Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab Versus Sunitinib in First-Line Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma: Final Prespecified Overall Survival Analysis of CLEAR, a Phase III Study

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical trial updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.We present the final prespecified overall survival (OS) analysis of the open-label, phase III CLEAR study in treatment-naïve patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC). With an additional follow-up of 23 months from the primary analysis, we report results from the lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus sunitinib comparison of CLEAR. Treatment-naïve patients with aRCC were randomly assigned to receive lenvatinib (20 mg orally once daily in 21-day cycles) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks) or sunitinib (50 mg orally once daily [4 weeks on/2 weeks off]). At this data cutoff date (July 31, 2022), the OS hazard ratio (HR) was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.99). The median OS (95% CI) was 53.7 months (95% CI, 48.7 to not estimable [NE]) with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus 54.3 months (95% CI, 40.9 to NE) with sunitinib; 36-month OS rates (95% CI) were 66.4% (95% CI, 61.1 to 71.2) and 60.2% (95% CI, 54.6 to 65.2), respectively. The median progression-free survival (95% CI) was 23.9 months (95% CI, 20.8 to 27.7) with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab and 9.2 months (95% CI, 6.0 to 11.0) with sunitinib (HR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.38 to 0.57]). Objective response rate also favored the combination over sunitinib (71.3% v 36.7%; relative risk 1.94 [95% CI, 1.67 to 2.26]). Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in >90% of patients who received either treatment. In conclusion, lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab achieved consistent, durable benefit with a manageable safety profile in treatment-naïve patients with aRCC.

Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

Modified Citrus Pectin Treatment in Non-Metastatic Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer: Long-Term Results of a Prospective Phase II Study

The optimal therapy for patients with non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC-M0) after local therapy is elusive. Thus, the evaluation of new non-toxic compounds in BRPC-M0 patients is warranted. PectaSol®-Modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) is a food supplement categorized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. It is a competitive inhibitor of the galectin-3 protein, which is involved in cancer pathogenesis. In an early report of the present phase 2 study, P-MCP treatment for 6 months led to prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) improvement in 75% of patients with BRPC-M0. Herein, we report the second long-term treatment phase of an additional 12 months of P-MCP therapy (4.8 g × 3/day orally) in patients without disease progression after the initial 6 months of therapy. Of the 46 patients that entered the second treatment phase, 7 patients withdrew consent and decided to continue therapy out of pocket, and 39 initiated the second treatment phase. After a total of 18 months of P-MCP treatment, 85% (n = 33) had a durable long-term response, with 62% (n = 24) showing decreased/stable PSA, 90% (n = 35) PSADT improvement, and all with negative scans. No patient had grade 3/4 toxicity. In conclusion, P-MCP may have long-term durable efficacy and is safe in BRPC-M0.

Erdafitinib treatment in metastatic urothelial carcinoma: a real-world analysis

Background

Erdafitinib, a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor is a standard post chemotherapy advanced treatment line for metastatic urothelial carcinoma harboring FGFR2/3 genomic alterations. It was approved based on a phase 2 clinical trial, revealing a 40% response rate, and 13.8 months overall survival. These FGFR genomic alterations are uncommon. Thus, real-world data on erdafitinb use is scant. We herein describe erdafitinib treatment outcome in a real world patient cohort.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients treated with erdafitinib from 9 Israeli medical centers.

Results

Twenty-five patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (median age 73, 64% male, 80% with visceral metastases) were treated with erdafitinib between January 2020 to October 2022. A clinical benefit (complete response 12%, partial response 32%, stable disease 12%) was seen in 56%. Median progression-free survival was 2.7 months, and median overall survival 6.73 months. Treatment related toxicity ≥ grade 3 occurred in 52%, and 32% discontinued therapy due to adverse events.

Conclusions

Erdafitinib therapy is associated with a clinical benefit in the real world setting, and associated with similar toxicity as reported in prospective clinical trials.

Treatment of muscle-invasive urothelial cancer with nivolumab (CheckMate 274 study): a plain language summary

WHAT IS THIS SUMMARY ABOUT?

This is a summary of a paper published in a medical journal that describes the results of a study called CheckMate 274. This study looked at a new treatment for muscle-invasive urothelial cancer, a type of cancer found in the urinary tract that has spread from the inner lining of the urinary tract or bladder and into the surrounding muscle wall where it can then spread to other parts of the body. The standard treatment for muscle-invasive urothelial cancer is surgery to remove affected parts of the urinary tract. However, cancer returns in more than half of people after this surgery. Adjuvant therapy is given to people after surgery with muscle-invasive urothelial cancer with a goal to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back; however, at the time this study started, there was no standard adjuvant treatment.

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE STUDY?

In the CheckMate 274 study, researchers compared nivolumab with a placebo as an adjuvant treatment for people with muscle-invasive urothelial cancer. The aim of the study was to understand how well nivolumab worked to reduce the chance of the cancer returning after surgery. The study also looked at what side effects (unwanted or unexpected results or conditions that are possibly related to the use of a medication) people had with treatment.

WHAT DO THE RESULTS MEAN?

The results showed that people who received nivolumab versus placebo: Survived longer before the cancer was detected again, including people who had programmed death ligand-1 (shortened to PD-L1) on their cancer cells. Survived longer before a secondary cancer outside of the urinary tract was detected. Experienced no differences in health-related quality of life (the impact of the treatment on a person's mental and physical health). Had similar side effects to the people who received nivolumab in other studies. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02632409 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

LITESPARK-024: A randomized phase 1/2 study of belzutifan with or without palbociclib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

TPS747

Background: The combination of immunotherapy with antiangiogenic agents is a well-established first-line treatment option for patients (pts) with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), but many pts develop resistance, and effective second- or subsequent-line options are needed. The von Hippel-Lindau ( VHL) gene is inactivated in approximately 90% of RCC cases, which results in the constitutive activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) signaling. HIF-2α is involved in angiogenesis, tumor growth, proliferation, and metastasis, and is a key oncogenic driver in RCC. The HIF-2α inhibitor belzutifan has demonstrated promising antitumor activity with manageable safety in pts with heavily pretreated RCC. The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) pathway is altered in several cancer types, including RCC, and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. The CDK 4/6 inhibitor palbociclib inhibited cell growth in RCC cell lines, and the antiproliferative effects of CDK 4/6 inhibition were synergistic with HIF-2α inhibition in HIF-2α–dependent VHL -/- clear cell RCC cell lines. We hypothesized palbociclib could potentially enhance the efficacy of belzutifan as combination therapy for previously treated pts with advanced RCC. Methods: LITESPARK-024 (NCT05468697) is an open-label, multicenter, phase 1/2 randomized study of belzutifan + palbociclib versus belzutifan monotherapy in pts with advanced RCC. Pts must have histologically confirmed unresectable stage IV RCC with a clear cell component, received at least 2 prior systemic regimens (both an anti–PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody and a VEGF receptor–targeted TKI, in sequence or in combination), have measurable disease per RECIST v1.1 by BICR, have KPS score of ≥70%, and have radiographic disease progression on or after the most recent regimen per investigator. Part 1 will evaluate the safety of belzutifan + palbociclib and determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for the combination using a modified toxicity probability interval design. Part 2 will evaluate the safety and efficacy of belzutifan + palbociclib versus belzutifan alone. In part 1, ≤30 pts will be enrolled into 3 dose groups and receive belzutifan 120 mg once daily + palbociclib (75, 100, or 125 mg) daily for 21 consecutive days followed by 7 days off. In part 2, approximately 150 pts will be randomly assigned 2:1 to receive belzutifan 120 mg once daily + palbociclib RP2D (21 consecutive days/7 days off) or belzutifan 120 mg once daily. Pts will be stratified by IMDC risk (0 vs 1-2 vs 3-6) and sarcomatoid histology (yes vs no) at randomization in part 2. The primary end point for part 1 is to assess dose-limiting toxicities and adverse events to determine the RP2D of belzutifan + palbociclib. The primary end point for part 2 is ORR per RECIST v1.1 by investigator assessment. Secondary end points for part 2 are clinical benefit rate, DOR, PFS, OS, and safety and tolerability. Clinical trial information: NCT05468697 .

Geographic variation of decipher genomic classifier in patients with early prostate cancer

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Background: External factors such as environmental or lifestyle-related exposure may influence genomic composition of cancer, and therefore its progression and outcome. Thus geographic data is of importance. Decipher is a gene expression classifier used in risk stratification of early non metastatic prostate cancer. Currently, there are no data reporting geographic variation of the test. We aimed to analyze Decipher genomic score results among Israeli patients, in comparison to American patients. Methods: The Decioher database (Decipher Biosciences Inc) contains data from patients who have given consent for broad data-sharing. We identified and analyzed Decipher test results ordered among Israeli patients with localized prostate cancer. Matched analysis to the US population was done. Results: 144 patients (median age 69.5, range 64-74) were included in the present analysis. The clinical NCCN risk grouping was low in 42.4% (n=61), favorable intermediate in 38.9% (n=56), unfavorable intermediate in 17.4% (n=25), and high risk in 1.4% (n=2). Physicians primarily obtained Decipher for low-intermediate NCCN risk. Median Decipher score was 0.57 (Q1 0.385, Q3 0.823). Decipher risk grouping was low in 38.1% (n=61), intermediate in 16.9% (n=27), and high in 45% (n=72). Median Decipher score increased with Grade Group. 46% of NCCN low risk patients had a higher risk as per Decipher. 82% of NCCN favorable intermediate and unfavorable intermediate risk were reclassified to lower or higher risk. 9% of NCCN high risk patients had a lower risk as per Decipher. The present study cohort had a higher proportion of higher Decipher scores than observed in similar grade US population (n=43065) in the Decipher database (Median 0.43, Q1 0.27, Q3 0.66; 52%/18%/30% with low/intermediate/high risk). Conclusions: The preliminary results of the present study suggest a higher proportion of high risk Decipher among Israeli patients with early prostate cancer. These results should be interpreted cautiously. The study and further data collection are ongoing.

P-MCP treatment in non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC-M0): Final long-term results of a prospective phase II study

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Background: 30% of patients with localized PC will have a biochemical relapse post local therapy. Their optimal treatment remains elusive. While androgen deprivation therapy is effective in reducing PSA level, its long-term benefit remains undefined, and it is toxic. Thus, evaluation of new nontoxic compounds in these patients is warranted. PectaSol-C modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) is an inhibitor of galectin-3 protein, which is involved in prostate cancer pathogenesis. We herein report the final long-term results of a multi-center phase 2 study of P-MCP treatment in BRPC-M0. Methods: Patients with BRPC-M0 were enrolled and treated with P-MCP, 4.8 grams X 3/day, for 6 months (first phase of trial). Patients without PSA progression and/or with improvement of PSA doubling time (PSADT), and with negative scans, were treated for an additional 12 months (second phase of trial). Results: 59 patients were initially enrolled. After initial 6 months of therapy, 46 patients (78%) without disease progression entered the second phase of additional 12 months therapy. Among them, 7 patients withdrew consent and chose to continue therapy out of pocket. Of the remaining 39 patients, after another year of therapy (total of 18 months), 85% (n=33) had an overall long-term response, with a decreased/stable PSA (62 %, n=24), and improvement of PSADT (90 %, n=35), and with negative scans. No patient had grade 3/4 toxicity. Conclusions: P-MCP may have a durable long-term efficacy in patients with BRPC-M0. Clinical trial information: NCT01681823 .

Real-world Treatment Sequencing in Patients with Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer: Results from the Prospective, International, Observational Prostate Cancer Registry

Background

Prostate cancer has a multifaceted treatment pattern. Evidence is lacking for optimal treatment sequences for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Objective

To increase the understanding of real-world treatment pathways and outcomes in patients with mCRPC.

Design, setting, and participants

A prospective, noninterventional, real-world analysis of 3003 patients with mCRPC in the Prostate Cancer Registry (PCR; NCT02236637) from June 14, 2013 to July 9, 2018 was conducted.

Intervention

Patients received first- and second-line hormonal treatment and chemotherapy as follows: abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (abiraterone)-docetaxel (ABI-DOCE), abiraterone-enzalutamide (ABI-ENZA), abiraterone–radium-223 (ABI-RAD), docetaxel-abiraterone (DOCE-ABI), docetaxel-cabazitaxel (DOCE-CABA), docetaxel-enzalutamide (DOCE-ENZA), and enzalutamide-docetaxel (ENZA-DOCE).

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Baseline patient characteristics, quality of life, mCRPC treatments, and efficacy outcomes (progression and survival) were presented descriptively.

Results and limitations

Data from 727 patients were eligible for the analysis (ABI-DOCE n = 178, ABI-ENZA n = 99, ABI-RAD n = 27, DOCE-ABI n = 191, DOCE-CABA n = 74, DOCE-ENZA n = 116, and ENZA-DOCE n = 42). Demographics and disease characteristics among patients between different sequences varied greatly. Most patients who started on abiraterone or enzalutamide stopped therapy because of disease progression. No randomisation to allow treatment/sequence comparisons limited this observational study.

Conclusions

The real-world PCR data complement clinical trial data, reflecting more highly selected patient populations than seen in routine clinical practice. Baseline characteristics play a role in mCRPC first-line treatment selection, but other factors, such as treatment availability, have an impact. Efficacy observations are limited and should be interpreted with caution.

Patient summary

Baseline characteristics appear to have a role in the first-line treatment selection of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in the real-world setting. First-line abiraterone acetate plus prednisone seems to be the preferred treatment option for older patients and those with lower Gleason scores, first-line docetaxel for younger patients and those with more advanced disease, and first-line enzalutamide for patients with fewer metastases and more favourable performance status. The benefit to patients from these observations remains unknown.

The association between geriatric assessment, muscle measures, and treatment-related toxicity in older adults with cancer: An Israeli prospective study

INTRODUCTION

We investigated the associations among frailty, as determined via the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), muscle measures (i.e., sarcopenia), and treatment-related toxicity in older adults with cancer in Israel.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study enrolled patients ≥65 years with newly-diagnosed stage IV lung, breast, or genitourinary cancer. Patients were enrolled and completed CGA before their first line of systemic therapy (chemotherapy, biologic therapy, immunologic therapy, or a combination thereof). CGA was used to classify patients as robust, pre-frail, or frail, and routine pre-treatment computed tomography (CT) images were used to quantify skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) at L3 cross-section. Two sarcopenia definitions were used: i. for women SMI <41 cm²/m² regardless of body mass index (BMI), and for men SMI <43 cm²/m² for those with BMI of <25 and < 53 cm²/m² for those with BMI ≥25; and ii. SMI <38 cm²/m² for women and < 41 cm²/m² for men, regardless of BMI. The associations between frailty and muscle measures with the occurrence of at least one adverse event (AE) grade ≥ 2 were examined using the chi-square test, and logistic regression to determine odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

In total, 51 patients were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range) age was 72 (68-76) years, 30 (59%) were male, and 26 (51%) had lung cancer. CGA data were available for 48 patients: fifteen (31%), thirteen (27%), and twenty (42%) were defined as robust, pre-frail, and frail, respectively. Overall, 33 (65%) were sarcopenic by the first aforementioned definition, and sixteen (31%) by the second. No statistically significant associations were identified between frailty and having at least one AE grade ≥ 2, or between frailty and sarcopenia. Statistically significant associations were found between having sarcopenia (the second definition) and having at least one AE grade ≥ 2 (P = 0.0217). The corresponding odds ratio (95% CI) was 4.2 (1.2-15.0), P = 0.026.

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggests that sarcopenia is significantly associated with treatment-related toxicity. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

Efficacy and safety of erdafitinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: long-term follow-up of a phase 2 study

BACKGROUND

Erdafitinib, a pan-fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was shown to be clinically active and tolerable in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma and prespecified FGFR alterations in the primary analysis of the BLC2001 study at median 11 months of follow-up. We aimed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of the selected regimen of erdafitinib determined in the initial part of the study.

METHODS

The open-label, non-comparator, phase 2, BLC2001 study was done at 126 medical centres in 14 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older with locally advanced and unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, at least one prespecified FGFR alteration, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, and progressive disease after receiving at least one systemic chemotherapy or within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy or were ineligible for cisplatin. The selected regimen determined in the initial part of the study was continuous once daily 8 mg/day oral erdafitinib in 28-day cycles, with provision for pharmacodynamically guided uptitration to 9 mg/day (8 mg/day UpT). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed confirmed objective response rate according to Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors version 1.1. Efficacy and safety were analysed in all treated patients who received at least one dose of erdafitinib. This is the final analysis of this study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02365597.

FINDINGS

Between May 25, 2015, and Aug 9, 2018, 2328 patients were screened, of whom 212 were enrolled and 101 were treated with the selected erdafitinib 8 mg/day UpT regimen. The data cutoff date for this analysis was Aug 9, 2019. Median efficacy follow-up was 24·0 months (IQR 22·7-26·6). The investigator-assessed objective response rate for patients treated with the selected erdafitinib regimen was 40 (40%; 95% CI 30-49) of 101 patients. The safety profile remained similar to that in the primary analysis, with no new safety signals reported with longer follow-up. Grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events of any causality occurred in 72 (71%) of 101 patients. The most common grade 3-4 treatment-emergent adverse events of any cause were stomatitis (in 14 [14%] of 101 patients) and hyponatraemia (in 11 [11%]). There were no treatment-related deaths.

INTERPRETATION

With longer follow-up, treatment with the selected regimen of erdafitinib showed consistent activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma and prespecified FGFR alterations.

FUNDING

Janssen Research & Development.

Modified Citrus Pectin Treatment in Non-Metastatic Biochemically Relapsed Prostate Cancer: Results of a Prospective Phase II Study

Optimal therapy of biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC) after local treatment is elusive. An established modified citrus pectin (PectaSol^®, P-MCP), a dietary polysaccharide, is an established antagonist of galectin-3, a carbohydrate-binding protein involved in cancer pathogenesis. Based on PSA dynamics, we report on the safety and the primary outcome analysis of a prospective phase II study of P-MCP in non-metastatic BRPC based. Sixty patients were enrolled, and one patient withdrew after a month. Patients (n = 59) were given P-MCP, 4.8 grams X 3/day, for six months. The primary endpoint was the rate without PSA progression and improved PSA doubling time (PSADT). Secondary endpoints were the rate without radiologic progression and toxicity. Patients that did not progress by PSA and radiologically at six months continued for an additional twelve months. After six months, 78% (n = 46) responded to therapy, with a decreased/stable PSA in 58% (n = 34), or improvement of PSADT in 75% (n = 44), and with negative scans, and entered the second twelve months treatment phase. Median PSADT improved significantly (p = 0.003). Disease progression during the first 6 months was noted in only 22% (n = 13), with PSA progression in 17% (n = 10), and PSA and radiologic progression in 5% (n = 3). No patients developed grade 3 or 4 toxicity.

Six-Month Efficacy and Toxicity Profile of BNT162b2 Vaccine in Cancer Patients with Solid Tumors

We had previously reported short-term efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of the BNT162b2 vaccine among cancer patients with solid tumors. We aimed to evaluate these outcomes at six months postvaccination. The study cohort comprised patients who were on treatment during vaccination and throughout six months postvaccination. Serologic tests were performed after second vaccination and six months afterward. An age-matched cohort of health care workers served as controls. Documentation of COVID-19 infection, blood tests, and imaging studies during the study period was reviewed. Participants included 154 patients and 135 controls. Six months postvaccination, 122 (79%) patients were seropositive compared with 114 (84%) controls (P = 0.32). Serology titer dramatically decreased in a similar manner in both cohorts. No COVID-19 cases were documented in controls, and one case occurred in patient cohort. All previously reported adverse effects resolved. Taken together, the pattern of immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of BNT162b2 in patients with cancer with solid tumors at six months postvaccination resembles that of the general population. SIGNIFICANCE: Evidence regarding efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with cancer indicate a favorable short-term profile. Immunomodulation due to anticancer treatments may affect immunity and immunogenicity of patients with cancer to the BNT162b2 vaccine over time. Our study sheds light on these long-term outcomes and portrays a trend that resembles the general population.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2355.

Serologic Status and Toxic Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 Vaccine in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Cancer

Question

What is the serologic status and incidence of adverse effects in patients with cancer who are receiving therapy after administration of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine?

Findings

This cohort study evaluated serologic status and safety of the BNT162b2 vaccine in 232 patients receiving active treatment for cancer and 261 health care workers who served as controls. After the first dose of the vaccine, 29% of the patients were seropositive compared with 84% of the controls; after the second dose, the seropositive rate of the patients reached 86%, and reported adverse events resembled those of healthy individuals.

Meaning

The SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine appears to be safe with satisfactory levels of seropositivity in patients undergoing treatment for cancer, although protection may occur later compared with the healthy population.

Importance

The efficacy and safety profile of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been acquired from phase 3 studies; however, patients with cancer were not represented in these trials. Owing to the recommendation to prioritize high-risk populations for vaccination, further data are warranted.

Objective

To evaluate the use and safety of the BNT162b2 vaccine in patients undergoing treatment for cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In January 2021, mass SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of high-risk populations, including patients with cancer, was initiated in Israel. This cohort study prospectively enrolled and followed up patients with cancer and healthy participants between January 15 and March 14, 2021. The study was conducted at the Division of Oncology of Rambam Health Care Campus, the major tertiary (referral) medical center of northern Israel. Participants included 232 patients with cancer who were receiving active treatment after the first and second doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine and 261 healthy, age-matched health care workers who served as controls.

Exposures

Serum samples were collected after each vaccine dose and in cases of seronegativity. Questionnaires regarding sociodemographic characteristics and adverse reactions were administered at serum collection. A regulatory agencies–approved assay was used to assess IgG at all time points. Patients’ electronic medical records were reviewed for documentation of COVID-19 infection and results of blood cell counts, liver enzyme levels, and imaging studies.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Seroconversion rate after the first and second doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine and documented COVID-19 infection.

Results

Of the 232 patients undergoing treatment for cancer, 132 were men (57%); mean (SD) age was 66 (12.09) years. After the first dose of BNT162b2 vaccine, 29% (n = 25) patients were seropositive compared with 84% (n = 220) of the controls (P < .001). After the second dose, the seropositive rate reached 86% (n = 187) in the patients. Testing rate ratios per 1000 person-days after the first dose were 12.5 (95% CI, 3.4-45.7) for the patients and 48.5 (95% CI, 37.2-63.2) for the controls. Patients undergoing chemotherapy showed reduced immunogenicity (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.17-0.98). In seronegative patients, the rate of documented absolute leukopenia reached 39%. No COVID-19 cases were documented throughout the study period; however, 2 cases in the patient cohort were noted immediately after the first dose. Reported adverse events were similar to data in former trials comprising mostly healthy individuals.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine appeared to be safe and achieve satisfactory serologic status in patients with cancer. There was a pronounced lag in antibody production compared with the rate in noncancer controls; however, seroconversion occurred in most patients after the second dose. Future real-world data are warranted to determine the long-term efficacy of the vaccine with regard to type of anticancer treatment.

Lutetium-177-prostate-specific membrane antigen ligand following radium-223 treatment in men with bone-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: real-world clinical experience

We analyzed real-world clinical outcomes of sequential α-/β-emitter therapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Methods: We assessed safety and overall survival in 26 patients who received ¹⁷⁷Lu-prostate-specific membrane antigen ligand (¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA) after ²²³Ra in the ongoing noninterventional REASSURE study (²²³Ra α-Emitter Agent in Nonintervention Safety Study in mCRPC Population for Long-Term Evaluation; NCT02141438). Results: Patients received ²²³Ra for a median of 6 injections and subsequent ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA for a median of 3.5 mo (≥ the fourth therapy in 69%). The median time between ²²³Ra and ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA treatment was 8 mo (range, 1–31 mo). Grade 3 hematologic events occurred in 9 of 26 patients (during or after ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA treatment in 5/9 patients; 8/9 patients had also received docetaxel). Median overall survival was 28.0 mo from the ²²³Ra start and 13.2 mo from the ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA start. Conclusion: Although the small sample size precludes definitive conclusions, these preliminary data, especially the ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA treatment duration, suggest that the use of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA after ²²³Ra is feasible in this real-world setting.

Adjuvant Nivolumab versus Placebo in Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The role of adjuvant treatment in high-risk muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma after radical surgery is not clear.

METHODS

In a phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, we assigned patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma who had undergone radical surgery to receive, in a 1:1 ratio, either nivolumab (240 mg intravenously) or placebo every 2 weeks for up to 1 year. Neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy before trial entry was allowed. The primary end points were disease-free survival among all the patients (intention-to-treat population) and among patients with a tumor programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression level of 1% or more. Survival free from recurrence outside the urothelial tract was a secondary end point.

RESULTS

A total of 353 patients were assigned to receive nivolumab and 356 to receive placebo. The median disease-free survival in the intention-to-treat population was 20.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.5 to 27.6) with nivolumab and 10.8 months (95% CI, 8.3 to 13.9) with placebo. The percentage of patients who were alive and disease-free at 6 months was 74.9% with nivolumab and 60.3% with placebo (hazard ratio for disease recurrence or death, 0.70; 98.22% CI, 0.55 to 0.90; P<0.001). Among patients with a PD-L1 expression level of 1% or more, the percentage of patients was 74.5% and 55.7%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.55; 98.72% CI, 0.35 to 0.85; P<0.001). The median survival free from recurrence outside the urothelial tract in the intention-to-treat population was 22.9 months (95% CI, 19.2 to 33.4) with nivolumab and 13.7 months (95% CI, 8.4 to 20.3) with placebo. The percentage of patients who were alive and free from recurrence outside the urothelial tract at 6 months was 77.0% with nivolumab and 62.7% with placebo (hazard ratio for recurrence outside the urothelial tract or death, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.89). Among patients with a PD-L1 expression level of 1% or more, the percentage of patients was 75.3% and 56.7%, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.79). Treatment-related adverse events of grade 3 or higher occurred in 17.9% of the nivolumab group and 7.2% of the placebo group. Two treatment-related deaths due to pneumonitis were noted in the nivolumab group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial involving patients with high-risk muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma who had undergone radical surgery, disease-free survival was longer with adjuvant nivolumab than with placebo in the intention-to-treat population and among patients with a PD-L1 expression level of 1% or more. (Funded by Bristol Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical; CheckMate 274 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02632409.).

Post hoc analysis of the CLEAR study in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Effect of subsequent therapy on survival outcomes in the lenvatinib (LEN) + everolimus (EVE) versus sunitinib (SUN) treatment arms

4562

Background: The multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase 3 CLEAR study showed that LEN + EVE had a significant PFS benefit (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53-0.80, P<0.001) and improved objective response rate (relative risk 1.48, 95% CI 1.26-1.74) vs SUN in the first-line treatment of patients (pts) with advanced RCC. The difference in overall survival (OS) for LEN + EVE vs SUN was not statistically significant (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.88-1.50) (Motzer R et al. NEJM. 2021). Post hoc subgroup analyses were performed to assess the impact of subsequent therapy on OS. Methods: Pts in the CLEAR study were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to 1 of 3 treatment arms, including LEN 18 mg + EVE 5 mg once daily (QD) and SUN 50 mg QD (4 weeks on then 2 weeks off). These post hoc analyses examined OS by subsequent systemic anticancer medication in the LEN + EVE and SUN arms. Hazard ratios (HR; LEN + EVE vs SUN) were based on stratified (geographic region and MSKCC prognostic risk groups) Cox proportional hazards model. Results: Among 1069 pts with advanced RCC randomized in the CLEAR study, 714 pts were randomly assigned to the LEN + EVE and SUN arms (N=357/each). The median duration of survival follow-up was 27 months in the LEN + EVE arm and 26 months in the SUN arm. Given the shorter median duration of study treatment with SUN (7.8 months) vs LEN + EVE (11.0 months), more pts in the SUN arm received subsequent anticancer therapy during survival follow-up (LEN + EVE, n=167; SUN, n=206). Among pts who received subsequent therapy, pts in the LEN + EVE arm had a longer median time from randomization to initiation of subsequent therapy vs those in the SUN arm (8.0 vs 6.6 months, respectively). OS for the overall population, for pts with no subsequent anticancer therapy, and for pts with no subsequent immunotherapy is shown in the table. In the US population subgroup (LEN + EVE, n=62; SUN, n=61) of the CLEAR study, in which a similar number of pts received subsequent systemic anticancer therapies in the LEN + EVE vs SUN arms (62.9% vs 65.6%, respectively), OS was comparable among the 2 arms (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.51-1.76). Overall, the safety profile was consistent with the known safety profiles of LEN + EVE and SUN. In both arms, most treatment-emergent deaths were due to progressive disease; there were few treatment-related deaths (<1%, per arm) and no clustering of events. Conclusions: In the CLEAR study, LEN + EVE met the primary endpoint of a significant benefit in PFS vs SUN. The results of these exploratory analyses suggest that subsequent systemic anticancer therapy affected the OS outcome results for LEN + EVE vs SUN in the CLEAR study. Clinical trial information: NCT02811861. [Table: see text]

The association between geriatric assessment, body composition measures, and treatment-related toxicity in elderly cancer patients: A prospective cohort study

12047

Background: Treatment decisions in older adults with cancer are confounded by limited evidence due to their under-representation in clinical trials and as associations between geriatric assessment findings, body composition measures, treatment-related toxicity, and treatment effectiveness have yet to be fully elucidated. We investigated the relationship between geriatric assessment results, skeletal muscle measures, and treatment-related toxicity in older adults with cancer. Methods: This prospective single-center cohort study included patients with cancer > 65 years of age with advanced lung, breast, or genitourinary (GU) cancer who received systemic treatment (chemotherapy, biologic therapy, immunotherapy, or combination), and had available CT scans. Patients completed the Comprehensive Geriatric assessment (CGA) and 36-item Carolina Frailty Index (CFI) was calculated to classify them as robust ( < 0.2), pre-frail (0.2-0.35), or frail ( > 0.35). For each patient, skeletal muscle area (SMA) and density (SMD) were analyzed from CT scan L3 lumbar segments using Slice-O-Matic software. SMA and height (m2) were used to calculate skeletal muscle index (SMI). Skeletal muscle gauge (SMG) was created by multiplying SMI x SMD. Sarcopenia was defined as having SMI < 41 cm2/m2 for males and < 38 cm2/m2 for females. The associations between study variables and the occurrence of at least one adverse event (AE) grade ≥2 were analyzed using the Pearson's chi-squared test. The study was approved by the IRB of Rambam Health Care Campus. All patients signed an informed consent. Results: Overall, 51 patients (recruited between 5/2015 and 1/2020) were included in the final analysis. Median (interquartile [IQR]) age was 72 (68-76) years; 59% were male; 51%, 28%, and 22% had lung, breast, and GU cancer respectively. The most common treatment received was doublet chemotherapy (49%). All patients except 3 (6%) completed the CGA and CFI was calculated; 29%, 26%, and 39% were classified as robust, pre-frail, and frail, respectively. Median (IQR) SMG was 1251 (1104-1497) AU; median (IQR) SMI was 42 (39-48) cm2/m2; 31% were defined as sarcopenic. Overall, 45% of patients experienced at least one AE grade ≥2; 24% experienced at least one AE grade≥3. No statistically significant association was found between treatment-related toxicity and sex, age, tumor type, treatment, or CFI category. Yet, having low SMG (categorically, by tertile) was significantly associated with having at least one AE grade≥2 (p = 0.03) as was being sarcopenic (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Low SMG and sarcopenia are associated with treatment-related toxicity in older patients with cancer. Further research and better understanding of this association could help optimize treatment decisions (e.g., choice of regimen, dosing) and interventions in this population.

Lenvatinib plus Pembrolizumab or Everolimus for Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Lenvatinib in combination with pembrolizumab or everolimus has activity against advanced renal cell carcinoma. The efficacy of these regimens as compared with that of sunitinib is unclear.

METHODS

In this phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned (in a 1:1:1 ratio) patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and no previous systemic therapy to receive lenvatinib (20 mg orally once daily) plus pembrolizumab (200 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks), lenvatinib (18 mg orally once daily) plus everolimus (5 mg orally once daily), or sunitinib (50 mg orally once daily, alternating 4 weeks receiving treatment and 2 weeks without treatment). The primary end point was progression-free survival, as assessed by an independent review committee in accordance with Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1. Overall survival and safety were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1069 patients were randomly assigned to receive lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab (355 patients), lenvatinib plus everolimus (357), or sunitinib (357). Progression-free survival was longer with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab than with sunitinib (median, 23.9 vs. 9.2 months; hazard ratio for disease progression or death, 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.49; P<0.001) and was longer with lenvatinib plus everolimus than with sunitinib (median, 14.7 vs. 9.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.80; P<0.001). Overall survival was longer with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab than with sunitinib (hazard ratio for death, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.88; P = 0.005) but was not longer with lenvatinib plus everolimus than with sunitinib (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.50; P = 0.30). Grade 3 or higher adverse events emerged or worsened during treatment in 82.4% of the patients who received lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab, 83.1% of those who received lenvatinib plus everolimus, and 71.8% of those who received sunitinib. Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurring in at least 10% of the patients in any group included hypertension, diarrhea, and elevated lipase levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab was associated with significantly longer progression-free survival and overall survival than sunitinib. (Funded by Eisai and Merck Sharp and Dohme; CLEAR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02811861.).

Cardiac biomarkers in patients with prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease receiving gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonist vs antagonist

BACKGROUND

Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists reduce testosterone levels for the treatment of advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and CV disease (CVD), especially in patients with preexisting CVD treated with GnRH agonists. Here, we investigated the potential relationship between serum levels of the cardiac biomarkers N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) and the risk of new CV events in prostate cancer patients with a history of CVD receiving a GnRH agonist or antagonist.

METHODS

Post-hoc analyses were performed of a phase II randomized study that prospectively assessed CV events in patients with prostate cancer and preexisting CVD, receiving GnRH agonist or antagonist. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine whether the selected biomarkers had any predictive effect on CV events at baseline and across a 12-month treatment period.

RESULTS

Baseline and disease characteristics of the 80 patients who took part in the study were well balanced between treatment arms. Ischemic heart disease (66%) and myocardial infarction (37%) were the most common prior CVD and the majority (92%) of patients received CV medication. We found that high levels of NTproBNP (p = 0.008), and hsTn (p = 0.004) at baseline were associated with the development of new CV events in the GnRH agonist group but not in the antagonist. In addition, a nonsignificant trend was observed between higher levels of NTproBNP over time and the development of new CV events in the GnRH agonist group.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of cardiac biomarkers may be worthy of further study as tools in the prediction of CV risk in prostate cancer patients receiving ADT. Analysis was limited by the small sample size; larger studies are required to validate biomarker use to predict CV events among patients receiving ADT.

Disease characteristics and outcome of patients (pts) with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who received a beta emitter (177Lu-PSMA) after an alpha emitter (radium-223)

e17592

Background: Ra-223, a targeted alpha therapy, showed an overall survival (OS) benefit and favorable safety profile in mCRPC pts in a phase 3 trial. 177Lu-PSMA radioligand is an investigational agent for mCRPC. REASSURE (NCT02141438) is a global, prospective, observational study investigating Ra-223 safety in routine clinical practice over 7 years’ follow-up in mCRPC pts. Data from the second prespecified interim analysis (IA) were used to investigate safety and outcomes of pts who received 177Lu-PSMA after Ra-223 therapy. Methods: Data cut-off for the second prespecified IA was March 2019, and included pts who had subsequent 177Lu-PSMA after the last Ra-223 dose. Disease characteristics, adverse events (AEs) after last Ra-223 dose, and OS are described. Results: Of 1465 pts overall, 26 received 177Lu-PSMA subsequent to Ra-223. In this subgroup, pts received multiple anticancer therapies prior to 177Lu-PSMA. 13 pts (50%) received Ra-223 as combination therapy at second line (metastatic setting). Pts received a median of six Ra-223 doses. After Ra-223 treatment ended, 3 pts (12%) had drug-related serious AEs, 9 pts (35%) had grade 3/4 bone marrow suppression-relevant hematologic AEs. Median duration of 177Lu-PSMA treatment was 3.5 months. 19 pts (73%) received 177Lu-PSMA as fourth-line therapy or onwards. OS was 28.0 months from start of Ra-223 and 13.2 months from start of 177Lu-PSMA. Conclusions: In this select population receiving a sequence of multiple lines of therapy with different modes of action, grade 3/4 hematologic AEs after Ra-223 were low. Treatment with subsequent 177Lu-PSMA seems feasible, based on duration of 177Lu-PSMA and survival. Clinical trial information: NCT02141438 . [Table: see text]

The association between allopurinol use and urologic malignancies: A nested case-control study

435

Background: Oxidative stress may be involved in tumorigenesis processes. Uric acid is an important natural antioxidant that may reduce oxidative stress. Allopurinol is a commonly used uric acid lowering agent. There are conflicting data regarding the association between allopurinol use and cancer incidence. In the present nested case control study, we aimed to evaluated the association between allopurinol use and urologic malignancies in a large western population. Methods: conducted a nested case-control study within a population-representative database from the United Kingdom (THIN). Study cases were defined as individuals with any diagnostic code of prostate cancer, bladder cancer, or renal cell carcinoma. For every case, four eligible controls were matched on age, gender, practice site, time of diagnosis, and duration of follow-up. Exposure of interest was any allopurinol use prior to cancer diagnosis. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for urologic malignancies were estimated using conditional logistic regression. Adjustment was performed for factors including smoking, BMI, and diabetes. Results: The study population included: for bladder cancer 13440 and 52421 matched controls, prostate cancer 27212 cases and 105940 controls, RCC 1547 cases and 6066 controls. Allopurinol use was associated with a significantly increase of risk for bladder cancer (adjusted OR 1.2, 95%CI 1.09-1.32, p<0.001). prostate cancer (adjusted OR 1.1, 95%CI 1.03-1.,17, p=0.003), RCC (adjusted OR 1.32, 95%CI 1-1..75, p=0.05). In a sensitivity analyses we observed similar associations when alopurinol use was initiated more than two years prior to cancer diagnosis, for bladder cancer (adjusted OR 1.2, 95%CI 1.08-1.33, p=0.001), prostate cancer (adjusted OR 1.09, 95%CI 1.02-1.16, p=0.01), RCC (adjusted OR 1.09, 95%CI 0.78-1.53, p=0.62). Conclusions: Allopurinol use may be associated with an increased risk for urologic malignancies.

Ramucirumab plus docetaxel versus placebo plus docetaxel in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma after platinum-based therapy (RANGE): overall survival and updated results of a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Ramucirumab-an IgG1 vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 antagonist-plus docetaxel was previously reported to improve progression-free survival in platinum-refractory, advanced urothelial carcinoma. Here, we report the secondary endpoint of overall survival results for the RANGE trial.

METHODS

We did a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial in patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients were enrolled from 124 investigative sites (hospitals, clinics, and academic centres) in 23 countries. Previous treatment with one immune checkpoint inhibitor was permitted. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using an interactive web response system to receive intravenous ramucirumab 10 mg/kg or placebo 10 mg/kg volume equivalent followed by intravenous docetaxel 75 mg/m2 (60 mg/m2 in Korea, Taiwan, and Japan) on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or other discontinuation criteria were met. Randomisation was stratified by geographical region, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status at baseline, and visceral metastasis. Progression-free survival (the primary endpoint) and overall survival (a key secondary endpoint) were assessed in the intention-to-treat population. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02426125; patient enrolment is complete and the last patient on treatment is being followed up for safety issues.

FINDINGS

Between July 20, 2015, and April 4, 2017, 530 patients were randomly allocated to ramucirumab plus docetaxel (n=263) or placebo plus docetaxel (n=267) and comprised the intention-to-treat population. At database lock (March 21, 2018) for the final overall survival analysis, median follow-up was 7·4 months (IQR 3·5-13·9). In our sensitivity analysis of investigator-assessed progression-free survival at the overall survival database lock, median progression-free survival remained significantly improved with ramucirumab compared with placebo (4·1 months [95% CI 3·3-4·8] vs 2·8 months [2·6-2·9]; HR 0·696 [95% CI 0·573-0·845]; p=0·0002). Median overall survival was 9·4 months (95% CI 7·9-11·4) in the ramucirumab group versus 7·9 months (7·0-9·3) in the placebo group (stratified HR 0·887 [95% CI 0·724-1·086]; p=0·25). Grade 3 or worse treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events in 5% or more of patients and with an incidence more than 2% higher with ramucirumab than with placebo were febrile neutropenia (24 [9%] of 258 patients in the ramucirumab group vs 16 [6%] of 265 patients in the placebo group) and neutropenia (17 [7%] of 258 vs six [2%] of 265). Serious adverse events were similar between groups (112 [43%] of 258 patients in the ramucirumab group vs 107 [40%] of 265 patients in the placebo group). Adverse events related to study treatment and leading to death occurred in eight (3%) patients in the ramucirumab group versus five (2%) patients in the placebo group.

INTERPRETATION

Additional follow-up supports that ramucirumab plus docetaxel significantly improves progression-free survival, without a significant improvement in overall survival, for patients with platinum-refractory advanced urothelial carcinoma. Clinically meaningful benefit might be restricted in an unselected population.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.

Re-treatment with radium-223: 2-year follow-up from an international, open-label, phase 1/2 study in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases

BACKGROUND

Radium-223 dichloride (radium-223) is approved for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), symptomatic bone metastases, and no visceral disease using a dosing regimen of 6 injections (55 kBq/kg intravenously; 1 injection every 4 weeks). Early results from international, open-label, phase 1/2 study NCT01934790 showed that re-treatment with radium-223 was well tolerated with favorable effects on disease progression. Here we report safety and efficacy findings from 2-year follow-up of the radium-223 re-treatment study.

METHODS

Patients with CRPC and bone metastases who completed 6 initial radium-223 injections with no disease progression in bone and later progressed were eligible for radium-223 re-treatment (up to 6 additional radium-223 injections), provided that hematologic parameters were adequate and chemotherapy had not been administered after the initial course of radium-223. Concomitant cytotoxic agents were not allowed during re-treatment but were allowed at the investigator's discretion during follow-up; other concomitant agents for prostate cancer (including abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide) were allowed at investigator's discretion. The primary objective was safety. Exploratory objectives included time to radiographic bone progression, radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), time to total alkaline phosphatase (tALP), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression, overall survival (OS), time to first symptomatic skeletal event (SSE), and SSE-free survival, all calculated from re-treatment start. Evaluation of safety and exploratory efficacy objectives included active 2-year follow-up. Safety results from active follow-up and updated efficacy are reported.

RESULTS

Overall, 44 patients were re-treated with radium-223; 29 (66%) completed all 6 injections, and 34 (77%) entered 2-year active follow-up, during which no new safety concerns and no serious drug-related adverse events were noted. rPFS events (progression or death) occurred in 19 (43%) of 44 patients; median rPFS was 9.9 months. Radiographic bone progression occurred in 5 (11%) of 44 patients. Median OS was 24.4 months. Median times to first SSE and SSE-free survival were 16.7 and 12.8 months, respectively. Median time to tALP progression was not reached; median time to PSA progression was 2.2 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-treatment with radium-223 in this selected patient population was well tolerated, led to minimal hematologic toxicity, and provided continued disease control in bone at 2-year follow-up.

Cardiovascular morbidity in a randomized trial comparing GnRH-agonist and antagonist among patients with advanced prostate cancer

5015

Background: Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) used in prostate-cancer may increase risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Limited preclinical and retrospective clinical data suggest that use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-antagonist may be associated with lower risk of CVD compared to GnRH-agonist. Methods: We conducted a randomized open-label study comparing the one year incidence of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) in prostate-cancer patients with pre-existing CVD commencing on GnRH-agonists or antagonists. Patients were followed every 3 months for the development of MACCE defined as either death, myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular event (CVA), or percutaneous-coronary intervention (PCI). Serum levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) were analyzed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12-months. Results: Eighty patients were enrolled (41 randomized to GnRH-antagonist, 39 to GnRH-agonist). Patients in both arms had similar age, baseline cardiovascular and prostate-cancer characteristics. During follow-up 15 patients developed a new cardiovascular event. Of these, nine patients developed MACCE (two deaths, one MI, two CVAs, and four PCI). Twenty percent (n = 8) of patients randomized to GnRH-agonists had a MACCE compared to 3% (n = 1) randomized to antagonists (log-rank p = 0.013). The absolute risk reduction for MACCE at 12 months using GnRH-antagonist was 18% (95%CI 5-31). Baseline levels of NTproBNP predicted events (AUC = 0.73 95%CI 0.54-0.91 p = 0.03) and increased over time only among patients with CV events. Conclusions: This is the first prospective study to test cardiovascular outcome among prostate-cancer patients receiving ADT. We demonstrated that in patients with pre-existing CVD, GnRH-antagonists was associated with development of fewer cardiovascular events compared to GnRH-agonists. Clinical trial information: NCT02475057.

A phase Ib/II study of niraparib combination therapies for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (NCT03431350)

TPS5087

Background: Assessing multiple therapies in a single clinical trial can facilitate the rapid identification of new agents for the treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Niraparib (Nirap) is a highly selective PARP inhibitor, with potent activity against PARP-1 and PARP-2 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-repair polymerases. PARP inhibition may be especially lethal in tumor cells with genetic DNA damage response deficits (DRD). Based on promising preclinical and clinical data, this study is designed as a master protocol with nirap as a backbone therapy. Combination 1 assesses the safety and efficacy of nirap plus JNJ-63723283 (JNJ-283), an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody. Combination 2 assesses nirap plus abiraterone acetate and prednisone (AA-P). Methods: This multicenter, global, open-label study is currently open at 18 sites in 5 countries of the planned XX sites, and is enrolling patients with mCRPC who have progressed on ≥1 androgen-receptor targeted therapy for mCRPC. Enrollment at time of abstract submission was 25 for combination 1. When combined with AA-P, the RP2D has been determined to be nirap 200 mg. The recommended phase-2 dose (RP2D) of nirap plus JNJ-283 was determined in Part 1 based on the incidence of specified adverse events and PK data to be 480 mg every 4 weeks. For Part 2 of the study, patients are assigned to receive oral niraparib daily plus JNJ-283 infusions once every four weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, death, study termination. Part 2 is described in the table. Clinical trial information: NCT03431350. [Table: see text]

Genomic analysis of urothelial cancer and associations with treatment choice and outcome

e16026

Background: The use of next generation sequencing (NGS) is in a constant rise, without clear evidence to its utility in guiding treatment choices in urologic malignancies. While platinum-based chemotherapy (chemo) is still the mainstay of treatment, anti-PD1/L1 antibodies (IO) and FGFR3 inhibitors are emerging therapeutic options. Here our aim was to retrospectively assess the utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in selecting advanced treatment lines and define the response rates (RR) to chemo and IO in a real-life cohort. Methods: Metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) patients (pts) receiving first-line chemo were included. Paraffin-embedded pathological samples were subjected to FoundationOne genomic analysis (Roche) and to PD-L1 IHC staining using the FDA-approved Ventana's companion diagnostic test. Reports were anonymized and analysis was performed using Excel (Microsoft Office). Response was defined as either a clinically or radiologically-significant improvement. Results: 60 pts were included in this analysis with a median age of 69, of which 87.7% were men and 70% were current or past-smokers. RR to first line chemo or IO was 66% (95% CI 50-82) and 33% (95% CI 12-64), respectively. RR to second-line IO was 14% ((95% CI 4-40). Median TMB was 10 Mut/Mb (range 1-62) with no difference between smokers and non-smokers. 31% pts had tumor PD-L1 staining of > 5% and 3.7% were MSI-high. 107 genes were altered across all pts. The median number of genomic alterations (mutations (muts), amplifications (amps), deletions (dels) and re-arrangements) was 7 (range 2-17). The most frequent were TERT promotor and TP53 mutations, occurring in in 39 (69.6%) and 30 (53.6%) pts, respectively. FGFR3 alterations were found in 9 (15%) pts (7 mut and 2 fusions), 12 pts (20%) had alterations in ERBB2/Her2 (6 amps, 3 muts, 3 equivocal amps), BRCA1 mutations were found in 6 (10%) pts, and TSC1 alterations were found in 6 (10%) pts (4 muts and 2 dels). Altogether, about 40% of patients had potentially actionable alterations; of these, to date, the treatment of 8 patients (13%) was consequently altered. The RR to IO was non-significantly higher in pts with TMB > 10 (29% VS 20%, p = 0.1) across all pts in this cohort. Conclusions: RR to first-line chemo is higher than to first-line IO, and the association between TMB and response to IO is still debatable in UC. NGS can yield potentially 'actionable' alterations in about 40% of UC pts, and can change the treatment paradigm in the third of them.

Effect of pectasol-c modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) treatment (tx) on PSA dynamics in non- metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC) patients (pts): Primary outcome analysis of a prospective phase II study

e16609

Background: 30% of pts with localized PC will have a biochemical relapse post local tx. Their optimal tx remains elusive. While androgen deprivation therapy is effective in reducing PSA level, its long-term benefit remain undefined, and it is associated with significant toxicities. Thus, evaluation of new non-toxic compounds in this pt population is warranted. P-MCP is a competitive inhibitor of galectin-3, a carbohydrate-binding protein, known to be involved in cancer pathogenesis. Pre-clinical data suggest that P-MCP is active in PC, and in two previous smaller clinical trials in biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC) pts, a PSA response/stabilization rate of 57%-75% was noted. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and PSA dynamics of P-MCP tx in BRPC pts. Methods: non-castrate non-metastatic BRPC pts were enrolled in a prospective phase 2 study of oral P-MCP tx, at 4.8 grams X 3/day for 6 months (mos). Eligible pts had 3 consecutive rise of PSA, without any tx in the previous 3 mos, a normal level of serum testosterone, and negative scans. The primary outcome was the rate of pts without disease progression (DP) (clinically, biochemically with stabilization/decrease of PSA or improvement of PSA doubling time = PSADT, and radiologically) at 6 mos. A Sample size of ≥ 50 pts provided 85% power to assess a decrease in DP rate from 80% (natural history) to 40% (P-MCP tx) at 6 mos. Pts that did not progress at 6 mos, were treated for subsequent 12 mos (secondary outcome of long term effect). Herein we report the results of the primary outcome analysis. Results: 53 pts were enrolled. Median age was 74 years. Tx of the primary tumor consisted of surgery in 13% (n = 7), radiation in 60% (n = 32), and both in 26% (n = 14). No pt had tx related grade 3/4 toxicity. One pt withdrew his consent after 1 mos. At present, 46 pts completed 6 mos of tx, and were analyzed for the primary outcome. Among them, 20% (n = 9) had grade 1 toxicity (all gas and bloating ). The primary outcome was met in 76% (n = 35), that did not progress at 6 mos of tx. Of these, 59% (n = 27) had a stabilization/decrease of PSA, 70% (n = 32) had an improvement (increase) of PSADT, and all had no metastases on scans at 6 mos. DP at 6 mos was noted in 24% (n = 11: PSA only in 20%, n = 9; PSA and scans in 4%, n = 2). Full cohort data (additional 6 pts that will complete 6 mos of tx) will be available by June 2019. Conclusions: The present study suggests the safety and potential benefit of P-MCP tx on progression of BRPC. Clinical trial information: NCT01681823.

Cannabis Impacts Tumor Response Rate to Nivolumab in Patients with Advanced Malignancies

BACKGROUND

There has been a significant increase in the use of immunotherapy and cannabis recently, two modalities that have immunomodulatory effects and may have possible interaction. We evaluated the influence of cannabis use during immunotherapy treatment on response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

SUBJECTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS

In this retrospective, observational study, data were collected from the files of patients treated with nivolumab in the years 2015-2016 at our hospital, and cannabis from six cannabis-supplying companies. Included were 140 patients (89 nivolumab alone, 51 nivolumab plus cannabis) with advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and renal clear cell carcinoma. The groups were homogenous regarding demographic and disease characteristics. A comparison between the two arms was made.

RESULTS

In a multivariate model, cannabis was the only significant factor that reduced RR to immunotherapy (37.5% RR in nivolumab alone compared with 15.9% in the nivolumab-cannabis group (p = .016, odds ratio = 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.24-8.1). Cannabis use was not a significant factor for PFS or OS. Factors affecting PFS and OS were smoking (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.41 and 2.41, respectively (and brain metastases (adjusted HR = 2.04 and 2.83, respectively). Low performance status (adjusted HR = 2.83) affected OS alone. Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol percentages did not affect RR in any group (p = .393 and .116, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective analysis, the use of cannabis during immunotherapy treatment decreased RR, without affecting PFS or OS and without relation to cannabis composition. Considering the limitations of the study, further prospective clinical study is needed to investigate possible interaction.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Although the data are retrospective and a relation to cannabis composition was not detected, this information can be critical for cannabis users and indicates that caution is required when starting immunotherapy.

Radium-223 in combination with paclitaxel in cancer patients with bone metastases: safety results from an open-label, multicenter phase Ib study

PURPOSE

Concomitant treatment with radium-223 and paclitaxel is a potential option for cancer patients with bone metastases; however, myelosuppression risk during coadministration is unknown. This phase Ib study in cancer patients with bone metastases evaluated the safety of radium-223 and paclitaxel.

METHODS

Eligible patients had solid tumor malignancies with ≥2 bone metastases and were candidates for paclitaxel. Treatment included seven paclitaxel cycles (90 mg/m² per week intravenously per local standard of care; 3 weeks on/1 week off) plus six radium-223 cycles (55 kBq/kg intravenously; one injection every 4 weeks, starting at paclitaxel cycle 2). The primary end point was percentage of patients with grade 3/4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia during coadministration of radium-223 and paclitaxel (cycles 2, 3) versus paclitaxel alone (cycle 1).

RESULTS

Of 22 enrolled patients, 15 were treated (safety population), with 7 completing all six radium-223 cycles. Treated patients had primary cancers of breast (n = 7), prostate (n = 4), bladder (n = 1), non-small cell lung (n = 1), myxofibrosarcoma (n = 1), and neuroendocrine (n = 1). No patients discontinued treatment from toxicity of the combination. In the 13 patients who completed cycle 3, the rates of grade 3 neutropenia in cycles 2 and 3 were 31% and 8%, respectively, versus 23% in cycle 1; there were no cases of grade 4 neutropenia or grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia. Breast cancer subgroup safety results were similar to the overall safety population.

CONCLUSION

Radium-223 was tolerated when combined with weekly paclitaxel, with no clinically relevant additive toxicities. This combination should be explored further in patients with bone metastases.

Re-treatment with radium-223: first experience from an international, open-label, phase I/II study in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases

Background

Six radium-223 injections at 4-week intervals is indicated for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and symptomatic bone metastases. However, patients usually develop disease progression after initial treatment. This prospective phase I/II study assessed re-treatment safety and efficacy of up to six additional radium-223 injections.

Patients and methods

Patients had castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases and six initial radium-223 injections with no on-treatment bone progression; all had subsequent radiologic or clinical progression. Concomitant agents were allowed at investigator discretion, excluding chemotherapy and initiation of new abiraterone or enzalutamide. The primary endpoint was safety; additional exploratory endpoints included time to radiographic bone progression, time to total alkaline phosphatase and prostate-specific antigen progression, radiographic progression-free survival, overall survival, time to first symptomatic skeletal event (SSE), SSE-free survival, and time to pain progression.

Results

Among 44 patients, 29 (66%) received all six re-treatment injections. Median time from end of initial radium-223 treatment was 6 months. Forty-one (93%) reported ≥1 treatment-emergent adverse event. No grade 4–5 hematologic treatment-emergent adverse events occurred. Only one (2%) patient had radiographic bone progression; eight (18%) had radiographic soft tissue tumor progression (three lymph node and five visceral metastases). Median times to total alkaline phosphatase and prostate-specific antigen progression were not reached and 2.2 months, respectively. Median radiographic progression-free survival was 9.9 months (12.8-month maximum follow-up). Five (11%) patients died and eight (18%) experienced first SSEs. Median overall survival, time to first SSE, and SSE-free survival were not reached. Five (14%) of 36 evaluable patients (baseline worst pain score ≤7) had pain progression. After 2 years of follow-up, 28 (64%) patients died, and the median overall survival was 24.4 months.

Conclusions

Re-treatment with a second course of six radium-223 injections after disease progression is well tolerated, with minimal hematologic toxicity and low radiographic bone progression rates in this small study with limited follow-up. Favorable safety and early effects on disease progression indicate that radium-223 re-treatment is feasible and warrants further evaluation in larger prospective trials.

Effect of pectasol-c modified citrus pectin (P-MCP) treatment (tx) on PSA dynamics in non-metastatic biochemically relapsed prostate cancer (BRPC) patients (pts): Results of a prospective phase II study

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Background: 30% of pts with localized PC will have a biochemical relapse post local tx. The optimal tx of these pts remains elusive. While androgen deprivation therapy is effective in reducing PSA level, its long-term benefit on survival remain undefined, and it is associated with significant cumulative toxicities.Thus, evaluation of new non-toxic compounds in this pt population is warranted. P-MCP is a competitive inhibitor of galectin-3, a carbohydrate-binding protein, which is known to be involved in cancer pathogenesis. Pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that P-MCP is active in PC. We aimed to evaluate the safety and PSA dynamics of tx with P-MCP in pts with BRPC. Methods: Pts with non-castrate non-metastatic BRPC were enrolled in a prospective phase 2 study of tx with oral P-MCP, at 4.8 grams X 3/day for 6 months (mos). Pts that did not progress clinically, biochemically (PSA), and radiologically, at 6 mos, were treated for subsequent 12 mos. Sample size provided 85% power to assess a decrease in PSA progression rate from 80% (natural history) to 40% (P-MCP tx) at 6 mos. Results: The study was initiated in June 2013. 35 pts were enrolled. Median age was 74 years. Treatment of the primary tumor consisted of surgery in 11% (n = 4), radiation in 69% (n = 24), and both in 20% (n = 7). No pt had tx related grade 3/4 toxicity. One patient withdrew his consent after 1 mos. Of the 34 pts analyzed, 18% (n = 6) had grade 1 toxicity. 62% (n = 21) had a stabilization/decrease of PSA, and negative scans, at 6 mos, and entered the second 12 mos tx phase. A stabilization or improvement (increase) of PSA doubling time was noted in 79% (n = 27) of pts. Disease progression at 6 mos was noted in 38% (n = 13: PSA only 29%, n = 10; PSA and scans 9%, n = 3). Conclusions: The present study suggests a potential benefit of P-MCP tx on progression of BRPC. P-MCP tx is safe. Clinical trial information: NCT01681823.

Radium-223 retreatment in an international, open-label, phase 1/2 study in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer and bone metastases: 2-year follow-up

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Background: Radium-223 (Ra-223) treatment (tx) is indicated for patients (pts) with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and symptomatic bone metastases (mets) (6 × 55 kBq/kg IV injections [inj]; 1 inj q4wk). Early results of an international, open-label, phase 1/2 study (NCT01934790) showed that re-treating pts with Ra-223 was well tolerated with favorable effects on disease progression. Here we report safety and efficacy findings from a 2-year follow-up. Methods: Pts with CRPC and bone mets who completed 6 initial Ra-223 inj with no disease progression in bone and later progressed were eligible for Ra-223 re-tx (6 additional Ra-223 inj), provided that hematologic parameters were adequate. No concomitant cytotoxic agents were allowed; other concomitant agents (eg, abiraterone, enzalutamide) were allowed at investigator discretion. The primary objective was safety. Exploratory objectives were time to radiographic bone progression, radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), overall survival (OS), time to first symptomatic skeletal event (SSE), and SSE-free survival, all calculated from re-tx start. Pts will be followed for safety up to 7 years after last Ra-223 dose; an active 2-year follow-up evaluated exploratory objectives. Safety results from the active follow-up period and updated efficacy are reported. Results: 44 pts were re-treated with Ra-223; 29 (66%) completed all 6 inj (median number inj = 6). 34 (77%) of 44 pts entered active follow-up, during which no new safety concerns were noted. One new primary malignancy was reported (basal cell carcinoma). There were no serious drug-related adverse events. 19 (43%) of 44 pts had an rPFS event (radiographic progression or death); median rPFS was 9.9 months. Only 5 (11%) of 44 pts had radiographic bone progression; median time to radiographic bone progression was not reached. Median OS was 24.4 months. Median time to first SSE and SSE-free survival were 16.7 and 12.8 months, respectively. Conclusions: Re-treating with Ra-223 was well tolerated in this select pt population, led to minimal hematologic toxicity, and provided continued disease control in bone at 2-year follow-up. Clinical trial information: NCT01934790.

Abstract P1-16-03: An open-label, multicenter phase 1b trial of radium-223 + paclitaxel in cancer patients with bone metastases: Safety results from the breast cancer patient subgroup

Background: Taxanes have an established role in treating breast cancer (BC), and combination with radium-223 (Ra-223) may be an option in patients (pts) with bone metastases. Both therapies impact hematologic parameters, but myelosuppression risk in combination is unknown. A phase 1b trial (NCT02442063) in cancer pts with bone metastases studied Ra-223+paclitaxel (PTX) safety and mode of interaction regarding myelosuppression; BC subgroup safety results are presented.

Methods: Eligible pts had a malignant solid tumor with ≥2 bone metastases and were PTX candidates. Treatment (tx) was 7 PTX cycles (90 mg/m2/wk IV per local standard of care, 3 wk on/1wk off) + 6 Ra-223 cycles (55 kBq/kg IV; 1 injection q4wk, starting at PTX cycle 2). Primary endpoint was % pts with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia during Ra-223+PTX (cycles 2, 3) vs PTX alone (cycle 1). A dose-exposure-response model describing time course of Ra-223+PTX–induced suppression of absolute neutrophil counts was used to evaluate Ra-223+PTX mode of interaction (additive or synergistic) in the total population.

Results: 15/22 enrolled pts were treated (total population); 7 had BC (BC subgroup). Baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were similar; ECOG PS was better in BC pts (Table). Fewer BC pts had prior taxane therapy (29% vs 53%), but rates of ≥3 prior chemotherapy regimens were similar (43% vs 47%). BC pts, vs total population, had slightly longer median tx duration for Ra-223 (6 vs 5.5 cycles) and PTX (7 vs 6 cycles), and more pts who completed 6 Ra-223 doses (57% vs 47%). Tx discontinuation related to disease progression in 29% of BC pts vs 33% in total population. Table shows TEAEs. In the BC subgroup, all 7 pts completed cycle 3 and Gr 3 neutropenia rates were 43% in cycle 2 and 14% in cycle 3, vs 29% in cycle 1; there was no Gr 4 neutropenia or Gr 3/4 thrombocytopenia. In the total population, 13 pts completing cycle 3 were in the pharmacodynamics analysis. Their Gr 3 neutropenia rates were 31% in cycle 2 and 8% in cycle 3, vs 23% in cycle 1; there was no Gr 4 neutropenia or Gr 3/4 thrombocytopenia. Myelosuppression model for the total population showed an additive effect of Ra-223 to PTX-induced neutropenia, with an additional 10% average decrease in absolute neutrophil count vs PTX alone. BC subgroup modeling was not feasible due to small sample size.

 Total Population n=15BC Subgroup n=7Median age (range), y61(45-76)58(45-68)Tumor type, n (%)  Breast7(47)7(100)Prostate4(27)0Bladder1(7)0Non-small cell lung1(7)0Other2(13)0ECOG score, n (%)  06(40)5(71)18(53)1(14)Prior taxane therapy, n (%)8(53)2(29)≥3 prior chemotherapy regimens, n (%)7(47)3(43)TEAEs, n (%)  Gr 3/49(60)2(29)Serious6(40)2(29)Gr 3/4 TEAEs, n (%)*  Neutrophil count decreased6(40)3(43)White blood cell count decreased4(27)2(29) TEAE=treatment-emergent adverse event.*In &gt;15% of patients.

Conclusions: Ra-223 was well tolerated when combined with PTX in pts with solid tumors and bone metastases. The BC subgroup vs total population had slightly higher hematologic AE rates, but fewer Gr 3/4 and serious TEAEs; more BC pts also completed study tx. The combination should be explored further in pts with bone metastases.

Citation Format: Danson SJ, Perets R, Lopez J, Joensuu H, Peer A, Harris SJ, Souza F, Ploeger B, Pereira KMC, Geva R. An open-label, multicenter phase 1b trial of radium-223 + paclitaxel in cancer patients with bone metastases: Safety results from the breast cancer patient subgroup [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-16-03.

Abstract P4-02-02: Contrast-enhanced MRI does not accurately predict pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early or locally advanced breast cancer

Background: Patients with early or locally advanced breast cancer achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy have a lower risk for recurrence or death compared to patients with residual invasive cancer. In the future, breast surgery might be avoided in patients in whom the presence of residual tumor after neoadjuvant therapy can be ruled out with very high confidence. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to be the most accurate radiologic tool in breast cancer diagnostics and follow-up care. Therefore, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced MRI to predict a pathological complete remission after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods: This retrospective study included all non-metastatic breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by a contrast-enhanced MRI and breast cancer surgery at our institution between 09/2006 and 05/2016. Three specialized breast radiologists, blinded to the clinical and pathological data, reevaluated all preoperative MRI scans and recorded the presence or absence of contrast enhancement as indicator for residual cancer. pCR was defined as no invasive tumor in breast and axilla (ypT0/is N0), however 3 alternative definitions were investigated as well (ypT0 N0, ypT0/is and ypT). Cross tables were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity, pCR-predictive value (PPV), non-pCR-predictive value (NPV) and accuracy. P-values reflecting PPV and NPV differences between various patient subgroups were calculated with Fisher's exact test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for estimates of distant-recurrence-free survival (DRFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results: In total, 246 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Overall pCR and radiologic complete remission (rCR) rate were 29% and 45%, respectively. Only 48% of rCR corresponded to a pCR (PPV). Conversely, in 87% of cases, residual tumor in the MRI was pathologically confirmed (NPV). The sensitivity to detect a pCR was 75%, while specificity and accuracy were 67% and 69%, respectively. The diagnostic performance of MRI to predict treatment response varied between different histologic and molecular tumor subtypes, however there were little differences between the 4 pCR definitions. The PPV was significantly lower in the hormone-receptor(HR)-positive subgroup compared with the HR-negative subgroup (33% vs. 61%; P = 0.004), especially in luminal-A-like (7%) and lobular carcinomas (0%), respectively. Despite the low concordance (Kohens kappa -0.1), the prognostic value for distant recurrence-free survival was similar between rCR (HR 0.29) and pCR (HR 0.27), respectively. The median pathologic tumor size of residual disease in false-positive cases (rCR but no pCR) was 0.7 cm (SD 0.98 cm).

Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced MRI does not accurately predict pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early or locally advanced breast cancer, especially in HR-positive tumors. However, in case of false rCR the dimension of residual disease is generally small. Since residual tumor tissue can be detected with high precision, preoperative breast MRI is still of value for operation planning.

Citation Format: Gampenrieder SP, Peer A, Weismann C, Meissnitzer M, Rinnerthaler G, Webhofer J, Westphal T, Popovscaia M, Meissnitzer T, Reitsamer R, Hauser-Kronberger C, Egger H, Hergan K, Mlineritsch B, Greil R. Contrast-enhanced MRI does not accurately predict pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early or locally advanced breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-02.

Treatment of Patients Aged over 50 Years with Non-Osseous Ewing's Sarcoma Family Tumors: Five Cases and Review of Literature

Background

Most clinical trials on Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors include pediatric and adolescent populations, whereas clinical data on older patients are limited.

Patients and Methods

We report on 5 patients older than 50 years with a tumor of the Ewing's sarcoma family treated recently in our department.

Results

Myelosuppression and infectious complications were the main toxicity encountered. Major dose reductions and/or treatment delays were required in all 5 patients. One patient died of septic shock. Complete remission was achieved in the remaining 4 patients with the addition of different treatment modalities. One patient had lung metastasis 3 years after starting chemotherapy, and 3 patients have remained without evidence of recurrent disease for 1–6 years from the onset of chemotherapy.

Conclusions

There is no definite answer as to whether older age is a poor prognostic factor in patients with a tumor of the Ewing's sarcoma family. In our experience, patients over 50 poorly tolerated the standard chemotherapy protocol used in the pediatric population.

Ramucirumab plus docetaxel versus placebo plus docetaxel in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma after platinum-based therapy (RANGE): a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

Few treatments with a distinct mechanism of action are available for patients with platinum-refractory advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma. We assessed the efficacy and safety of treatment with docetaxel plus either ramucirumab-a human IgG1 VEGFR-2 antagonist-or placebo in this patient population.

METHODS

We did a randomised, double-blind, phase 3 trial in patients with advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients were enrolled from 124 sites in 23 countries. Previous treatment with one immune-checkpoint inhibitor was permitted. Patients were randomised (1:1) using an interactive web response system to receive intravenous docetaxel 75 mg/m2 plus either intravenous ramucirumab 10 mg/kg or matching placebo on day 1 of repeating 21-day cycles, until disease progression or other discontinuation criteria were met. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival, analysed by intention-to-treat in the first 437 randomised patients. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02426125.

FINDINGS

Between July, 2015, and April, 2017, 530 patients were randomly allocated either ramucirumab plus docetaxel (n=263) or placebo plus docetaxel (n=267). Progression-free survival was prolonged significantly in patients allocated ramucirumab plus docetaxel versus placebo plus docetaxel (median 4·07 months [95% CI 2·96-4·47] vs 2·76 months [2·60-2·96]; hazard ratio [HR] 0·757, 95% CI 0·607-0·943; p=0·0118). A blinded independent central analysis was consistent with these results. An objective response was achieved by 53 (24·5%, 95% CI 18·8-30·3) of 216 patients allocated ramucirumab and 31 (14·0%, 9·4-18·6) of 221 assigned placebo. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events, regardless of causality, in either treatment group (any grade) were fatigue, alopecia, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, and nausea. These events occurred predominantly at grade 1-2 severity. The frequency of grade 3 or worse adverse events was similar for patients allocated ramucirumab and placebo (156 [60%] of 258 vs 163 [62%] of 265 had an adverse event), with no unexpected toxic effects. 63 (24%) of 258 patients allocated ramucirumab and 54 (20%) of 265 assigned placebo had a serious adverse event that was judged by the investigator to be related to treatment. 38 (15%) of 258 patients allocated ramucirumab and 43 (16%) of 265 assigned placebo died on treatment or within 30 days of discontinuation, of which eight (3%) and five (2%) deaths were deemed related to treatment by the investigator. Sepsis was the most common adverse event leading to death on treatment (four [2%] vs none [0%]). One fatal event of neutropenic sepsis was reported in a patient allocated ramucirumab.

INTERPRETATION

To the best of our knowledge, ramucirumab plus docetaxel is the first regimen in a phase 3 study to show superior progression-free survival over chemotherapy in patients with platinum-refractory advanced urothelial carcinoma. These data validate inhibition of VEGFR-2 signalling as a potential new therapeutic treatment option for patients with urothelial carcinoma.

FUNDING

Eli Lilly and Company.