Real-world overall survival of patients receiving cetuximab in later lines of treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer

Aim: To examine characteristics of and treatment duration and real-world overall survival (rwOS) in patients receiving cetuximab as second-line (2L) or third-line (3L) treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Materials & methods: This was a retrospective study of 1096 and 684 patients in 2L and 3L cohorts, respectively. Results: The most common cetuximab-based regimens were cetuximab + folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan (2L: 44%; 3L: 32%) and cetuximab + irinotecan (2L: 28%; 3L: 35%). Kaplan-Meier survival estimates and stepwise Cox regression model analysis demonstrated median treatment duration and rwOS of 3.7 and 14.4 months, respectively, in patients receiving treatment in the 2L cohort. In the 3L cohort, treatment duration was 3.3 months and rwOS was 12.0 months. Conclusion: This large real-world study provides evidence of rwOS in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab-based regimens as 2L or 3L treatment.

Real-world time on treatment and overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab in second line after failing irinotecan or oxaliplatin-based regimens

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Background: Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents are increasingly used in later lines of therapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, the real-world time on treatment (TOT) and overall survival (OS) of patients with mCRC receiving cetuximab in second-line (2L) setting have not been described. Therefore, we sought to evaluate TOT, OS and identify factors associated with longer TOT and OS based on retrospective observational data. Methods: A total of 1,011 patients were selected from the nationwide Flatiron electronic health record database (January 2013-August 2020) who were: 1) diagnosed with mCRC, 2) received 2L treatment with cetuximab containing regimens, and 3) had failed oxaliplatin/irinotecan-based regimens in first-line (1L). TOT was defined as the time from initiation of cetuximab in 2L (index date), to the last date showing evidence of cetuximab administration. End of therapy was defined if patients progressed to third-line of therapy, or having a death record. OS was calculated from the index date to the date of death or censored to last visit date available. The Kaplan-Meier estimates, and stepwise Cox models were adapted to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associated factors. Results: Majority of patients receiving 2L treatment with cetuximab containing regimens were: less than 65 years old (58%), male (60%), had a median body mass index (BMI) of 26.6 kg/m², received FOLFOX regimens in 1L (61%) and were treated in the community setting (96%). The most common 2L regimens were cetuximab+FOLFIRI (46%) and cetuximab+Irinotecan (29%). Overall, the median TOT (mTOT) for patients receiving 2L cetuximab was 3.94 months (median Interquartile range (mIQR) 3.51-4.40), and median OS (mOS) was 14.36 months (mIQR 13.01-15.70). Of all cetuximab containing regimens, receiving cetuximab+FOLFIRI in 2L (mTOT = 4.43 months, mIQR 3.71-5.36), KRAS wild-type (vs. KRAS+), and receiving 2L cetuximab after prior therapy with 1L CapeOX (vs. FOLFOX) were associated with a longer mTOT. Living in the South region (vs. Midwest) was associated with a shorter mTOT. Having a higher BMI (obese vs. underweight HR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.32-0.66) was associated with a longer mOS, while receiving cetuximab+FOLFOX in 2L (mOS = 10.97 months, mIQR 5.55-14.06) or being older (≥65 vs. < 65 years; HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.46) were associated with a shorter mOS. Conclusions: In this real-world retrospective analysis we show TOT and OS overall in mCRC patients who received cetuximab containing regimens in 2L. These patients were mostly male, < 65 years, and majority received FOLFOX regimens in 1L therapy. Key factors associated with TOT and OS were treatment regimens received in 1L and 2L. In addition, KRAS status and region were associated with TOT, while BMI and age were associated with OS only.

A retrospective analysis of real-world time on treatment and overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab in third line

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Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents improve outcomes of patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC) and are used in multiple lines of therapy. However, real-world time on treatment (TOT) and overall survival (OS) of cetuximab in third-line (3L) have not been described. Therefore, we sought to evaluate TOT, OS, and associated factors in a retrospective study. Methods: A total of 617 patients diagnosed with mCRC and received 3L treatment with cetuximab containing regimens regardless of prior therapies were selected from the nationwide Flatiron electronic health record database (January 2013 - August 2020). TOT was defined as the time from initiation of cetuximab in 3L (index date), to the last recorded date of cetuximab administration. End of therapy was defined if the patients progressed to subsequent line of therapy, or had a record of death. OS was calculated from the index date to date of death or censored to last visit date available. The Kaplan-Meier estimates, and stepwise Cox models were adapted to identify and calculate hazard ratios (HR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for factors associated with TOT and OS. Results: Majority of patients receiving 3L treatment with cetuximab containing regimens were: treated in the community setting (96%), less than 65 years old (58%), overweight with a median body mass index (BMI) of 26.2 kg/m² and, received FOLFOX regimens in 1L (46%) and FOLFIRI in 2L (47%). The most common cetuximab containing regimens were cetuximab+irinotecan (36%) and cetuximab+FOLFIRI (34%) and cetuximab monotherapy. The median TOT (mTOT) for patients receiving 3L cetuximab containing regimens was 3.48 months (median interquartile range (mIQR) 3.02-4.17). Higher BMI (obese vs. underweight HR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.28-0.68) was associated with a longer mTOT, while having an ECOG score ≥1 was associated with a shorter mTOT (vs. ECOG = 0, HR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.10-1.72). Also, of all cetuximab containing regimens in 3L cetuximab + FOLFIRI (vs. cetuximab monotherapy) was associated with a longer mTOT (4.63 months, mIQR 3.45-5.55). The median OS (mOS) for patients receiving 3L cetuximab containing regimens was 11.99 months (mIQR 10.87-12.94). Similarly, higher BMI (obese vs. underweight HR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.16-0.40) and 3L cetuximab + FOLFIRI (mOS= 14.3 months, mIQR 11.66-16.85) vs. cetuximab monotherapy were associated with a longer mOS. OS did not differ by patient’s geographic region (South vs Midwest, p-value 0.35). Conclusions: In this real-world retrospective analysis cetuximab + irinotecan and cetuximab + FOLFIRI were the most common 3L cetuximab regimens. The most common treatment regimens in 1L and 2L were FOLFOX and FOLFIRI respectively. Overall, BMI and treatment regimens received in 3L were associated with mTOT and mOS.

Pegilodecakin as monotherapy or in combination with anti-PD-1 or tyrosine kinase inhibitor in heavily pretreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma: Final results of cohorts A, G, H and I of IVY Phase I study

Interleukin (IL)‐10 has anti‐inflammatory and CD8+ T‐cell‐stimulating properties. Pegilodecakin (pegylated recombinant human IL‐10) induces intratumoral antigen‐specific CD8 + T‐cells and upregulates IFNγ and major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) I and II. Pegilodecakin has single‐agent activity with manageable toxicity in advanced renal cell carcinama (aRCC) (data cutoff 24 March 2016). Pegilodecakin with pembrolizumab or nivolumab revealed clinical activity in aRCC (data cutoff 1 July 2018). Here, we report for the first time the results of pegilodecakin+ pazopanib, and final results for monotherapy and long‐term follow‐up with pegilodecakin + anti‐programmed cell death 1 (anti‐PD‐1) inhibitors (data cutoff 19 February 2019). Phase 1/1b multi‐cohort dose escalation IVY study enrolled 353 patients. Sixty‐six patients with aRCC were treated with pegilodecakin alone or with pazopanib or anti‐PD‐1 inhibitor in cohorts A, G, H and I (data cutoff 19 February 2019). Primary endpoints included safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoint was tumor response by immune‐related response criteria (irRC). Pegilodecakin plus nivolumab or pembrolizumab yielded median progression‐free survival (mPFS) of 13.9 months and 6‐month PFS probability of 60%, 76% 1‐year overall survival (OS) probability and 61% 2‐year OS probability. Pegilodecakin monotherapy produced mPFS of 1.8 months, 6‐month PFS probability 25%, 1‐year OS 50%, and 2‐year OS 17%. Median OS was not reached in both combinations. Objective response rates (ORRs) were 33% with pazopanib and 43% with anti‐PD‐1. Most common Grade 3/4 treatment‐related adverse events included anemia, thrombocytopenia and hypertriglyceridemia. In these heavily pretreated renal cell carcinama cohorts of IVY, pegilodecakin+anti‐PD‐1 inhibitor showed promising clinical activity. Safety profile of pegilodecakin alone and with anti‐PD‐1 inhibitors was consistent as previously reported.

What's new?

Despite recent progress in the treatment of renal cell cancer (RCC), there is still an urgent need for treatments that will further improve the prognosis of patients with advanced RCC. Pegilodecakin is a promising IL‐10 analogue that induces CD8+T‐cell‐mediated immune activation. Does a combination regimen yield better outcomes in heavily pretreated RCC patients than pegilodecakin alone? In this study, the authors found that the most promising clinical activity was obtained using a combination of pegilodecakin plus an anti‐PD‐1 inhibitor. Combination with a tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor of VEGFR was also better than pegilodecakin monotherapy.

Pegilodecakin as monotherapy or in combination with anti-PD-1 or tyrosine kinase inhibitor in heavily pretreated patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Updated results from phase I/Ib IVY study

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Background: Pegilodecakin (PEG), a pegylated recombinant human interleukin-10, has demonstrated clinical benefit and manageable toxicity in advanced RCC (Naing et al. 2016 JCO, Naing et al. 2019 Lancet Oncol). As part of the multi-arm (arm A to J) phase 1 IVY study, PEG alone (Part A) or in combination with pazopanib (Part G) or anti-PD-1 (pembrolizumab or nivolumab; Parts H+I) were investigated in heavily pretreated RCC patients (pts). Methods: In a phase 1/1b study which enrolled 353 pts in the US from 2013 to 2017, we analyzed treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) graded by CTCAE v 4.02, tumor response by irRC, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) for all the advanced RCC pts who received PEG-containing treatment (n=66). Data cut-off was February 19, 2019. Results: Sixty six heavily pretreated RCC pts received PEG alone (n=24, 1-20 µg/kg), with pazopanib (n=4, 10µg/kg), with pembrolizumab (n=9, 10-20 µg/kg), or with nivolumab (n=29, 10-20 µg/kg). Most pts were male (70%), median age 62.5 years, initially diagnosed as stage IV (42%) with clear cell histology (64%), ECOG performance status of 1 (58%), and intermediate/poor (73%/14%) risk per IMDC category. Patients received a median number of 2 prior therapies. Most common grade 3/4 TRAEs were anemia (32%), thrombocytopenia (15%), and hypertriglyceridemia (14%). No pts died due to a TRAE. Median follow-up was 31.5 months. Conclusions: PEG alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 or pazopanib suggested some clinical activity with manageable toxicity in advanced RCC pts. These findings support further ongoing studies of PEG combinations in RCC pts. Clinical trial information: NCT02009449 .[Table: see text]

Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Harvesting Is Feasible after Treatment with Brentuximab Vedotin in CD30(+) Lymphoma Patients Who Received Multiple Prior Lines of Treatment

Brentuximab vedotin (BV), an antibody-drug conjugate that targets CD30, induces high response rates in CD30(+) lymphoid malignancies. It is unknown if BV use affects procurement of autologous CD34(+) stem cells and hematopoietic engraftment after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). We examined 42 patients treated with BV before mobilization. Median times from diagnosis to transplantation, from initial BV treatment to transplantation, and from last BV treatment to stem cell collection were 21 months (range, 10 to 210), 5 months (range, 1.5 to 16.8), and 30 days (range, 2 to 280), respectively. Mobilization was successful on the first attempt in 38 patients (90.4%). The median number of infused CD34(+) cells was 5.46 × 10(6)/kg (range, 1.65 to 54.78 × 10(6)/kg). The median times to neutrophil and platelet engraftment were 10 (range, 9 to 13), and 10.5 days (range, 7 to 35), respectively. BV before high-dose chemotherapy-ASCT did not adversely affect peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and subsequent engraftment in a cohort of heavily pretreated patients with CD30(+) lymphomas.

A case of mistaken identity: When lupus masquerades as primary myelofibrosis

Introduction:

Autoimmune myelofibrosis is an uncommon hematologic disease characterized by anemia, bone marrow myelofibrosis, and an autoimmune feature. Myelofibrosis is often associated with other conditions, including infections, nutritional/endocrine dysfunction, toxin/drug exposure, and connective tissue diseases, including scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. Absence of clonal markers (JAK2) and heterogeneity of the symptoms often complicate the diagnosis.

Case presentation:

Here, we present two cases of systemic lupus erythematosus–induced autoimmune myelofibrosis. The first case is of a 36-year-old African American female with diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus at the age of 12 years. The second patient is a 44-year-old African American male with family history of systemic lupus erythematosus who developed anemia and constitutional symptoms later on. Both patients showed hypercellularity and fibrotic changes of the bone marrow. Moreover, mutational analysis showed that both patients were wild type for JAK2 (V617F and exon 12) and MPL (exon 10).

Conclusions:

These two cases illustrate that anemic patients with fibrotic changes in the bone marrow without other clinicopathologic features associated with primary myelofibrosis in the presence of clinical manifestations and history of an autoimmune disease should suggest an autoimmune myelofibrosis. These cases demonstrate that a good clinical history combined with molecular technologies and pathomorphologic criteria are helpful in distinguishing between primary myelofibrosis and a nonclonal myelofibrosis from an associated condition.

Spliceosomal gene mutations are frequent events in the diverse mutational spectrum of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia but largely absent in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia is a heterogeneous disease with multifactorial molecular pathogenesis. Various recurrent somatic mutations have been detected alone or in combination in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Recently, recurrent mutations in spliceosomal genes have been discovered. We investigated the contribution of U2AF1, SRSF2 and SF3B1 mutations in the pathogenesis of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and closely related diseases. We genotyped a cohort of patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, secondary acute myeloid leukemia derived from chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia for somatic mutations in U2AF1, SRSF2, SF3B1 and in the other 12 most frequently affected genes in these conditions. Chromosomal abnormalities were assessed by nucleotide polymorphism array-based karyotyping. The presence of molecular lesions was correlated with clinical endpoints. Mutations in SRSF2, U2AF1 and SF3B1 were found in 32%, 13% and 6% of cases of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, secondary acute myeloid leukemia derived from chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, respectively. Spliceosomal genes were affected in various combinations with other mutations, including TET2, ASXL1, CBL, EZH2, RAS, IDH1/2, DNMT3A, TP53, UTX and RUNX1. Worse overall survival was associated with mutations in U2AF1 (P=0.047) and DNMT3A (P=0.015). RAS mutations had an impact on overall survival in secondary acute myeloid leukemia (P=0.0456). By comparison, our screening of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia cases showed mutations in ASXL1 (4%), CBL (10%), and RAS (6%) but not in IDH1/2, TET2, EZH2, DNMT3A or the three spliceosomal genes. SRSF2 and U2AF1 along with TET2 (48%) and ASXL1 (38%) are frequently affected by somatic mutations in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, quite distinctly from the profile seen in juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. Our data also suggest that spliceosomal mutations are of ancestral origin.

Cytogenetic and molecular predictors of response in patients with myeloid malignancies without del[5q] treated with lenalidomide

Background

While lenalidomide (LEN) shows high efficacy in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) with del[5q], responses can be also seen in patients presenting without del[5q]. We hypothesized that improved detection of chromosomal abnormalities with new karyotyping tools may better predict response to LEN.

Design and methods

We have studied clinical, molecular and cytogenetic features of 42 patients with MDS, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), MDS/MPN overlap syndromes and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) without del[5q] by metaphase cytogenetics (MC) who underwent therapy with LEN.

Results

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-A)-based karyotyping marginally increased the diagnostic yield over MC, detecting 2/42 (4.8%) additional cases with del[5q], one of whom were responded to LEN. Responses were more often observed in patients with a normal karyotype by MC (60% vs abnormal MC; 17%, p = .08) and those with gain of chromosome 8 material by either of all 3 karyotyping methods (83% vs all other chromosomal abnormalities; 44% p = .11). However, 5 out of those 6 patients received combined LEN/AZA therapy and it may also suggest those with gain of chromosome 8 material respond well to AZA. The addition of FISH or SNP-A did not improve the predictive value of normal cytogenetics by MC. Mutational analysis of TET2, UTX, CBL, EZH2, ASXL1, TP53, RAS, IDH1/2, and DNMT-3A was performed on 21 of 41 patients, and revealed 13 mutations in 11 patients, but did not show any molecular markers of responsiveness to LEN.

Conclusions

Normal karyotype and gain of chromosome 8 material was predictive of response to LEN in non-del[5q] patients with myeloid malignancies.

Therapeutic implications of variable expression of CD52 on clonal cytotoxic T cells in CD8+ large granular lymphocyte leukemia

BACKGROUND

T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia is a clonal proliferation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes which often results in severe cytopenia. Current treatment options favor chronic immunosuppression. Alemtuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored CD52, is approved for patients refractory to therapy in other lymphoid malignancies.

DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined treatment outcomes in 59 patients with CD8+ T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia, 41 of whom required therapy. Eight patients with severe refractory cytopenia despite multiple treatment regimens had been treated with subcutaneous alemtuzumab as salvage therapy. Flow cytometry was used to monitor expression of glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored CD52, CD55, and CD59 as well as to characterize T-cell clonal expansions by T-cell receptor variable beta-chain (Vbeta) repertoire.

RESULTS

Analysis of the effects of alemtuzumab revealed remissions with restoration of platelets in one of one patient, red blood cell transfusion independence in three of five patients and improvement of neutropenia in one of three, resulting in an overall response rate of 50% (4/8 patients). Clonal large granular lymphocytes exhibited decreased CD52 expression post-therapy in patients refractory to treatment. Samples of large granular lymphocytes collected prior to therapy also unexpectedly had a significant proportion of CD52-negative cells while a healthy control population had no such CD52 deficiency (p=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

While alemtuzumab may be highly effective in large granular lymphocytic leukemia, prospective serial monitoring for the presence of CD52-deficient clonal cytotoxic T-lymphocytes should be a component of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of this drug. CD52 deficiency may explain lack of response to alemtuzumab, and such therapy may confer a survival advantage to glycophosphatidylinositol-negative clonal cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.

Demonstration of additional benefit in adding lenalidomide to azacitidine in patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes

Lenalidomide and azacitidine are active in MDS patients, and may complement each other by targeting the bone marrow microenvironment and the malignant clone. A recent Phase I trial testing the lenalidomide and azacitidine combination yielded encouraging results; however, lenalidomide’s contribution was unclear. In this study, 18 higher-risk MDS patients were treated with the combination for seven cycles, after which lenalidomide was discontinued in eight patients who achieved a complete response, with azacitidine monotherapy continuing until disease progression. We report on three patients who relapsed on monotherapy with excess blasts at 12, 19, and 24 months, in whom lenalidomide was then resumed in combination with azacitidine. Each patient, one with normal cytogenetics at relapse; one with a 18 abnormality; and one with del(4q25), recaptured a complete response that was sustained for 5, 7, and 7+ months. We conclude that the addition of lenalidomide to azacitidine provides additional clinical benefit over azacitidine monotherapy.

A Phase 2 study of combination therapy with arsenic trioxide and gemtuzumab ozogamicin in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes or secondary acute myeloid leukemia

BACKGROUND

Higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are similar pathobiologically to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in older adults. AML therapies thus may have activity in MDS. In the current study, phase 2 study data of arsenic trioxide (ATO) and gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) in CD33-positive patients with MDS and secondary AML (sAML) were presented.

METHODS

Between June 2004 and February 2006, 30 patients with higher-risk MDS or sAML received ATO (at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg intravenously for 5 days during Week 1, then twice weekly during Weeks 2-12) and GO (at a dose of 3 mg/m(2) on Day 8) for 1 or 2 cycles of 12 weeks each. The primary endpoint was response as per MDS or AML International Working Group (IWG) criteria. Adverse events were collected throughout treatment. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 years for survival.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 69 years. A total of 18 patients had MDS, 12 had sAML, and 19 had been previously treated. Seventeen patients (57%) completed ≥1 cycle, and 7 patients (23%) completed 2 cycles. IWG responses occurred in 9 patients (30%) according to IWG MDS criteria (including 2 of 7 patients who failed hypomethylating agents) and 3 of 12 AML patients (25%) according to IWG AML criteria. Grade 3/4 (according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria [version 3.0]) thrombocytopenia occurred in 47% of patients, neutropenia in 63%, and anemia in 37% of patients. The median overall survival was 9.7 months (28.6 months in responders and 7.6 months in nonresponders; P <.001). Patients who completed 2 cycles of therapy spent a median of 13 days in the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy with ATO and GO was found to have acceptable response rates and toxicity, and may be a viable treatment option to standard induction therapy, particularly for patients who fail therapy with hypomethylating agents.

Phase I combination trial of lenalidomide and azacitidine in patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes

PURPOSE

Lenalidomide and azacitidine are active in patients with lower- and higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). These agents may complement each other by targeting both the bone marrow microenvironment and hypomethylating action on the malignant clone.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This phase I trial explored the safety of combination therapy in patients with higher-risk MDS. Response and characterization of molecular and methylation status of responders were secondary objectives. Patients were enrolled using a 3 + 3 dose escalation. Cycles lasted 28 days, and patients received a maximum of seven cycles.

RESULTS

Of 18 patients enrolled, median age was 68 years (range, 52 to 78 years), interval from diagnosis was 5 weeks (range, 2 to 106 weeks), and follow-up was 7 months (range, 1 to 26 months). International Prognostic Scoring System categories were intermediate 1 (n = 2), intermediate 2 (n = 10), and high (n = 6). No dose-limiting toxicities occurred, and a maximum-tolerated dose was not reached. Grades 3 to 4 nonhematologic toxicities (> 1) included febrile neutropenia (n = 5), cardiac (n = 2), and CNS hemorrhage (n = 2). Median absolute neutrophil count decrease was 26%, and platelet decrease was 1% (mean, 24%). The overall response rate was 67%: eight patients (44%) had a complete response (CR); three patients (17%) had hematologic improvement; one patient (6%) had marrow CR. Patients achieving CR were more likely to have normal cytogenetics and lower methylation levels.

CONCLUSION

The combination of lenalidomide and azacitidine is well tolerated with encouraging clinical activity. The go-forward dose is azacitidine 75 mg/m(2) on days 1 through 5 and lenalidomide 10 mg on days 1 through 21.