The association between frailty, hypogonadism, and postoperative outcomes among men undergoing radical cystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Hypogonadism is associated with frailty, lower health-related quality of life, decreased muscle mass, and premature mortality, which may predispose patients to poor postoperative outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypogonadism in men undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) and whether hypogonadism and frailty are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The IBM MarketScan database was used to identify men who underwent RC between 2012 and 2021. Frailty was determined using published Hospital Frailty Risk Score ranges. Patients were considered to have hypogonadism if diagnosed within 5 years prior to RC. Length of stay (LOS), complications, emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient readmissions were compared. Sub-group analysis of men with hypogonadism was performed to determine the effect of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 3,727 men who underwent RC, 226 (6.1%) had a diagnosis of hypogonadism. Overall, 565 (15.2%) men were low-risk frailty, 2,214 (59.4%) intermediate-risk frailty, and 948 (25.4%) were high-risk frailty, and men with hypogonadism were significantly more frail compared to men without hypogonadism (P = 0.027). There was no significant difference in LOS, complications, or rate of ED visits and inpatient readmissions between cohorts (P > 0.05). However, high-risk frailty was associated with an increased risk of 90-day ED visit (HR 1.19, 95%CI 1.00-1.41, P = 0.049) and 90-day readmission (HR 1.60, 95%CI 1.29-1.97, P < 0.001) after RC. Among men with hypogonadism, 58 (25.7%) were on TRT. There was no significant difference in frailty, LOS, complications, or 90-day ED visits or 90-day inpatient readmissions between patient with hypogonadism prescribed TRT and those without TRT.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that hypogonadism and preoperative frailty may be important to evaluate prior to undergoing RC.

Spatial comparison of molecular features associated with resistance to pembrolizumab in BCG unresponsive bladder cancer

Intravenous immune checkpoint inhibition achieves a 40% 3-month response in BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ. Yet, only half of the early responders will continue to be disease-free by 12 months, and resistance mechanisms are poorly defined. We performed spatial profiling of BCG-unresponsive tumors from patients responsive or resistant to intravenous pembrolizumab treatment, analyzing samples both before initiating and 3 months post-intravenous pembrolizumab treatment. We analyzed 119 regions of interest, which included 59 pairs of epithelial and adjacent stromal segments across five patients: two responders and three non-responders. We demonstrate that BCG unresponsive tumors with an inflamed PanCK+ tumor area and an infiltrated stromal segment respond better to intravenous pembrolizumab. Furthermore, using segment-specific gene signatures generated from a cohort of BCG unresponsive NMIBC treated with intravesical BCG+pembrolizumab, we find that non-inflamed, immune-cold tumors that do not respond to intravenous pembrolizumab exhibit a favorable outcome to the combined application of BCG and pembrolizumab. For the first time, we have identified molecular features of tumors associated with response and resistance to intravenous pembrolizumab in BCG unresponsive NMIBCs. Further research with more patients and alternative checkpoint inhibitors is essential to validate our findings. We anticipate that using a transcriptomics signature like the one described here can help identify tumors with a higher possibility of responding to intravenous pembrolizumab.

The Elusive Horizon: Biomarkers in Urothelial Carcinoma

Urinary tests for circulating tumor DNA have potential for accurate discrimination of bladder cancer from other common inflammatory processes. Efforts are still needed to determine whether these tests can differentiate between cancer and field cancerization and to demonstrate clinical benefit in prospective trials.

Mechanism of action of nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg

Effective bladder-preserving therapeutic options are needed for patients with bacillus Calmette-Guérin unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nadofaragene firadenovec-vncg (Adstiladrin®) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as the first gene therapy in urology and the first intravesical gene therapy indicated for the treatment of adult patients with high-risk bacillus Calmette-Guérin-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer with carcinoma in situ with or without papillary tumors. The proposed mechanism of action underlying nadofaragene firadenovec efficacy is likely due to the pleiotropic nature of interferon-α and its direct and indirect antitumor activities. Direct activities include cell death and the mediation of an antiangiogenic effect, and indirect activities are those initiated through immunomodulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. The sustained expression of interferon-α that results from this treatment modality contributes to a durable response. This review provides insight into potential mechanisms of action underlying nadofaragene firadenovec efficacy.

Novel Use of Circulating Tumor DNA to Identify Muscle-invasive and Non-organ-confined Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Optimal patient selection for neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgical extirpation is limited by the inaccuracy of contemporary clinical staging methods in high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the detection of plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can predict muscle-invasive (MI) and non-organ-confined (NOC) UTUC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Plasma cell-free DNA was prospectively collected from chemotherapy-naïve, high-risk UTUC patients undergoing surgical extirpation and sequenced using a 152-gene panel and low-pass whole-genome sequencing.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

To test for concordance, whole-exome sequencing was performed on matching tumor samples. The performance of ctDNA for predicting MI/NOC UTUC was summarized using the area under a receiver-operating curve, and a variant count threshold for predicting MI/NOC disease was determined by maximizing Youden's J statistic. Kaplan-Meier methods estimated survival, and Mantel-Cox log-rank testing assessed the association between preoperative ctDNA positivity and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 30 patients enrolled prospectively, 14 were found to have MI/NOC UTUC. At least one ctDNA variant was detected from 21/30 (70%) patients, with 52% concordance with matching tumor samples. Detection of at least two panel-based molecular alterations yielded 71% sensitivity at 94% specificity to predict MI/NOC UTUC. Imposing this threshold in combination with a plasma copy number burden score of >6.5 increased sensitivity to 79% at 94% specificity. Furthermore, the presence of ctDNA was strongly prognostic for progression-free survival (PFS; 1-yr PFS 69% vs 100%, p < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS; 1-yr CSS 56% vs 100%, p = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

The detection of plasma ctDNA prior to extirpative surgery was highly predictive of MI/NOC UTUC and strongly prognostic of PFS and CSS. Preoperative ctDNA demonstrates promise as a biomarker for selecting patients to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to nephroureterectomy.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Here, we show that DNA from upper tract urothelial tumors can be detected in the blood prior to surgical removal of the kidney or ureter. This circulating tumor DNA can be used to predict that upper tract urothelial carcinoma is invasive into the muscular lining of the urinary tract and may help identify those patients who could benefit from chemotherapy prior to surgery.

Association of Molecular Subtypes with Pathologic Response, PFS, and OS in a Phase II Study of COXEN with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE

The Coexpression Extrapolation (COXEN) gene expression model with chemotherapy-specific scores [for methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin, cisplatin (ddMVAC) and gemcitabine/cisplatin (GC)] was developed to identify responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). We investigated RNA-based molecular subtypes as additional predictive biomarkers for NAC response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in patients treated in S1314.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A total of 237 patients were randomized between four cycles of ddMVAC (51%) and GC (49%). On the basis of Affymetrix transcriptomic data, we determined subtypes using three classifiers: TCGA (k = 5), Consensus (k = 6), and MD Anderson (MDA; k = 3) and assessed subtype association with path response to NAC and determined associations with COXEN. We also tested whether each classifier contributed additional predictive power when added to a model based on predefined stratification (strat) factors (PS 0 vs. 1; T2 vs. T3, T4a).

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients had gene expression results, received at least three of four cycles of NAC, and had pT-N response based on radical cystectomy. TCGA three-group classifier basal-squamous (BS)/neuronal, luminal (Lum), Lum infiltrated, and GC COXEN score yielded the largest AUCs for pT0 (0.59, P = 0.28; 0.60, P = 0.18, respectively). For downstaging (

CONCLUSIONS

The Consensus classifier, based in part on the TCGA and MDA classifiers, modestly improved prediction for pathologic downstaging but subtypes were not associated with PFS or OS.

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Key Words Collapse

MESH Headings

• Humans
• Cisplatin/therapeutic use
• Cystectomy/methods
• Deoxycytidine/therapeutic use
• Muscles/pathology
• Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Progression-Free Survival
• Retrospective Studies
• Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/drug therapy
• Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/genetics
• Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology

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Grants

• UG1 CA233320 NCI NIH HHS
• UG1 CA233324 NCI NIH HHS
• UG1 CA180830 NCI NIH HHS
• UG1 CA233160 NCI NIH HHS
• U10 CA032102 NCI NIH HHS
• UG1 CA233196 NCI NIH HHS
• U10 CA180888 NCI NIH HHS
• U24 CA114748 NCI NIH HHS
• U10 CA180819 NCI NIH HHS
• UG1 CA233328 NCI NIH HHS

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Affiliation(s)

Seth P. Lerner Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
David J. McConkey Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Catherine M. Tangen Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Joshua J Meeks Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
Thomas W. Flaig University of Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
X Hua Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Siamak Daneshmand Department of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Ajjai Shivaram Alva University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
M. Scott Lucia University of Colorado, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO
Dan Theodorescu Cedars-Sinai CANCER, Los Angeles, CA
Amir Goldkorn University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Matthew I. Milowsky University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC
W. Choi Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Rick Bangs SWOG Cancer Research Network, Portland, OR
Daniel L. Gustafson Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Melissa Plets Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
Ian M. Thompson CHRISTUS Medical Center Hospital, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

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Somatic mutations of MLL4/COMPASS induce cytoplasmic localization providing molecular insight into cancer prognosis and treatment

Cancer genome sequencing consortiums have recently catalogued an abundance of somatic mutations, across a wide range of human cancers, in the chromatin-modifying enzymes that regulate gene expression. Defining the molecular mechanisms underlying the potentially oncogenic functions of these epigenetic mutations could serve as the basis for precision medicine approaches to cancer therapy. MLL4 encoded by the KMT2D gene highly mutated in a large number of human cancers, is a key histone lysine monomethyltransferase within the Complex of Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS) family that regulates gene expression through enhancer function, potentially functioning as a tumor suppressor. We report that the KMT2D mutations which cause MLL4 protein truncation also alter MLL4's subcellular localization, resulting in loss-of-function in the nucleus and gain-of-function in the cytoplasm. We demonstrate that isogenic correction of KMT2D truncation mutation rescues the aberrant localization phenotype and restores multiple regulatory functions of MLL4, including COMPASS integrity/stabilization, histone H3K4 mono-methylation, enhancer activation, and therefore transcriptional regulation. Moreover, isogenic correction diminishes the sensitivity of KMT2D-mutated cancer cells to targeted metabolic inhibition. Using immunohistochemistry, we identified that cytoplasmic MLL4 is unique to the tissue of bladder cancer patients with KMT2D truncation mutations. Using a preclinical carcinogen model of bladder cancer in mouse, we demonstrate that truncated cytoplasmic MLL4 predicts response to targeted metabolic inhibition therapy for bladder cancer and could be developed as a biomarker for KMT2D-mutated cancers. We also highlight the broader potential for prognosis, patient stratification and treatment decision-making based on KMT2D mutation status in MLL4 truncation-relevant diseases, including human cancers and Kabuki Syndrome.

A Spatial Comparison of Molecular Features Associated with Resistance to Pembrolizumab in BCG Unresponsive Bladder Cancer

Background

Intravenous immune checkpoint inhibition achieves a 40% three-month response in BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS). Yet only half of early responders will continue to be disease free by 12 months, and resistance mechanisms are poorly defined.

Objective

We assessed the molecular features associated with response to immunotherapy in BCG unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancers treated with pembrolizumab.

Design Setting and Participants

We performed digital spatial profiling (DSP) of BCG unresponsive NMIBC tumors before and after IV pembrolizumab therapy.

Intervention

Pembrolizumab was administered intravenously in patients with NMIBC at the time of recurrence after BCG therapy. Biopsies were obtained before starting IV pembrolizumab and three months post-treatment.

Outcomes and Statistical Analysis

Spatial gene expression profiling of the tumor niche pre- and post IV pembrolizumab.

Results and Limitations

We evaluated 119 regions of interest (ROIs) from five patients, which included 60 epithelial (PanCK+) and 59 stromal segments (PanCK-). ROIs from responders had distinct expression signatures from non-responders for both the tumor and TME. Responders were more likely to have a dynamic change in expression after pembrolizumab than non-responders. A major limitation of this study was the number of patients evaluated.

Conclusion

For the first time, we have identified distinct expression signatures associated with response and resistance to IV pembrolizumab in NMIBCs. Further research with more patients and alternative checkpoint inhibitors is essential to validate our findings.

Patient Summary

We identify the molecular features of tumors associated with response to pembrolizumab for patients with BCG unresponsive NMIBCs.

Checkpoint Inhibitors in Urothelial Carcinoma-Future Directions and Biomarker Selection

CONTEXT

Several recent phase 2 and 3 trials have evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy for urothelial carcinoma (UC) in the metastatic, localized muscle-invasive UC (MIUC), upper tract UC, and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) disease state.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcomes and toxicity of CPIs across the treatment landscape of UC and contextualize their application to current real-world treatment.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We queried PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases and conference abstracts to identify prospective trials examining CPIs in UC. The primary endpoints included overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and toxicity (when available). A secondary analysis included biomarker evaluation of response.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We identified 21 trials, 12 phase 2 and nine phase 3 trials, in which a CPI was used for metastatic UC (seven), MIUC (nine), and NMIBC (five). For first-line (1L) metastatic UC, concurrent chemotherapy with CPIs failed to show superiority. Improved overall and progression-free survival for switch maintenance avelumab (after achieving stable disease or response with induction systemic chemotherapy) has established the current standard of care for 1L metastatic UC. A single-agent CPI is a consideration for patients unable to tolerate chemotherapy. CPIs in the perioperative setting are limited to only the adjuvant treatment with nivolumab after radical surgery for MIUC in patients at a higher risk of recurrence based on pathologic stage. Only pembrolizumab is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for carcinoma in situ unresponsive to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in patients who are not fit for or who refuse radical cystectomy. Trials investigating CPIs in combination with multiple immune regulators, antibody drug conjugates, targeted therapies, antiangiogenic agents, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are enrolling patients and may shape the future treatment of patients with UC.

CONCLUSIONS

CPIs have an established role across multiple states of UC, with broadened applications likely to occur in the future. Several combinations are being evaluated, while the development of predictive biomarkers and their validation may help identify patients who are most likely to respond.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Our findings highlight the broad activity of checkpoint inhibitors in urothelial carcinoma, noting the need for further investigation for the best application of combinations and patient selection to patient care.

Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Localized Genitourinary Cancers

Importance

A true revolution in the management of advanced genitourinary cancers has occurred with the discovery and adoption of immunotherapy (IO). The therapeutic benefits of IO were recently observed not to be solely confined to patients with disseminated disease but also in select patients with localized and locally advanced genitourinary neoplasms.

Observations

KEYNOTE-057 demonstrated the benefit of pembrolizumab monotherapy for treating high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer unresponsive to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), resulting in recent US Food and Drug Administration approval. Furthermore, a current phase 3 trial (Checkmate274) demonstrated a disease-free survival benefit with the administration of adjuvant nivolumab vs placebo in muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma after radical cystectomy. In addition, the recent highly publicized phase 3 KEYNOTE 564 trial demonstrated a recurrence-free survival benefit of adjuvant pembrolizumab in patients with high-risk localized/locally advanced kidney cancer.

Conclusions and Relevance

The adoption and integration of IO in the management of localized genitourinary cancers exhibiting aggressive phenotypes are becoming an emerging therapeutic paradigm. Clinical oncologists and scientists should become familiar with these trials and indications because they are likely to dramatically change our treatment strategies in the months and years to come.

Cell-free DNA Methylation as a Predictive Biomarker of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Patients with Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer in SWOG S1314

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the standard of care in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). However, treatment is intense, and the overall benefit is small, necessitating effective biomarkers to identify patients who will benefit most.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation in patients receiving NAC in SWOG S1314, a prospective cooperative group trial, and to correlate the methylation signatures with pathologic response at radical cystectomy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

SWOG S1314 is a prospective cooperative group trial for patients with MIBC (cT2-T4aN0M0, ≥5 mm of viable tumor), with a primary objective of evaluating the coexpression extrapolation (COXEN) gene expression signature as a predictor of NAC response, defined as achieving pT0N0 or ≤pT1N0 at radical cystectomy. For the current exploratory analysis, blood samples were collected prospectively from 72 patients in S1314 before and during NAC, and plasma cfDNA methylation was measured using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip array.

INTERVENTION

No additional interventions besides plasma collection.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Differential methylation between pathologic responders (≤pT1N0) and nonresponders was analyzed, and a classifier predictive of treatment response was generated using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Using prechemotherapy plasma cfDNA, we developed a methylation-based response score (mR-score) predictive of pathologic response. Plasma samples collected after the first cycle of NAC yielded mR-scores with similar predictive ability. Furthermore, we used cfDNA methylation data to calculate the circulating bladder DNA fraction, which had a modest but independent predictive ability for treatment response. In a model combining mR-score and circulating bladder DNA fraction, we correctly predicted pathologic response in 79% of patients based on their plasma collected at baseline and after one cycle of chemotherapy. Limitations of this study included a limited sample size and relatively low circulating bladder DNA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides the proof of concept that cfDNA methylation can be used to generate classifiers of NAC response in bladder cancer patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this exploratory analysis of S1314, we demonstrated that cell-free DNA methylation can be profiled to generate biomarker signatures associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy response. With validation in additional cohorts, this minimally invasive approach may be used to predict chemotherapy response in locally advanced bladder cancer and perhaps also in metastatic disease.

Epidemiology of Bladder Cancer in 2023: A Systematic Review of Risk Factors

CONTEXT

Bladder cancer (BC) is common worldwide and poses a significant public health challenge. External risk factors and the wider exposome (totality of exposure from external and internal factors) contribute significantly to the development of BC. Therefore, establishing a clear understanding of these risk factors is the key to prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To perform an up-to-date systematic review of BC's epidemiology and external risk factors.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Two reviewers (I.J. and S.O.) performed a systematic review using PubMed and Embase in January 2022 and updated it in September 2022. The search was restricted to 4 yr since our previous review in 2018.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our search identified 5177 articles and a total of 349 full-text manuscripts. GLOBOCAN data from 2020 revealed an incidence of 573 000 new BC cases and 213 000 deaths worldwide in 2020. The 5-yr prevalence worldwide in 2020 was 1 721 000. Tobacco smoking and occupational exposures (aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are the most substantial risk factors. In addition, correlative evidence exists for several risk factors, including specific dietary factors, imbalanced microbiome, gene-environment risk factor interactions, diesel exhaust emission exposure, and pelvic radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a contemporary overview of the epidemiology of BC and the current evidence for BC risk factors. Smoking and specific occupational exposures are the most established risk factors. There is emerging evidence for specific dietary factors, imbalanced microbiome, gene-external risk factor interactions, diesel exhaust emission exposure, and pelvic radiotherapy. Further high-quality evidence is required to confirm initial findings and further understand cancer prevention.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Bladder cancer is common, and the most substantial risk factors are smoking and workplace exposure to suspected carcinogens. On-going research to identify avoidable risk factors could reduce the number of people who get bladder cancer.

Circulating and urinary tumour DNA in urothelial carcinoma - upper tract, lower tract and metastatic disease

Precision medicine has transformed the way urothelial carcinoma is managed. However, current practices are limited by the availability of tissue samples for genomic profiling and the spatial and temporal molecular heterogeneity observed in many studies. Among rapidly advancing genomic sequencing technologies, non-invasive liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising diagnostic tool to reproduce tumour genomics, and has shown potential to be integrated in several aspects of clinical care. In urothelial carcinoma, liquid biopsies such as plasma circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and urinary tumour DNA (utDNA) have been investigated as a surrogates for tumour biopsies and might bridge many shortfalls currently faced by clinicians. Both ctDNA and utDNA seem really promising in urothelial carcinoma diagnosis, staging and prognosis, response to therapy monitoring, detection of minimal residual disease and surveillance. The use of liquid biopsies in patients with urothelial carcinoma could further advance precision medicine in this population, facilitating personalized patient monitoring through non-invasive assays.

Expression-based subtypes define pathologic response to neoadjuvant immune-checkpoint inhibitors in muscle-invasive bladder cancer

Checkpoint immunotherapy (CPI) has increased survival for some patients with advanced-stage bladder cancer (BCa). However, most patients do not respond. Here, we characterized the tumor and immune microenvironment in pre- and post-treatment tumors from the PURE01 neoadjuvant pembrolizumab immunotherapy trial, using a consolidative approach that combined transcriptional and genetic profiling with digital spatial profiling. We identify five distinctive genetic and transcriptomic programs and validate these in an independent neoadjuvant CPI trial to identify the features of response or resistance to CPI. By modeling the regulatory network, we identify the histone demethylase KDM5B as a repressor of tumor immune signaling pathways in one resistant subtype (S1, Luminal-excluded) and demonstrate that inhibition of KDM5B enhances immunogenicity in FGFR3-mutated BCa cells. Our study identifies signatures associated with response to CPI that can be used to molecularly stratify patients and suggests therapeutic alternatives for subtypes with poor response to neoadjuvant immunotherapy.

Kawain Inhibits Urinary Bladder Carcinogenesis through Epigenetic Inhibition of LSD1 and Upregulation of H3K4 Methylation

Epidemiological evidence suggests that kava (Piper methysticum Forst) drinks may reduce the risk of cancer in South Pacific Island smokers. However, little is known about the anti-carcinogenic effects of kava on tobacco smoking-related bladder cancer and its underlying mechanisms. Here we show that dietary feeding of kawain (a major active component in kava root extracts) to mice either before or after hydroxy butyl(butyl) nitrosamine (OH-BBN) carcinogen exposure slows down urinary bladder carcinogenesis and prolongs the survival of the OH-BBN-exposed mice. OH-BBN-induced bladder tumors exhibit significantly increased expression of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), accompanied by decreased levels of H3K4 mono-methylation compared to normal bladder epithelium, whereas dietary kawain reverses the effects of OH-BBN on H3K4 mono-methylation. Human bladder cancer tumor tissues at different pathological grades also show significantly increased expression of LSD1 and decreased levels of H3K4 mono-methylation compared to normal urothelium. In addition, kava root extracts and the kavalactones kawain and methysticin all increase the levels of H3K4 mono- and di-methylation, leading to inhibitory effects on cell migration. Taken together, our results suggest that modification of histone lysine methylation may represent a new approach to bladder cancer prevention and treatment and that kavalactones may be promising agents for bladder cancer interception in both current and former smokers.

A cohort study evaluating the clinical, environmental and genetic profiles of men with early-onset, aggressive prostate cancer

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Background: The frequency of young men with aggressive prostate cancer (PC) at diagnosis is increasing. Clinical, environmental, and genetic drivers of this change have not been well characterized. Methods: This multi-institutional study evaluated two cohorts; Cohort 1 completed enrollment and is reported here. Eligible patients (pts) had early-onset (age ≤ 60 years) PC with metastasis (N+ or M+) at diagnosis, or within 5 years of curative intent local therapy. Data were collected to define clinical, environmental, and genetic profiles, including ctDNA and whole genome and transcriptome sequencing using Tempus xE. Standard descriptive statistics were used. Results: 46 pts were enrolled. Median age at diagnosis was 55 (range 41-60 years); 85% were White, 15% were Black; 4% served in the military and 4% reported biochemical exposure. 85% reported a family history of cancer, 46% had family history of PC. Median PSA at diagnosis was 19 (range 1-534 ng/mL), 56% had a Gleason score of 9-10, and 56% had de novo metastatic PC. 46% had prior local therapy. Genetic data is available for 40 pts. The most frequent clinically significant mutations (≥10% for somatic, ≥2.5% for germline) are summarized. 23 unique germline and over 1,000 unique somatic mutations were identified. Germline mutations associated with hereditary PC were found in 15%, all were associated with DNA damage repair (DDR). Somatic mutations in DDR genes were found in 10%. Co-mutations in TP53 and BRAF were seen in 30%. Interestingly, there were also incidental germline mutations identified that are associated with cardiac ( MYBPC, MYH7) and vascular ( MYH11, ACTA2) conditions, among others. Conclusions: In this cohort study we identified an unexpectedly high frequency of family histories that were positive for cancer (85%), and specifically PC (46%). However, rates of germline mutations associated with hereditary PC were similar to previous studies (15%), suggesting the possibility that other novel hereditary mutations driving increased PC risk may be present. Increased rates of somatic mutations in BRAF (35%) were also seen. The high frequency of BRAF mutations, particularly those that co-occur with TP53 mutations, may be driving more aggressive disease. We also found enrichment of mutations associated with non-cancer hereditary syndromes, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These are not usually included in cancer-focused genetic studies, suggesting broader testing that includes potentially actionable incidental findings should be considered. More work is needed to define characteristics of this high-risk population and optimize management. [Table: see text]

A pilot study of tazemetostat and pembrolizumab in advanced urothelial carcinoma (ETCTN 10183)

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Background: Despite response to systemic therapy, few metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) patients (pts) achieve durable responses. Mutations in the COMPASS-related proteins KMT2D, KMT2C, and KDM6A are found in 66% of UC patients suggesting histone regulation may be an acquired mechanism of tumor viability. We previously found regression of UC in mice when treated with EZH2 inhibitor, tazemetostat. In vivo administration of tazemtostat enhanced the immune response with direct regulation of cytokines and antigen recognition machinery (MHCI and MHCII). We hypothesized that restoration of epigenetic imbalance, combined with immunotherapy, may improve outcomes in mUC pts. Methods: ETCTN 10183 (NCT03854474) is a pilot study evaluating the efficacy of tazemetostat 800 mg BID + pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks for cisplatin-refractory (Cohort A) or cisplatin/chemo-ineligible advanced UC (Cohort B) pts, with N=12 pts in each cohort. The primary objective is to identify the recommended phase two dose (RP2D) of tazemetostat in combination with pembrolizumab. Secondary objectives include RECIST-based response rate, safety, and progression-free survival. The maximum planned treatment duration is 2 years. Translational objectives include defining total and COMPASS-related genes tumor mutational burden, tumor subtyping, TCR clonality, T cell infiltration, and PDL-1 expression. Results: In the safety lead-in phase, 6 mUC pts were treated. There were no dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs). The RP2D for tazemetostat was established at 800 mg BID. Here we report results of fully accrued cohort A (N=12); 67% males, 33% females, 83% white, 8.3% Black, and 25% Hispanic/Latino ethnicity. The primary sites of UC were: bladder (n=9, 75%), renal pelvis (n=2, 17%), and ureter (n=1, 8.3%). The median (interquartile range, IQR) time since primary diagnosis was 1.1 years (0.7, 1.9); 11/12 patients had non-nodal metastatic disease; 10/12 had 1 or more visceral/bone metastasis. Median number of treatment cycles was 5 (IQR: 3-11; range 1-35). Median duration on protocol treatment was 12 weeks (IQR: 7-30; range 3-107 weeks). Three pts had treatment related grade 3/4 AEs: grade 4 sepsis (n=1), grade 3 lymphopenia (n=2); anemia, increased alkaline-phosphatase, and HSV oral infection (n=1 each). Best response was partial response (PR) in 3 pts (25%) and 3 (25%) had stable disease. Median PFS was 3.1 months (95%CI: 2.3-NA), and median overall survival was 8.0 months (95% CI: 4.7 – NA). Conclusions: The RP2D dose for tazemetostat is 800 mg + 200 mg Pembrolizumab q 3 weeks. The combination was feasible, well tolerated, and resulted in durable responses in poor-risk chemo-refractory UC patients. Clinical trial information: 03854474 .

Analysis of Mutational Signatures Using the mutSignatures R Library

Accumulation of somatic mutations is a hallmark of cancer. Defects in DNA metabolism and DNA repair and exposure to mutagens may result in characteristic nonrandom profiles of DNA mutations, also known as mutational signatures. Resolving mutational signatures can help identifying genetic instability processes active in human cancer samples, and there is an expectation that this information might be exploited in the future for drug discovery and personalized treatment.Here we show how to analyze bladder cancer mutation data using mutSignatures, an open-source R-based computational framework aimed at investigating DNA mutational signatures. We illustrate the typical steps of a mutational signature analysis. We start by importing and pre-processing mutation data from a list of Variant Call Format (VCF) files. Next, we show how to perform de novo mutational signature extraction and how to determine activity of previously resolved mutational signatures, including Catalogue of Somatic Mutations In Cancer (COSMIC) signatures. Finally, we provide insights into parameter selection, algorithm tuning, and data visualization.Overall, the chapter guides the reader through all steps of a mutational signature analysis using R and mutSignatures, a software that may help gathering insights into genetic instability and cancer biology.

First-in-human Intravesical Delivery of Pembrolizumab Identifies Immune Activation in Bladder Cancer Unresponsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin

BACKGROUND

Intravenous immune checkpoint inhibition is an effective anticancer strategy for bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-unresponsive non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) but may be associated with greater systemic toxicity compared with localized therapies.

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the safety and antitumor activity of intravesical pembrolizumab combined with BCG.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A 3 + 3 phase 1 trial of pembrolizumab + BCG was conducted in patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC (NCT02808143).

INTERVENTION

Pembrolizumab was given intravesically (1-5 mg/kg for 2 h) beginning 2 weeks prior to BCG induction until recurrence. Urine profiling during treatment and spatial transcriptomic profiling of pre- and post-treatment tumors were conducted to identify biomarkers that correlated with response.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Safety and tolerability of immune checkpoint inhibition were assessed, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Nine patients completed therapy. Median follow-up was 35 months for five patients still alive at the end of the trial. The trial was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grade 1-2 urinary symptoms were common. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached; however, one dose-limiting toxicity was reported (grade 2 diarrhea) in the only patient who reached 52 weeks without recurrence. One death occurred from myasthenia gravis that was deemed potentially related to treatment. The 6-mo and 1-yr recurrence-free rates were 67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42-100%) and 22% (95% CI: 6.5-75%), respectively. Pembrolizumab was detected in the urine and not in blood. CD4⁺ T cells were significantly increased in the urine after treatment, and a transcriptomic analysis identified decreased expression of T-cell exhaustion markers in late recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that intravesical pembrolizumab is safe, feasible, and capable of eliciting strong immune responses in a clinical setting and should be investigated further.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Direct application of pembrolizumab to the bladder is a promising alternative for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer unresponsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin and should be investigated further.

An Evaluation of Peer-Rated Surgical Skill and its Relationship With Detrusor Muscle Sampling in Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reliability of peer-review of TURBT videos as a means to evaluate surgeon skill and its relationship to detrusor sampling.

METHODS

Urologists from an academic health system submitted TURBT videos in 2019. Ten blinded peers evaluated each surgeon's performance using a 10-item scoring instrument to quantify surgeon skill. Normalized composite skill scores for each surgeon were calculated using peer ratings. For surgeons submitting videos, we retrospectively reviewed all TURBT pathology results (2018-2019) to assess surgeon-specific detrusor sampling. A hierarchical logistic regression model was fit to evaluate the association between skill and detrusor sampling, adjusting for patient and surgeon factors.

RESULTS

Surgeon skill scores and detrusor sampling rates were determined for 13 surgeons performing 245 TURBTs. Skill scores varied from -6.0 to 5.1 [mean: 0; standard deviation (SD): 2.40]. Muscle was sampled in 72% of cases, varying considerably across surgeons (mean: 64.5%; SD: 30.7%). Among 8 surgeons performing >5 TURBTs during the study period, adjusted detrusor sampling rate was associated with sending separate deep specimens (odds ratio [OR]: 1.97; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-3.81, P = .045) but not skill (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.57-1.17, P = .191).

CONCLUSION

Surgeon skill was not associated with detrusor sampling, suggesting there may be other drivers of variability of detrusor sampling in TURBT.

Immune activation is essential for the antitumor activity of EZH2 inhibition in urothelial carcinoma

The long-term survival of patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UCa) is limited because of innate resistance to treatment. We identified elevated expression of the histone methyltransferase EZH2 as a hallmark of aggressive UCa and hypothesized that EZH2 inhibition, via a small-molecule catalytic inhibitor, might have antitumor effects in UCa. Here, in a carcinogen-induced mouse bladder cancer model, a reduction in tumor progression and an increase in immune infiltration upon EZH2 inhibition were observed. Treatment of mice with EZH2i causes an increase in MHC class II expression in the urothelium and can activate infiltrating T cells. Unexpectedly, we found that the lack of an intact adaptive immune system completely abolishes the antitumor effects induced by EZH2 catalytic inhibition. These findings show that immune evasion is the only important determinant for the efficacy of EZH2 catalytic inhibition treatment in a UCa model.

Using real-world patient experiences to inform point-of-care decisions and care management strategies in urothelial carcinoma

280

Background: Approvals of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors hold the promise of improving long-term survival in patients with urothelial carcinoma. Competence gaps that were identified prompted the design of a unique educational series for the urology-oncology team. Optimal management of urothelial carcinoma relies on effective patient-provider communication and decision-making. To provide an integrative learning experience, the patient voice was embedded into the clinical content through shared insights and patient-reported data. Methods: A 4-part CME series was launched live-online in October 2021 in partnership with the Large Urology Group Practice Association and remains on-demand through October 2022 at UroCareLive.com and OMedLive.com. A companion patient program was held in September 2021 in partnership with the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network and remains on-demand at CancerCoachLive.com. Behavioral assessment of preferences and attitudes toward managing patients were examined throughout the CME series and patient/caregiver program. A planned analysis of the data from these questions will determine patient and clinical impact. Outcomes from the patient program were analyzed and presented during the CME series followed by expert-identified strategies to improve clinical practice. Results: To date, 775 clinicians and 15,193 patients have participated in the educational initiative. Of the patient-reported experiences and preferences: 44% prefer to discuss benefits and risks of treatment options; and while 85% prefer to make decisions with their team, 67% felt overwhelmed and ultimately allowed their team to select therapy. Patient insights revealed challenges related to quality of life, side-effect management, and disease management. Patient-provider disparities were observed across preferences for point-of-care treatment discussions and quality of life challenges. Clinical and patient impact following integration of the patient voice will be analyzed. Conclusions: The initiative contributed to the provision of valuable patient insights and preferences based on real-world experience which were integrated into provider education. Increasing this awareness fostered practical strategies and discussion to improve patient-centered care. Education incorporating the patient voice into provider education can further sensitize clinicians to patient concerns and facilitate point-of-care decision-making.

Biodegradable nanoparticles induce cGAS/STING-dependent reprogramming of myeloid cells to promote tumor immunotherapy

Cancer treatment utilizing infusion therapies to enhance the patient's own immune response against the tumor have shown significant functionality in a small subpopulation of patients. Additionally, advances have been made in the utilization of nanotechnology for the treatment of disease. We have previously reported the potent effects of 3-4 daily intravenous infusions of immune modifying poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (IMPs; named ONP-302) for the amelioration of acute inflammatory diseases by targeting myeloid cells. The present studies describe a novel use for ONP-302, employing an altered dosing scheme to reprogram myeloid cells resulting in significant enhancement of tumor immunity. ONP-302 infusion decreased tumor growth via the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway within myeloid cells, and subsequently increased NK cell activation via an IL-15-dependent mechanism. Additionally, ONP-302 treatment increased PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment, thereby allowing for functionality of anti-PD-1 for treatment in the B16.F10 melanoma tumor model which is normally unresponsive to monotherapy with anti-PD-1. These findings indicate that ONP-302 allows for tumor control via reprogramming myeloid cells via activation of the STING/IL-15/NK cell mechanism, as well as increasing anti-PD-1 response rates.

Role of Chromatin Modifying Complexes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND

Chromatin modifying enzymes, mainly through post translational modifications, regulate chromatin architecture and by extension the underlying transcriptional kinetics in normal and malignant cells. Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has a high frequency of alterations in chromatin modifiers, with 76% of tumors exhibiting mutation in at least one chromatin modifying enzyme [1]. Additionally, clonal expansion of cells with inactivating mutations in chromatin modifiers has been identified in the normal urothelium, pointing to a currently unknown role of these proteins in normal bladder homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE

To review current knowledge of chromatin modifications and enzymes regulating these processes in Bladder cancer (BCa).

METHODS

By reviewing current literature, we summarize our present knowledge of external stimuli that trigger loss of equilibrium in the chromatin accessibility landscape and emerging therapeutic interventions for targeting these processes.

RESULTS

Genetic lesions in BCa lead to altered function of chromatin modifying enzymes, resulting in coordinated dysregulation of epigenetic processes with disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Mutations in chromatin modifying enzymes are wide-spread in BCa and several promising therapeutic targets for modulating activity of these genes are currently in clinical trials. Further research into understanding how the epigenetic landscape evolves as the disease progresses, could help identify patients who might benefit the most from these targeted therapies.

Biodegradable nanoparticle-induced sting pathway activation for the treatment of cancer

e14552

Background: Recent advances in the field of cancer immunology have highlighted the importance of the immune system for eliminating tumors. Numerous studies have shown that tumor-infiltrating immune cells such as antigen-presenting cells (APCs), T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells play critical roles in tumor control. However, the inflammatory anti-tumor immune response is counteracted by the induction of immune regulatory mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These findings have led to the development of immune-targeted therapies, which are aimed at activating anti-tumor immune signaling pathways and enhancing anti-tumor immune function. While immunotherapies, have revolutionized the treatment of several solid tumors and leukemias, at best response rates remain low at 25%-30%, and a portion of patients eventually develop resistance to therapy leading to disease progression and mortality. Methods: We have previously reported the potent effects of 3-4 daily intravenous infusions of immune modifying poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, ONP-302, free from drugs or other bioactive agents, for the amelioration of acute inflammatory diseases by targeting myeloid cells. The present studies describe a novel use for ONP-302 nanoparticles, employing an altered dosing scheme to reprogram myeloid cells resulting in significant enhancement of tumor immunity. The efficacy of ONP-302 nanoparticles at inducing an anti-tumor immune response was evaluated using syngeneic mouse tumor models. Results: ONP-302 infusion decreased tumor growth via the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway within myeloid cells, and subsequently increased NK cell activation via an IL-15-dependent mechanism. Additionally, ONP-302 treatment increased PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment, thereby allowing for functionality of anti-PD-1 for treatment in the B16.F10 melanoma tumor model which is normally unresponsive to monotherapy with anti-PD-1. Conclusions: These findings indicate that ONP-302 allows for tumor control via reprogramming myeloid cells via activation of the STING/IL-15/NK cell mechanism, as well as increasing anti-PD-1 response rates.

Clinical, environmental, genetic, and genomic profile of men with early-onset aggressive prostate cancer

e17049

Background: Although prostate cancer (PC) is heterogeneous, the rate of patients diagnosed with aggressive metastatic disease at a young age has been increasing. Prior studies defining genetic abnormalities in high-risk PC have not focused on this unique population of patients, thus the clinical and molecular features of these lethal PC phenotypes are not well described. Methods: This multi-institutional study evaluated two cohorts. Cohort 1, reported here, included early-onset (age ≤ 60) PC that was metastatic (N+ or M+) at diagnosis or PC that metastasized within 5 years post curative intent/local therapy. Cohort 2 included men with metastatic hormone sensitive PC who rapidly progressed (≤ 14 months) after systemic therapy. Data was collected to define clinical and genomic profiles, including sequencing of somatic & germline DNA, circulating tumor DNA and tumor RNA. Standard descriptive statistics were used. Results: 44 patients were enrolled. Median age at diagnosis was 55 years (range 41-60); 84% were White and 14% were Black. Median prostate specific antigen at diagnosis was 20 (range 1-534 ng/mL). 54% reported a family history of PC, while breast and colorectal cancer were reported in 35% and 14%, respectively. 4.5% reported a history of biochemical agent exposure. 58.5% of patients had De Novo distant metastatic disease (56% of these were low-volume) and 59.5% had a Gleason score of 9-10. 59% had received prior local therapy. Germline and somatic genetic data are available for 36 patients (4 are pending). The most common somatic mutation was in TP53 (n=15), followed by BRAF (n=14), AR (n=7), ERBB3 & MYC (n=5 each), CDKN2B, HRAS, MUC4, OBSCN & SPOP (n=4 each). Additional unique mutations in over 1,000 genes were also identified. Germline mutations were detected in BRCA2, ATM, ATP7B & FBN1 (n=3 each), RB1, CDH1, MYBPC3, MYH11 & MYH7 (n=2 each). 11 other unique germline mutations were also identified. Germline mutations were identified in genes previously implicated in hereditary PC ( BRCA2, ATM, PALB2, BRIP1 & CHEK2), with an overall germline incidence of 25%. There were also incidental germline mutations in genes related to hereditary cardiac conditions ( MYBPC, MYH11, MYH7), as well as other hereditary cancers ( RB1 and CDH1). Conclusions: This study evaluated specific criteria to define risk factors associated with the development of aggressive PC at a young age. Nearly 90% of these patients had a family history of cancer, with over 50% reporting a family history of PC. Somatic mutations were identified in genes such as TP53 that are frequently associated with aggressive disease. Additionally, there was enrichment for germline mutations associated with PC that exceeded what has previously been reported and enrichment of mutations not commonly included in PC genetic risk panels. Thus, more work is needed to define characteristics of this high-risk population and optimize management.

Cell-free DNA methylation as a predictive biomarker of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer in SWOG S1314

4506

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the standard of care in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. However, treatment is intense, the overall benefit is small, and there is no established marker to identify patients who benefit most. The aim of the study is to characterize cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation from patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy in SWOG S1314, a prospective cooperative group trial, and to correlate the methylation signatures with pathologic response. Methods: Blood samples were collected prospectively from 73 patients before and during standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy. At radical cystectomy, pathologic response was documented. Plasma cfDNA was profiled using Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip array. Differential methylation between pathologic responders (≤pT1N0M0) and non-responders was analyzed, and a Random Forest model was used to generate a classifier predictive of treatment response. Results: Using pre-chemotherapy plasma cfDNA, we developed a methylation-based response score (mR-score) predictive of pathologic response. The mR-score also could be calculated using plasma samples collected after the first cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, resulting in a similar predictive ability. Furthermore, we used cfDNA methylation data to calculate the circulating bladder DNA fraction, which had a modest but independent predictive ability for treatment response. When we combined the mR-score and circulating bladder DNA fraction, we successfully predicted pathologic response outcomes in 79% of patients based on their plasma collected before chemotherapy and after 1 cycle of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Our study provides proof of concept that cfDNA methylation may be used to predict treatment response in bladder cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02177695.

EA8185: Phase 2 study of bladder-sparing chemoradiation (chemoRT) with durvalumab in clinical stage III, node-positive urothelial carcinoma (INSPIRE), an ECOG-ACRIN/NRG collaboration

TPS4617

Background: Patients [pts] withlymph node positive (LN+), non-metastatic bladder cancer (BC) have a better prognosis than those with metastatic (M1) disease. However, this population is under-represented in advanced bladder trials and ineligible for bladder-sparing trials. Therefore, there have been no larger prospective trials establishing the standard of care in LN+ BC. Given the promise of immunotherapy in advanced BC and potential synergy between immunotherapy and radiation, INSPIRE was designed to determine the role of concurrent and adjuvant durvalumab (durva) in this patient population when treated with induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoRT. Methods: This is a randomized phase II study that is enrolling BC pts with stage III [N1-3 M0], pure or mixed urothelial cancer. Pts must have received ≥3 cycles of IC [either before or after registration, prior to randomization] without progression. LN+ is defined as radiologically LN ≥1.0 cm in short axis, with or without biopsy prior to IC. As long as pts do not progress on induction chemotherapy, they will be randomized to chemoRT+/- durva using 5 stratification factors (Simon Pocock minimization method) a) IC prior vs. post registration b) cisplatin vs non-cisplatin regimen during RT c) LN size d) response to IC e) extent of TURBT. Pts on the chemoRT+durva arm will get chemotherapy per physician choice + IMRT + 3 x doses of Q3wk durva for 6.5-8 wks, whereas those on the control arm will get chemoRT alone. The primary end point is clinical complete response [CR], defined as no radiologically measurable disease in the LNs and negative cystoscopy and bladder biopsy 8-10 weeks post-chemoRT +/- durva. Pts on the chemoRT + durva arm who have a CR or clinical benefit ( > T0 and ≤T2 in bladder per cystoscopy, biopsy + CR/PR/SD in LN by imaging) will get adjuvant Q4wk durva for 9 doses, while those on the chemoRT arm will undergo observation. Secondary end points include OS, PFS, bladder-intact event-free survival, rate of toxicity and salvage cystectomy. This study is designed to detect an improvement of 25% in clinical CR between both arms (37.5% to 62.5%). A total accrual of 114 pts (in order to enroll 92 evaluable pts) will provide 81% power to detect this difference using a Fisher’s exact test (assuming 10% drop out + anticipating that 20% chemotherapy-naïve pts will progress post IC). We are banking blood and primary tumor tissue pre- and post-chemoRT in both groups. The study was activated in August 2020 and accrual is ongoing. We expanded eligibility to include N3 in 9/2021. INSPIRE is the first prospective study designed for only LN+ BC and will define both short-term and long-term outcomes for bladder sparing in this patient population and has the potential to define a new treatment strategy for stage III BC. Clinical trial information: NCT04216290.

Randomized phase II trial of gemcitabine, avelumab and carboplatin versus no neoadjuvant therapy preceding surgery for cisplatin-ineligible muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (MIUC): SWOG GAP trial (S2011)

TPS591

Background: Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy improves survival in cisplatin-eligible patients (pts) with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). An unmet need exists in cisplatin-ineligible pts with MIUC who are offered upfront surgery. Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been demonstrated to be safe and active although the benefit may not extend to the majority of pts. The combination of GCa and an ICI has been demonstrated to be safe and active in cisplatin-ineligible metastatic urothelial carcinoma. In the neoadjuvant setting, combination GCa and an ICI may improve outcomes across a broad group of MIUC by delivering early systemic therapy to pts with cisplatin-ineligible MIUC. We hypothesized that the combination of GCa and avelumab, a PD-L1 inhibitor, may improve pathologic complete remissions (pCR) and long-term outcomes compared to upfront surgery for MIUC (S2011, NCT04871529). Methods: This multicenter, randomized (1:1), open-label phase II trial is comparing the combination of GCa and avelumab (Arm A) as neoadjuvant therapy vs. upfront surgery (Arm B) for pts with cisplatin-ineligible MIUC including MIBC and high-risk upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Adjuvant therapy following radical cystectomy, nephroureterectomy or ureterectomy is deferred to investigator discretion in both arms. Eligible pts include those with MIBC or high-grade UTUC with a predominant urothelial component who are cisplatin-ineligible (≥1 of: Zubrod performance status [PS] = 2, creatinine clearance [CrCl] 30 to < 60 ml/min, neuropathy > grade 1, hearing loss > grade 1, congestive heart failure > grade 2). The primary objective is pCR. The stratification factors include clinical stage (cT2N0M0 vs cT3-4aN0M0), Zubrod-PS (0-1 vs 2), CrCl (30 to < 60 vs ≥ 60 ml/min). With 178 evaluable pts, the trial will have a power of 90% (using a 1-sided alpha 0.05) to detect pCR rate improvement from 15% to 35%. The secondary objectives are toxicities, resectability rates, surgical complications, event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS). Correlative studies include tumor molecular profiling, blood immune studies, circulating tumor-DNA profiling and radiomics. Arm A receives gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 IV days 1, 8 every 3 weeks x 4 cycles, carboplatin AUC 4.5 (escalated to AUC 5 from cycle 2 if tolerated in cycle 1) IV day 1 every 3 weeks x 4 cycles and avelumab 800 mg IV day 1 every 2 weeks x 6 cycles. Surgery is performed 4-8 weeks after the last neoadjuvant administration. The trial is funded by NIH/NCI grants U10CA180888, U10CA180819, U10CA180821, U10CA180820, U10CA180868, and in part by EMD Serono, as part of an alliance between the healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (CrossRef Funder ID: 10.13039/100009945) and Pfizer. Clinical trial information: NCT04871529.

EA8185: Phase 2 study of bladder-sparing chemoradiation (chemoRT) with durvalumab in clinical stage III, node positive urothelial carcinoma (INSPIRE), an ECOG-ACRIN/NRG collaboration

TPS594

Background: Patients [pts] withlymph node positive (LN+), non-metastatic bladder cancer (BC) have a better prognosis than those with metastatic (M1) disease. However, this population is under-represented in advanced bladder trials and ineligible for bladder-sparing trials. Therefore, there have been no larger prospective trials establishing the standard of care in LN+ BC. Given the promise of immunotherapy in advanced BC and potential synergy between immunotherapy and radiation, INSPIRE was designed to determine the role of concurrent and adjuvant durvalumab (durva) in this patient population when treated with induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoRT. Methods: This is a randomized phase II study that is enrolling BC pts with stage III [N1-3 M0], pure or mixed urothelial cancer. Pts must have received ≥3 cycles of IC [either before or after registration, prior to randomization] without progression. LN+ is defined as radiologically LN ≥1.0 cm in short axis, with or without biopsy prior to IC. As long as pts do not progress on induction chemotherapy, they will be randomized to chemoRT+/- durva using 5 stratification factors (Simon Pocock minimization method) a) IC prior vs. post registration b) cisplatin vs non-cisplatin regimen during RT c) LN size d) response to IC e) extent of TURBT. Pts on the chemoRT+durva arm will get chemotherapy per physician choice + IMRT + 3 x doses of Q3wk durva for 6.5-8 wks, whereas those on the control arm will get chemoRT alone. The primary end point is clinical complete response [CR], defined as no radiologically measurable disease in the LNs and negative cystoscopy and bladder biopsy 8-10 weeks post-chemoRT +/- durva. Pts on the chemoRT + durva arm who have a CR or clinical benefit (>T0 and ≤T2 in bladder per cystoscopy, biopsy + CR/PR/SD in LN by imaging) will get adjuvant Q4wk durva for 9 doses, while those on the chemoRT arm will undergo observation. Secondary end points include OS, PFS, bladder-intact event-free survival, rate of toxicity and salvage cystectomy. This study is designed to detect an absolute improvement of 25% in clinical CR between both arms (37.5% to 62.5%). The accrual goal is 114, assuming 10% drop out + anticipating that 20% chemotherapy-naïve pts will progress post IC, and 92 evaluable pts that will provide 81% power to detect this difference using a Fisher’s exact test. We are banking blood and primary tumor tissue pre- and post-chemoRT in both groups. The study was activated in August 2020 and accrual is ongoing. We expanded eligibility to include N3 in 9/2021. INSPIRE is the first prospective study designed for only LN+ BC and will define both short-term and long-term outcomes for bladder sparing in this patient population and has the potential to define a new treatment strategy for stage III BC. Clinical trial information: NCT04216290.

Randomized phase 2 umbrella study of various neoadjuvant therapies for patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (MIBC) who are cisplatin-ineligible or refuse cisplatin therapy and undergoing radical cystectomy (Optimus)

TPS599

Background: A growing body of data support that the key to generating anti-tumor immune responses triggered by administration of immuno-oncology (IO) agents, is the activation and invasion of T lymphocytes. Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are being actively explored in the neoadjuvant setting of MIBC. CPIs documented 30-40% pathologic complete response-rates (ypT0N0) in previous trials. Increasingly, novel IO agents are being developed in combinations with anti PD(L)-1 therapies. Understanding the changes in the tumor microenvironment that occur with the addition of novel immunomodulating agents to PD(L)-1 inhibitors can help inform whether a compound is viable for further development. The OPTIMUS trial is a window of opportunity, neoadjuvant platform design study in MIBC patients that are cisplatin-ineligible. The study investigates the addition of the indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) inhibitor epacadostat to the PD-1 inhibitor retifanlimab. The platform design allows for investigation of other novel immune-modulating combinations. Methods: This is an open-label, randomized, Phase 2, multi-treatment group, window-of-opportunity, platform study for participants with MIBC undergoing radical cystectomy who refuse or are not eligible for cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT04586244). Participants are randomized based on tumor tissue PD-L1 CPS ≥ 10 or PD-L1 CPS < 10 to one of the following treatment groups: Treatment Group A (epacadostat + retifanlimab); Treatment Group B (retifanlimab monotherapy); Treatment Group C (epacadostat monotherapy). 18 patients will be enrolled in each of Treatment Groups A and B. 9 patients will be enrolled into Treatment Group C. Total treatment duration is a maximum of 10 weeks. The platform study design allows for addition of future treatment groups. Pre-treatment biopsy is obtained through transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), followed by neoadjuvant treatment, followed by radical cystectomy. In all treatment groups, tissue from the surgical specimen(s) is collected and compared with the initial pre-treatment samples. The primary endpoint is the change from baseline in CD8+ lymphocytes within resected tumor. Secondary endpoints include safety and tolerability, rates of ypT0N0 response, and major pathologic response. Exploratory analyses include tumoral changes in gene cell expression profile, immune-cell protein and metabolic marker levels, and spatial relationships between cell types. Plasma is also collected and will be investigated for changes in cytokines and other inflammatory or metabolic markers. Clinical trial information: NCT04586244.

γδ T Cells Support Antigen-Specific αβ T cell-Mediated Antitumor Responses during BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the most effective intravesical agent at reducing recurrence for patients with high-grade, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nevertheless, response to BCG is variable and strategies to boost BCG efficacy have not materialized. Prior work demonstrated a requirement for either conventional αβ or nonconventional γδ T cells in mediating BCG treatment efficacy, yet the importance of T-cell antigen specificity for BCG's treatment effect is unclear. Here, we provide direct evidence to show that BCG increases the number of tumor antigen-specific αβ T cells in patients with bladder cancer and protects mice from subsequent same-tumor challenge, supporting BCG induction of tumor-specific memory and protection. Adoptive T-cell transfers of antigen-specific αβ T cells into immunodeficient mice challenged with syngeneic MB49 bladder tumors showed that both tumor and BCG antigen-specific αβ T cells contributed to BCG efficacy. BCG-specific antitumor immunity, however, also required nonconventional γδ T cells. Prior work shows that the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin induces the proliferation and effector function of γδ T cells. Here, rapamycin increased BCG efficacy against both mouse and human bladder cancer in vivo in a γδ T cell-dependent manner. Thus, γδ T cells augment antitumor adaptive immune effects of BCG and support rapamycin as a promising approach to boost BCG efficacy in the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

100 years of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin immunotherapy: from cattle to COVID-19

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the most widely used vaccine worldwide and has been used to prevent tuberculosis for a century. BCG also stimulates an anti-tumour immune response, which urologists have harnessed for the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. A growing body of evidence indicates that BCG offers protection against various non-mycobacterial and viral infections. The non-specific effects of BCG occur via the induction of trained immunity and form the basis for the hypothesis that BCG vaccination could be used to protect against the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This Perspective article highlights key milestones in the 100-year history of BCG and projects its potential role in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) clinical practice guideline on immunotherapy for the treatment of urothelial cancer

A number of immunotherapies have been developed and adopted for the treatment of urothelial cancer (encompassing cancers arising from the bladder, urethra, or renal pelvis). For these immunotherapies to positively impact patient outcomes, optimal selection of agents and treatment scheduling, especially in conjunction with existing treatment paradigms, is paramount. Immunotherapies also warrant specific and unique considerations regarding patient management, emphasizing both the prompt identification and treatment of potential toxicities. In order to address these issues, the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) convened a panel of experts in the field of immunotherapy for urothelial cancer. The expert panel developed this clinical practice guideline (CPG) to inform healthcare professionals on important aspects of immunotherapeutic treatment for urothelial cancer, including diagnostic testing, treatment planning, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and patient quality of life (QOL) considerations. The evidence- and consensus-based recommendations in this CPG are intended to give guidance to cancer care providers treating patients with urothelial cancer.

EA8185: Phase 2 study of bladder-sparing chemoradiation (chemoRT) with durvalumab in clinical stage III, node positive urothelial carcinoma (INSPIRE)—An ECOG-ACRIN and NRG Collaboration

TPS4590

Background: Patients [pts] withlymph node positive (LN+), non-metastatic bladder cancer (BC) have a better prognosis than those with metastatic (M1) disease. However, this population is under-represented in advanced bladder trials and ineligible for bladder-sparing trials. Therefore, there have been no larger prospective trials establishing the standard of care in LN+ BC. Given the promise of immunotherapy in advanced BC and potential synergy between immunotherapy and radiation, INSPIRE was designed to determine the role of concurrent and adjuvant durvalumab (durva) in this patient population when treated with induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoRT. Methods: This is a randomized phase II study that is enrolling BC pts with stage III [N1-2 M0], pure or mixed urothelial cancer. Pts must have received ≥3 cycles of IC [either before or after registration, prior to randomization] without progression. LN+ is defined as radiologically LN ≥1.0 cm in short axis, with or without biopsy prior to IC. As long as pts do not progress on induction chemotherapy, they will be randomized to chemoRT+/- durva using 5 stratification factors (Simon Pocock minimization method) a) IC prior vs. post registration b) cisplatin vs non-cisplatin regimen during RT c) LN size d) response to IC e) extent of TURBT. Pts on the chemoRT+durva arm will get chemotherapy per physician choice + IMRT + 3 x doses of Q3wk durva for 6.5-8 wks, whereas those on the control arm will get chemoRT alone. The primary end point is clinical complete response [CR], defined as no radiologically measurable disease in the LNs and negative cystoscopy and bladder biopsy 8-10 weeks post-chemoRT +/- durva. Pts on the chemoRT + durva arm who have a CR or clinical benefit ( > T0 and ≤T2 in bladder per cystoscopy, biopsy + CR/PR/SD in LN by imaging) will get adjuvant Q4wk durva for 9 doses, while those on the chemoRT arm will undergo observation. Secondary end points include OS, PFS, bladder-intact event-free survival, rate of toxicity and salvage cystectomy. This study is designed to detect an improvement of 25% in clinical CR between both arms (37.5% to 62.5%). A total accrual of 114 pts (in order to enroll 92 evaluable pts) will provide 81% power to detect this difference using a Fisher’s exact test (assuming 10% drop out + anticipating that 20% chemotherapy-naïve pts will progress post IC). We are banking blood and primary tumor tissue pre- and post-chemoRT in both groups. The study was activated in August 2020 and accrual is ongoing. INSPIRE is the first prospective study designed for only LN+ BC and will define both short-term and long-term outcomes for bladder sparing in this patient population and has the potential to define a new treatment strategy for stage III BC. Clinical trial information: NCT04216290.

An integrated multi-omics analysis identifies prognostic molecular subtypes of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer

The molecular landscape in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is characterized by large biological heterogeneity with variable clinical outcomes. Here, we perform an integrative multi-omics analysis of patients diagnosed with NMIBC (n = 834). Transcriptomic analysis identifies four classes (1, 2a, 2b and 3) reflecting tumor biology and disease aggressiveness. Both transcriptome-based subtyping and the level of chromosomal instability provide independent prognostic value beyond established prognostic clinicopathological parameters. High chromosomal instability, p53-pathway disruption and APOBEC-related mutations are significantly associated with transcriptomic class 2a and poor outcome. RNA-derived immune cell infiltration is associated with chromosomally unstable tumors and enriched in class 2b. Spatial proteomics analysis confirms the higher infiltration of class 2b tumors and demonstrates an association between higher immune cell infiltration and lower recurrence rates. Finally, the independent prognostic value of the transcriptomic classes is documented in 1228 validation samples using a single sample classification tool. The classifier provides a framework for biomarker discovery and for optimizing treatment and surveillance in next-generation clinical trials.

Subtype-associated epigenomic landscape and 3D genome structure in bladder cancer

Muscle-invasive bladder cancers are characterized by their distinct expression of luminal and basal genes, which could be used to predict key clinical features such as disease progression and overall survival. Transcriptionally, FOXA1, GATA3, and PPARG are shown to be essential for luminal subtype-specific gene regulation and subtype switching, while TP63, STAT3, and TFAP2 family members are critical for regulation of basal subtype-specific genes. Despite these advances, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms and 3D chromatin architecture responsible for subtype-specific regulation in bladder cancer remain unknown. RESULT: We determine the genome-wide transcriptome, enhancer landscape, and transcription factor binding profiles of FOXA1 and GATA3 in luminal and basal subtypes of bladder cancer. Furthermore, we report the first-ever mapping of genome-wide chromatin interactions by Hi-C in both bladder cancer cell lines and primary patient tumors. We show that subtype-specific transcription is accompanied by specific open chromatin and epigenomic marks, at least partially driven by distinct transcription factor binding at distal enhancers of luminal and basal bladder cancers. Finally, we identify a novel clinically relevant transcription factor, Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 2 (NPAS2), in luminal bladder cancers that regulates other subtype-specific genes and influences cancer cell proliferation and migration. CONCLUSION: In summary, our work identifies unique epigenomic signatures and 3D genome structures in luminal and basal urinary bladder cancers and suggests a novel link between the circadian transcription factor NPAS2 and a clinical bladder cancer subtype.

Survival by T Stage for Patients with Localized Bladder Cancer: Implications for Future Screening Trials

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient data to recommend screening for bladder cancer (BC). For future BC screening trials, it is important to understand how and if tumor (T) stage can act as a surrogate outcome marker for overall (OS) and cancer-specific (CSS) survival. OBJECTIVE: To characterize OS and CSS between primary tumor (T) stages in non-metastatic bladder cancer (BC) patients. METHODS: Non-metastatic BC patients were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB; 2004-2015) (n = 343,163) and National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (SEER) (n = 130,751). Cox multivariable regression compared relationships between T stage (LGTa, HGTa, Tis, LGT1, HGT1, T2-T4) and OS or CSS for all patients and sub-cohorts. RESULTS: Compared to stage LGTa as a reference, overall (SEER; NCDB) and cancer-specific (SEER) survival significantly declined with increasing T stage. Using SEER, OS ranged from HGTa (HR 1.16, CI 1.13–1.21, p < 0.001) to T4 (HR 5.70, CI 5.41–6.00, p < 0.001) with a steep inflection between HGT1 (HR 1.68, CI 1.63–1.73, p < 0.001) and T2 (HR 3.39, CI 3.30–3.49, p < 0.001), which was verified with NCDB. The association of stage and CSS was even more pronounced: HGTa (84% 10 year-CSS, HR 1.94, CI 1.81–2.08, p < 0.001), Tis (82% 10 year-CSS, HR 2.28, CI 2.09–2.47, p < 0.001), LGT1 (84% 10 year-CSS, HR 2.30, CI 2.11–2.51, p < 0.001), HGT1 (72% 10 year-CSS, HR 4.24, CI 4.01–4.47, p < 0.001), T2 (48% 10 year-CSS, HR 12.18, CI 11.57–12.82, p < 0.001), T3 (45% 10 year-CSS, HR 14.60, CI 13.63–15.64, p < 0.001), and T4 (29% 10 year-CSS, HR 22.76, CI 21.19–24.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Earlier T stage at diagnosis was associated with better OS largely due to differences in CSS. A clinically significant difference between Stage I and Stage II was verified herein in multiple cohorts. Therefore, earlier stage at diagnosis, specifically preventing muscle invasive BC, could potentially improve survival.

Tumor Subtyping: Making Sense of Heterogeneity with a Goal Toward Treatment

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancers have high total mutation burdens resulting in genomic diversity and intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity that may impact the diversity of gene expression, biologic aggressiveness, and potentially response to therapy. To compare bladder cancers among patients, an organizational structure is necessary that describes the tumor at the histologic and molecular level. These “molecular subtypes”, or “expression subtypes” of bladder cancer were originally described in 2010 and continue to evolve secondary to next generation sequencing (NGS) and an increasing public repository of well-annotated cohorts. OBJECTIVE: To review the history and methodology of expression-based subtyping of non-muscle invasive (NMIBC) and muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). METHODS: A literature review was performed of primary papers from PubMed that described subtyping methods and their descriptive feature including search terms of “subtype”, and “bladder cancer”. RESULTS: 21 papers were identified for review. Tumor subtyping developed from N = 2 to N = 6 subtyping schemes with most subtypes comprised of at least luminal and basal tumors. Most NMIBCs are luminal cancers and luminal MIBCs may be associated with less aggressive features, while one study of basal tumors identified a better clinical outcome with systemic chemotherapy. Tumors with a P53-like may have intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy. The heterogeneity of tumors, which is likely derived from stromal components and immune cell infiltration, affect subtype calls. CONCLUSION: Subtyping, while still evolving, is ready for testing in clinical trials. Improved patient selection with tumor subtyping may help with tumor classification and potentially match patient or tumor to therapy.

Evaluating Patient-Defined Priorities for Female Patients with Bladder Cancer

BACKGROUND: Although bladder cancer is much more common in men than in women, female patients with bladder cancer present with more locally advanced tumors and have worse disease-specific outcomes than male patients, even after controlling for biological differences. There is a paucity of research regarding the optimal approach to caring for female patients with bladder cancer in ways that maximize patient satisfaction, preferences, and values. OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore patient-defined priorities and areas in need of improvement for female patients with bladder cancer from the patient perspective. METHODS: We conducted focus group sessions and semi-structured interviews of women treated for bladder cancer to identify patient priorities and concerns until reaching topic saturation. Transcripts were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Eight patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and six patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer participated in two focus groups and seven interviews total. Three themes emerged as significantly affecting the care experience: physical impacts, mental health and emotional wellbeing, and the patient-provider interaction. Each theme included patient-defined specific recommendations on approaches to optimizing the care experience for women with bladder cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Although most participants were satisfied with the quality of care they received, they identified several opportunities for improvement. These concerns centered around enhancing support for patients’ physical and mental needs and strengthening the patient-provider interaction. Efforts to address these needs and reduce gender disparate outcomes via quality improvement initiatives are ongoing.

Rapamycin enhances BCG-specific γδ T cells during intravesical BCG therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a randomized, double-blind study

BACKGROUND

Although intravesical BCG is the standard treatment of high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), response rates remain unsatisfactory. In preclinical models, rapamycin enhances BCG vaccine efficacy against tuberculosis and the killing capacity of γδ T cells, which are critical for BCG's antitumor effects. Here, we monitored immunity, safety, and tolerability of rapamycin combined with BCG in patients with NMIBC.

METHODS

A randomized double-blind trial of oral rapamycin (0.5 or 2.0 mg daily) versus placebo for 1 month was conducted in patients with NMIBC concurrently receiving 3 weekly BCG instillations (NCT02753309). The primary outcome was induction of BCG-specific γδ T cells, measured as a percentage change from baseline. Post-BCG urinary cytokines and immune cells were examined as surrogates for local immune response in the bladder. Secondary outcomes measured were adverse events (AEs) and tolerability using validated patient-reported questionnaires.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients were randomized (11 placebo, 8 rapamycin 2.0 mg, and 12 rapamycin 0.5 mg). AEs were similar across groups and most were grade 1-2. One (12.5%) patient randomized to 2.0 mg rapamycin was taken off treatment due to stomatitis. No significant differences in urinary symptoms, bowel function, or bother were observed between groups. The median (IQR) percentage change in BCG-specific γδ T cells from baseline per group was as follows: -26% (-51% to 24%) for placebo, 9.6% (-59% to 117%) for rapamycin 0.5 mg (versus placebo, p=0.18), and 78.8% (-31% to 115%) for rapamycin 2.0 mg (versus placebo, p=0.03). BCG-induced cytokines showed a progressive increase in IL-8 (p=0.02) and TNF-α (p=0.04) over time for patients on rapamycin 2.0 mg, whereas patients receiving placebo had no significant change in urinary cytokines. Compared with placebo, patients receiving 2.0 mg rapamycin had increased urinary γδ T cells at the first week of BCG (p=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Four weeks of 0.5 and 2.0 mg oral rapamycin daily is safe and tolerable in combination with BCG for patients with NMIBC. Rapamycin enhances BCG-specific γδ T cell immunity and boosts urinary cytokines during BCG treatment. Further study is needed to determine long-term rapamycin safety, tolerability and effects on BCG efficacy.

A phase III, randomized, open-label, multicenter, global study of efficacy and safety of durvalumab in combination with gemcitabine plus cisplatin for neoadjuvant treatment followed by durvalumab alone for adjuvant treatment in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NIAGARA)

TPS505

Background: Management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) includes both surgery and systemic therapy. Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy has demonstrated improved pathologic complete response (pCR), event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS) compared with radical cystectomy alone. Yet at least half of patients will still experience recurrence and will progress to metastatic disease. Durvalumab (anti–PD-L1 antibody) combined with gemcitabine + cisplatin, administered as either neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment, may increase the rate of pathologic response and prolong long-term survival. This approach will be evaluated in this study in patients with MIBC identified for curable intent, as reflected in the NCCN guidelines. Methods: NIAGARA (NCT03732677) is a phase III, randomized, open-label, multicenter, international trial that will enroll ~1050 patients with MIBC who, prior to radical cystectomy, will be randomized (1:1) to durvalumab and gemcitabine + cisplatin (Arm 1) or gemcitabine + cisplatin (Arm 2). Following radical cystectomy, patients in Arm 1 will receive durvalumab monotherapy for 8 cycles (8 months) while patients in Arm 2 will receive no adjuvant treatment. Eligible patients are aged ≥18 years with resectable MIBC (clinical stage T2-T4aN0/1M0) with urothelial histology eligible for a radical cystectomy. Patients with pure non-transitional cell variant histologies and any small cell histology are not eligible. A tumor tissue sample for biomarker analysis is mandatory as PD-L1 expression is a stratification factor. Primary endpoints are pCR and EFS in patients with adequate renal function. Secondary and exploratory endpoints include proportion of patients who achieve pathologic response < stage II (stages Ta, T1, and carcinoma in situ) at the time of cystectomy following neoadjuvant treatment, EFS at 24 months, metastasis-free survival, efficacy of Arm 1 vs Arm 2 at radical cystectomy and proportion of patients who undergo cystectomy, OS rate at 5 years, safety, patient-reported outcomes, and pharmacokinetics. Immunogenicity and biomarkers are exploratory endpoints. Enrollment opened in Dec 2018. Clinical trial information: NCT03732677.

EA8185: Phase II study of bladder-sparing chemoradiation (chemoRT) with durvalumab in clinical stage III, node-positive urothelial carcinoma (INSPIRE), ECOG-ACRIN/nrg collaboration

TPS500

Background: Patients [pts] withlymph node positive (LN+), non-metastatic bladder cancer (BC) have a better prognosis than those with metastatic (M1) disease. However, this population is under-represented in advanced bladder trials and ineligible for bladder-sparing trials. Therefore, there have been no larger prospective trials establishing the standard of care in LN+ BC. Given the promise of immunotherapy in advanced BC and potential synergy between immunotherapy and radiation, INSPIRE was designed to determine the role of concurrent and adjuvant durvalumab (durva) in this patient population when treated with induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoRT. Methods: This is a randomized phase II study that is enrolling BC pts with stage III (N1-2 M0), pure or mixed urothelial cancer. Pts must have received ≥3 cycles of IC [either before or after registration, prior to randomization] without progression. LN+ is defined as radiologically LN ≥1.0 cm in short axis, with or without biopsy prior to IC. As long as pts do not progress on induction chemotherapy, they will be randomized to chemoRT+/- durva using 5 stratification factors (Simon Pocock minimization method) a) IC prior vs. post registration b) cisplatin vs non-cisplatin regimen during RT c) LN size d) response to IC e) extent of TURBT. Pts on the chemoRT+durva arm will get chemotherapy per physician choice + IMRT + 3 x doses of Q3wk durva for 6.5-8 wks, whereas those on the control arm will get chemoRT alone. The primary end point is clinical complete response [CR], defined as no radiologically measurable disease in the LNs and negative cystoscopy and bladder biopsy 8-10 weeks post-chemoRT +/- durva. Pts on the chemoRT + durva arm who have a CR or clinical benefit (>T0 and ≤T2 in bladder per cystoscopy, biopsy + CR/PR/SD in LN by imaging) will get adjuvant Q4wk durva for 9 doses, while those on the chemoRT arm will undergo observation. Secondary end points include OS, PFS, bladder-intact event-free survival, rate of toxicity and salvage cystectomy. This study is designed to detect an improvement of 25% in clinical CR between both arms (37.5% to 62.5%). A total accrual of 114 pts (in order to enroll 92 evaluable pts) will provide 81% power to detect this difference using a Fisher’s exact test (assuming 10% drop out + anticipating that 20% chemotherapy-naïve pts will progress post IC). We are banking blood and primary tumor tissue pre- and post-chemoRT in both groups. The study was activated in August 2020 and accrual is ongoing. INSPIRE is the first prospective study designed for only LN+ BC and will define both short-term and long-term outcomes for bladder sparing in this patient population and has the potential to define a new treatment strategy for stage III BC. Clinical trial information: NCT04216290.

MutSignatures: an R package for extraction and analysis of cancer mutational signatures

Cancer cells accumulate somatic mutations as result of DNA damage, inaccurate repair and other mechanisms. Different genetic instability processes result in characteristic non-random patterns of DNA mutations, also known as mutational signatures. We developed mutSignatures, an integrated R-based computational framework aimed at deciphering DNA mutational signatures. Our software provides advanced functions for importing DNA variants, computing mutation types, and extracting mutational signatures via non-negative matrix factorization. Specifically, mutSignatures accepts multiple types of input data, is compatible with non-human genomes, and supports the analysis of non-standard mutation types, such as tetra-nucleotide mutation types. We applied mutSignatures to analyze somatic mutations found in smoking-related cancer datasets. We characterized mutational signatures that were consistent with those reported before in independent investigations. Our work demonstrates that selected mutational signatures correlated with specific clinical and molecular features across different cancer types, and revealed complementarity of specific mutational patterns that has not previously been identified. In conclusion, we propose mutSignatures as a powerful open-source tool for detecting the molecular determinants of cancer and gathering insights into cancer biology and treatment.

Abstract B17: Developing a multiplex imaging tool for cellular phenotyping to stratify non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients

We aim to develop a molecular pathology tool that enables comprehensive cell type and subtype identification in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections of treatment-naïve high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (HR-NMIBC) patient samples. Working from the hypothesis that the progression of HR-NMIBC can be predicted by spatial investigation of epithelial, immune, and stromal features within NMIBC, we hope to provide a predictive tool to stratify HR-NMIBC and thereby guide clinical choice, specifically a choice between Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) intravesical immunotherapy or radical cystectomy. First, we employ droplet-based single-cell transcriptomics (SCT) to provide an unbiased view of cell type and cell state heterogeneity within NMIBC. Next, we utilize this information to develop an antibody panel for use in imaging mass cytometry (IMC). IMC provides the capability to measure and spatially resolve up to 35 epitopes simultaneously at 1-micron resolution. To date, we have profiled 31,673 single-cell transcriptomes across 12 treatment-naïve NMIBC patient samples. On average, we detect 9,198 unique transcripts and 2,162 unique genes per cell, providing a rich resource to characterize cellular heterogeneity in NMIBC. Batch analysis of all cells from all samples indicates greatest variability across the urothelial populations—the presumed cancer cells—as would be expected due to patient-specific differences in the accumulation of somatic mutations within these cells. While percentages of distinct noncancer cell types (i.e., cells of the microenvironment) differed between patients, cells from across patients intermingled within their respective cell type-specific clusters. Cell types identified within the microenvironment included T cells, B cells, conventional dendritic cells 1 (cDC1) and 2 (cDC2), mature DCs, plasmacytoid DCs, macrophage, endothelial, and mesenchymal cells. Besides providing cell type-specific transcriptome signatures to assist in deconvoluting bulk transcriptome data sets, these single-cell data provide amply information to design a comprehensive antibody panel for use in IMC capable of detecting all represented cell types. This panel is currently under development and now contains 25 validated antibodies. Once established, this will be applied to a set of treatment-naïve NMIBC FFPE tissue sections from patients with follow-up clinical outcome data to test our hypothesis of cell-type content and spatial localization being predictive of outcomes.

Citation Format: Dylan Baker, Elise T. Courtois, Santhosh Sivajothi, Benjamin T. Ristau, Joshua J. Meeks, Paul Robson. Developing a multiplex imaging tool for cellular phenotyping to stratify non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Bladder Cancer: Transforming the Field; 2019 May 18-21; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(15_Suppl):Abstract nr B17.

Immunosuppressive IDO in Cancer: Mechanisms of Action, Animal Models, and Targeting Strategies

Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO; IDO1; INDO) is a rate-limiting enzyme that metabolizes the essential amino acid, tryptophan, into downstream kynurenines. Canonically, the metabolic depletion of tryptophan and/or the accumulation of kynurenine is the mechanism that defines how immunosuppressive IDO inhibits immune cell effector functions and/or facilitates T cell death. Non-canonically, IDO also suppresses immunity through non-enzymic effects. Since IDO targeting compounds predominantly aim to inhibit metabolic activity as evidenced across the numerous clinical trials currently evaluating safety/efficacy in patients with cancer, in addition to the recent disappointment of IDO enzyme inhibitor therapy during the phase III ECHO-301 trial, the issue of IDO non-enzyme effects have come to the forefront of mechanistic and therapeutic consideration(s). Here, we review enzyme-dependent and -independent IDO-mediated immunosuppression as it primarily relates to glioblastoma (GBM); the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Our group's recent discovery that IDO levels increase in the brain parenchyma during advanced age and regardless of whether GBM is present, highlights an immunosuppressive synergy between aging-increased IDO activity in cells of the central nervous system that reside outside of the brain tumor but collaborate with GBM cell IDO activity inside of the tumor. Because of their potential value for the in vivo study of IDO, we also review current transgenic animal modeling systems while highlighting three new constructs recently created by our group. This work converges on the central premise that maximal immunotherapeutic efficacy in subjects with advanced cancer requires both IDO enzyme- and non-enzyme-neutralization, which is not adequately addressed by available IDO-targeting pharmacologic approaches at this time.

Methodology for in vitro Assessment of Human T Cell Activation and Blockade

Methods to test both the functionality and mechanism of action for human recombinant proteins and antibodies in vitro have been limited by multiple factors. To test the functionality of a recombinant protein or antibody, the receptor, the receptor-associated ligand, or both must be expressed by the cells present within the in vitro culture. While the use of transfected cell lines can circumvent this gap, the use of transfected cell lines does not allow for studying the native signaling pathway(s) modulated by the specific recombinant protein or antibody in primary cells. The present protocol utilizes sort purified CD14⁺ monocytes and T cells, both CD4⁺ T cells and CD8⁺ T cells, from healthy donors in a co-culture system. This methodology is particularly relevant for testing recombinant proteins or antibodies that are putative therapeutics for the treatment of autoimmune disease and cancer. While the current protocol focuses on co-cultures containing B7-H4 expressing monocytes plus either autologous CD4⁺ T cells or CD8⁺ T cells, the protocol can be modified for the user's specific needs.