Osimertinib treatment based on plasma T790M monitoring in patients with EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): EORTC Lung Cancer Group 1613 APPLE phase II randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The APPLE trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility of longitudinal plasma EGFR T790M monitoring for the best sequencing strategy of gefitinib and osimertinib.

METHODS

APPLE is a randomized, non-comparative, phase II study in patients with common EGFR-mutant, treatment-naïve NSCLC including 3-arms: Arm A (osimertinib upfront until RECIST progression, PD), Arm B (gefitinib until emergence of circulating tumor DNA EGFR T790M mutation by cobas EGFR Test v2 or RECIST PD) and Arm C (gefitinib until RECIST PD), and then switch to osimertinib in both arms. The primary endpoint is the progression-free survival rate "on osimertinib" at 18 months (PFSR-OSI-18) after randomization in Arm B (H₀: PFSR-OSI-18 of ≤40%). Secondary endpoints include response rate, overall survival (OS) and brain PFS (BPFS). We report the results of Arms B and C.

RESULTS

From November 2017 to February 2020, 52 and 51 patients were randomized into Arms B and C. Most patients were females (70%) and had EGFR Del19 (65%); one-third had baseline brain metastases. In Arm B, 17% of patients (8/47) switched to osimertinib based on the emergence of ct-DNA T790M mutation before RECIST PD, with a median time to molecular PD of 266 days. The study met its primary endpoint of PFSR-OSI-18 by 67.2% (84% CI: 56.4-75.9%) in Arm B vs. 53.5% (84% CI 42.3-63.5%) in Arm C, with a median PFS of 22.0 months vs. 20.2 months, respectively. The median OS was not reached in Arm B vs. 42.8 months in Arm C. Median BPFS in Arms B and C were 24.4 months and 21.4 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The serial monitoring of ct-DNA T790M-status in advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC during treatment with first-generation EGFR inhibitors was feasible, and a molecular progression before RECIST PD led to an earlier switch to osimertinib in 17% of patients with satisfactory PFS and OS outcomes.

Early Loss of Fat Mass During Chemoradiotherapy Predicts Overall Survival in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lung, but Not in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Background: Cancer cachexia is highly prevalent in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC), and compromises treatment tolerance and overall survival (OS). NSCLC and LAHNSCC patients share similar risk factors, and receive comparable anti-cancer treatment regimens. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and handgrip strength (HGS) (baseline and early changes during therapy) on OS in NSCLC and LAHNSCC patients treated with platinum-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or cetuximab-based bioradiotherapy (BRT). To elucidate potential underlying determinants of early changes in body composition and HGS, specific (fat and fat free) mass loss patterns of squamous NSCLC (sNSCLC) were compared to human papilloma virus negative (HPV–) LAHNSCC patients treated with CRT.

Methods: Between 2013 and 2016, BIA and HGS were performed at baseline and after 3 weeks of CRT/BRT in LAHNSCC and NSCLC patients treated with curative intent.

Results: Two hundred thirty-three patients were included for baseline measurements. Fat free mass index (FFMI) and HGS<10th percentile of reference values at baseline were both prognostic for poor OS in NSCLC and LAHNSCC [HR 1.64 [95%CI 1.13–2.39], p = 0.01 and HR 2.30 [95%CI 1.33–3.97], p = 0.003, respectively], independent of Charlson Comorbidity Index, cancer site, and gross tumor volume. Early fat mass (FM) loss during CRT was predictive for poor OS in sNSCLC (n = 64) [HR 3.80 [95%CI 1.79–8.06] p ≤ 0.001] but not in HPV– LAHNSCC (n = 61). In patients with significant weight loss (>2%) in the first 3 weeks of CRT (sNSCLC n = 24, HPV– LAHNSCC n = 23), the FM change was −1.4 ± 14.5% and −8.7 ± 9.0% in sNSCLC and HPV– LAHNSCC patients, respectively (p < 0.05). Fat fee mass change was −5.6 ± 6.3% and −4.0 ± 4.3% for sNSCLC and HPV– LAHNSCC, respectively (p = 0.31).

Conclusion: FFMI and HGS<10th percentile at baseline are independent prognostic factors for poor OS in NSCLC and LAHNSCC patients treated with CRT/BRT. The specific composition of mass loss during first 3 weeks of CRT significantly differs between sNSCLC and HPV– LAHNSCC patients. Early FM loss was prognostic in sNSCLC only.

Pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms with well differentiated morphology and high proliferative activity: illustrated by a case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are subdivided in carcinoids and neuroendocrine carcinomas (small cell lung carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC)), based on the presence of necrosis and mitotic index (MI). However, it is unclear if tumors with well differentiated morphology but high proliferation rate should be regarded as LCNEC or as high grade carcinoids. In previous case series, a longer overall survival then expected in LCNEC has been suggested. We describe 7 of those cases analyzed for pRb expression and overall survival.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cases with well differentiated morphology, but MI > 10/2mm² and/or Ki-67 proliferation index >20% were selected based on pathology reports of consecutive NENs in our university medical center (Maastricht UMC+, 2007-2018) and confirmed by pathological review. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess pRb expression.

RESULTS

Seven stage IV cases were included in this study. Median overall survival was 8 months (95% confidence interval 5-11 months). Cases with well differentiated morphology and preserved pRb expression (4/7) had a median overall survival of 45 months.

CONCLUSION

A subgroup of pulmonary NENs with well differentiated morphology but high proliferation rate likely exists. pRb staining might be helpful to predict prognosis, but clinical relevance remains to be studied.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors versus second line chemotherapy for patients with lung cancer refractory to first line chemotherapy

PURPOSE

Anti Programmed Death-ligand (PD1/PD-L1) directed immune-checkpoint-inhibitors (ICI) are widely used to treat patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progress after first line chemotherapy. The best strategy after early progression under first line has not been specifically studied.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study including all consecutive NSCLC patients progressing within the first 3 months following introduction of first-line chemotherapy and being treated with second line ICI monotherapy or chemotherapy between March 2010 and November 2017. We analysed the clinicopathological data and outcome under second line chemotherapy vs. second line ICI: objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS.

RESULTS

We identified 176 patients with refractory disease, 99 who received subsequent immunotherapy and 77 undergoing chemotherapy. The 2 populations were comparable regarding the main prognostic criteria, median age was 60, main histology was adenocarcimoma (68.2%). PFS was not significantly different between both treatments 1.9 [1.8-2.1] versus 1.6 month [1.4-2.0] (P=0.125). Compared to chemotherapy, ICI treated patients had a superior OS (P=0.03) (Median [95% CI] OS 4.6 [2.8-6.7] versus 4.2 months [3.4-5.9] and a non-significant improvement in ORR (17.2% versus 7.9%, respectively, P=0.072). Poor performance status (ECOG PS≥2) and a higher number of metastatic sites (≥3) were associated with poorer prognosis. KRAS-mutated patients did not seem to benefit more from ICI than chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

ICI appears to be the preferred second-line treatment for patients who are refractory to first line chemotherapy.

Exploring imaging features of molecular subtypes of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC)

OBJECTIVES

Radiological characteristics and radiomics signatures can aid in differentiation between small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We investigated whether molecular subtypes of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), i.e. SCLC-like (with pRb loss) vs. NSCLC-like (with pRb expression), can be distinguished by imaging based on (1) imaging interpretation, (2) semantic features, and/or (3) a radiomics signature, designed to differentiate between SCLC and NSCLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pulmonary oncologists and chest radiologists assessed chest CT-scans of 44 LCNEC patients for 'small cell-like' or 'non-small cell-like' appearance. The radiologists also scored semantic features of 50 LCNEC scans. Finally, a radiomics signature was trained on a dataset containing 48 SCLC and 76 NSCLC scans and validated on an external set of 58 SCLC and 40 NSCLC scans. This signature was applied on scans of 28 SCLC-like and 8 NSCLC-like LCNEC patients.

RESULTS

Pulmonary oncologists and radiologists were unable to differentiate between molecular subtypes of LCNEC and no significant differences in semantic features were found. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of the radiomics signature in the validation set (SCLC vs. NSCLC) was 0.84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77-0.92) and 0.58 (95% CI 0.29-0.86) in the LCNEC dataset (SCLC-like vs. NSCLC-like).

CONCLUSION

LCNEC appears to have radiological characteristics of both SCLC and NSCLC, irrespective of pRb loss, compatible with the SCLC-like subtype. Imaging interpretation, semantic features and our radiomics signature designed to differentiate between SCLC and NSCLC were unable to separate molecular LCNEC subtypes, which underscores that LCNEC is a unique disease.

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with a solitary brain metastasis and low Ki-67: a unique subtype

INTRODUCTION

Stage IV large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung generally presents as disseminated and aggressive disease with a Ki-67 proliferation index (PI) 40-80%. LCNEC can be subdivided in two main subtypes: the first harboring TP53/RB1 mutations (small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC)-like), the second with mutations in TP53 and STK11/KEAP1 (non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC)-like). Here we evaluated 11 LCNEC patients with only a solitary brain metastasis and evaluate phenotype, genotype and follow-up.

METHODS

Eleven LCNEC patients with solitary brain metastases were analyzed. Clinical characteristics and survival data were retrieved from medical records. Pathological analysis included histomorphological analysis, immunohistochemistry (pRB and Ki-67 PI) and next-generation sequencing (TP53, RB1, STK11, KEAP1 and MEN1).

RESULTS

All patients had N0 or N1 disease. Median overall survival (OS) was 12 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5-18.5 months). Mean Ki-67 PI was 59% (range 15-100%). In 6/11 LCNEC Ki-67 PI was ≤40%. OS was longer for Ki-67 ≤40% compared to >40% (17 months (95% CI 11-23 months) vs 5 months (95% CI 0.7-9 months), P = 0.007). Two patients were still alive at follow-up after 86 and 103 months, both had Ki-67 ≤40%. 8/11 patients could be subclassified, and both SCLC-like (n = 6) and NSCLC-like (n = 2) subtypes were present. No MEN1 mutation was found.

CONCLUSION

Stage IV LCNEC with a solitary brain metastasis and N0/N1 disease show in the majority of cases Ki-67 PI ≤40% and prolonged survival, distinguishing them from general LCNEC. This unique subgroup can be both of the SCLC-like and NSCLC-like subtype.

Highly accurate DNA-based detection and treatment results of MET exon 14 skipping mutations in lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

The oncogenic MET exon 14 skipping mutation (METex14del) is described to drive 1.3 %-5.7 % of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and multiple studies with cMET inhibitors show promising clinical responses. RNA-based analysis seems most optimal for METex14del detection, however, acquiring sufficient RNA material is often problematic. An alternative is DNA-based analysis, but commercially available DNA-based panels only detect up to 63 % of known METex14del alterations. The goal of this study is to describe an optimized DNA-based diagnostic test for METex14del in NSCLC, including clinical features and follow-up of patients treated with cMET-targeted therapy and consequent resistance mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Routinely processed diagnostic pathology non-squamous NSCLC specimens were investigated by a custom-made DNA-based targeted amplicon-based next generation sequencing (NGS) panel, which includes 4 amplicons for METex14del detection. Retrospectively, histopathological characteristics and clinical follow up were investigated for advanced non-squamous NSCLC with METex14del.

RESULTS

In silico analysis showed that our NGS panel is able to detect 96 % of reported METex14 alterations. METex14del was found in 2 % of patients with non-squamous NSCLC tested for therapeutic purposes. In total, from May 2015 - Sep 2018, METex14del was found in 46 patients. Thirty-six of these patients had advanced non-squamous NSCLC, they were predominantly elderly (76.5 years [53-90]), male (25/36) and (ex)-smokers (23/36). Five patients received treatment with crizotinib (Pfizer Oncology), in a named patient based program, disease control was achieved for 4/5 patients (3 partial responses, 1 stable disease) and one patient had a mixed response. Two patients developed a MET D1228N mutation during crizotinib treatment, inducing a resistance mechanism to crizotinib.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that METex14del can be reliably detected by routine DNA NGS analysis. Although a small cohort, patients responded well to targeted treatment, underlining the need for routine testing of METex14del in advanced non-squamous NSCLC to guarantee optimal personalized treatment.

DLL3 expression in large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) and association with molecular subtypes and neuroendocrine profile

OBJECTIVES

For stage IV pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), the only therapeutic option is palliative chemotherapy. DLL3 is a new therapeutic target, which seems to be often expressed in SCLC and LCNEC. It has recently been reported that DLL3 mRNA expression is particularly upregulated in the LCNEC subgroup with STK11/KEAP1 and TP53 co-mutations, in contrast to lower expression levels in RB1 and TP53 co-mutated LCNEC. Our aim was to investigate DLL3 protein expression in stage IV LCNEC and correlate data with mutational profiles (i.e.STK11/KEAP1/RB1), immunostaining results (pRb, NE markers) and clinical characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical analysis for DLL3 (SC16.65) and ASCL1 (SC72.201) was performed on 94 and 51 FFPE tissue sections, respectively, of pathologically reviewed stage IV LCNEC. DLL3 and ASCL1 were scored positive if ≥1% of the tumor cells showed cytoplasmic/membranous or dotlike (DLL3) or nuclear (ASCL1) immunostaining. Data were correlated with available sequencing (TP53, RB1, STK11, KEAP1), immunostaining (pRb, NE markers) and clinical data.

RESULTS

DLL3 was expressed in 70/94 (74%) LCNEC, 56 (80%) of which showed cytoplasmic/membranous staining. Median H-score was 55 (interquartile range 0-160). DLL3 staining was not different in pRb immunohistochemistry negative and positive patients (DLL3+ in 53/70 (76%) vs. 14/21 (67%), p = 0.409) or RB1 mutated and wildtype patients (DLL3+ in 27/34 (79%) vs. 23/33 (70%), p = 0.361). Nevertheless, 6/6 (100%) STK11 mutated, 10/11 (91%) KEAP1 mutated and 9/9 (100%) TP53 wildtype tumors were DLL3+ . Furthermore, DLL3 expression was associated with expression of ASCL1 and at least 2 out of 3 neuroendocrine markers.

CONCLUSION

The high percentage (74%) of DLL3 expression in stage IV LCNEC denotes the potential of DLL3 targeted therapy in this patient group.

Integrative and comparative genomic analyses identify clinically relevant pulmonary carcinoid groups and unveil the supra-carcinoids

The worldwide incidence of pulmonary carcinoids is increasing, but little is known about their molecular characteristics. Through machine learning and multi-omics factor analysis, we compare and contrast the genomic profiles of 116 pulmonary carcinoids (including 35 atypical), 75 large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC), and 66 small-cell lung cancers. Here we report that the integrative analyses on 257 lung neuroendocrine neoplasms stratify atypical carcinoids into two prognostic groups with a 10-year overall survival of 88% and 27%, respectively. We identify therapeutically relevant molecular groups of pulmonary carcinoids, suggesting DLL3 and the immune system as candidate therapeutic targets; we confirm the value of OTP expression levels for the prognosis and diagnosis of these diseases, and we unveil the group of supra-carcinoids. This group comprises samples with carcinoid-like morphology yet the molecular and clinical features of the deadly LCNEC, further supporting the previously proposed molecular link between the low- and high-grade lung neuroendocrine neoplasms.

The prognostic value of early onset, CT derived loss of muscle and adipose tissue during chemotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between early changes in muscle and adipose tissue during chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) in stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this post-hoc analysis of the first line NVALT12 trial (NCT01171170) in stage IV NSCLC, skeletal muscle (SM), radiation attenuation (RA), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were assessed at the third lumbar level on CT-images obtained before initiation of chemotherapy and shortly after administration of the second cycle. The contribution of changes in different body compartments to overall survival was assessed.

RESULTS

CT scans of 111 patients were included. Analysis of body composition changes between the baseline and the follow-up scan, revealed that overall SM cross sectional area (CSA), radiation attenuation and SAT CSA decreased respectively by -1.2 ± 2.9 cm²/m² (p < 0.001), -0.7 ± 3.3 HU (p = 0.026) and -1.9 ± 8.7 cm²/m² (p = 0.026), while no significant changes in VAT tissue were observed. Longitudinally, median OS was significantly shorter among patients losing SM compared to patients with preserved SM (9.4 versus 14.2 months; HR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.79, p = 0.003). Multivariate analyses showed that proportional loss of muscle mass was associated with poor OS (HR 0.949, 95% CI: 0.915, 0.985, p = 0.006) independent from important clinical prognostic factors including WHO-PS, gender, age and Charlson comorbidity index.

CONCLUSION

Early loss of SM during first line chemotherapy is a poor prognostic factor in stage IV NSCLC patients. Future studies have to reveal whether early supportive intervention guided by initial CT muscle response to chemotherapy can influence the wasting process and related mortality risk.

Prevalence and prognostic value of PD-L1 expression in molecular subtypes of metastatic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC)

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare tumor with high mutational burden. Two subtypes of LCNEC are recognized, the co-mutated TP53 and RB1 group and the TP53 and STK11/KEAP1 group. We investigated PD-L1 and CD8 expression in a well characterized stage IV LCNEC cohort and compared expression in the two subtypes.

METHODS

Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis for PD-L1 and CD8 was performed on pathological reviewed pretreatment tumor samples for 148 stage IV LCNEC. Data about targeted next generation sequencing (TNGS) (TP53, RB1, STK11, KEAP1) and IHC for RB1 were available for most tumors. IHC staining for PD-L1 (DAKO 28-8) was performed and scored positive if tumors showed ≥1% membranous staining. CD8 was scored for intra-tumor T-cells and stromal cells.

RESULTS

PD-L1 IHC expression data could be generated in 98/148 confirmed LCNEC samples along with RB1 IHC (n = 97) of which 77 passed quality control for TNGS. PD-L1 expression was positive in 16/98 cases (16%); 5 (5%) with ≥50%. PD-L1 expression was equal in RB1 mutated and RB1 wildtype tumors. None of STK11 mutated tumors (n = 7) expressed PD-L1. PD-L1 expression was correlated with superior overall survival (OS), hazard ratio 0.55 ((95% Confidence Interval 0.31-0.96), p = 0.038). Intra-tumor CD8 was associated with PD-L1 expression (p = 0.021) and stromal and intra-tumor CD8 were correlated with improved OS (p = 0.037 and p = 0.026 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

PD-L1 expression was positive in 16% of stage IV LCNEC tumors. This was independent of molecular subtype but associated with CD8 expression. In LCNEC patients with PD-L1 and/or CD8 expression superior OS was observed.

Association of molecular status and metastatic organs at diagnosis in patients with stage IV non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Biological predisposition for specific metastatic organs might differ between molecular subgroups of lung cancer. We aimed to assess the association between molecular status and metastatic organs at diagnosis in a nationwide stage IV non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer ((ns)-NSCLC) cohort.

METHODS

All ns-NSCLC from 2013 that were stage IV at diagnosis were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, which records information on metastatic organs at diagnosis. Tumors were matched to the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) from which data on molecular status established in routine practice was extracted. Four molecular subgroups (EGFR+, KRAS+, ALK+, triple-negative) were identified. For each metastatic organ, proportions of tumors metastasized to this organ were, per molecular subgroup, compared to triple-negative tumors by multivariable logistic regression analyses (adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)), taking clinicopathological variables into account.

RESULTS

160 EGFR+ (exon 19 del, exon 21 L858R), 784 KRAS+, 42 ALK+, and 1008 triple-negative tumors were identified. Most frequent metastatic organs were the bone (34%), pleura (24%), lung (23%), and brain (22%). Compared to triple-negatives, EGFR+ tumors had more often metastases to the bone (31.5 vs 53.8%; OR 2.55 (95% CI 1.80-3.62)) and pleura (24.1 vs 37.5%; OR 2.06 (1.42-2.98)), and less often to the brain (22.0 vs 12.5%; OR 0.53 (0.32-0.88)) and adrenal glands (19.1 vs 7.5%; OR 0.46 (0.28-0.75)). Compared to triple-negatives, KRAS+ and ALK+ tumors had at diagnosis metastasized more often to the lung (20.3 vs 26.7%; OR 1.40 (1.12-1.76)) and the liver (13.1 vs 23.8%; OR 2.07 (1.00-4.32)), respectively.

CONCLUSION

NSCLC molecular status was associated with metastatic pattern at diagnosis. 54% of stage IV EGFR+ ns-NSCLC patients had bone metastases at diagnosis. These observational results are hypothesis generating, and call for a prospective study where EGFR+ patients are screened for bone metastases, and treated to prevent skeletal related events.

Pemetrexed plus carboplatin versus pemetrexed in pretreated patients with advanced non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer: treating the right patients based on individualized treatment effect prediction

BACKGROUND

Translating results from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to individual patients in clinical practice is challenging, as treatment effects can vary substantially among individuals. Data from RCTs can be used for individualized treatment effect prediction, to identify patients who benefit from specific treatments. In this study, we developed and validated a prediction model for estimating absolute treatment effect of pemetrexed plus carboplatin versus single-agent pemetrexed in the second-line treatment of non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using data of relapsed patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC from the NVALT-7 trial, a Weibull model for prediction of gain in median progression-free survival (PFS) by pemetrexed-carboplatin was derived based on patient and tumor characteristics. The model was externally validated in the GOIRC 02-2006 trial. The applicability of the model for guiding clinical decision-making was evaluated using decision curve analysis.

RESULTS

A wide distribution of predicted gain in median PFS by pemetrexed-carboplatin over pemetrexed was found, with a median of 0.7 months (interquartile range: -0.1 to 1.5 months). Patients who benefited most included women, those with stage IV, high body mass index and/or adenocarcinoma. External validation showed satisfactory calibration and moderate discrimination (C-index: 0.61, 95% confidence interval 0.56-0.67). Decision curve analysis confirmed that the model adequately identified patients who benefit from pemetrexed-carboplatin, as prediction-based treatment led to improvement in net benefit with regard to PFS and overall survival when assuming a treatment threshold of 0-5 months gain in PFS, compared with other treatment strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of pemetrexed-carboplatin can be predicted for individual patients based on routinely available patient and tumor characteristics. There is important heterogeneity in the effects on PFS of pemetrexed-carboplatin versus pemetrexed in pretreated patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC. Individualized prediction of treatment effect could be used to guide shared decision-making by discriminating patients who benefit most, to improve clinical outcome.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBERS

NVALT-7: ISRCTN38269072 (ISRCTN registry), GOIRC 02-2006: NCT00786331 (clinicaltrials.gov).

A randomized phase II study comparing paclitaxel-carboplatin-bevacizumab with or without nitroglycerin patches in patients with stage IV nonsquamous nonsmall-cell lung cancer: NVALT12 (NCT01171170)†

BACKGROUND

Nitroglycerin (NTG) increases tumor blood flow and oxygenation by inhibiting hypoxia-inducible-factor (HIF)-1. A randomized phase II study has shown improved outcome when NTG patches were added to vinorelbine/cisplatin in patients with advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, there is evidence that the combination of bevacizumab and HIF-1 inhibitors increases antitumor activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this randomized phase II trial, chemo-naive patients with stage IV nonsquamous NSCLC were randomized to four cycles of carboplatin (area under the curve 6)-paclitaxel (200 mg/m(2))-bevacizumab 15 mg/kg on day 1 every 3 weeks with or without NTG patches 15 mg (day -2 to +2) followed by bevacizumab with or without NTG until progression. Response was assessed every two cycles. Primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). The study was powered (80%) to detect a decrease in the hazard of tumor progression of 33% at α = 0.05 with a two-sided log-rank test when 222 patients were enrolled and followed until 195 events were observed.

RESULTS

Between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2013, a total of 223 patients were randomized; 112 control arm and 111 experimental arm; response rate was 54% in control arm and 38% in experimental arm. Median [95% confidence interval (CI)] PFS in control arm was 6.8 months (5.6-7.3) and 5.1 months (4.2-5.8) in experimental arm, hazard ratio (HR) 1.27 (95% CI 0.96-1.67). Overall survival (OS) was 11.6 months (8.8-13.6) in control arm and 9.4 months (7.8-11.3) in experimental arm, HR 1.02 (95% CI 0.71-1.46). In the experimental arm, no additional toxicity was observed except headache (6% versus 52% in patients treated with NTG).

CONCLUSION

Adding NTG to first-line carboplatin-paclitaxel-bevacizumab did not improve PFS and OS in patients with stage IV nonsquamous NSCLC.

Risk factors for mortality in patients with pulmonary infections with non-tuberculous mycobacteria: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Infections with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represent an increasing problem. Their clinical relevance is still largely unknown as well as predictors for mortality in affected patients. The objective was to describe prevalence and clinical relevance of different NTM and to identify risk factors for mortality.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of 124 patients with NTM detection between January 2001 and December 2011. Clinical characteristics like symptoms and radiological appearance were assessed at presentation. The primary outcome was all cause mortality during the follow-up period. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses using Cox proportional hazard models were employed for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Over the study period, the frequency of NTM isolation varied from 4 to 12 patients per year. Twenty-nine out of 124 patients (23%) had a clinically relevant infection, according to the criteria of the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Mycobacterium avium was isolated most frequently, but Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium malmoense and Mycobacterium xenopi had the highest clinical relevance. Symptoms were mostly diverse and non-specific. On radiology, cavities were observed more frequently than a nodular-bronchiectatic variant or consolidation. In 75% of all patients, follow up time was more than two years. Median survival was 6.5 years (95%CI = 2.7-10.3). Factors significantly influencing survival time were haemoptysis (HR = 0.2, 95%CI = 0.1-0.6) and a consolidation on imaging (HR = 5.1, 95%CI 1.4-18.2).

CONCLUSIONS

The presentation of an infection with NTM can be diverse and depends mainly on the causative NTM pathogen. The most important predictor for increased mortality is the radiological appearance of a consolidation.

EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer patients: more prone to development of bone and brain metastases?

OBJECTIVES

Both bone and brain are frequent sites of metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Conflicting data exist whether EGFR mutant (+) patients are more prone to develop brain metastases or have a better outcome with brain metastases compared to EGFR/KRAS wildtype (WT) or KRAS+ patients. For bone metastases this has not been studied.

METHODS

In this retrospective case-control study all EGFR+ (exons 19 and 21) patients diagnosed at two pathology departments were selected (2004/2008 to 2012). For every EGFR+ patient a consecutive KRAS+ and WT patient with metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC) was identified. Patients with another malignancy within 2 years of mNSCLC diagnosis were excluded. Data regarding age, gender, performance score, histology, treatment, bone/brain metastases diagnosis, skeletal related events (SRE) and subsequent survival were collected.

RESULTS

189 patients were included: 62 EGFR+, 65 KRAS+, 62 WT. 32%, 35% and 40%, respectively, had brain metastases (p=0.645). Mean time to brain metastases was 20.8 [± 12.0], 10.8 [± 9.8], 16.4 [± 10.2] months (EGFR+-KRAS+, p = 0.020, EGFR+-WT, p = 0.321). Median post brain metastases survival was 12.1 [5.0-19.1], 7.6 [1.2-14.0], 10.7 [1.5-19.8] months (p = 0.674). 60%, 52% and 50% had metastatic bone disease (p=0.528). Mean time to development of metastatic bone disease was 13.4 [± 10.6], 23.3 [± 19.4], 16.4 [± 9.6] months (p = 0.201). Median post metastatic bone disease survival was 15.0 [10.6-20.3], 9.0 [5.2-12.9], 3.2 [0.0-6.9] months (p = 0.010). Time to 1st SRE was not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of brain and bone metastases was not different between EGFR+, KRAS+ and WT patients. Post brain metastases survival, time from mNSCLC diagnosis to metastatic bone disease and 1st SRE did not differ either. Post metastatic bone disease survival was significantly longer in EGFR+ patients. Although prevention of SRE's is important for all patients, the latter finding calls for a separate study for SRE preventing agents in EGFR+ patients.

A randomized phase II study comparing erlotinib versus erlotinib with alternating chemotherapy in relapsed non-small-cell lung cancer patients: the NVALT-10 study

BACKGROUND

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) administered concurrently with chemotherapy did not improve outcome in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, in preclinical models and early phase noncomparative studies, pharmacodynamic separation of chemotherapy and TKIs did show a synergistic effect.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A randomized phase II study was carried out in patients with advanced NSCLC who had progressed on or following first-line chemotherapy. Erlotinib 150 mg daily (monotherapy) or erlotinib 150 mg during 15 days intercalated with four 21-day cycles docetaxel for squamous (SQ) or pemetrexed for nonsquamous (NSQ) patients was administered (combination therapy). After completion of chemotherapy, erlotinib was continued daily. Primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-one patients were randomized, 115 in the monotherapy arm and 116 in the combination arm. The adjusted hazard ratio for PFS was 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-1.02; P = 0.06], for overall survival (OS) 0.67 (95% CI 0.49-0.91; P = 0.01) favoring the combination arm. This improvement was primarily observed in NSQ subgroup. Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3+ toxic effect occurred in 20% versus 56%, rash in 7% versus 15% and febrile neutropenia in 0% versus 6% in monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PFS was not significantly different between the arms. OS was significantly improved in the combination arm, an effect restricted to NSQ histology.

STUDY REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00835471.

VeriStrat(®) has prognostic value in advanced stage NSCLC patients treated with erlotinib and sorafenib

Background:

The serum proteomic test VeriStrat has been shown to be able to classify advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients for overall survival (OS) after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In this study, VeriStrat was evaluated as a pre-treatment stratification tool in patients with advanced stage NSCLC for treatment with the combination of erlotinib and sorafenib, considering both OS and progression-free survival (PFS) as end points.

Methods:

Serum samples from 50 patients treated within the context of a phase II trial of first-line erlotinib and sorafenib were analysed with VeriStrat, a fully locked mass spectrometry-based test that identifies patients likely to have good or poor outcome on EGFR therapy based on eight distinct features in mass spectra. Analysis was performed fully blinded to all clinical data, and then the outcome data were analysed with respect to the obtained serum classifications.

Results:

VeriStrat classified pre-treatment samples into two groups, VeriStrat Good and VeriStrat Poor, which were significantly different in OS (hazard ratio (HR) 0.30, log-rank P=0.009) and in PFS (HR 0.40, log-rank P=0.035).

Conclusion:

VeriStrat has shown its potential for stratification of unselected, advanced stage NSCLC patients treated in first line with a combination of erlotinib and sorafenib.

Radiation-induced oesophagitis in lung cancer patients. Is susceptibility for neutropenia a risk factor?

BACKGROUND

Radiation-induced oesophagitis is a major side effect of concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. A strong association between neutropenia and oesophagitis was previously shown, but external validation and further elucidation of the possible mechanisms are lacking.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

A total of 119 patients were included at two institutions. The concurrent group comprised 34 SCLC patients treated with concurrent carboplatin and etoposide, and concurrent chest irradiation, and 36 NSCLC patients with concurrent cisplatin and etoposide, and concurrent radiotherapy, while the sequential group comprised 49 NSCLC patients received sequential cisplatin and gemcitabine, and radiotherapy.

RESULTS

Severe neutropenia was very frequent during concurrent chemoradiation (grade: 4 41.4%) and during induction chemotherapy in sequentially treated patients (grade 4: 30.6%), but not during radiotherapy (only 4% grade 1). In the concurrent group, the odds ratios of grade 3 oesophagitis vs. neutropenia were the following: grade 2 vs. grade 0/1: 5.60 (95% CI 1.55-20.26), p = 0.009; grade 3 vs. grade 0/1: 10.40 (95% CI 3.19-33.95); p = 0.0001; grade 4 vs. grade 0/1: 12.60 (95% CI 4.36-36.43); p < 0.00001. There was no correlation between the occurrence of neutropenia during induction chemotherapy and acute oesophagitis during or after radiotherapy alone. In the univariate analysis, total radiation dose (p < 0.001), overall treatment time of radiotherapy (p < 0.001), mean oesophageal dose (p = 0.038) and neutropenia (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the development of oesophagitis. In a multivariate analysis, only neutropenia remained significant (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

We confirm that neutropenia is independently correlated with oesophagitis in concurrent chemoradiation, but that the susceptibility for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is not associated with radiation-induced oesophagitis. Further studies focusing on the underlying mechanisms are thus warranted.

First-line erlotinib and bevacizumab in patients with locally advanced and/or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer: a phase II study including molecular imaging

BACKGROUND

Both bevacizumab and erlotinib have clinical activity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Preclinical data suggest synergistic activity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemonaive patients with stage IIIb or IV non-squamous NSCLC were treated with bevacizumab 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks and erlotinib 150 mg daily until progression. Primary end point was non-progression rate (NPR) at 6 weeks. Tumor response was measured with computed tomography, 2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG-PET) and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI). KRAS and EGFR mutations were assessed in tumor samples.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were included. Median follow-up was 15.2 months. NPR at 6 weeks was 75%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.8 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-5.4] months and median overall survival (OS) was 6.9 (95% CI 5.5-8.4) months. Toxicity was mainly mild. The presence of KRAS (n = 10) or EGFR mutations (n = 5) did not influence outcome. After 3 weeks of treatment, >20% decrease in standard uptake value as measured with positron emission tomography predicted for longer PFS (9.7 versus 2.8 months; P = 0.01) and >40% decrease in K(trans) as assessed by DCE-MRI did not predict for longer PFS.

CONCLUSIONS

First-line treatment with bevacizumab and erlotinib in stage IIIb/IV NSCLC resulted in an NPR of 75%. OS was however disappointing. Early response evaluation with FDG-PET is the best predictive test for PFS.