-12.2 mo). There were no reported grade 5 treatment toxicities and most grade 3-4 toxicities were hematologic. Additional biomarker analysis to assess effects of key co-mutations on clinical outcomes will be presented. Conclusions: Treatment with talazoparib and avelumab did not meet the pre-specified threshold for efficacy in previously treated STK11-mutant NSCLC in this biomarker-driven Phase II study, though durable disease stabilization was observed. Further studies are required to determine optimal therapeutic approaches for this challenging subset of NSCLC pts. Funding: NIH/NCI grants U10CA180888, U10CA180819. Talazoparib was provided by Pfizer. Avelumab was provided by Pfizer, as part of an alliance between Pfizer and the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (CrossRef Funder ID: 10.13039/100004755). Clinical trial information: NCT04173507.

Association of a novel 27-gene immuno-oncology assay with efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies represent a major advance in treating a variety of advanced-stage malignancies. Nevertheless, only a subset of patients benefit, even when selected based on approved biomarkers such as PD-L1 and tumor mutational burden. New biomarkers are needed to maximize the therapeutic ratio of these therapies.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort, we assessed a 27-gene RT-qPCR immuno-oncology (IO) gene expression assay of the tumor immune microenvironment and determined its association with the efficacy of ICI therapy in 67 advanced-stage NSCLC patients. The 27-gene IO test score (IO score), programmed cell death ligand 1 immunohistochemistry tumor proportion score (PD-L1 TPS), and tumor mutational burden (TMB) were analyzed as continuous variables for response and as binary variables for one-year progression free survival. The threshold for the IO score was prospectively set based upon a previously described training cohort. Prognostic implications of the IO score were evaluated in a separate cohort of 104 advanced-stage NSCLC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) who received non-ICI therapy.

Results

The IO score was significantly different between responders or non-responders (p = 0.007) and associated with progression-free survival (p = 0.001). Bivariate analysis established that the IO score was independent of PD-L1 TPS and TMB in identifying patients benefiting from ICI therapy. In a separate cohort of late-stage NSCLC patients from TCGA, the IO score was not prognostic of outcome from non-ICI-treated patients.

Conclusions

This study is the first application of this 27-gene IO RT-qPCR assay in a clinical cohort with outcome data. IO scores were significantly associated with response to ICI therapy and prolonged progression-free survival. Together, these data suggest the IO score should be further studied to define its role in informing clinical decision-making for ICI treatment in NSCLC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09470-y.

A phase 1b study of sotorasib, a specific and irreversible KRASG12C inhibitor, in combination with other anticancer therapies in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) and other solid tumors (CodeBreaK 101)

TPS214

Background: Approximately 3% of patients (pts) with CRC have the oncogenic Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) p.G12C mutation. Sotorasib, a small molecule that specifically and irreversibly inhibits the KRAS G12C mutant protein, has demonstrated modest clinical activity and no dose-limiting toxicities as a single agent in heavily pretreated pts with KRAS p.G12C-mutated CRC. The combination of sotorasib with other anticancer therapies, such as EGFR or MEK inhibitors, may enhance antitumor efficacy and counteract potential escape mechanisms. Other attractive partners for sotorasib in CRC include biologics and chemotherapy combinations. The CodeBreaK 101 master protocol is designed to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of multiple sotorasib-based combinations in pts with KRAS p.G12C mutated solid tumors. Key subprotocols with CRC combination treatment arms are highlighted here. Methods: This is a phase 1b, open-label study evaluating sotorasib alone and in combination regimens in pts with advanced KRAS p.G12C mutated CRC, NSCLC, and other solid tumors. Key regimens being explored in CRC include (1) Subprotocol A: Sotorasib + trametinib (MEK inhibitor) +/- panitumumab (EGFR inhibitor), (2) Subprotocol H: Sotorasib + panitumumab and sotorasib + panitumumab + FOLFIRI, and (3) Subprotocol M: Sotorasib + bevacizumab-awwb + FOLFIRI or FOLFOX. Key eligibility criteria include advanced or metastatic solid tumor with KRAS p.G12C mutation identified through molecular testing in treatment-naïve and pretreated patients depending on cohort. Primary endpoints include dose-limiting toxicities and treatment-emergent or treatment-related adverse events. Secondary endpoints include PK profile of combination regimens and efficacy (objective response, disease control, duration of response, time to response, and progression-free survival assessed per RECIST 1.1, and overall survival). Enrollment is ongoing. Contact Amgen Medical Information for more information: medinfo@amgen.com (NCT04185883). Abbreviations: EGFR = epidermal growth factor receptor; FOLFIRI = 5-fluorouracil + leucovorin + irinotecan; FOLFOX = 5-fluorouracil + leucovorin + oxaliplatin; MEK = mitogen-activated protein kinase. Clinical trial information: NCT04185883.

EGFR High Copy Number Together With High EGFR Protein Expression Predicts Improved Outcome for Cetuximab-based Therapy in Squamous Cell Lung Cancer: Analysis From SWOG S0819, a Phase III Trial of Chemotherapy With or Without Cetuximab in Advanced NSCLC

BACKGROUND

The phase III S0819 trial investigated addition of cetuximab to first-line chemotherapy (CT) in NSCLC. Subgroup analyses suggested an OS benefit among patients with EGFR copy number gain in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), (HR = 0.58 [0.39-0.86], P = .0071). A more detailed model based on EGFR FISH, EGFR IHC and KRAS mutation status was evaluated to yield a more precise predictive paradigm of cetuximab-based therapy in advanced NSCLC.

METHODS

FISH was performed using the Colorado Scoring Criteria; H-Score was used to quantify EGFR IHC expression (cut-off ≥ 200). A Cox model was used to assess treatment effects for OS and PFS within biomarker and clinical subgroups. KRAS mutation was analyzed using Therascreen. The false discovery rate controlled for multiple comparisons. S0819 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00946712.

RESULTS

Of 1,313 eligible patients, assay results were obtained for FISH on 976 patients (41% positive), for IHC on 945 patients (31% positive), and KRAS mutation status on 627 patients (26% positive). In SCC patients, OS was significantly improved with addition of cetuximab when both EGFR FISH and EGFR IHC were positive (N = 58), (OS HR: 0.32 [95% CI 0.18-0.59]; P = .0002, q = 0.08), median 12.6 versus 4.6 months. The results were independent of KRAS mutation status. In Non-SCC, no predictive value of EGFR IHC, EGFR FISH status and/or KRAS status was seen.

CONCLUSIONS

In NSCLC SCC, a combination index of EGFR FISH plus EGFR IHC results was associated with improved OS when cetuximab was added to CT, representing a potential predictive molecular paradigm for patients suitable for EGFR-antibody therapy.

Liquid biopsy from research to clinical practice: focus on non-small cell lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

In the current era of personalized medicine, liquid biopsy has acquired a relevant importance in patient management of advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As a matter of fact, liquid biopsy may supplant the problem of inadequate tissue for molecular testing. The term 'liquid biopsy' refers to a number of different biological fluids, but is most clearly associated with plasma-related platforms. It must be taken into account that pre-analytical processing and the selection of the appropriate technology according to the clinical context may condition the results obtained. In addition, novel clinical applications beyond the evaluation of the molecular status of predictive biomarkers are currently under investigation.

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the available evidence on pre-analytical issues and different clinical applications of liquid biopsies in NSCLC patients.

EXPERT OPINION

Liquid biopsy should be considered not only as a valid alternative but as complementary to tissue-based molecular approaches. Careful attention should be paid to the optimization and standardization of all phases of liquid biopsy samples management in order to determine a significant improvement in either sensitivity or specificity, while significant reducing the number of 'false negative' or 'false positive' molecular results.

NTRK1 Fusions identified by non-invasive plasma next-generation sequencing (NGS) across 9 cancer types

BACKGROUND

Activating fusions of the NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3 genes are drivers of carcinogenesis and proliferation across a broad range of tumour types in both adult and paediatric patients. Recently, the FDA granted tumour-agnostic approvals of TRK inhibitors, larotrectinib and entrectinib, based on significant and durable responses in multiple primary tumour types. Unfortunately, testing rates in clinical practice remain quite low. Adding plasma next-generation sequencing of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) to tissue-based testing increases the detection rate of oncogenic drivers and demonstrates high concordance with tissue genotyping. However, the clinical potential of ctDNA analysis to identify NTRK fusion-positive tumours has been largely unexplored.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed a ctDNA database in advanced stage solid tumours for NTRK1 fusions.

RESULTS

NTRK1 fusion events, with nine unique fusion partners, were identified in 37 patients. Of the cases for which clinical data were available, 44% had tissue testing for NTRK1 fusions; the NTRK1 fusion detected by ctDNA was confirmed in tissue in 88% of cases. Here, we report for the first time that minimally-invasive plasma NGS can detect NTRK fusions with a high positive predictive value.

CONCLUSION

Plasma ctDNA represents a rapid, non-invasive screening method for this rare genomic target that may improve identification of patients who can benefit from TRK-targeted therapy and potentially identify subsequent on- and off-target resistance mechanisms.

Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab vs Nivolumab for Previously Treated Patients With Stage IV Squamous Cell Lung Cancer: The Lung-MAP S1400I Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Nivolumab plus ipilimumab is superior to platinum-based chemotherapy in treatment-naive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nivolumab is superior to docetaxel in advanced pretreated NSCLC.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the addition of ipilimumab to nivolumab improves survival in patients with advanced, pretreated, immunotherapy-naive squamous (Sq) NSCLC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) S1400I phase 3, open-label randomized clinical trial was conducted from December 18, 2015, to April 23, 2018, randomizing patients in a 1:1 ratio to nivolumab alone or combined with ipilimumab. The median follow-up in surviving patients was 29.5 months. The trial was conducted through the National Clinical Trials Network and included patients with advanced immunotherapy-naive SqNSCLC and a Zubrod score of 0 (asymptomatic) to 1 (symptomatic but completely ambulatory) with disease progression after standard platinum-based chemotherapy. Randomization was stratified by sex and number of prior therapies (1 vs 2 or more). Data were analyzed from May 3, 2018, to February 1, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Nivolumab, 3 mg/kg intravenously every 2 weeks, with or without ipilimumab, 1 mg/kg intravenously every 6 weeks, until disease progression or intolerable toxic effects.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included investigator-assessed progression-free survival (IA-PFS) and response per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) guidelines, version 1.1.

RESULTS

Of 275 enrolled patients, 252 (mean age, 67.5 years [range 41.8-90.3 years]; 169 men [67%]; 206 White patients [82%]) were deemed eligible (125 randomized to nivolumab/ipilimumab and 127 to nivolumab). The study was closed for futility at a planned interim analysis. Overall survival was not significantly different between the groups (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.66-1.16; P = .34). Median survival was 10 months (95% CI, 8.0-14.4 months) in the nivolumab/ipilimumab group and 11 months (95% CI, 8.6-13.7 months) in the nivolumab group. The IA-PFS HR was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.61-1.03; P = .09); median IA-PFS was 3.8 months (95% CI, 2.7-4.4 months) in the nivolumab/ipilimumab group and 2.9 months (95% CI, 1.8-4.0 months) in the nivolumab alone group. Response rates were 18% (95% CI, 12%-25%) with nivolumab/ipilimumab and 17% (95% CI, 10%-23%) with nivolumab. Median response duration was 28.4 months (95% CI, 4.9 months to not reached) with nivolumab/ipilimumab and 9.7 months with nivolumab (95% CI, 4.2-23.1 months). Grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events occurred in 49 of 124 patients (39.5%) who received nivolumab/ipilimumab and in 41 of 123 (33.3%) who received nivolumab alone. Toxic effects led to discontinuation in 31 of 124 patients (25%) on nivolumab/ipilimumab and in 19 of 123 (15%) on nivolumab.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this phase 3 randomized clinical trial, ipilimumab added to nivolumab did not improve outcomes in patients with advanced, pretreated, immune checkpoint inhibitor-naive SqNSCLC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02785952.

Phase II study of durvalumab plus tremelimumab as therapy for patients with previously treated anti-PD-1/PD-L1 resistant stage IV squamous cell lung cancer (Lung-MAP substudy S1400F, NCT03373760)

INTRODUCTION

S1400F is a non-match substudy of Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) evaluating the immunotherapy combination of durvalumab and tremelimumab to overcome resistance to anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-(L)1) therapy in patients with advanced squamous lung carcinoma (sq non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)).

METHODS

Patients with previously treated sqNSCLC with disease progression after anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy, who did not qualify for any active molecularly targeted Lung-MAP substudies, were eligible. Patients received tremelimumab 75 mg plus durvalumab 1500 mg once every 28 days for four cycles then durvalumab alone every 28 days until disease progression. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (RECIST V.1.1). Primary and acquired resistance cohorts, defined as disease progression within 24 weeks versus ≥24 weeks of starting prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy, were analyzed separately and an interim analysis for futility was planned after 20 patients in each cohort were evaluable for response.

RESULTS

A total of 58 eligible patients received drug, 28 with primary resistance and 30 with acquired resistance to anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy. Grade ≥3 adverse events at least possibly related to treatment were seen in 20 (34%) patients. The response rate in the primary resistance cohort was 7% (95% CI 0% to 17%), with one complete and one partial response. No responses were seen in the acquired resistance cohort. In the primary and resistance cohorts the median progression-free survival was 2.0 months (95% CI 1.6 to 3.0) and 2.1 months (95% CI 1.6 to 3.2), respectively, and overall survival was 7.7 months (95% CI 4.0 to 12.0) and 7.6 months (95% CI 5.3 to 10.2), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Durvalumab plus tremelimumab had minimal activity in patients with advanced sqNSCLC progressing on prior anti-PD-1 therapy.Trial registration numberNCT03373760.

A Dose-finding Study Followed by a Phase II Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Chemoradiotherapy With or Without Veliparib in Stage III Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: SWOG 1206 (8811)

BACKGROUND

We conducted a 2-part study to evaluate the incorporation of veliparib, a PARP inhibitor, into chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In the phase I part, patients were treated successively at 3 dose levels of veliparib (40, 80, and 120 mg) twice daily during CRT. In the phase II part, patients were randomized to receive veliparib or placebo during thoracic radiotherapy with concurrent weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by 2 cycles of consolidation carboplatin and paclitaxel with veliparib or placebo. The study was prematurely discontinued owing to the emergence of adjuvant immunotherapy as standard of care.

RESULTS

Of 21 patients enrolled in phase I, 2 patients developed dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs): 1 grade 3 esophagitis with dysphagia (at 40 mg) and 1 grade 3 esophagitis with dehydration (at 80 mg). No DLTs were seen at veliparib dose of 120 mg twice daily, which was selected for the phase II part that enrolled 31 eligible patients. Progression-free survival (PFS) was not different between the 2 arms (P = .20). For the veliparib and placebo arms, response rates were 56% and 69%, PFS at 1 year 47% and 46%, and overall survival at 1 year 89% and 54%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Veliparib with CRT was feasible and well tolerated. Efficacy could not accurately be determined because of early study closure. Nonetheless, there is enthusiasm for the evaluation of PARP inhibitors in lung cancer as predictive biomarkers are being developed and combinations with immunotherapy are attractive.

Comparison of SP142 and 22C3 Immunohistochemistry PD-L1 Assays for Clinical Efficacy of Atezolizumab in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results From the Randomized OAK Trial

BACKGROUND

This phase III OAK trial (NCT02008227) subgroup analysis (data cutoff, January 9, 2019) evaluated the predictive value of 2 PD-L1 IHC tests (VENTANA SP142 and Dako 22C3) for benefit from atezolizumab versus docetaxel by programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) status in patients with previously treated metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS

PD-L1 expression was assessed prospectively with SP142 on tumor cells (TC) and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (IC) and retrospectively with 22C3 using a tumor proportion score (TPS) based on TC membrane staining. Efficacy was assessed in the 22C3 biomarker-evaluable population (22C3-BEP) (n = 577; 47.1% of SP142-intention-to-treat population) and non-22C3-BEP (n = 648) in PD-L1 subgroups (high, low, and negative) and according to selection by 1 or both assays.

RESULTS

In the 22C3-BEP, overall survival benefits with atezolizumab versus docetaxel were observed across PD-L1 subgroups; benefits were greatest in SP142-defined PD-L1-high (TC3 or IC3: hazard ratio [HR], 0.39 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.25-0.63]) and 22C3-defined PD-L1-high (TPS ≥ 50%: HR, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.38-0.82]) and low (TPS, 1% to < 50%: HR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.37-0.82]) groups. Progression-free survival improved with increasing PD-L1 expression for both assays. SP142 and 22C3 assays identified overlapping and unique patient populations in PD-L1-high, positive, and negative subgroups. Overall survival and progression-free survival benefits favored atezolizumab over docetaxel in double PD-L1-positive and negative groups; patients with both SP142- and 22C3-positive tumors derived the greatest benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite different scoring algorithms and differing sensitivity levels, the SP142 and 22C3 assays similarly predicted atezolizumab benefit at validated PD-L1 thresholds in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Phase II randomized study of ramucirumab plus pembrolizumab versus standard of care for advanced non-small cell lung cancer previously treated with a checkpoint inhibitor: Toxicity update (Lung-MAP non-matched sub-study S1800A)

9075

Background: The therapeutic landscape in metastatic NSCLC has dramatically changed with approvals of immunotherapy agents in both treatment-naïve and previously treated cancer patients (pts) and irrespective of histology. Pts with tumors that develop resistance is a significant area of unmet need. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to modulate the tumor immune microenvironment and combination immune checkpoint and VEGF/VEGF receptor inhibition have shown benefit in multiple tumor types. Lung-MAP is a master protocol for pts with stage IV, previously treated NSCLC. Pts who were not eligible for a biomarker-matched substudy enrolled in S1800A. The adverse event profile will be presented. Methods: S1800A is a phase II randomized trial for pts who previously received PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor therapy for at least 84 days and platinum-based doublet therapy with ECOG 0-1 stratified by PD-L1 expression, histology and intent to receive ramucirumab in the standard of care (SOC) arm. Pts were randomized 1:1 to pembrolizumab and ramucirumab P+R or SOC (docetaxel +R [SOC w R]; docetaxel, pemetrexed or gemcitabine [SOC wo R]). The primary endpoint was overall survival. Secondary endpoints included response, duration of response, investigator assessed-progression free survival and evaluation of toxicity. Results: From May 17, 2019 to November 16, 2020, 166 pts enrolled and 140 determined eligible [69 (49%) P+R; 46 (33%) SOC w R; 25 (18%) SOC wo R]. Treatments for those who received SOC wo R included 3 on docetaxel (19%); 12 on gemcitabine (75%); and on 1 on pemetrexed (6%). 131 were eligible for adverse event (AE) assessment. The most common AE were fatigue (38%), proteinuria (28%), hypertension (23%), diarrhea (22%) and hypothyroidism (22%) on P+R; fatigue (61%), anemia (48%), diarrhea (41%) and neutropenia (39%) on SOC w R and anemia (56%), leukopenia (56%), fatigue (44%) and neutropenia (44%) on SOC wo R. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related AEs occurred in 32% of pts on P+R, 54% of pts on SOC w R and 56% of pts on SOC wo R. Cardiac and thromboembolic events occurred in 12% of pts on P+R, 11% of pts on SOC w R and 0% of pts on SOC wo R. Grade 5 AE occurred in 2 pts on P+R (respiratory failure and cardiac arrest), 3 pts on SOC w R (2 respiratory failure and sepsis) and 1 pt on SOC wo R (sepsis). Four patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (1 on P+R and 3 on SOC) and 3 died (1 on P+R and 2 on SOC). Conclusions: Grade 3 toxicities were lower in P+R compared to SOC arms with or without R. Cardiac and thromboembolic events were similar in arms that included R. P+R was generally well-tolerated. Efficacy outcomes will be presented when data matures. Clinical trial information: NCT03971474.

Trial in progress: A phase 1b study of sotorasib, a specific and irreversible KRASG12C inhibitor, as monotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with brain metastasis and in combination with other anticancer therapies in advanced solid tumors (CodeBreaK 101)

TPS2669

Background: Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog ( KRAS) p.G12C mutation is an oncogenic driver mutation in several solid tumors. Sotorasib is a specific, irreversible, small molecule inhibitor of KRASG12C that has demonstrated durable clinical benefit in NSCLC, with mild and manageable toxicities. The combination of sotorasib with other anticancer therapies may enhance antitumor efficacy. This master protocol is designed to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and efficacy of multiple sotorasib combinations in patients (pts) with KRASp.G12C mutated solid tumors. Herein, we overview 1 monotherapy and 11 combination cohorts. Methods: This is a phase 1b, open-label study evaluating sotorasib alone and in combination regimens (Table) in pts with advanced KRAS p.G12C mutated solid tumors. Dose exploration will evaluate the safety and tolerability of sotorasib alone and in combination regimens; dose expansion will then verify the safety and tolerability profile of sotorasib regimens and assess antitumor efficacy. Key eligibility criteria include locally-advanced or metastatic solid tumor with KRAS p.G12C mutation identified through molecular testing in pts who have received ≥1 lines of prior systemic therapy. Primary endpoints include dose-limiting toxicities and treatment-emergent or treatment-related adverse events. Secondary endpoints include PK profile of combination regimens and efficacy (eg, objective response, disease control, duration of response, progression-free survival, and duration of stable disease assessed per RECIST 1.1). Enrollment began in December 2019 and is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT04185883. [Table: see text]

Association with immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy of a 27-gene classifier in renal cell cancer

4575

Background: The 27-gene immuno-oncology (IO) signature that incorporates expression from activated inflammatory cells, cancer associated fibroblasts, and tumor cells to produce a binary classifier has been shown to be associated with efficacy to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in breast, lung, and bladder cancers. Here we created clustered heat maps using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to confirm the classifier function and diagnostic threshold in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), then applied the predefined algorithm to RNAseq data from a community RCC cohort treated with ICI therapy. Methods: Previously, we described the selection of 939 genes from the TCGA breast and lung datasets that comprise mesenchymal (M), mesenchymal stem-like (MSL), and immunodulatory (IM) gene expression patterns centered upon the twenty-seven genes selected for the IO score (AACR, 2021). We created an expression dataset using these genes in clear cell (n = 403) and papillary (n = 203) RCC and used k-means clustering to organize the genes and cases (k=3). We assessed the 27-gene classification of cases by utilizing area under the curve for phenotypic classification and determining the sensitivity and specificity of the previously established threshold compared to optimal accuracy for quantitating the fraction of cases enriched into the IM+ cluster (likely sensitive to ICIs) as opposed to the M or MSL clusters (likely insensitive). Finally, the IO score was evaluated in a small multi-institutional RNAseq dataset of forty-three RCC patients treated with an ICI for which there was definitive one-year progression free survival (PFS) data. Results: The 27-gene IO signature applied to the TCGA sample data had an AUC of 90.3 for stratification of cases into IM+ as opposed to M and MSL clusters while the established threshold for likely sensitive enriched 90% of cases into the appropriate IM cluster as opposed 28% into the M and MSL. Efficacy was defined by PFS. Given this result, the 27-gene IO signature was applied with the predefined threshold to the forty-three ICI treated patients. Patients who had a IO+ score by the 27-gene signature had significantly better one-year PFS compared to patients with a negative IO score (hazard ratio = 0.235, 95% CI = 0.069 - 0.803, p < 0.01). Median PFS was 5.2 months for patients classified as IO score negative versus 8.6 months for those classified as IO score+. Conclusions: The 27-gene IO signature has been validated across multiple tumor types and here in RCC to classify the tumor immune microenvironment without changing the algorithm or threshold. Results demonstrate that the 27-gene classifier has a strong correlation with efficacy of ICI therapy in RCC. This is the fourth tumor type in which the same algorithm has been validated as a predictor of ICI efficacy. These data support this assay as a strong pan-cancer immune system classifier worthy of further prospective study for ICI therapy.

Blood-based tumor mutational burden from circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) across advanced solid malignancies using a commercially available liquid biopsy assay

3040

Background: Pembrolizumab was recently FDA approved across solid tumors for TMB scores ≥ 10mut/Mb as assessed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tissue (tTMB). A prior study of advanced cancer patients treated with immunotherapy found that higher somatic TMB, as defined by the 80th percentile in each histology, was associated with better overall survival. Previously, bTMB assessed by ctDNA from patients with newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC at a score of 16 mut/MB correlated with a tTMB score of 10 mut/MB. TMB levels vary by cancer type, line of treatment, and therapy received; the distribution of bTMB scores across solid tumor types has not been well characterized. Here we report the distribution of bTMB scores in patients with advanced malignancies. Methods: We queried 5,610 samples from patients with different cancer types undergoing clinical cell-free DNA testing (Guardant360; Redwood City, CA) and assessed bTMB scores from October 2020 - January 2021. bTMB score was derived via a previously described computational algorithm examining the total number of synonymous and non-synonymous SNVs and indels across a 1.0MB genomic footprint. We assessed the success rate of bTMB evaluation, overlap with microsatellite instability (MSI) status, and defined the distribution of bTMB levels across indications in this dataset. Results: bTMB score was successfully assessed in 4,275/5,610 (76.3%) samples (Table). The majority of samples (58%) were tested at disease progression as compared to initial diagnosis (42%). The median turnaround time from sample receipt to clinical reporting was 11 days and decreased to 9 days over the course of the study. For the majority of cancer types the 80th percentile TMB was ≥ 16 mut/MB tissue equivalency. Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates the feasibility of measuring bTMB using a commercially available liquid biopsy assay. bTMB scores trended higher than tTMB previously reported in these cancer types, reflecting the ability of ctDNA to better capture tumor heterogeneity. cfDNA may allow for exploration of bTMB evolution throughout treatment. TMB should be interpreted in the context of disease, treatment, and method; these data establish a pan-cancer benchmark for bTMB which will serve as a resource for further studies.[Table: see text]

A phase II study of rucaparib in patients with high genomic LOH and/or BRCA 1/2 mutated stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (Lung-MAP Sub-Study, S1900A)

9024

Background: While prior studies have shown robust efficacy leading to FDA approval of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) in BRCA-associated cancers, data in NSCLC are much less clear. S1900A, a LUNG-MAP substudy, evaluated the PARPi rucaparib in advanced stage NSCLC harboring BRCA1/2 mutations or genomic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) as a phenotypic marker of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Methods: Eligible patients (pts) were required to have a deleterious mutation in BRCA1/BRCA2 and/or high (≥21%) genomic LOH. Key eligibility criteria: advanced NSCLC patients (pts) with progression on or after platinum based chemotherapy and/or PD-(L)1 antibody and progressed on most recent line of systemic therapy, a Zubrod performance status of 0-1, adequate organ function, no ≥ grade 3 hypercholesterolemia, no previous PARPi exposure and no systemic therapy within 21 days of registration. Pts stratified by histology into two cohorts (squamous [sq] and non-squamous/mixed histology [nsq]). With 40 eligible pts per cohort, the design had 91% power to rule out an ORR of 15% if the true ORR was at least 35% at the 1-sided 5% level. A planned interim analysis on the first 20 pts evaluable for response per cohort required ≥ 3 responses to proceed to full enrollment. Results: 64 pts enrolled (27 sq cohort; 37 nsq cohort) of whom 59 are eligible. Median age 65.7 yrs; M/F 33/26 (56/44%); 98% of the pts received at least 1 prior line of treatment for stage IV disease. Biomarker selection included 36 pts (61%) LOH only, 4 pts (7%) BRCA1 only, 11 pts (19%) BRCA2 only, 4 pts (7%) BRCA1 + LOH high and 4 pts (7%) BRCA2 + LOH high. Both cohorts were closed for futility with insufficient responses in the interim analysis populations. In the full study, 4 responses (3 nsq/1 sq) were reported. ORR was 7% (95% CI: 0-13) (9% nsq/4% sq) and DCR was 62% (95% CI: 50-75) (62% nsq/64% sq); 3 of the 4 responders harbored BRCA1/2 mutations and 1 of 4 high LOH; ORR in BRCA1/2+ pts 3/23 (13%). Median PFS was 3.2 months (95% CI: 1.6-4.6) in nsq cohort and 2.9 months (95% CI 1.6-6.2) in sq cohort. Median OS was 7.8 months in nsq cohort and 7.9 months in sq cohort. The most frequent grade ≥3 adverse events were anemia (22%), lymphopenia (8%), fatigue (8%) and transaminitis (5%). Conclusions: S1900A failed to show the requisite level of efficacy for rucaparib in advanced NSCLC pts with high genomic LOH and/or a BRCA1/2 mutation. There were no new safety signals and hematologic toxicities were the most frequent adverse events. Genomic LOH as a phenotypic marker of HRD does not predict sufficient activity of rucaparib in NSCLC. These results stand in contrast to the high level of efficacy of PARPi in patients with BRCA-associated or high LOH cancers of other tumor types. Underlying biologic differences in the genomic characteristics of these cancers vs. NSCLC may be responsible. Studies examining this premise are ongoing. (NCT03845296). Clinical trial information: NCT03845296.

Phase 1 study of alisertib (MLN8237) and weekly irinotecan in adults with advanced solid tumors

PURPOSE

Aurora kinases are overexpressed or amplified in numerous malignancies. This study was designed to determine the safety and tolerability of the Aurora A kinase inhibitor alisertib (MLN8237) when combined with weekly irinotecan.

METHODS

In this single-center phase 1 study, adult patients with refractory advanced solid tumors received 100 mg/m² irinotecan intravenously on day 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. Alisertib at planned escalating dose levels of 20-60 mg was administered orally twice per day on days 1-3 and 8-10. Patients homozygous for UGT1A1*28 were excluded. The primary objective was the safety of alisertib when combined with irinotecan to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary objectives included overall response rate by RECIST and pharmacokinetics in a planned expansion cohort of patients with colorectal cancer treated at the MTD.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients enrolled at three dose levels. Dose-limiting toxicities included diarrhea, dehydration, and neutropenia. The MTD of alisertib combined with weekly irinotecan was 20 mg twice per day on days 1-3 and 8-10. One fatal cardiac arrest at the highest dose level tested was deemed possibly related to drug treatment. One partial response in 11 efficacy evaluable patients (9%) occurred in a patient with small cell lung cancer. The study was terminated prior to the planned expansion in patients with colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to prior results in a pediatric population, adult patients did not tolerate alisertib combined with irinotecan at clinically meaningful doses due to hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under study number NCT01923337 on Aug 15, 2013.

Erlotinib and Onalespib Lactate Focused on EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A California Cancer Consortium Phase I/II Trial (NCI 9878)

This study examined the safety and tolerability of erlotinib and the heat shock protein 90 inhibitor onalespib in EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The phase II component examined preliminary efficacy in epidermal growth factor receptor exon 20 insertion (EGFRex20ins) NSCLC. Overlapping toxicities, mainly diarrhea, limited the tolerability of the combination. EGFRex20ins circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was detected in the majority of patients; failure to clear ctDNA was consistent with lack of tumor response.

Phase 2 Study of Talazoparib in Patients With Homologous Recombination Repair-Deficient Squamous Cell Lung Cancer: Lung-MAP Substudy S1400G

PURPOSE

This signal finding study (S1400G) was designed to evaluate the efficacy of talazoparib in advanced stage squamous cell lung cancer harboring homologous recombination repair deficiency.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The full eligible population (FEP) had tumors with a deleterious mutation in any of the study-defined homologous recombination repair genes and without prior exposure to a PARP inhibitor. The primary analysis population (PAP) is a subset of FEP with alteration in ATM, ATR, BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2. Treatment consisted of talazoparib 1 mg daily continuously in 21-day cycles. A 2-stage design with exact 93% power and 1-sided 0.07 type I error required enrollment of 40 patients in the PAP in order to rule out an overall response rate (ORR) of 15% or less if the true ORR is ≥ 35%.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 47 patients in the FEP, of whom 24 were in the PAP. The median age for the FEP was 66.7 years; 83% were male and 85% white. ORR in the PAP was 4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0, 21) with disease control rate of 54% (95% CI, 33, 74). Median progression-free survival and overall survival were 2.4 months (95% CI, 1.5-2.8) and 5.2 months (95% CI, 4.0-10), respectively. In the FEP, ORR was 11% (95% CI, 3.6, 23), the disease control rate was 51% (95% CI, 36, 66), and the median duration of response was 1.8 months (95% CI, 1.3, 4.2). Median progression-free and overall survival were 2.5 months and 5.7 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

S1400G failed to show sufficient level of efficacy for single agent talazoparib in a biomarker defined subset of squamous lung cancer with homologous recombination repair deficiency.

Smoking Behavior in Patients With Early-Stage NSCLC: A Report From ECOG-ACRIN 1505 Trial

INTRODUCTION

Smoking cessation has been reported to benefit patients even after a diagnosis of lung cancer. We studied the smoking behavior of patients who participated in a phase 3 trial of adjuvant therapy following resection of stages IB-IIIA NSCLC.

METHODS

The ECOG-ACRIN 1505 was conducted to determine whether the addition of bevacizumab to adjuvant chemotherapy would improve overall survival (OS) for patients with early-stage NSCLC. Studying the association between smoking status and OS was a secondary end point. Patients completed a questionnaire on their smoking habits at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 1501 patients were enrolled, and 99.8%, 95%, 94%, 93%, and 93% responded to the questionnaire at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. A total of 90% reported a current or previous history of cigarette smoking. In addition, 60% of nonsmokers at enrollment reported smoking after diagnosis (before randomization); however, 1% of them reported smoking at 12 months. Furthermore, 94% of the respondents smoked none/fewer cigarettes daily at 12 months. The incidence of grades 3-5 toxicity on treatment was 68%, 76%, and 72% in never, former, and current smokers, respectively (p = 0.05). The disease-free survival for never-smokers relative to current and former smokers was (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93, p = 0.64 and HR 1.05, p = 0.72), and OS was (adjusted HR for death 0.54, p = 0.005 and adjusted HR for death 0.68, p = 0.03), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first comprehensive, prospective report of smoking habits in patients with NSCLC patients from a phase III early-stage trial. There was a high rate of smoking reduction and cessation following study entry. The disease-free survival did not differ significantly between smokers and never smokers, though there were less grade 3-5 toxicities and more favorable OS in never-smokers.

Phase I/II Study of Capmatinib Plus Erlotinib in Patients With MET-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

PURPOSE

MET dysregulation is an oncogenic driver in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as a mechanism of TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) resistance in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated disease. This study was conducted to determine safety and preliminary efficacy of the combination EGFR and MET inhibitors as a strategy to overcome and/or delay EGFR-TKI resistance.

METHODS

A standard 3 + 3 dose-escalation trial of capmatinib in combination with erlotinib in patients with MET-positive NSCLC was used. Eighteen patients in the dose-escalation cohort received 100-600 mg twice daily of capmatinib with 100-150 mg daily of erlotinib. There were two dose-expansion cohorts. Cohort A included 12 patients with EGFR-mutant tumors resistant to TKIs. Cohort B included five patients with EGFR wild-type tumors. The primary outcome was to assess safety and determine the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of the combination.

RESULTS

The most common adverse events of any grade were rash (62.9%), fatigue (51%), and nausea (45.7%). Capmatinib exhibited nonlinear pharmacokinetics combined with erlotinib, while showing no significant drug interactions. The RP2D was 400 mg twice daily capmatinib tablets with 150 mg daily erlotinib. The overall response rate (ORR) and DCR in dose-expansion cohort A was 50% and 50%, respectively. In cohort B, the ORR and disease control rate were 75% and 75%.

CONCLUSION

Capmatinib in combination with erlotinib demonstrated safety profiles consistent with prior studies. We observed efficacy in specific patient populations. Continued evaluation of capmatinib plus EGFR-TKIs is warranted in patients with EGFR activating mutations.

A phase I study of intravenous fenretinide (4-HPR) for patients with malignant solid tumors

BACKGROUND

Fenretinide is a synthetic retinoid that can induce cytotoxicity by several mechanisms. Achieving effective systemic exposure with oral formulations has been challenging. An intravenous lipid emulsion fenretinide formulation was developed to overcome this barrier. We conducted a study to establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), preliminary efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of intravenous lipid emulsion fenretinide in patients with advanced solid tumors.

METHODS

Twenty-three patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard treatments received fenretinide as a continuous infusion for five consecutive days in 21-day cycles. Five different dose cohorts were evaluated between doses of 905 mg/m² and 1414 mg/m² per day using a 3 + 3 dose escalation design. A priming dose of 600 mg/m² on day 1 was introduced in an attempt to address the asymptomatic serum triglyceride elevations related to the lipid emulsion.

RESULTS

The treatment-related adverse events occurring in ≥ 20% of patients were anemia, hypertriglyceridemia, fatigue, aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase, thrombocytopenia, bilirubin increase, and dry skin. Five evaluable patients had stable disease as best response, and no patients had objective responses. Plasma steady-state concentrations of the active metabolite were significantly higher than with previous capsule formulations.

CONCLUSION

Fenretinide emulsion intravenous infusion had a manageable safety profile and achieved higher plasma steady-state concentrations of the active metabolite compared to previous capsule formulations. Single-agent activity was minimal but combinatorial approaches are under evaluation.

Phase II study of the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat (Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid; SAHA) in recurrent or metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium - an NCI-CTEP sponsored: California Cancer Consortium trial, NCI 6879

BACKGROUND

Until the advent of T cell check point inhibitors standard second-line therapy for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) was undefined. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have anti-cancer activity in a variety of tumor models including modulation of apoptosis in bladder cancer cell lines. We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of the HDACi vorinostat in patients with mUC failing first-line platinum-based therapy either in the adjuvant/neoadjuvant setting or for recurrent/advanced disease.

METHODS

Vorinostat was given orally 200 mg twice daily continuously until progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was RECIST response rate (RR); a RR > 20% was deemed interesting in a 2-stage design requiring one response in the first 12 patients to proceed to 2nd stage for a total of 37 subjects. CT or MRI scan imaging occurred every 6 weeks.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were accrued characterized by: median age 66 years (43-84); Caucasian (79%); males (86%); and Karnofsky performance status ≥90 (50%). Accrual was terminated in the first stage as no responses were observed. Best response was stable disease (3 patients). Progression was observed in 8 patients. Two patients came off therapy prior to re-imaging and a 3rd patient died while on treatment and was not assessed for response. Median number of cycles was 2 (range 1-11). Median disease-free survival and overall survival times were 1.1 (0.8, 2.1) & 3.2 (2.1, 14.5) months, respectively. Toxicities were predominantly cytopenias and thrombocytopenic bleeding. Two pts. had grade 5 toxicity unlikely related to treatment. Two pts. had grade 4 and 6 had grade 3 toxicities observed. Two patients with stable disease remained on therapy for 6+ cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

Vorinostat on this dose-schedule had limited efficacy and significant toxicity resulting in a unfavorable risk:benefit ratio in patients with mUC. NCT00363883.

Randomized Trial of Afatinib Plus Cetuximab Versus Afatinib Alone for First-Line Treatment of EGFR-Mutant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Final Results From SWOG S1403

PURPOSE

The irreversible ErbB family tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) afatinib plus the EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab was previously shown to overcome resistance to EGFR TKIs. We studied whether the combination of afatinib plus cetuximab compared with afatinib alone would improve progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with treatment-naive EGFR-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by preventing or delaying resistance.

METHODS

Patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC without prior treatment of advanced disease were enrolled in this phase II, multicenter trial and randomly assigned to receive afatinib 40 mg orally daily plus cetuximab 500 mg/m² intravenously every 2 weeks or afatinib alone. The primary end point was PFS.

RESULTS

Between March 25, 2015 and April 23, 2018, 174 patients were randomly assigned, and 168 (83 on afatinib + cetuximab and 85 on afatinib) were eligible. There was no improvement in PFS in patients receiving afatinib plus cetuximab compared with afatinib alone (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.43; P = .94; median, 11.9 months v 13.4 months). Similarly, there was no difference in response rate (67% v 74%; P = .38) or overall survival (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.36; P = .44). Toxicity was greater with the combination: grade ≥ 3 adverse events related to treatment occurred in 72% of patients receiving afatinib plus cetuximab compared with 40% of those receiving afatinib alone, most commonly rash and diarrhea. Dose reductions were more common in patients receiving the combination, and 30% of patients in this arm discontinued cetuximab due to toxicity. At interim analysis, there was insufficient evidence to support continued accrual, and the trial was closed.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of cetuximab to afatinib did not improve outcomes in previously untreated EGFR-mutant NSCLC, despite recognized activity in the acquired resistance setting.

Atezolizumab Versus Docetaxel in Pretreated Patients With NSCLC: Final Results From the Randomized Phase 2 POPLAR and Phase 3 OAK Clinical Trials

INTRODUCTION

The phase 2 POPLAR and phase 3 OAK studies of the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunotherapy atezolizumab in patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC revealed significant improvements in survival versus docetaxel (p = 0.04 and 0.0003, respectively). Longer follow-up permits evaluation of continued benefit of atezolizumab. This study reports the final overall survival (OS) and safety findings from both trials.

METHODS

POPLAR randomized 287 patients (atezolizumab, 144; docetaxel, 143) and OAK randomized 1225 patients (atezolizumab, 613; docetaxel, 612). The patients received atezolizumab (1200 mg fixed dose) or docetaxel (75 mg/m²) every 3 weeks. Efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A longer OS was observed in patients receiving atezolizumab versus docetaxel in POPLAR (median OS = 12.6 mo versus 9.7 mo; hazard ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-1.00) and OAK (median OS = 13.3 versus 9.8 mo; hazard ratio = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.68-0.89). The 4-year OS rates in POPLAR were 14.8% (8.7-20.8) and 8.1% (3.2-13.0) and those in OAK were 15.5% (12.4-18.7) and 8.7% (6.2-11.3) for atezolizumab and docetaxel, respectively. Atezolizumab had improved OS benefit compared with docetaxel across all PD-L1 expression and histology groups. Most 4-year survivors in the docetaxel arms received subsequent immunotherapy (POPLAR, 50%; OAK, 65%). Of the 4-year survivors, most had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 and nonsquamous histological classification and approximately half were responders (POPLAR: atezolizumab, seven of 15; docetaxel, three of four; OAK: atezolizumab, 24 of 43; docetaxel, 11 of 26). Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 27% and 16% of atezolizumab 4-year survivors in POPLAR and OAK, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up suggests a consistent survival benefit with atezolizumab versus docetaxel in patients with previously treated NSCLC regardless of PD-L1 expression, histology, or subsequent immunotherapy. Atezolizumab had no new safety signals, and the safety profile was similar to that in previous studies.

Phase 1 Trial of MLN0128 (Sapanisertib) and CB-839 HCl (Telaglenastat) in Patients With Advanced NSCLC (NCI 10327): Rationale and Study Design

INTRODUCTION

There are currently no approved targeted therapies for lung squamous-cell carcinoma (LSCC) and KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). About 30% of LSCC and 25% of KRAS-mutant LUAD exhibit hyperactive NRF2 pathway activation through mutations in NFE2L2 (the gene encoding NRF2) or its negative regulator, KEAP1. Preclinical data demonstrate that these tumors are uniquely sensitive to dual inhibition of glycolysis and glutaminolysis via mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and glutaminase inhibitors. This phase 1 study was designed to assess safety and preliminary activity of the mTOR inhibitor MLN0128 (sapanisertib) in combination with the glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 HCl.

METHODS

Phase 1 dose finding will use the queue-based variation of the 3 + 3 dose escalation scheme with the primary endpoint of identifying the recommended expansion dose. To confirm the acceptable tolerability of the recommended expansion dose, patients will subsequently enroll onto 1 of 4 expansion cohorts (n = 14 per cohort): (1) LSCC harboring NFE2L2 or (2) KEAP1 mutations, or (3) LUAD harboring KRAS/(KEAP1 or NFE2L2) coalterations, or (4) LSCC wild type for NFE2L2 and KEAP1. The primary endpoint of the dose expansion is to determine the preliminary efficacy of MLN0128/CB-839 combination therapy.

CONCLUSION

This phase 1 study will determine the recommended expansion dose and preliminary efficacy of MLN0128 and CB-839 in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with a focus on subsets of LSCC and KRAS-mutant LUAD harboring NFE2L2 or KEAP1 mutations.

Spectrum of driver mutations and clinical impact of circulating tumor DNA analysis in non-small cell lung cancer: Analysis of over 8000 cases

BACKGROUND

Circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based mutation profiling, if sufficiently sensitive and comprehensive, can efficiently identify genomic targets in advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Therefore, the authors investigated the accuracy and clinical utility of a commercially available digital next-generation sequencing platform in a large series of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Plasma-based comprehensive genomic profiling results from 8388 consecutively tested patients with advanced NSCLC were analyzed. Driver and resistance mutations were examined with regard to their distribution, frequency, co-occurrence, and mutual exclusivity.

RESULTS

Somatic alterations were detected in 86% of samples. The median variant allele fraction was 0.43% (range, 0.03%-97.62%). Activating alterations in actionable oncogenes were identified in 48% of patients, including EGFR (26.4%), MET (6.1%), and BRAF (2.8%) alterations and fusions (ALK, RET, and ROS1) in 2.3%. Treatment-induced resistance mutations were common in this cohort, including driver-dependent and driver-independent alterations. In the subset of patients who had progressive disease during EGFR therapy, 64% had known or putative resistance alterations detected in plasma. Subset analysis revealed that ctDNA increased the identification of driver mutations by 65% over standard-of-care, tissue-based testing at diagnosis. A pooled data analysis on this plasma-based assay demonstrated that targeted therapy response rates were equivalent to those reported from tissue analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive ctDNA analysis detected the presence of therapeutically targetable driver and resistance mutations at the frequencies and distributions predicted for the study population. These findings add support for comprehensive ctDNA testing in patients who are incompletely tested at the time of diagnosis and as a primary option at the time of progression on targeted therapies.

Molecular Landscape of BRAF-Mutant NSCLC Reveals an Association Between Clonality and Driver Mutations and Identifies Targetable Non-V600 Driver Mutations

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 4% of NSCLC harbor BRAF mutations, and approximately 50% of these are non-V600 mutations. Treatment of tumors harboring non-V600 mutations is challenging because of functional heterogeneity and lack of knowledge regarding their clinical significance and response to targeted agents.

METHODS

We conducted an integrative analysis of BRAF non-V600 mutations using genomic profiles of BRAF-mutant NSCLC from the Guardant360 database. BRAF mutations were categorized by clonality and class (1 and 2: RAS-independent; 3: RAS-dependent). Cell viability assays were performed in Ba/F3 models. Drug screens were performed in NSCLC cell lines.

RESULTS

A total of 305 unique BRAF mutations were identified. Missense mutations were most common (276, 90%), and 45% were variants of unknown significance. F468S and N581Y were identified as novel activating mutations. Class 1 to 3 mutations had higher clonality than mutations of unknown class (p < 0.01). Three patients were treated with MEK with or without BRAF inhibitors. Patients harboring G469V and D594G mutations did not respond, whereas a patient with the L597R mutation had a durable response. Trametinib with or without dabrafenib, LXH254, and lifirafenib had more potent inhibition of BRAF non-V600-mutant NSCLC cell lines than other MEK, BRAF, and ERK inhibitors, comparable with the inhibition of BRAF V600E cell line.

CONCLUSIONS

In BRAF-mutant NSCLC, clonality is higher in known functional mutations and may allow identification of variants of unknown significance that are more likely to be oncogenic drivers. Our data indicate that certain non-V600 mutations are responsive to MEK and BRAF inhibitors. This integration of genomic profiling and drug sensitivity may guide the treatment for BRAF-mutant NSCLC.

Lung-MAP (SWOG S1400): Design, implementation, and lessons learned from a biomarker-driven master protocol (BDMP) for previously-treated squamous lung cancer (sqNSCLC)

9576

Background: S1400, a BDMP, was designed to address an unmet need in sqNSCLC, run within the National Clinical Trials Network of the National Cancer Institute using a public-private partnership (PPP). The goal of was to establish an infrastructure for biomarker-screening and rapid evaluation of targeted therapies in biomarker-defined groups leading to regulatory approval. Methods: S1400 included a screening part using the FoundationOne assay and a clinical trial part with biomarker-driven studies (BDS) and “non-match” studies (NMS) for patients not eligible for any BDS. Patients could be screened (SaP) at progression or pre-screened (PreS). Results: Between June 2014 and January 2019, 1864 patients enrolled (711 PreS, 1079 SaP), 1674 with biomarker results, and 653 registered to a study with 217 to BDS and 436 to NMS. Six BDS and 3 NMS were initiated in small subsets with all BDS and 2 NMS completed within 2-3 years (see Table). Completed BDS have not demonstrated activity with 0-2 responses. On S1400I, Nivolumab and ipilimumab did not improve survival. Response with durvalumab (S1400A) was 16%. Conclusions: Lung-MAP met its goal to quickly answer targeted and other novel therapy questions in rare sqNSCLC subpopulations, answering questions that likely would not have been otherwise feasible, thereby demonstrating value. Activated just prior to the success of PD-(L)1 therapies in sqNSCLC, the trial had to undergo major design changes. Lessons learned include the need to update based on new science and that the PPP collaboration was essential to success. Lung-MAP continues now with new BDS and NMS in all NSCLC as of January 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT02154490 . [Table: see text]

Residual circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) after two months of therapy to predict progression-free and overall survival in patients treated on S1403 with afatinib +/- cetuximab

9532

Background: ctDNA from patient plasma has demonstrated diagnostic utility in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Longitudinal changes in mutant allele frequency (MAF) have great potential to refine clinical management on targeted therapies. Methods: S1403 was a first-line phase II study of afatinib w or w/o cetuximab in pts with EGFR-mutant NSCLC. Between March, 2015 and April, 2018, 174 pts were randomized with 168 determined to be eligible. The study closed early due to futility. Plasma specimens were prospectively collected at baseline, Cycle 3 Day 1 (C3D1; 8 weeks) and at progression, and processed for batch analysis of ctDNA by next-generation sequencing (Guardant 360). A complete case analysis approach was used. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival distributions, a Cox model to estimate hazard ratios and confidence bounds, and the log-rank test to compare distributions. A landmark analysis was used to assess predictive value of ctDNA clearance at C3D1. Results: 104 patients (62%) had analyzable baseline plasma specimens available, with EGFR mutations detected in 83 (80%). PFS was significantly shorter for pts with EGFR ctDNA positivity at baseline (p = 0.03) (Table) compared to those with no detectable ctDNA, likely a prognostic effect. Kinetic changes in ctDNA MAFs were analyzed in 79 pts with matching baseline and C3D1 specimens. Of 62 cases with detectable ctDNA at baseline, 68% (42/62) became undetectable at C3D1 (“ctDNA clearance”); ctDNA clearance relative to residual ctDNA was associated with significantly longer PFS (p = 0.00001) and OS (0.003) (Table). To date, 29 pts had matching at-progression samples. T790M mutations were observed at progression in 6/29 (24%) cases. Other putative emergent resistance factors include: a TACC3-FGFR3 and an EML4-ALK fusion, MET exon 14 skipping, multiple MET amplifications and NF1 frameshift mutations. Conclusions: Clearance of EGFR ctDNA after 60 days of therapy was associated with a substantial and statistically significant improvement in subsequent PFS and OS. Incorporation of ctDNA kinetics into routine clinical care represents a promising platform to identify patients with inferior outcomes on TKIs and detect targetable emergent resistance mechanisms. [Table: see text]

SWOG S1400F (NCT03373760): A phase II study of durvalumab plus tremelimumab for previously treated patients with acquired resistance to PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy and stage IV squamous cell lung cancer (Lung-MAP Sub-study)

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Background: The Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP) is designed to evaluate novel targeted therapies in patients with advanced squamous lung carcinoma. In the S1400F sub-study (non-match), we tested whether combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibition with durvalumab plus tremelimumab (D+T) could overcome primary or acquired resistance to anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. Response, progression-free (PFS) and overall survival, and safety in the acquired resistance cohort are reported herein. Methods: Patients with previously treated squamous lung carcinoma, performance status (PS) 0-1, and adequate organ function that developed disease progression after ≥24 weeks of anti-PD-(L)1 monotherapy were eligible. Prior severe immune-related toxicities, intervening systemic therapy and combination chemo-immunotherapy were not permitted. Patients received D1500 mg + T75 mg IV q28 days for 4 cycles then D maintenance until disease progression. The primary endpoint was best objective response (RECIST 1.1). Interim analysis for futility was planned after 20 patients evaluable for response were enrolled. If no responses were observed, the cohort would stop enrolment. Results: 30 eligible patients were accrued to the acquired resistance cohort. Median age was 68 years, 60% of patients were male, 33% PS 0 and had received a median of 2 prior lines of therapy (maximum 4). Best response to prior anti-PD-(L)1 therapy was CR/PR/SD in 3/7/20 patients, with a median duration of anti-PD-(L)1 therapy of 8.6 months (5.2-30.4). No objective responses were seen with D+T; 47% had SD as best response. Median PFS was 2.0 months (95% CI 1.6-2.9) and survival 7.5 months (95% CI 5.3-8.7). Among the 14 patients with SD as best response, the median PFS calculated from first disease assessment is 2.8 months (95% CI: 1.4-3.9). Grade≥3 adverse events at least possibly related to protocol therapy were seen in 10/30 patients. These include 1 treatment-related death due to pneumonitis and 1 death not otherwise specified. Other adverse events include grade 3 confusion (1), dehydration (2), diarrhea (3), encephalopathy (1), weakness (1), hyperglycemia (1), hypoxia (1), lymphopenia (1), nausea, (1), neutropenia (1), thrombocytopenia (1), rash (1), vomiting (1), grade 4 dyspnea (1), leucopenia (1) and lymphopenia (1). Conclusions: D+T did not demonstrate activity in patients with acquired resistance to PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors and pretreated advanced squamous lung carcinoma. Clinical trial information: NCT03373760 .