Association between treatment-emergent hypertension and survival with lenvatinib treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in the REFLECT study

BACKGROUND

Lenvatinib is approved as a first-line treatment for patients with unresectable and/or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lenvatinib achieved promising clinical benefits in REFLECT but was associated with clinically significant treatment-emergent hypertension (CSTE-HTN, a grouped term), a common class effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This post hoc analysis assessed the impact of CSTE-HTN on the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib in HCC.

METHODS

Patients from REFLECT who received lenvatinib (n = 476) were stratified according to CSTE-HTN. Tumors were assessed by mRECIST. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated using landmark analyses at 4 and 8 weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 212 patients in the lenvatinib arm developed CSTE-HTN, and 264 did not. CSTE-HTN first occurred at 3.7 weeks (median); the worst grade CSTE-HTN occurred at 4.1 weeks (median). No patients had life-threatening CSTE-HTN and/or died due to CSTE-HTN. Median OS was numerically longer in patients with versus without CSTE-HTN (at 4 weeks: 16.3 vs. 11.6 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.621-1.004; at 8 weeks: 13.5 vs. 11.6 months; HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.696-1.089). Median PFS was similar between patients with and without CSTE-HTN (at 4 weeks: 6.6 vs. 6.4 months; HR, 0.887; 95% CI, 0.680-1.157; at 8 weeks: 5.7 vs. 6.4 months; HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.84-1.41). Objective response rate was numerically higher in patients with (48.6%) versus without CSTE-HTN (34.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective analysis, CSTE-HTN was associated with improved OS but not PFS. CSTE-HTN did not impair the outcomes of patients with HCC treated with lenvatinib when detected early and managed appropriately.

Radioembolization plus Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy Compared with Radioembolization plus Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE

To investigate if combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization results in superior outcomes than those yielded by tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy and 90Y for the treatment of intermediate- to advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients presented at an institutional multidisciplinary liver tumor board between January 1, 2012 and August 1, 2023 was conducted. In total, 44 patients with HCC who underwent 90Y 4 weeks within initiation of ICI or TKI therapy were included. Propensity score matching was conducted to account for baseline demographic differences. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and univariate statistics identified disease response and control rate differences. Duration of imaging response was defined as number of months between the first scan after therapy and the first scan showing progression as defined by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) or immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST). Adverse events were analyzed per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.

RESULTS

Patients in the 90Y+ICI therapy group had better objective response rates (ORRs) (89.5% vs 36.8%; P < .001) and disease control rates (DCRs) (94.7% vs 63.2%; P < .001) by mRECIST and iRECIST (ORR: 78.9% vs 36.8%; P < .001; DCR: 94.7% vs 63.2%; P < .001). Median PFS (8.3 vs 4.1 months; P = .37) and OS (15.8 vs 14.3 months; P = .52) were not statistically different. Twelve patients (63.1%) in the 90Y+TKI group did not complete systemic therapy owing to adverse effects compared with 1 patient (5.3%) in the 90Y+ICI group (P < .001). Grade 3/4 adverse events were not statistically different (90Y+TKI: 21.1%; 90Y+ICI: 5.3%; P = .150).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HCC who received 90Y+ICI had better imaging response and fewer regimen-altering adverse events than those who received 90Y+TKI. No significant combination therapy adverse events were attributable to radioembolization.

Characterization and Management of Adverse Reactions in Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated With Lenvatinib

Aims

Advanced practice providers (APPs) play a vital role in monitoring for and managing adverse reactions (ARs). As lenvatinib ARs can resemble cirrhosis (commonly presenting with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]), APP input is important for timely detection and management of ARs and to promote medication adherence.

Design

The goal of this post-hoc analysis of the REFLECT trial was to characterize key ARs associated with lenvatinib, and to discuss management strategies.

Methods

In REFLECT, patients with unresectable HCC were randomized to either daily lenvatinib (12 mg/day for patients who weighed ≥ 60 kg or 8 mg/day for those < 60 kg) or sorafenib 400 mg twice daily. Adverse events in the lenvatinib arm were grouped into ARs (hypertension, fatigue, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, proteinuria, and decreased appetite) per the United States Prescribing Information (USPI) for lenvatinib.

Results

Key ARs in the lenvatinib arm (n = 476) generally occurred within months of starting lenvatinib. Some cases of proteinuria, decreased appetite, and diarrhea were first reported at about 2 years of treatment.

Conclusions

The onset of key ARs associated with lenvatinib treatment can be predicted and generally be managed (per the lenvatinib USPI and REFLECT) by withholding lenvatinib and resuming it at a reduced dose after the severity decreases. However, lenvatinib should generally be discontinued if the AR is life-threatening.

A dose escalation/expansion study evaluating dose, safety, and efficacy of the novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor surufatinib, which inhibits VEGFR 1, 2, & 3, FGFR 1, and CSF1R, in US patients with neuroendocrine tumors

Surufatinib, is a potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1-3; fibroblast growth factor receptor-1; colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor. This Phase 1/1b escalation/expansion study in US patients with solid tumors evaluated 5 once daily (QD) surufatinib doses (3 + 3 design) to identify maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended Phase 2 dose (RP2D), and evaluate safety and efficacy at the RP2D in 4 disease-specific expansion cohorts including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors [pNET] and extrapancreatic NETs [epNET]. MTD and RP2D were 300 mg QD (escalation [n = 35]); 5 patients (15.6%) (Dose Limiting Toxicity [DLT] Evaluable Set [n = 32]) had DLTs. Pharmacokinetics were dose proportional. Estimated progression-free survival (PFS) rates at 11 months were 57.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 28.7, 78.2) and 51.1% (95% CI: 12.8, 80.3) for pNET and epNET expansion cohorts, respectively. Median PFS was 15.2 (95% CI: 5.2, not evaluable) and 11.5 (95% CI: 6.5,11.5) months. Response rates were 18.8% and 6.3%. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events (both cohorts) were fatigue (46.9%), hypertension (43.8%), proteinuria (37.5%), diarrhea (34.4%). Pharmacokinetics, safety, and antitumor efficacy of 300 mg QD oral surufatinib in US patients with pNETs and epNETs are consistent with previously reported studies in China and may support applicability of earlier surufatinib studies in US patients. Clinical trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02549937.

A pilot study of gut microbiome modulation to enable efficacy of neoadjuvant checkpoint-based immunotherapy (IO) following chemotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC)

TPS759

Background: Neoadjuvant therapy is now a standard strategy for localized PDAC, and this preoperative window provides an excellent opportunity in which to test novel therapeutic approaches. Trials using IO in PDAC have largely been unsuccessful, and immune tolerance is implicated as a major mechanism of IO resistance. The gut and tumor microbiome have emerged as key modulators of response to both IO and chemotherapy. High tumor microbial diversity has been linked to longer survival in PDAC, and gut microbiota may have the ability to colonize pancreatic tumors. There is preclinical evidence that endogenous microbiota promotes the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment characteristic of PDAC through stimulation of pro-tumor regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells at the expense of anti-tumor activated CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Further, preclinical data show that ablation of the gut microbiota may induce T cell activation, improve immune surveillance, and increase sensitivity to IO. We hypothesize that ablative antibiotics (abx) will activate tumor infiltrating T cells and enhance IO activity in PDAC. Methods: This is a multi-center, single-arm, open-label pilot study of pre-operative chemotherapy followed by abx and pembrolizumab to evaluate overall immune response to abx + IO. Eligible patients will have histologically confirmed, resectable PDAC, without probiotic consumption or use of immunosuppressive agents. Patients will be enrolled at diagnosis after undergoing a baseline biopsy. They will then receive mFOLFIRINOX every 2 weeks for 5 cycles. After completion of chemotherapy, ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO BID and metronidazole 500 mg PO TID will be administered for 21 days, and pembrolizumab 200 mg IV x1 will be given 7 days after initiation of abx. Patients will then undergo surgical resection and adjuvant therapy at the investigators’ discretion. On-treatment biopsy will be obtained prior to cycle 5 of mFOLFIRINOX. Blood and stool will be collected at baseline, during mFOLFIRINOX therapy, before and after pembrolizumab administration, and postoperatively. The primary endpoint is the overall immune response, which will be measured as activation of one or more of the T cell markers HLA-DR, CD38, CD25, Ki67, and CD69, defined as an increase in expression level of at least 20% from the on-treatment specimen to the surgical specimen, before and after abx + IO. Key secondary endpoints will be the evaluation of adverse events, R0 resection rate, histologic regression score, objective response rate, and overall survival rate. Correlative studies will be carried out to evaluate immune and microbiome changes in the blood and tissue following abx and pembrolizumab. These findings will be correlated with clinical endpoints. The target study accrual is 25 patients. Clinical trial information: NCT05462496 .

Molecular Markers of Response to Anti-PD1 Therapy in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Single-agent anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitors convey outstanding clinical benefits in a small fraction (∼20%) of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) but the molecular mechanisms determining response are unknown. To fill this gap, we herein analyze the molecular and immune traits of aHCC in patients treated with anti-PD1.

METHODS

Overall, 111 tumor samples from patients with aHCC were obtained from 13 centers before systemic therapies. We performed molecular analysis and immune deconvolution using whole-genome expression data (n = 83), mutational analysis (n = 72), and histologic evaluation with an endpoint of objective response.

RESULTS

Among 83 patients with transcriptomic data, 28 were treated in frontline, whereas 55 patients were treated after tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) either in second or third line. Responders treated in frontline showed upregulated interferon-γ signaling and major histocompatibility complex II-related antigen presentation. We generated an 11-gene signature (IFNAP), capturing these molecular features, which predicts response and survival in patients treated with anti-PD1 in frontline. The signature was validated in a separate cohort of aHCC and >240 patients with other solid cancer types where it also predicted response and survival. Of note, the same signature was unable to predict response in archival tissue of patients treated with frontline TKIs, highlighting the need for fresh biopsies before immunotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Interferon signaling and major histocompatibility complex-related genes are key molecular features of HCCs responding to anti-PD1. A novel 11-gene signature predicts response in frontline aHCC, but not in patients pretreated with TKIs. These results must be confirmed in prospective studies and highlights the need for biopsies before immunotherapy to identify biomarkers of response.

Racial/ethnic disparities in surgery access and outcome among non-metastatic HCC with an emphasis on Asian Americans

145

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has the highest incidence and mortality in Asia. Though the incidence in the US has been decreasing, Asian Americans (AA) continues to face a significant burden from HCC. We aim to examine disparities in patients with non-metastatic HCC in receiving surgery and outcome, with an emphasis on AA ethnic subgroups. Methods: Patients diagnosed with localized or regional HCC were extracted from SEER 17 (1989-2019). Race was categorized into non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Hispanic, Alaska Indian/American Native (AI/AN) and 12 AA subgroups. Multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression models were used to calculate the odds of receiving surgery and overall mortality, respectively. Results: Among the total of 71,552 patients with non-metastatic HCC (Table), after accounting for multiple comparison, Chinese and Japanese were significantly more likely to receive surgery while NHB, Hispanics, AI/AN, and Laotians were less likely to receive surgery compared to NHWs. Among those who received surgery, Chinese, Korean and other APIs had improved survival while NHB and Samoan had significantly increased overall mortality than NHWs. Conclusions: Although prior studies have combined AAs into a single group, considerable heterogeneity exists amongst AA ethnic subgroups. Further studies are needed to evaluate if socioeconomic status, cultural background, health behaviors, tumor biology, and health care access may underline these disparities and to help identify potential inventions to improve outcomes in this growing but heterogenous population.[Table: see text]

Addition of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients (pts) with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who progress on first-line immunotherapy (IO)

e16193

Background: Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab is now standard first-line therapy for advanced HCC. Early phase trials in HCC and phase III trials in other solid tumors testing IO and TKI have shown greater antitumor activity with the combination than with either agent alone. Cancer and vascular endothelial cells release VEGF, which not only increases angiogenesis, promoting tumor growth, but also induces an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Preclinical studies suggest that TKIs with anti-VEGF activity have immunomodulatory potential, enabling the infiltration and activation of effector T cells to the TME. Experimental models of HCC with combination of IO plus TKI also reverted immune escape mechanisms mediated by β-catenin, Wnt, and TGFβ activation and by Treg or neutrophil infiltration. At our institution, pts who were treated with IO alone in the front line often had a TKI added on progression of disease (PD). We aimed to evaluate whether the addition of a TKI could rescue IO failure. Methods: We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective chart review of pts with unresectable HCC at Mount Sinai Health System who received IO from 1/2017 to 6/2021 and who subsequently received a TKI on PD. We assessed the objective response rate (ORR), median progression-free survival (mPFS) and overall survival (mOS). Follow-up CT/MRI imaging studies were conducted every 2-3 months after addition of TKI. Results: Of 277 pts who received first-line IO during the study period, 46 evaluable pts subsequently had TKIs added to IO upon PD. Pts were predominantly male (37/46), with median age 63 years, and 38 had cirrhosis. Etiologies of HCC were as follows: 9 HBV, 22 HCV, 15 alcohol-related, 7 NASH-associated. All pts received first-line nivolumab. TKIs added were lenvatinib (44/46) and sorafenib (2). At the start of IO, most pts (31/46) had Child Pugh class A liver disease and performance status ECOG 0 (31/46). TKIs were added upon PD and after a median of 5.8 months (range 2.1-28.1 months) from IO initiation. ORR of IO plus TKI was 15% (7/46; 2 complete responses and 5 partial responses). 16 pts had stable disease, and 13 had PD. Among the 11/46 pts who initially responded to first-line IO, 2 achieved a response with TKI. There were 5 responses among the 35/46 non-responders to first-line IO. TKI-related grade 3-4 adverse events, including liver toxicity, rash, and encephalopathy, led to discontinuation in 7/46 pts. mOS after adding TKI was 9.5 months (95% CI: 6.1-13.7) and mPFS was 5.4 months (95% CI: 3.6-9.7). The mOS and mPFS of adding TKI after PD did not differ between IO initial responders and non-responders. Overall, mOS from IO initiation was 17.6 months (95% CI: 14.5-24.4). Conclusions: Adding a TKI after PD on single agent IO in pts with advanced HCC did not add a signal of clinical benefit compared with reported outcomes from second-line TKIs alone.

A multiplexed immunohistochemical consecutive staining on single slide (MICSSS) analysis of the immune microenvironment of bile duct cancers (BDC) pre and post neoadjuvantchemotherapy (NACT)

e16151

Background: NACT is increasingly being used in the management of locally advanced BTC. Emerging evidence suggests a potential key contributing role of tumor infiltrating immune cells in the prognosis & response to therapy. We set out to characterize immune modulation of tumor immune microenvironment composition in BTC following NACT. Methods: Patients (pts) with locally advanced BTC who underwent a diagnostic biopsy, then NACT followed by resection between 2014 & 2018 were identified & consented after IRB approval. MICSSS, a sample-sparing chromogenic consecutive multiplex tissue staining method, was performed with a series of immune markers (Table), to characterize T cell subsets, B cells, macrophages, mature dendritic cells (DCs), and immune checkpoints on pre & post NACT formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissue sections. Density was calculated for each marker (+ve cells/mm2) following annotation of tissues by tumor, fibrosis, necrosis, stromal & tumor infiltrating lymphocyte-enriched areas. Results: Nine pts were enrolled. Final analysis included 5 pts with adequate tissue. Median age = 48 (41-56), with 4 female, 4 intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas & 1 gallbladder. All pts received Gemcitabine/Cisplatin as NACT with a median of 5 (4-7) cycles. Median time from diagnosis to surgery was 4.3 (1.4-7.8) months & last cycle to surgery was 0.9 (0.6-1.5) month. All pts were MMR proficient, 1 Her2+ & 2 with FGFR2 amplification. NACT on average produced a depletion of all immune markers (Table). Given the small N, each pt was considered their own control & changes in mean cell densities post NACT were calculated. Pt2 with a 40-fold increase in PDL1 expression & 5-fold decrease in CD8:FOXP3 ratio notably had the shortest disease-free interval (DFI). Pt3 with the longest DFI had the largest increase in CD8:FOXP3 by about 8-fold combined with a decrease in PDL1. Conclusions: Preliminary results suggest NACT may modulate immune microenvironment despite overall immune cell depletion. Future studies should focus on strategies to expand immune modulation of the tumor microenvironment in BTC by NACT, including immune oncology agent priming prior to or after NACT.[Table: see text]

Neoadjuvant cemiplimab for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma is standard clinical practice; however, most tumours recur despite surgery, and no perioperative intervention has shown a survival benefit. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy has induced pathological responses in multiple tumour types and might decrease the risk of postoperative recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the clinical activity of neoadjuvant cemiplimab (an anti-PD-1) in patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

METHODS

For this single-arm, open-label, phase 2 trial, patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (stage Ib, II, and IIIb) were enrolled and received two cycles of neoadjuvant cemiplimab 350 mg intravenously every 3 weeks followed by surgical resection. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older, had confirmed resectable hepatocellular carcinoma, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, and adequate liver function. Patients were excluded if they had metastatic disease, if the surgery was not expected to be curative, if they had a known additional malignancy requiring active treatment, or if they required systemic steroid treatment or any other immunosuppressive therapy. After resection, patients received an additional eight cycles of cemiplimab 350 mg intravenously every 3 weeks in the adjuvant setting. The primary endpoint was significant tumour necrosis on pathological examination (defined as >70% necrosis of the resected tumour). Secondary endpoints included delay of surgery, the proportion of patients with an overall response, change in CD8⁺ T-cell density, and adverse events. Tumour necrosis and response were analysed in all patients who received at least one dose of cemiplimab and completed surgical resection; safety and other endpoints were analysed in the intention-to-treat population. Patients underwent pre-treatment biopsies and blood collection throughout treatment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03916627, Cohort B) and is ongoing.

FINDINGS

Between Aug 5, 2019, and Nov 25, 2020, 21 patients were enrolled. All patients received neoadjuvant cemiplimab, and 20 patients underwent successful resection. Of the 20 patients with resected tumours, four (20%) had significant tumour necrosis. Three (15%) of 20 patients had a partial response, and all other patients maintained stable disease. 20 (95%) patients had a treatment-emergent adverse event of any grade during the neoadjuvant treatment period. The most common adverse events of any grade were increased aspartate aminotransferase (in four patients), increased blood creatine phosphokinase (in three), constipation (in three), and fatigue (in three). Seven patients had grade 3 adverse events, including increased blood creatine phosphokinase (in two patients) and hypoalbuminaemia (in one). No grade 4 or 5 events were observed. One patient developed pneumonitis, which led to a delay in surgery by 2 weeks.

INTERPRETATION

This report is, to our knowledge, the largest clinical trial of a neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 monotherapy reported to date in hepatocellular carcinoma. The observed pathological responses to cemiplimab in this cohort support the design of larger trials to identify the optimal treatment duration and definitively establish the clinical benefit of preoperative PD-1 blockade in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

FUNDING

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.

Exploratory circulating biomarker analyses: lenvatinib + pembrolizumab (L + P) in a phase 1b trial in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC)

4084

Background: In a phase 1b trial (NCT03006926), L + P had promising antitumor activity as first-line (1L) therapy in uHCC. We present exploratory biomarker analyses of circulating angiogenic factors and cytokines/chemokines related to the mechanism of action of L + P (ie, pharmacodynamic [PD] biomarkers), as well as biomarker correlations with clinical outcomes in patients (pts) with uHCC, from this trial. Methods: Pts received lenvatinib 12 mg/d (bodyweight [BW] >60 kg) or 8 mg/d (BW < 60 kg) PO + pembrolizumab 200 mg IV Q3W. Tumors were assessed using mRECIST or RECIST v1.1 per independent imaging review. Peripheral blood samples were collected before administration of study drug at baseline, cycle (C) 2, day (D) 1, C3D1, C4D1, and off-treatment. 43 Biomarkers were assayed in serum from 100 1L uHCC pts (excluding 4 pts from the dose-limiting toxicity part of the trial with prior sorafenib). Of these 43, 31 biomarkers (for which ≤20% of samples had measurements above/below the quantification limit of the assay) were included in the analyses. Changes in biomarker levels from baseline were evaluated via 1-sample Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Associations were explored between changes in biomarker levels and maximum tumor shrinkage (MTS) via the Spearman’s rank correlation test, objective response (OR; complete response + partial response) via the Wilcoxon rank sum test, and PFS via Cox regression analysis and log rank test. Data cutoff date for clinical endpoints was 7 August 2020. Results: Levels of PD biomarkers related to angiogenic signaling (VEGF increase/ANG2 decrease), FGF signaling (increase in FGF23/FGF19), and IFNγ signaling (increase in IFNγ, CXCL9/10/11) were changed significantly (adjusted P< 0.05) with L + P (C2D1–C4D1; except for FGF19 at C3D1). Significant decreases of TIMP1 and increases of MCP1 were observed at C4D1 during treatment; these were associated with greater MTS. Greater decreases in TIMP1 and greater increases in MCP1 were observed in pts with OR vs others. Changes in levels of the PD biomarkers ANG2, IL10, and VEGFR2 were found to be associated with PFS by dichotomized analysis. With tertile 2 cutoff, median PFS for pts in the group with greater decreases of ANG2 was 13.9 months vs 9.6 months for pts in the group with lesser decreases of ANG2 (unadjusted P= 0.002; HR 2.65, 95% CI 1.39–5.08). Conclusions: These are the first exploratory biomarker analyses for the single-arm study of L + P in pts with uHCC. Changes in serum biomarkers associated with angiogenic-, FGF-, and IFNγ-signaling pathways indicated target engagement of L + P. Decreases in TIMP1 and increases in MCP1 were associated with MTS and OR. Associations were found between longer PFS and a greater decrease in levels of ANG2. Angiogenesis inhibition and modulation of cancer immune response were observed with L + P. Further validation from independent studies is warranted. Clinical trial information: NCT03006926.

Interim analysis results of surufatinib in U.S. patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

4114

Background: Surufatinib (S) is a targeted inhibitor of tyrosine kinases VEGFR1, 2, and 3; FGFR1; and CSF-1R. A manageable safety profile and statistically significant efficacy of S have previously been demonstrated in patients (pts) with advanced NETs of extrapancreatic (epNET) and pancreatic (pNET) origin in 2 phase 3 randomized trials conducted in China (SANET-ep, NCT02588170; SANET-p, NCT02589821). Pts with epNETs achieved a median progression free survival (PFS) of 9.2 v 3.8 months (mo) (hazard ratio [HR] 0.334; p < 0.0001), and pts with pNETs achieved a median PFS of 10.9 v 3.7 mo (HR 0.491; p = 0.0011), with S v placebo, respectively. S has recently been approved for the treatment (tx) of pts with epNETs in China. Methods: A phase 1, dose escalation (ESC)/expansion (EXP) trial was conducted to evaluate and confirm the efficacy and safety of S in US pts. ESC was completed, and the maximum tolerated dose and recommend phase 2 dose were determined to be 300 mg, same as previous trials. The EXP completed enrollment of the epNET and pNET cohorts, and the primary endpoint was investigator-assessed PFS rate at 11 mo. Secondary objectives included assessment of safety and PK. Results: 32 pts with heavily pretreated progressive NETs (16 epNET and pNET each) were enrolled in the dose EXP. The median age was 62.2 years (44-75) and 64.4 years (39-72) for epNET and pNET pts, respectively. 65.6% of pts received ≥3 prior lines of tx (median lines of therapy: epNET: 2 [2-5]; pNET: 4 [1-8]), and all pts previously received everolimus and/or sunitinib. As of the data cutoff of 30-Jun-20, 7 pts remained on tx (4 epNET; 3 pNET). The median number of tx cycles was 8.0 (2, 15) for epNET and 8.5 (2, 23) for pNET pts. The PFS rate at 11 mo was 51.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.8, 80.3) for pts with epNETs and 57.4% (95% CI: 28.7, 78.2) for pts with pNETs. The observed mPFS was 11.50 mo (95% CI: 6.47, 11.50) and 15.18 mo (95% CI: 5.19, NR) for pts with epNETs and pNETs, respectively. An objective response rate (ORR) of 6.3% was observed for pts with epNETs and 18.8% for pts with pNETs. A disease control rate of 90.6% (95% CI: 75.0, 98.0) was observed for all NET pts (93.8% epNET; 87.5% pNET). The safety profile of S remains consistent with previously completed trials. All pts (n = 32) had reported at least 1 adverse event (AE), and 24 pts (75%) reported AEs ≥grade 3. The most common AEs of any grade reported were fatigue (46.9%), hypertension (43.8%), proteinuria (37.5%), diarrhea (34.4%), vomiting (28.1%), and nausea (25.0%). The most commonly reported AEs ≥grade 3 ( > 5%) were hypertension (37.5%); diarrhea (9.4%); and proteinuria, dysphagia, and anemia (6.3% each). AEs leading to tx discontinuation occurred in 21.9% of pts. Conclusions: S has demonstrated antitumor activity in heavily pretreated US pts with progressive NETs with a manageable safety profile that is consistent with 2 completed phase 3 studies. S continues to be studied in other ongoing clinical trials globally. Clinical trial information: NCT02549937.

Updated results of a phase 1b study of regorafenib (REG) 80 mg/day or 120 mg/day plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) for first-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

4078

Background: REG, a multikinase inhibitor, and PEMBRO, an anti-PD-1 mAb, are approved as monotherapies in advanced HCC after progression on sorafenib. This phase 1b dose-finding study investigated first-line REG plus PEMBRO in advanced HCC. Methods: Patients (pts) in the first cohort received a starting REG dose of 120 mg/day orally for 3 weeks (wks) on/1 wk off, which could be escalated (160 mg) or reduced (80 mg) in later cohorts, plus a fixed dose of PEMBRO 200 mg IV every 3 wks. Due to a high dose modification rate in the REG 120 mg cohort, an exploratory REG 80 mg cohort was introduced. Primary objective was safety and tolerability; secondary aims were to assess the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase 2 dose, and anti-tumor activity. Results: 35 pts started on REG 120 mg/day and 22 on REG 80 mg/day. Median age was 66 yrs (range 29–81), 84% of pts were male, 70%/30% had ECOG PS 0/1, 26%/74% were BCLC stage B/C, 100% were C–P A, 46% had extrahepatic spread, and 32% had macrovascular invasion. MTD of REG was 120 mg/day. Grade (Gr) 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) occurred in 86% of pts on REG 120 mg and 50% on REG 80 mg (Table). Most common Gr 3/4 TEAE for REG 120 mg/80 mg were AST increased (23%/9%), lipase increased (20%/5%), ALT increased (17%/9%), and hypertension (17%/9%). TEAE led to REG/PEMBRO dose reductions or interruptions in 71%/57% of pts on REG 120 mg and 59%/45% on REG 80 mg. Median treatment duration (range) was 3.0 months (mo; 0.2–20.5) for REG 120 mg and 3.5 mo (0.03–24.4) for PEMBRO, and 3.5 mo (0.7–10.8) for REG 80 mg and 3.5 mo (0.8–11.3) for PEMBRO. Of 32 evaluable pts on REG 120 mg, 10 (31%) had a partial response (PR) and 18 (56%) had stable disease (SD); disease control rate (DCR) was 88% (RECIST v1.1). Of 22 pts on REG 80 mg, 4 (18%) had a PR and 16 (73%) had SD; DCR was 91%. As of 17 Dec 2020, 16 pts remain on treatment (REG 120 mg n = 5; REG 80 mg n = 11); median follow up was 11.7 mo and 6.9 mo, respectively. REG pharmacokinetic exposure was as expected for 80 mg and 120 mg doses. Flow cytometry analysis of sequential peripheral blood showed changes in subsets of T-cells and monocytes, which may contribute to clinical benefit. Conclusions: First-line REG plus PEMBRO in advanced HCC showed no new safety signals and encouraging anti-tumor activity (DCR ̃90%). The REG 80 mg cohort appeared to have lower rates of dose reductions and interruptions due to TEAE vs REG 120 mg. Efficacy data for the REG 80 mg cohort are preliminary due to short follow-up. Clinical trial information: NCT03347292. [Table: see text]

Results of a phase Ib study of regorafenib (REG) 80 mg/day plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) for first-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

323

Background: In a phase Ib study, REG 120 mg/day plus PEMBRO for first-line treatment of advanced HCC showed no unexpected safety signals and encouraging anti-tumor activity. At the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of REG (120 mg/day), approximately three-quarters of patients (pts) had a REG dose reduction or interruption due to a treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). Here, we present preliminary data for the REG 80 mg/day cohort. Methods: This is an ongoing, dose-finding study in pts who had no prior systemic therapy. In the first cohort, pts received REG 120 mg/day orally for 3 weeks on/1 week off plus PEMBRO 200 mg intravenously q 3 weeks. In later cohorts, the REG dose could be escalated (160 mg/day) or reduced (80 mg/day); the PEMBRO dose is fixed. The primary objective is safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives are to define the MTD and recommended phase II dose and assess anti-tumor activity. Results: By July 24, 2020, 16 pts were treated with REG 80 mg/day. Median age was 67 years (range 56–79), 25%/75% were Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B/C, 100% Child–Pugh A, and 69%/31% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0/1. Grade (Gr) 3 TEAEs occurred in 8/16 pts (50%) and there were no Gr 4 TEAEs (Table); one pt experienced Gr 5 pneumonitis (not drug related). There were no reports of Gr 3 hand–foot skin reaction or Gr 3 maculopapular rash, and one report (6%) of Gr 3 rash. TEAEs led to a REG dose reduction or interruption in 50% of pts and to a PEMBRO dose interruption in 25% of pts. Median treatment duration (range) including pts ongoing was 4.1 months (0.4–7.1) for REG and 3.8 months (0.03–7.2) for PEMBRO. Of 13 evaluable pts, 2 (15%) had a partial response and 9 (69%) had stable disease (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors v1.1); disease control rate was 85%. Conclusions: These preliminary results for the combination of REG 80 mg/day plus PEMBRO for first-line treatment of advanced HCC were consistent with the REG 120 mg/day cohort. The combination showed no unexpected safety signals and encouraging anti-tumor activity. Assessment of REG 80 mg/day plus PEMBRO is ongoing. Clinical trial information: NCT03347292. [Table: see text]

Phase Ib Study of Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab in Patients With Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE

The immunomodulatory effect of lenvatinib (a multikinase inhibitor) on tumor microenvironments may contribute to antitumor activity when combined with programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) signaling inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report results from a phase Ib study of lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (an anti-PD-1 antibody) in unresectable HCC (uHCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this open-label multicenter study, patients with uHCC received lenvatinib (bodyweight ≥ 60 kg, 12 mg; < 60 kg, 8 mg) orally daily and pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. The study included a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) phase and an expansion phase (first-line patients). Primary objectives were safety/tolerability (DLT phase), and objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) by modified RECIST (mRECIST) and RECIST version 1.1 (v1.1) per independent imaging review (IIR; expansion phase).

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were enrolled. No DLTs were reported (n = 6) in the DLT phase; 100 patients (expansion phase; included n = 2 from DLT phase) had received no prior systemic therapy and had Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage B (n = 29) or C disease (n = 71). At data cutoff, 37% of patients remained on treatment. Median duration of follow-up was 10.6 months (95% CI, 9.2 to 11.5 months). Confirmed ORRs by IIR were 46.0% (95% CI, 36.0% to 56.3%) per mRECIST and 36.0% (95% CI, 26.6% to 46.2%) per RECIST v1.1. Median DORs by IIR were 8.6 months (95% CI, 6.9 months to not estimable [NE]) per mRECIST and 12.6 months (95% CI, 6.9 months to NE) per RECIST v1.1. Median progression-free survival by IIR was 9.3 months per mRECIST and 8.6 months per RECIST v1.1. Median overall survival was 22 months. Grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 67% (grade 5, 3%) of patients. No new safety signals were identified.

CONCLUSION

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab has promising antitumor activity in uHCC. Toxicities were manageable, with no unexpected safety signals.

Efficacy and safety of surufatinib in United States (US) patients (pts) with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

4610

Background: Surufatinib (S) is a targeted inhibitor of tyrosine kinases VEGFR1, 2, & 3, FGFR1, and CSF-1R. Safety and efficacy of S has previously been studied in China in early phase development, and in 2 randomized phase 3 placebo controlled trials (NCT02588170 & NCT02589821). These trials enrolled pts with NETs of extrapancreatic (epNET) and pancreatic (panNET) origin, respectively. Both trials are completed, stopping at their pre-planned interim analysis after meeting the primary endpoint of improved PFS. S demonstrated significant efficacy in pts with advanced epNETs, achieving a median Progression Free Survival [mPFS] of 9.2 v 3.8 months when compared to placebo. The mPFS achieved in pts with advanced panNETs is currently pending future disclosure at an upcoming scientific conference. Methods: A dose escalation (ESC)/expansion (EXP) study was conducted to evaluate and confirm the effects of S in US pts. Dose ESC was completed and the maximum tolerated dose and recommend phase 2 dose was determined to be 300mg QD; the same as previous trials. The primary objective of EXP was to evaluate anticancer activity in pts with select indications including panNETs and epNETs. Results: As of 21-Jan-20, 32 pts with heavily pre-treated progressive NETs (median prior lines of treatment [Tx]: 3; range 1-8) were enrolled. The 32 pts included 16 pts with panNET and 16 with epNET. All previously received everolimus and/or sunitinib. The median duration of Tx at the time of the data cut-off was 19 wks for all pts; 30.9 wks for panNET and 11 for epNET. 19 pts remain on active Tx (13 epNET and 6 panNET pts), 9 pts discontinued due to progression of disease, 2 withdrew consent and 2 discontinued due to adverse event (AE) (grade 3 tricuspid valve insufficiency, and grade 3 GI bleed). An objective response rate of 9.4% was observed. 3 panNET pts achieved a confirmed partial response (PR) and 1 had an unconfirmed PR per RECIST 1.1; no epNET pts achieved a PR. The safety profile of S remains consistent with previously completed trials. 27 pts (84.4%) had reported at least one adverse event (AE), and 16 pts (50%) reported ≥ grade 3 AE’s. The most common AE’s reported were: hypertension, fatigue, diarrhea, proteinuria and nausea. Pharmacokinetics (PK) analyses has shown similar exposure in panNET and epNET pts as was observed in ESC, and pts from the collective pool of pts. Conclusions: S has demonstrated promising antitumor activity in US pts with progressive NETs with a manageable safety profile. Additionally, PK and dose exposure data is consistent with trial results from large randomized phase 3 trials. Clinical trial information: NCT02549937 .

A phase Ib study of lenvatinib (LEN) plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC)

4519

Background: LEN is a multikinase inhibitor of VEGFR 1–3, FGFR 1–4, PDGFRα, RET, and KIT, approved for first line (1L) treatment of uHCC. PEMBRO, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, was granted accelerated approval for the treatment of patients (pts) with HCC after sorafenib therapy. We assessed the safety and efficacy of LEN + PEMBRO in uHCC. Methods: In this phase 1b trial (NCT03006926), pts received LEN 12 mg/day (bodyweight [BW] ≥60 kg) or 8 mg/day (BW <60 kg) orally + PEMBRO 200 mg IV on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability for Part 1 and objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR) by mRECIST and RECIST v1.1 per independent imaging review (IIR) in the 1L setting for Part 2. Results: 104 pts (part 1, n=6; part 2, n=98) were enrolled. No DLTs were reported in Part 1; 100 pts were included in the 1L analysis of LEN + PEMBRO–4 pts (part 1) excluded due to prior sorafenib. At data cutoff (October 31, 2019) and median follow-up of 10.6 months, 37 pts continued treatment (LEN only, n=3; both drugs, n=34); median duration of treatment was 7.9 months (LEN, 7.6 months; PEMBRO, 7.4 months). Median OS was 22.0 months (95% CI 20.4–not estimable [NE]), median PFS was 8.6 months (95% CI 7.1–9.7), and ORR was 36% (95% CI 26.6–46.2) (RECIST v1.1 per IIR). Additional efficacy outcomes are shown in the table. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 99% of pts (grade ≥3, 85%; grade ≥4, 23%). The most common grade ≥3 TEAE was hypertension (18% of pts). Treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) occurred in 95% of pts (grade ≥3, 67%; grade ≥4, 4%). The most common grade ≥3 TRAE was hypertension (17% of pts). 36% of pts had serious TRAEs and 3 pts died from a TRAE (acute respiratory failure/acute respiratory distress syndrome, n=1; intestinal perforation, n=1; abnormal hepatic function, n=1). Conclusions: LEN + PEMBRO has promising antitumor activity with a tolerable safety profile. An ongoing phase 3 trial (NCT03713593) is assessing LEN + PEMBRO vs LEN alone as 1L therapy for uHCC. Clinical trial information: NCT03006926 . [Table: see text]

Effect of baseline medications on response to immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma

484

Background: Immunotherapy (IO) response rates in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are less than 20%. The microbiome has been shown to mediate IO response in experimental models, and clinical studies have observed that antibiotics, especially prior to IO initiation, are associated with reduced IO response. We reasoned that commonly prescribed antacid medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine receptor antagonists (H2RAs), which are known to influence the microbiome, may also influence IO response. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review-based study of 95 patients with advanced HCC treated with IO at a single academic medical center. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). The secondary outcome was overall response rate (ORR). The primary predictors were antibiotic or antacid exposure in the 60 days prior to IO. A secondary predictor was antibiotic or antacid exposure in the 30 days prior to IO. Results: The cohort was predominantly male (84%), was racially diverse (31% White, 23% Black, 23% Asian, 13% Hispanic), and had a median age of 65 years. There were 49 deaths with a median follow up of 0.96 years. The most common underlying liver diseases were HCV (49%), HBV (31%), and NASH (11%). The majority of patients had cirrhosis (80%), with a median Child Pugh score of 6. Within 60 days before IO, 25 patients received antibiotics, 40 received PPIs and 5 received H2RAs. Most patients receiving antibiotics also received a PPI (92%). The median duration of antibiotics was 5 days. Neither antibiotic nor antacid exposure within 60 or 30 days prior to IO was significantly correlated with OS in univariate or multivariate analyses, nor were they correlated with ORR. Conclusions: No significant associations between baseline exposure to antibiotics and antibiotics and OS or ORR were identified in this single-institution study. Larger observational studies or mechanistic studies are needed to clarify interactions between medications, the microbiome, and IO response.

[Table: see text]

Baseline liver function and outcomes in the phase III REFLECT study in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC)

524

Background: Lenvatinib (LEN) is approved for first-line treatment of uHCC. Baseline (BL) liver function (Child-Pugh score [CPS] and albumin-bilirubin grade [ALBI]) was prognostic in uHCC patients (pts) who received sorafenib (SOR) but has not been assessed with LEN in uHCC. Here, we report post hoc analysis of BL liver function and efficacy/safety outcomes from the phase 3 REFLECT study. Methods: Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety were stratified by BL ALBI or CPS. OS and PFS were estimated by Kaplan–Meier method. Independent radiologic review utilized mRECIST criteria for ORR. Safety was assessed using NCI-CTCAE, version 4.0. Results: Liver function measured by ALBI and CPS seemed to be prognostic for OS and ORR. Median OS was longer in ALBI grade 1 (ALBI-1) vs grade 2 (ALBI-2) pts or for CPS-5 vs CPS-6 on either treatment arm and was longer for LEN vs SOR. ORR was higher in pts with better ALBI or CPS and for LEN vs SOR. Rates of treatment-emergent adverse events grade ≥3 were lower with better BL liver function (ALBI-1 vs ALBI-2: 70% vs 86%; CPS-5 vs CPS-6: 72% vs 86%). Study-drug withdrawal, dose reduction, and dose interruption occurred more often in pts with worse BL liver function. Conclusions: This post hoc analysis suggests ALBI (by OS, PFS and ORR) and CPS (by ORR) may be prognostic in uHCC pts and that BL liver function may be linked with efficacy/safety outcomes. This analysis also found that LEN provided benefit vs SOR for uHCC, regardless of BL liver function. The benefit of LEN may be underestimated, as more ALBI-2 pts and fewer ALBI-1 pts received LEN vs SOR. Clinical trial information: NCT01761266.

[Table: see text]

Phase Ib study of regorafenib (REG) plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) for first-line treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

564

Background: REG is a multikinase inhibitor with immunomodulatory activity and PEMBRO is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody. Both are approved as monotherapy for patients (pts) with HCC previously treated with sorafenib. Based on their potential synergistic effects, we conducted a phase 1b study of REG plus PEMBRO for first-line treatment of advanced HCC. Methods: This is an ongoing, open-label, dose-escalation study in pts with advanced HCC who had no prior systemic therapy. In the first cohort, pts received REG 120 mg/day PO for 3 weeks on/1 week off plus PEMBRO 200 mg IV q 3 weeks. In later cohorts, the REG dose could be escalated (160 mg) or reduced (80 mg) based on the modified toxicity probability interval design; the PEMBRO dose is fixed. The primary objective is safety and tolerability. Secondary objectives are to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose, and to assess antitumor activity. Results: As of August 23, 2019, 29 pts have been treated at the REG 120 mg level. Median age is 65 years (range 32–81); 41%/55% of pts are BCLC stage B/C; 100% are Child–Pugh A; ECOG status 0/1 is 72%/28%. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 4/18 evaluable pts: grade (Gr) 3 increased ALT/AST with Gr 2 increased bilirubin (n = 2); Gr 3 rash (n = 2). The MTD of REG in the combination was 120 mg. Most common Gr 3 or 4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) are shown (n = 29). There were no Gr 5 TEAEs. 59%/31% of pts had REG/PEMRO-related Gr 3 or 4 TEAEs. Dose modifications (reductions or interruptions) of REG/PEMBRO for drug-related TEAEs occurred in 59%/31% of pts. Of 23 evaluable pts, 7 (30%) had a partial response (PR) and 14 (61%) had stable disease (RECIST v1.1); 1 additional pt had PR by mRECIST. Conclusions: The combination of REG plus PEMBRO for first-line treatment of advanced HCC showed no unexpected safety signals and encouraging antitumor activity. Accrual is continuing at REG 120 mg dose and an expansion cohort evaluating REG 80 mg plus PEMBRO is planned. Clinical trial information: NCT03347292.

[Table: see text]

Phase II study of fluorouracil (FU), leucovorin (LV), and nanoliposomal irinotecan (nal-IRI) in previously treated advanced biliary tract cancer (NAPOLI-2)

TPS593

Background: Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are rare and aggressive malignancies. The current standard of care for advanced BTC is gemcitabine (GEM) plus cisplatin . Although there is no established second-line treatment, regimens such as FOLFOX, XELOX, FOLFIRI, XELIRI, GEM, and capecitabine have activity. Nal-IRI contains IRI free base encapsulated in liposome nanoparticles which shelter IRI from conversion to its active metabolite (SN-38) and increase intratumoral levels of SN-38 compared with IRI. FU/LV/nal-IRI has shown overall survival benefit and acceptable toxicity in patients (pts) with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma following GEM-based therapy in the NAPOLI-1 trial. Methods: This is a single arm, open label, multicenter phase II study of pts with advanced BTC previously treated with gemcitabine plus platinum chemotherapy. Pts will receive nal-IRI 70 mg/m2 IV over 90 minutes, LV 400 mg/m2 IV over 30 minutes, and FU 2400 mg/m2 over 46 hours, every 14 days. The primary objective is to determine progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 4 months (4mo) using RECIST v. 1.1 criteria and central radiology review. Response assessments will occur using imaging every 8 weeks. All pts who receive at least 1 dose of the study treatment will be eligible for the primary analysis. We will substitute pts who screen fail or do not begin treatment. Median PFS reported for pts receiving second-line 5-FU doublet chemotherapy is 3 months with a PFS4mo of 30%. FU/LV/nal-IRI would be of interest if it could increase the PFS4mo to 50% or higher. We will use a 2-stage Simon Minimax design. Using a one-sided α of 0.05 and 80% power, 39 pts will be required to detect a difference in PFS4mo between 30% and 50%. Assuming a dropout rate of 10%, 44 pts will be enrolled across the 5 study sites. Enrollment began in Q2 2019. Clinical trial information: NCT04005339.

First-in-Human Phase I Study of Fisogatinib (BLU-554) Validates Aberrant FGF19 Signaling as a Driver Event in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Outcomes for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain poor despite recent progress in drug development. Emerging data implicate FGF19 as a potential HCC driver, suggesting its receptor, FGFR4, as a novel therapeutic target. We evaluated fisogatinib (BLU-554), a highly potent and selective oral FGFR4 inhibitor, in a phase I dose-escalation/dose-expansion study in advanced HCC using FGF19 expression measured by IHC as a biomarker for pathway activation. For dose escalation, 25 patients received 140 to 900 mg fisogatinib once daily; the maximum tolerated dose (600 mg once daily) was expanded in 81 patients. Fisogatinib was well tolerated; most adverse events were manageable, grade 1/2 gastrointestinal events, primarily diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Across doses, the overall response rate was 17% in FGF19-positive patients [median duration of response: 5.3 months (95% CI, 3.7-not reached)] and 0% in FGF19-negative patients. These results validate FGFR4 as a targetable driver in FGF19-positive advanced HCC. SIGNIFICANCE: Fisogatinib elicited clinical responses in patients with tumor FGF19 overexpression in advanced HCC. These results validate the oncogenic driver role of the FGFR4 pathway in HCC and the use of FGF19 as a biomarker for patient selection.See related commentary by Subbiah and Pal, p. 1646.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1631.

Urine protein:creatinine ratio vs 24-hour urine protein for proteinuria management: analysis from the phase 3 REFLECT study of lenvatinib vs sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Proteinuria monitoring is required in patients receiving lenvatinib, however, current methodology involves burdensome overnight urine collection.

METHODS

To determine whether the simpler urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPCR) calculated from spot urine samples could be accurately used for proteinuria monitoring in patients receiving lenvatinib, we evaluated the correlation between UPCR and 24-hour urine protein results from the phase 3 REFLECT study. Paired data (323 tests, 154 patients) were analysed.

RESULTS

Regression analysis showed a statistically significant correlation between UPCR and 24-hour urine protein (R2: 0.75; P < 2 × 10-16). A UPCR cut-off value of 2.4 had 96.9% sensitivity, 82.5% specificity for delineating between grade 2 and 3 proteinuria. Using this UPCR cut-off value to determine the need for further testing could reduce the need for 24-hour urine collection in ~74% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Incorporation of UPCR into the current algorithm for proteinuria management can enable optimisation of lenvatinib treatment, while minimising patient inconvenience.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01761266.

Abstract CT061: A Phase Ib trial of lenvatinib (LEN) plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC): Updated results

BackgroundLEN is a multikinase inhibitor of VEGFR 1-3, FGFR 1-4, PDGFRα, RET, and KIT. In a Phase III trial (REFLECT), LEN demonstrated a treatment effect on overall survival (OS) by statistical confirmation of noninferiority vs sorafenib for first-line treatment of uHCC. PEMBRO is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody. LEN and PEMBRO monotherapies are approved for unresectable first- and second-line treatment of HCC, respectively. We report updated results from a Phase Ib trial of LEN + PEMBRO in uHCC.

Methods In this open-label, multicenter phase 1b study of tolerability and safety of LEN + PEMBRO, patients (pts) with uHCC, BCLC stage C or B (not amenable for transarterial chemoembolization), Child-Pugh class A, and ECOG PS ≤ 1 received LEN (body weight ≥ 60 kg: 12 mg/day; &lt; 60 kg: 8 mg/day, QD) and PEMBRO (200 mg IV Q3W). No dose-limiting toxicities were reported in Part 1 (n=6); thus, pts with no prior systemic therapy for uHCC (n=24) were enrolled in Part 2 (Expansion). Primary endpoint was safety. Tumor assessments were by investigators per modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (mRECIST) for HCC, and independent imaging review (IIR) per mRECIST and RECIST 1.1.

Results 30 pts were enrolled and received LEN + PEMBRO (Part 1, n=6; Part 2, n=24). Pts had BCLC stage B (n=9) or C (n=21), Child-Pugh scores of 5 (n=26) or 6 (n=4). At data cutoff (Aug 23, 2018), 18 (60%) pts were still on study treatment; median duration of follow-up was 9.7 months (95% CI 7.6-12.2). Any-grade treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 28 pts (93%); the most common any-grade TEAEs were decreased appetite (63%) and hypertension (60%). 7 (23%) pts discontinued treatment due to TEAEs, and no new safety signals were identified. Efficacy outcomes reported in the Table.

Conclusions The LEN + PEMBRO combination showed promising antitumor activity and an acceptable safety profile in pts with uHCC. The trial protocol has been amended to enroll up to a total of 100 pts to part 2 of the study.

LEN + PEMBRO (N=30)mRECIST per investigatormRECIST per IIRRECIST 1.1 per IIRObjective Response Rate, n (%)*11 (36.7)15 (50.0)11 (36.7)Best Overall Response, n (%)Complete Response*1 (3.3)3 (10.0)0Partial Response*10 (33.3)12 (40.0)11 (36.7)Stable Disease18 (60.0)13 (43.3)16 (53.3)Progressive Disease01 (3.3)2 (6.7)Unknown/Not Evaluable1 (3.3)1 (3.3)1 (3.3)IIR, independent imaging review; (m)RECIST, (modified) Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (Lencioni et al. Semin Liver Dis. 2010 Feb;30(1):52-60). *Confirmed responses only

Citation Format: Masafumi Ikeda, Max W. Sung, Masatoshi Kudo, Masahiro Kobayashi, Ari D. Baron, Richard S. Finn, Shuichi Kaneko, Andrew X. Zhu, Tomoki Kubota, Silvija Kralijevic, Hiroki Ikezawa, Abby B. Siegel, Hiromitsu Kumada, Takuji Okusaka. A Phase Ib trial of lenvatinib (LEN) plus pembrolizumab (PEMBRO) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC): Updated results [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT061.

Dynamic changes in the immune infiltrate within hepatocellular carcinoma tumor correlate with response to PD-1 blockade

e15644

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men worldwide, and is the most rapidly rising cause of cancer mortality in the US. Patients with resectable disease experience high rates of locoregional recurrence, and there are few effective systemic treatment options available. PD-1 blockade was recently approved for 2nd line therapy, and there are promising response rates seen in the 1st-line setting. However, only 20% of patients achieve significant response, thus we must investigate further the tumor-immune microenvironment to understand how to better modulate the immune system in this highly immunosuppressive organ. Methods: We used mass cytometry (CyTOF) and cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq) to study protein and transcriptomics of untreated tumor and tumor adjacent tissue, on a single-cell level. Results: Paired CyTOF analysis of 10 tumor lesions/adjacent tissues identified a significant increase in frequency of CD4+ T cells and T regulatory cells, a significant decrease in NK cells and neutrophils, and no difference in CD8+ T cells, macrophages, or dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor microenvironment compared to the adjacent liver tissue. We also analyzed four patients who received nivolumab and subsequently went on to have their liver tumors resected; two out of the four patients treated had near-complete necrosis of their tumors (radiographically and histologically). Of note, the tumors of the two patients with significant pathologic response contained a significantly higher number of CD103+ tissue resident CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, compared to adjacent tissue. Moreover, activated CD8+ T cells (TIGIT+, PD-1+, TIM3+, and/or CD38+) were significantly higher in the tumor of nivolumab responders, indicating a tumor-specific response. We will also present single cell transcriptomic analyses of T cell and myeloid populations in responders and non-responders. Interestingly, high levels of nivolumab were detected on PD-1+ T cells in the tumor in all 4 patients; we will discuss transcriptional differences between nivolumab-targeted T cells in responders and non-responder patients. Conclusions: Based on this preliminary data we will be opening a clinical trial of neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in HCC (NCT# pending) in March 2019.

Association between overall survival and adverse events with lenvatinib treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (REFLECT)

317

Background: In the phase 3 REFLECT study, lenvatinib (LEN) demonstrated a treatment effect on overall survival (OS) by statistical confirmation of non-inferiority to sorafenib (SOR) in patients (pts) with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), who had not received prior treatment for advanced disease (Kudo M et al, Lancet 2018). Lenvatinib is approved in several major markets for the first line systemic treatment of uHCC. The most common adverse events (AEs) in pts treated with LEN were hypertension and diarrhea. In addition, LEN showed a different AE profile from that of SOR. Pts who received LEN experienced more instances of hypertension, proteinuria, dysphonia, and hypothyroidism than patients who received SOR. Recently, hypertension in LEN-treated pts with differentiated thyroid cancer was shown to be correlated with improved efficacy. Here we report the post hoc analysis exploring whether AEs associated with LEN were correlated with longer OS in REFLECT. Methods: 478 Pts were randomized to receive LEN (12 mg/d for actual body weight ≥ 60 kg or 8 mg/d for actual body weight < 60 kg). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on whether pts treated with LEN experienced any-grade AEs of interest (AEIs). OS was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The AEIs in pts treated with LEN were hypertension (42%), diarrhea (38%), proteinuria (24%), dysphonia (24%), and hypothyroidism (16%). OS was longer in pts who had several AEs of interest than in those who did not (table). Conclusions: In pts treated with LEN, the occurrence of hypertension, diarrhea, proteinuria, or hypothyroidism was generally associated with longer OS in pts with uHCC in this post hoc exploratory analysis. The potential confounding factors at baseline should be further investigated. Clinical trial information: NCT01761266. [Table: see text]

Safety and efficacy of lenvatinib by starting dose (8 mg or 12 mg) based on body weight in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in REFLECT

316

Background: Lenvatinib (LEN) demonstrated statistical confirmation of noninferiority versus sorafenib (SOR) for overall survival (OS), and improved progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression, and objective response rate (ORR) in pts with uHCC in REFLECT (Kudo M et al, Lancet 2018). We report the efficacy and safety of LEN by starting dose, which was based on body weight (BW). Methods: In REFLECT, a multicenter, open-label, noninferiority trial, pts with uHCC were randomized 1:1 to LEN (BW < 60 kg: 8 mg/d; BW ≥ 60 kg: 12 mg/d; QD) or SOR (400 mg BID). Efficacy was analyzed by intention-to-treat; safety was analyzed in pts who received treatment, in each dose group. Results: Of 478 pts randomized to LEN, 151 (male, 70%; median age, 65 y) and 327 (male, 91%; median age, 62 y) were included in the LEN starting dose groups of 8 mg/d or 12 mg/d, respectively. In the 8-mg group, 14% of pts were from Western regions; 86% from Asia-Pacific. In the 12-mg group, 42% were from Western regions; 58% from Asia-Pacific. Median OS was 13.4 (95% CI: 10.5–15.7) and 13.7 months (95% CI: 12.0–15.6); ORR was 22.2% and 24.9% for pts with BW < 60 kg and ≥ 60 kg, respectively. Median PFS was 7.4 months in both groups. Median duration of treatment: 8-mg group, 5.6 months; 12-mg group, 6.3 months. Mean LEN relative dose intensity: 8-mg group, 87.7%; 12-mg group, 87.5%. Most common any-grade adverse events (AEs; 8-mg vs 12-mg) were hypertension (43% vs 42%), diarrhea (35% vs 40%), decreased appetite (33% vs 35%), weight loss (29% vs 32%), and fatigue (28% vs 31%). Adjusted by treatment duration, AE rates (episodes/patient-year) were similar for 8-mg versus 12-mg: hypertension (0.79 vs 0.78), diarrhea (1.06 vs 0.99), decreased appetite (0.63 vs 0.59), weight loss (0.50 vs 0.51), and fatigue (0.52 vs 0.47). Pharmacokinetic profiles were similar between groups. Conclusions: LEN efficacy was comparable between groups. Exposure to LEN was greater for the 12-mg versus 8-mg group. When AEs were adjusted by treatment duration, no notable differences in the AE profiles between the starting doses were observed. Altogether, these results support the 8-mg and 12-mg starting doses based on BW of < 60 kg and ≥ 60 kg, respectively, in REFLECT. Clinical trial information: NCT01761266.

Predictors of recurrence in patients with surgically resected pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

408

Background: Current surveillance guidelines regarding follow up of patients with resected pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are based on limited data, and there have been few studies evaluating recurrence risk in such patients. We assessed disease-free survival (DFS) in a large, multi-institutional cohort of patients with resected PNETs. Methods: Patients with surgically resected, non-metastatic PNETs between 1990-2017 were identified using institutional databases at three institutions: Mount Sinai Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and University of Pennsylvania. Recurrence date was defined as the imaging date documenting first recurrence (n = 56); if an imaging date was not available, then July 1 of that year was used in calculations (n = 9). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate DFS; multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess DFS adjusted for patient and disease-related characteristics, including tumor stage and grade. Results: We identified a total of 418 patients with surgically resected, non-metastatic PNETs between 1990-2017. Of these patients, 299 patients had complete stage and tumor grade information and were used for subsequent analysis. Patients were 48.6% male with a median age of 57.5 years at time of surgery. The distribution of AJCC stage and grade was as follows: 170 (56.9%) patients were stage I, 129 (43.1%) were stage II; 167 (55.9%) had grade 1, 121 (40.5%) had grade 2, and 11 (3.7%) had grade 3 tumors. Median follow-up was 2.6 years (interquartile range = 4.2); during this time, 65 (21.7%) patients developed disease recurrence. After adjusting for potential confounders, patients with more advanced stage and higher tumor grade were significantly more likely to develop disease recurrence (Hazard Ratio (HR): 6.9, 95% CI: 2.5-19.1 for stage II; HR 4.0 (1.7-9.5) for grade 2; HR 2.6 (0.4-17.8) for grade 3). Both higher stage and tumor grade were associated with decreased DFS (p < 0.0001 for both). Conclusions: In surgically resected PNETs, with a median follow-up time of 2.6 years, both higher stage and higher grade are associated with decreased DFS. Further follow up of this cohort is planned.

Independent imaging review (IIR) results in a phase 3 trial of lenvatinib (LEN) versus sorafenib (SOR) in first-line treatment of patients (pts) with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC)

345

Background: LEN showed treatment effect on OS by statistical demonstration of noninferiority to SOR in a phase 3 study in pts with uHCC, with significant improvement ( P < 0.00001) in median PFS (7.4 vs 3.7 mos; HR: 0.66; 95% CI, 0.57−0.77), median TTP (8.9 vs 3.7 mos; HR: 0.63. 95% CI, 0.53−0.73), and ORR (24% vs 9%). Tumor assessments were by investigator review (IR) per modified RECIST (mRECIST). We present IIR results to assess concordance for IR vs IIR and mRECIST vs RECIST 1.1 by IIR. Methods: In this open-label study, pts with uHCC, ≥ 1 measurable target lesion, BCLC stage B or C, Child-Pugh class A, ECOG PS ≤ 1, and no prior systemic therapy were randomized 1:1 to LEN (body weight ≥60 kg: 12 mg/d; <60 kg: 8 mg/d) or SOR 400 mg twice daily. Primary endpoint was OS. Secondary efficacy endpoints were PFS, TTP, and ORR by mRECIST. IR tumor assessments were done every 8 wks. Post hoc exploratory blinded IIR studies were done using mRECIST and RECIST 1.1 (first timepoint at wk 8). Results: A total of 954 pts enrolled (LEN: 478; SOR: 476), of which 952 (99.8%) pts were IIR assessable (table). Adjudication rate (AR; percentage of cases adjudicated due to disagreement) for timepoint of PD was similar for mRECIST (47%) and RECIST 1.1 (45%); for responder (CR or PR)/nonresponder (SD, PD, or not evaluable [NE]), it was 32% for mRECIST and 17% for RECIST 1.1. PFS and TTP results were nearly the same per mRECIST by IIR as by IR and the same by IIR per mRECIST and RECIST 1.1. Very good concordance was seen between IIR and IR in best overall response (BOR) per mRECIST with the greatest discordance due to more pts being assessed as PR than SD for LEN. Conclusions: IIR supports IR results. ORR was higher in both arms by IIR vs IR but relative ORR was preserved in LEN vs SOR. Higher AR for IIR per mRECIST on response may be due to the greater number of responders or disease complexity. Median PFS and TTP were the same by IIR per mRECIST and RECIST 1.1, showing these data can be compared between methods. Clinical trial information: NCT01761266. [Table: see text]

Genomic analysis and personalized cancer therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer

568

Background: Standard approaches in cancer research identify new therapies based on observed benefit to average populations but without emphasis on individual patients whose responses can vary considerably. Also, targeted therapies rarely account for the genomic complexity of patient tumors; the result is poor efficacy and rapid resistance. We would identify drugs or drug cocktails that (1) target the details of an individual’s tumor and (2) account for its complexity. Models using the fruit fly Drosophila represent a potential new paradigm in cancer therapy. We have developed fly models that can include up to 10 of a patient’s tumor’s driver mutations; the result is an inexpensive drug-screening platform to identify drug cocktails through empirical screening. Methods: Patients with metastatic CRC who have progressed or become intolerant to fluoropyrimidines, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, avastin, and (if KRAS wild-type) EGFR inhibitor therapy. Mutations identified by deep DNA and RNA sequencing of individual tumors are screened for tumor drivers, which are then incorporated into the “personal” Drosophila model and tested against a library of FDA approved drugs. Fly mortality is used as a surrogate for toxicity; improvements in tumor mutation-linked eye and/or wing abnormalities serve to quantify efficacy. This allows rapid and parallel screening of up to 800 drugs and subsequent drug combinations. The most efficacious and least toxic combinations are presented to a multidisciplinary tumor board of experts, who will then select the best therapeutic option for the patient. Results: To demonstrate that the personalized Drosophila model approach is superior to the current standard, regorafenib, which performed best in CRC with a 10% response rate (RR) against placebo in a phase III trial. Using the 10% RR as a benchmark, we will apply a sequential Bayesian method for 50 MTC patients enrolled to receive personalized treatment to demonstrate that this approach has greater efficacy, or at minimum, substantially similar efficacy with reduced toxicity. Conclusions: To demonstrate that personalized cancer therapy is superior to the current standard and is an effective therapy worth exploring for other cancers too.

Chronic thalidomide and chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been used to curtail tumor vasculature and delay tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We conducted a phase I trial to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide when combined with TACE in patients with advanced HCC.

METHODS

Between June 2000 and November 2003, 56 patients with unresectable HCC and amenable to TACE were enrolled. The starting dose of thalidomide was 200 mg/day and was escalated every 2 weeks as tolerated to a maximum dose of 1,000 mg/day. Dose reductions and discontinuation were determined by toxicity. TACE was performed 4 weeks after initiation of thalidomide therapy and repeated as necessary.

RESULTS

Overall, 47 and 55 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity, respectively; the median dose of thalidomide given was 200 mg/day. Three patients (6.38%) patients achieved complete responses, whereas 10 (21.3%) had partial responses, for an overall response rate of 27.7%, and 27 (57.5%) had stable disease. Median progression-free survival was 7 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5-10 months), and median OS was 21 months (95% CI: 16-28 months) (Fig. 1). Fatigue and lethargy (49.1%), constipation (47.3%), and nausea (43.6%) were common. Grade 3-4 toxicities consisted mostly of increased aspartate aminotransferase (43.6%) and elevated alanine aminotransferase (38.2%) (Table 1).

CONCLUSION

Thalidomide and TACE were commonly associated with nonhematologic side effects, with fatigue and constipation being prominent. With a lack of clear therapeutic benefit, this combination is unlikely to be pursued for HCC.

Phase II trial of concurrent sunitinib and image-guided radiotherapy for oligometastases

Background

Preclinical data suggest that sunitinib enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy. We tested the combination of sunitinib and hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) in a cohort of patients with historically incurable distant metastases.

Methods

Twenty five patients with oligometastases, defined as 1–5 sites of active disease on whole body imaging, were enrolled in a phase II trial from 2/08 to 9/10. The most common tumor types treated were head and neck, liver, lung, kidney and prostate cancers. Patients were treated with the recommended phase II dose of 37.5 mg daily sunitinib (days 1–28) and IGRT 50 Gy (days 8–12 and 15–19). Maintenance sunitinib was used in 33% of patients. Median follow up was 17.5 months (range, 0.7 to 37.4 months).

Results

The 18-month local control, distant control, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 75%, 52%, 56% and 71%, respectively. At last follow-up, 11 (44%) patients were alive without evidence of disease, 7 (28%) were alive with distant metastases, 3 (12%) were dead from distant metastases, 3 (12%) were dead from comorbid illness, and 1 (4%) was dead from treatment-related toxicities. The incidence of acute grade ≥ 3 toxicities was 28%, most commonly myelosuppression, bleeding and abnormal liver function tests.

Conclusions

Concurrent sunitinib and IGRT achieves major clinical responses in a subset of patients with oligometastases.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00463060

Phase I/II study of 90Y-clivatuzumab tetraxetan (90Y-hPAM4) combined with gemcitabine (Gem) in advanced pancreatic cancer (APC): Final results

4043

Background: A Phase I/II trial evaluated single and repeated cycles of fractionated radioimmunotherapy (RAIT) with 90Y-labeled humanized mAb (90Y-hPAM4) plus Gem as first-line therapy in Stage 3-4 APC. Methods: Cycles of Gem once-weekly x 4 with 90Y-hPAM4 on wks 2, 3 and 4 were repeated until progression, withdrawal or unacceptable toxicity. In Part I, 90Y doses were escalated with Gem fixed at 200 mg/m2. In Part II, Gem was increased up to 1000 mg/m2, with 90Y fixed at 12 mCi/m2 for cycle 1 and lowered for retreatment. Results: Of 100 pts entered, 10 withdrew early, while 90 (73 stage IV) received 1-4 cycles. In Part I, 38 pts received 90Y-hPAM4 weekly x 3 at 6.5, 9, 12, or 15 mCi/m2, with the same cycle repeated 1-3 times in 13 pts. By CT-RECIST criteria, 6 pts (16%) had PRs and 16 (42%) had stabilization as best response (58% disease control). After cycle 1, 52% (13/25) with PET-avid images had >25% SUV reduction, and 33% (9/27) with elevated CA19-9 levels decreased by >50%. The median OS was 7.7 mo., but 11.8 mo. for retreated pts [46% (6/13) survived ≥1 yr.], and with improved efficacy at higher 90Y doses. NCI-CTCv3 Grade 3-4 platelets or ANC developed in 20/38 (53%) after cycle 1 (all reversible to Grade 1) and in all retreated pts (irreversible in 4/9 pts at 12 or 15 mCi/m2). In Part II, 52 pts received increased Gem without evidence of improved efficacy, while 13 pts were retreated with more acceptable toxicity at lower 90Y doses of 6.5 or 9 mCi/m2. Treatment was well tolerated with no infusion reactions. Infections requiring IV antibiotics occurred at a low rate and responded to appropriate coverage (bacteremia/sepsis, 7%; febrile neutropenia, 4%; ascending cholangitis, 3%; pneumonia, 2%; others 1%). One case of bleeding occurred, due to rectal tumor invasion. Anecdotal reports of good performance and decreased pain medication requirements require further validation. Conclusions: Fractionated RAIT with 90Y-hPAM4 combined with low-dose 200 mg/m2 GEM appears promising as a treatment regimen for APC. Hematologic toxicity was dose limiting. A 90Y-hPAM4 dose of 12 mCi/m2 for cycle 1 and 6.5 mCi/m2 for cycle 2 have been selected as suitable for further clinical development in the first-line setting.

Fractionated radioimmunotherapy with (90) Y-clivatuzumab tetraxetan and low-dose gemcitabine is active in advanced pancreatic cancer: A phase 1 trial

BACKGROUND

It has been demonstrated that the humanized clivatuzumab tetraxetan (hPAM4) antibody targets pancreatic ductal carcinoma selectively. After a trial of radioimmunotherapy that determined the maximum tolerated dose of single-dose yttrium-90-labeled hPAM4 ((90) Y-hPAM4) and produced objective responses in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal carcinoma, the authors studied fractionated radioimmunotherapy combined with low-dose gemcitabine in this disease.

METHODS

Thirty-eight previously untreated patients (33 patients with stage IV disease and 5 patients with stage III disease) received gemcitabine 200 mg/m(2) weekly for 4 weeks with (90) Y-hPAM4 given weekly in Weeks 2, 3, and 4 (cycle 1), and the same cycle was repeated in 13 patients (cycles 2-4). In the first part of the study, 19 patients received escalating weekly (90) Y doses of 6.5 mCi/m(2) , 9.0 mCi/m(2) , 12.0 mCi/m(2) , and 15.0 mCi/m(2) . In the second portion, 19 additional patients received weekly doses of 9.0 mCi/m(2) or 12.0 mCi/m(2) .

RESULTS

Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia or neutropenia (according to version 3.0 of the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) developed in 28 of 38 patients after cycle 1 and in all retreated patients; no grade >3 nonhematologic toxicities occurred. Fractionated dosing of cycle 1 allowed almost twice the radiation dose compared with single-dose radioimmunotherapy. The maximum tolerated dose of (90) Y-hPAM4 was 12.0 mCi/m(2) weekly for 3 weeks for cycle 1, with ≤9.0 mCi/m(2) weekly for 3 weeks for subsequent cycles, and that dose will be used in future trials. Six patients (16%) had partial responses according to computed tomography-based Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, and 16 patients (42%) had stabilization as their best response (58% disease control). The median overall survival was 7.7 months for all 38 patients, including 11.8 months for those who received repeated cycles (46% [6 of 13 patients] ≥1 year), with improved efficacy at the higher radioimmunotherapy doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Fractionated radioimmunotherapy with (90) Y-hPAM4 and low-dose gemcitabine demonstrated promising therapeutic activity and manageable myelosuppression in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal carcinoma.

Activity of fractionated radioimmunotherapy (RAIT) with 90Y clivatuzumab tetraxetan (90Y-hPAM4) plus gemcitabine (Gem) in advanced pancreatic cancer (APC): Final results from a two-part study

227

Background: A Phase I/II trial was undertaken to evaluate repeated cycles of 90Y-labeled anti-mucin humanized mAb (90Y-hPAM4) plus Gem as first-line therapy in Stage 3-4 APC.

Methods: Pts received Gem once-weekly x 4 with 90Y-hPAM4 on wks 2, 3 and 4, with cycles repeated until progression or unacceptable toxicity. In Part I, pts were treated in cohorts with escalating 90Y doses and Gem fixed at a low 200 mg/m2 dose for radiosensitization. In Part II, the Gem doses were increased up to standard levels, with 90Y doses fixed for first cycle, but decreased for subsequent cycles. Tumor responses were assessed by CT, FDG/PET and serum CA19-9; safety by NCI-CTCv3.

Results: Of 100 untreated pts enrolled, 10 withdrew early, while 90 (73 stage IV) received 1-4 cycles. In Part I, 38 pts received 90Y-hPAM4 weekly x 3 at 90Y doses of 6.5 (N=4), 9 (N=12), 12 (N=17) or 15 (N=5) mCi/m2, with the same cycle repeated 1-3 times in 13 pts. Grade 3-4 platelets or ANC developed in 20/38 (53%) after cycle 1 (all reversible to Grade 1) and in all retreated pts (irreversible in 4/9 pts at 12 or 15 mCi/m2). There were 3 febrile neutropenias, 4 other infections treated with IV antibiotics, but no major bleeding or other AEs. By CT-RECIST criteria, 6 pts (16%) had PRs and 16 (42%) had stabilization as best response (58% disease control). After cycle 1, 52% (13/25) with PET-avid images became negative or had >25% SUV reduction, and 33% (9/27) with elevated CA19-9 levels decreased by >50%. The median overall survival was 7.7 mo., but 11.8 mo. for retreated pts [46% (6/13) survived ≥1 yr.], with improved efficacy at higher 90Y doses. In Part II, 52 pts received 12 mCi/m2 90Y-hPAM4 x 3 with Gem doses of 200 (N=17), 600 (N=8) or 1000 mg/m2 (N=27), with 13 pts now retreated at 90Y doses of 6.5 or 9 mCi/m2. Results so far indicate no advantage to giving higher doses of Gem with RAIT. Toxicity, response and survival data for this group will be presented at the conference.

Conclusions: Fractionated RAIT with 90Y-hPAM4 combined with low-dose gemcitabine appears to be a manageable and active first-line therapy for APC. It may provide comparable efficacy yet less toxicity compared to other regimens.

Phase 1 study of concurrent sunitinib and image-guided radiotherapy followed by maintenance sunitinib for patients with oligometastases: acute toxicity and preliminary response

BACKGROUND

To determine the safety and maximum-tolerated dose of concurrent sunitinib and image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) followed by maintenance sunitinib in oligometastastic patients.

METHODS

Eligible patients had 1 to 5 sites of metastatic cancer measuring<or=6 cm. The most common treatment sites were bone, liver, and lung. Patients were treated with concurrent sunitinib (Day 1 through Day 28) and IGRT (40-50 Gy in 10 fractions starting on Day 8) followed by maintenance sunitinib (50 mg daily, 4 weeks on/2 weeks off starting on Day 43). The starting dose was sunitinib 25 mg and IGRT 40 Gy. Doses were escalated in a ping-pong design with incremental increases in either sunitinib or IGRT.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients with 36 metastatic lesions were enrolled, with a median follow-up of 10 months. No dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were noted at dose levels 1 or 2 (SU 37.5 mg/RT 40 Gy). One of 10 patients at dose level 3 (SU 37.5 mg/RT 50 Gy) and 2 of 5 patients at dose level 4 (SU 50 mg/RT 50 Gy) experienced DLTs comprising grade 4 myelosuppression and grade 3 nausea. At last follow-up, 8 patients are alive without evidence of progression. The 1-year local, progression-free, and overall survival were 85%, 44%, and 75%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of SU (25 to 37.5 mg) to IGRT is tolerable in patients with oligometastases, without potentiation of RT toxicity. On the basis of promising antitumor responses observed with this novel combination, a multi-institutional phase 2 trial using SU 37.5 mg/RT 50 Gy is ongoing.

Combination of cytotoxic-differentiation therapy with 5-fluorouracil and phenylbutyrate in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Phenylbutyrate (PB), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), has been shown in laboratory studies to potentiate growth inhibition by 5-fluorouracil (FUra) of human colon carcinoma cells.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Phase I trial of FUra (24-hour continuous intravenous infusion (CIV)) with dose escalation (2 g/m2 to 2.3 g/m2), in combination with PB (120 hour CIV at fixed dose 410 mg/kg/d x 5), repeated weekly, in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

RESULTS

Nine patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were treated, 8 of whom were evaluable for toxicity. Toxicities were dose-dependent, reversible and included somnolence, fatigue, confusion, hearing loss, triglyceridemia and hyperuricema. Three out of 4 patients who completed at least 8 weeks of treatment had stable disease (SD) lasting 12+, 25 and 54 weeks (2 out of the 3 patients with SD have had multiple prior chemotherapy regimens).

CONCLUSION

Weekly infusions of FUra followed by PB were fairly well tolerated with disease stabilization in 3/4 (75%) of patients. This is the first report to demonstrate the feasibility of combining a cytotoxic agent with a HDACi as a cancer treatment.

Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplant: patterns and prognosis

Very little is known about the natural history, effects of therapy, and survival after recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation. All adult patients undergoing liver transplant from September 19, 1988, until September 19, 2002, were reviewed. Only patients with histologically proven HCC in the explant who subsequently developed recurrence were included in further analysis. The endpoints analyzed were survival from time of transplant and survival from time of recurrence. Recipient demographics and laboratory values, technique of transplant (whole cadaver, split, or living donor), and tumor characteristics were analyzed. The time to, location of, and any medical or surgical treatment of recurrences also were considered. Of the 311 patients with HCC in the explant, 57 (18.3%) eventually were diagnosed with recurrent tumor after transplant. Median time to recurrence was 12.3. Five-year survival was significantly lower for patients with recurrence (22%) than for patients without recurrence (64%)(P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the size and differentiation of the original tumor, as well as the presence of bone recurrence, were independently associated with survival from transplant in patients with recurrence. When survival from the time of recurrence was analyzed, multivariate analysis showed that the absence of bone metastases, recurrence more than 12 months from transplant, and surgical treatment of the recurrence were independently associated with significantly longer survival. In conclusion, recurrence of HCC significantly shortens survival after transplant. Nonetheless, some patients with recurrence can be expected to live for a considerable period of time. Recurrent disease should be treated surgically when possible, because surgery is independently associated with longer survival.

Unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of donor origin treated with immunosuppression withdrawal and liver retransplantation

Posttransplantation allograft malignancy of donor origin is a rare complication after liver transplantation. In the case described, subjective fevers and nonspecific abdominal complaints nearly 6 months following cadaveric liver transplantation in a young woman prompted an evaluation which was remarkable for a large central liver mass. A poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed, but was unresectable at exploration. The tumor was confined to the liver. Histocompatibility testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification techniques identified both donor and recipient HLA alleles. The patient was treated with chemoembolization, systemic chemotherapy and cessation of immunosuppression. Repeat biopsy 2 months later showed the tumor to be completely necrotic. With decompensated liver disease, she was relisted and retransplanted. More than 2 years later she remains disease-free with complete pathological remission. This is the only reported case of squamous cell carcinoma of donor origin arising in a transplanted liver.

Dynamic and quantitative evaluation of eyelid motion using image analysis

Evaluation of facial movement, especially eyelid movement, has depended on the subjective judgment of trained clinicians. Recently, a few objective methods have been reported, but they required uncomfortable markers to be attached to the eyelids and a special-purpose, high-speed video camera. This study had two aims: one was to develop a new device for measuring eyelid motion dynamically and quantitatively, without eyelid markers or a high-speed camera; the other was to devise feasible parameters for eyelid motion. The system consisted of a personal computer with a general-purpose multimedia board and a software program that the authors named blepharokymography. A sequence of blinking eyes was recorded with a video camera. After the capturing process of the video, kymograms were produced from the movie file. Kymograms were converted to binary images by threshold filtering. The lower margin of the upper eyelid was traced, and displacement and velocity curves were obtained. Some parameters were devised and verified in preliminary clinical data. The analysis revealed that the displacement (8 mm in normal compared with 5.2 mm in paralysis), average closing velocity (74 mm s(-1) in normal compared with 30.6 mm s(-1) in paralysis) and peak closing velocity (154 mm s(-1) in normal against 63.4 mm s(-1) in paralysis) were useful parameters for differentiating the normal and facial-paralysis states.

An interdisciplinary approach to the provision of patient support resources across the oncology care continuum: description of a performance improvement project

Cancer survival has improved, and more attention is now being focused on quality of life. Quality-of-life issues include the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and financial aspects of caring. Because patient support services can play an important role in helping patients cope with their disease, they are critical to patients with cancer and their families. This article describes the methods used to address the need for patient support resources and identifies the process for identifying and evaluating existing resources and developing additional ones. The project goal was to streamline patient care access across the oncology care continuum from prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to end of life in ambulatory, hospital, and hospice settings.

Volume of cervical lymph nodes using 3D ultrasonography. Differentiation of metastatic from reactive lymphadenopathy in primary head and neck malignancy

PURPOSE

To assess the usefulness of volume measurement using 3D US for depicting metastatic cervical lymph nodes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-five cervical lymph nodes in 13 patients with primary head and neck malignancy were included in this study. US with volume acquisition was prospectively performed with a 5-10 MHz linear mechanical volume probe. Volume measurement of the node was calculated using a 3D automatic volume calculation program. The excised nodes matched on US were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

The volume of malignant nodes ranged from 0.444 to 4.442 cm3, the volume of the benign nodes from 0.143 to 1.176 cm3. Combinations of high positive (>80%) and negative (>90%) predictive values were obtained at a cut-off value of 0.7 cm3.

CONCLUSION

Volume measurement of cervical nodes using 3D US can be a useful tool for differentiating metastatic from benign nodes in patients with primary head and neck malignancy.

Volume of cervical lymph nodes using 3D ultrasonography. Differentiation of metastatic from reactive lymphadenopathy in primary head and neck malignancy

PURPOSE

To assess the usefulness of volume measurement using 3D US for depicting metastatic cervical lymph nodes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-five cervical lymph nodes in 13 patients with primary head and neck malignancy were included in this study. US with volume acquisition was prospectively performed with a 5-10 MHz linear mechanical volume probe. Volume measurement of the node was calculated using a 3D automatic volume calculation program. The excised nodes matched on US were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

The volume of malignant nodes ranged from 0.444 to 4.442 cm3, the volume of the benign nodes from 0.143 to 1.176 cm3. Combinations of high positive (>80%) and negative (>90%) predictive values were obtained at a cut-off value of 0.7 cm3.

CONCLUSION

Volume measurement of cervical nodes using 3D US can be a useful tool for differentiating metastatic from benign nodes in patients with primary head and neck malignancy.

Intratumoral delivery of adenovirus-mediated interleukin-12 gene in mice with metastatic cancer in the liver

Clinical trials of recombinant human interleukin-12 (rhIL-12) delivered by intravenous administration have shown dose-limiting toxicities with limited tumor responses at the doses tested. We have previously reported that intratumoral injection of an adenovirus vector expressing murine interleukin-12 (Adv.RSV-mIL-12) was effective in inducing antitumor immune responses, tumor regression, and long-term survival in mice with established metastatic cancer in the liver. We now report additional studies in the same murine tumor model to assess the safety of intratumoral Adv.RSV-mIL-12 injection. At vector doses that were previously shown to be therapeutically effective, no inflammation in the liver or lungs, and no significant elevations in serum creatinine and aminotransferases were seen after vector injection. Serum elevations of IL-12 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) were 17- and 19-fold lower than peak levels after intravenous recombinant IL-12 at the maximal tolerated dose in clinical trials. No elevations in serum proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were noted up to 2 weeks after vector injection. No systemic dissemination of the vector was detected on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays at therapeutically effective vector doses. At higher supratherapeutic vector doses of Adv.RSV-mIL-12, however, inflammation in the liver and lungs with elevation in serum aminotransferases were seen, but not in controls injected with the equivalent particle number of an empty adenoviral vector. These results support the cautious testing in patients with hepatic metastases of adenovirus mediated IL-12 gene delivery by intratumoral injection.

Advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma treatment results according to treatment modalities

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the treatment results of locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma according to treatment modalities.

METHODS

Seventy-three patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma treated at the Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, between August 1979 and July 1997 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-three patients were treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone, 18 patients were treated with surgery and postoperative RT, and 32 patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) and RT. Median follow-up period was 28 months.

RESULTS

The overall 5-year survival rates were 15.7% for the RT alone group, 46.8% for surgery and postoperative RT group, and 43.0% for neoadjuvant CTx and RT group. The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 13.9%, 47.4%, and 30.7%, respectively. Surgery and postoperative RT or neoadjuvant CTx and RT showed superiority over RT alone in terms of both overall survival and disease-free survival rates. No significant differences were found in overall and disease-free survival rates between the surgery and postoperative RT group and neoadjuvant CTx and RT group (p =.15, p =.13). In the neoadjuvant CTx and RT group, 12 patients (38%) retained their larynx more than 5 years.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant CTx and RT is an effective strategy to achieve organ preservation without compromising the survival of patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Intratumoral adenovirus-mediated suicide gene transfer for hepatic metastases from colorectal adenocarcinoma: results of a phase I clinical trial

Animal studies have shown that direct injection of an adenoviral vector (Adv.RSV-tk) expressing the herpes thymidine kinase gene into established tumors in the liver, followed by systemic ganciclovir administration, was effective in inducing tumor necrosis. Toxicities were minimal at therapeutically effective vector doses, although severe hepatic necroinflammation was seen at much higher supratherapeutic doses. We conducted a clinical phase I trial in patients with metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma in the liver to assess the safety of intratumoral Adv.RSV-tk injection (escalating doses) followed by intravenous ganciclovir (fixed dose). The vector was injected into a metastatic tumor in the liver under local anesthesia by percutaneous needle placement with concurrent ultrasonographic monitoring to prevent injection or leakage into adjacent normal liver structures. We treated 16 patients in five dose level cohorts of Adv.RSV-tk, from 1.0x10(10) to 1.0x10(13) virus particles per patient. Hepatic toxicities were low, with transient grade 1 elevations in serum aminotransferase levels in 3 of 16 patients. Other toxicities were also transient: grade 2-3 fevers in 5 of 16 patients, grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 1 of 16 patients, and grade 2 leucopenia in 3 of 16 patients. These results indicate that Adv.RSV-tk can be safely administered by percutaneous intratumoral injection in patients with hepatic metastases at doses up to 1.0x10(13) virus particles per patient, and can provide the basis for future clinical trials involving intratumoral adenoviral vector injection.