Predictive performance of Shock Index for postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

The Shock Index (SI), defined as heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure, is reportedly an early surrogate indicator for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). However, most previous studies have used clinical data of women who delivered vaginally. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the SI pattern during cesarean delivery and determine its usefulness in detecting PPH.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study using the clinical data of women (n = 331) who underwent cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at term between 2018 and 2021. We assessed the SI pattern stratified by total blood loss and evaluated the predictive performance of each vital sign in detecting PPH (total blood loss ≥1000 mL) based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

At 10-15 min after delivery, the mean SI peaked between 0.84 and 0.90 and then decreased to a level between 0.72 and 0.77, which was similar to that upon entering the operating room. Among 331 women, 91 (27.5%) were diagnosed with PPH. There was no correlation between SI and total blood loss (rs = 0.02). The SI had low ability to detect PPH (AUROC 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.47 to 0.61), which was similar to other vital signs (AUROCs 0.53-0.56).

CONCLUSION

We determined the pattern of SI during cesarean delivery. We found no correlation between SI and total blood loss. Unlike in vaginal delivery, the prognostic accuracy of SI for PPH detection in cesarean delivery was low.

Impact of lymph node dissection on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with postoperative recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer

Background

The effect of lymph node dissection (LND) on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the difference in the effect of ICI between patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) according to the extent of LND performed in surgery prior to postoperative recurrence.

Methods

A total of 134 patients with postoperative recurrence (surgery group, n=26) or unresectable advanced lung cancer (non-surgery group, n=108) who were treated with ICIs between January 2016 and December 2022 were included for analysis. In the surgery group, 16 patients underwent systematic LND, whereas the remaining 10 patients underwent selective LND. Progression-free survival with ICI treatment (ICI-PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the surgery and non-surgery groups and between the systematic and selective LND groups using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method to adjust for patient background characteristics.

Results

In the IPTW-adjusted analysis, the 2-year PFS rate with ICI treatment was 31.2% in the surgery group and 27.3% in the non-surgery group (P=0.19); the corresponding 2-year OS rates were 69.6% and 62.2%, respectively (P=0.10). In the surgery group, the 2-year PFS rates under ICI were 20.0% in the systematic LND group and 45.7% in the selective LND group (P=0.03).

Conclusions

IPTW-adjusted analysis indicated no difference in prognosis between patients with postoperative recurrence and those with advanced unresectable lung cancer. However, in patients with postoperative recurrence, the extent of LND was a significant predictor of ICI-PFS. These findings suggest that systematic LND may reduce the efficacy of ICI, indicating that preoperative ICI administration may be warranted.

Temporal changes in treatment patterns by age group and functional status before and after PD-1/L1 inhibitor approvals in advanced urothelial carcinoma

Introduction

Metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) has poor prognosis. A high unmet need exists for novel treatment for those who are unfit for platinum-based chemotherapy.

Methods

We aimed to describe real-world temporal changes in patient characteristics and 1L treatment selection for mUC patients in the United States following the approval of anti-PD-1/L1 treatments. This study was a retrospective, observational study using anonymized and structured oncology electronic medical record (EMR) data from IQVIA and the US Oncology Network iKnowMed (USON).

Results

After approval of 1L anti-PD-1/L1 treatment for mUC, there is a marked increase in the use of 1L anti-PD-1/L1 monotherapies, accompanied by a proportional decrease in 1L platinum-based treatments and non-guideline-based therapy; particularly among the elderly (> 75 years) and those with poor ECOG performance status (ECOG PS 2+).

Discussion

Anti-PD-1/L1 monotherapies fulfill the prior unmet need of frail mUC patients who are ineligible for platinum-based therapies.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Pembrolizumab as an Adjuvant Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma Post-nephrectomy in the United States

INTRODUCTION

Pembrolizumab was recently approved as an adjuvant treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), based on prolonged disease-free survival compared to placebo in the phase III KEYNOTE-564 trial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pembrolizumab as monotherapy in the adjuvant treatment of RCC post-nephrectomy, from a US health sector perspective.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A Markov model with 4 health states (disease-free, locoregional recurrence, distant metastases, and death) was developed to compare the cost and effectiveness of pembrolizumab versus routine surveillance or sunitinib. Transition probabilities were estimated using patient-level KEYNOTE-564 data (cutoff: June 14, 2021), a retrospective study, and published literature. Costs of adjuvant and subsequent treatments, adverse events, disease management, and terminal care were estimated in 2022 US$. Utilities were based on EQ-5D-5L data collected in KEYNOTE-564. Outcomes included costs, life-years (LYs), and quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs). Robustness was assessed through one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Total cost per patient was $549,353 for pembrolizumab, $505,094 for routine surveillance, and $602,065 for sunitinib. Over a lifetime, pembrolizumab provided gains of 0.96 QALYs (1.00 LYs) compared to routine surveillance, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $46,327/QALY. Pembrolizumab dominated sunitinib with 0.89 QALYs (0.91 LYs) gained while saving costs. At a $150,000/QALY threshold, pembrolizumab was cost-effective versus both routine surveillance and sunitinib in 84.2% of probabilistic simulations.

CONCLUSION

Pembrolizumab is projected to be cost-effective as an adjuvant RCC treatment versus routine surveillance or sunitinib based on a typical willingness-to-pay threshold.

Evaluation of a Natural Language Processing Model to Identify and Characterize Patients in the United States With High-Risk Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE

Treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is guided by risk stratification using clinical and pathologic criteria. This study aimed to develop a natural language processing (NLP) model for identifying patients with high-risk NMIBC retrospectively from unstructured electronic medical records (EMRs) and to apply the model to describe patient and tumor characteristics.

METHODS

We used three independent EMR-derived data sets including adult patients with a bladder cancer diagnosis in 2011-2020 for NLP model development and training (n = 140), validation (n = 697), and application for the retrospective cohort analysis (n = 4,402). Deep learning methods were used to train NLP recognition of medical chart terminology to identify seven high-risk NMIBC criteria; model performance was assessed using the F1 score, weighted across features. An algorithm was then used to classify each patient as high-risk NMIBC (yes/no). Manually reviewed records served as the gold standard.

RESULTS

The F1 scores after model training were >0.7 for all but one uncommon feature (prostatic urethral involvement). The highest area under the receiver operating curves (AUC) was observed for Ta (0.897) and T1 (0.897); the lowest AUC was for carcinoma in situ (CIS; 0.617). For high-risk NMIBC classification, positive predictive value was 79.4%, negative predictive value was 93.2%, and false-positive rate was 8.9%. Sensitivity and specificity were 83.7% and 91.1%, respectively. Of 748 patients manually confirmed as having high-risk NMIBC, 196 (26%) had CIS (of whom 19% also had T1 and 23% also had Ta disease); 552 tumors (74%) had no associated CIS.

CONCLUSION

The NLP model, combined with a rule-based algorithm, identified high-risk NMIBC with good performance and will enable future work to study real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes for high-risk NMIBC.

Measurement of Direct-Photon Cross Section and Double-Helicity Asymmetry at sqrt[s]=510 GeV in p[over →]+p[over →] Collisions

We present measurements of the cross section and double-helicity asymmetry A_{LL} of direct-photon production in p[over →]+p[over →] collisions at sqrt[s]=510  GeV. The measurements have been performed at midrapidity (|η|<0.25) with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider. At relativistic energies, direct photons are dominantly produced from the initial quark-gluon hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force at leading order. Therefore, at sqrt[s]=510  GeV, where leading-order-effects dominate, these measurements provide clean and direct access to the gluon helicity in the polarized proton in the gluon-momentum-fraction range 0.02<x<0.08, with direct sensitivity to the sign of the gluon contribution.

Surgical technique for preventing lung torsion after right upper and lower bilobectomy

In cases of right upper and lower bilobectomy, careful manipulation is required to avoid lung torsion, as only the right middle lobe remains in the right thoracic cavity. We report a case of successful right upper and lower bilobectomy with no torsion of the middle lobe. Our technique prevents postoperative lung torsion by fixing the lung to the chest wall and pericardial fat with silk threads. In situations where lung torsion is a concern after lung resection, fixing the remaining lungs with silk thread is effective in preventing lung torsion.

Efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in metastatic urothelial carcinoma: results from KEYNOTE-045 and KEYNOTE-052 after up to 5 years of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a standard therapy in metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). Long-term follow-up is necessary to confirm durability of response and identify further safety concerns.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In KEYNOTE-045, patients with metastatic UC that progressed on platinum-containing chemotherapy were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pembrolizumab or investigator's choice of paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine. Primary endpoints were progression-free survival per RECIST version 1.1 by blinded independent central review (BICR) and overall survival. In KEYNOTE-052, cisplatin-ineligible patients with metastatic UC received first-line pembrolizumab. The primary endpoint was objective response rate per RECIST version 1.1 by BICR.

RESULTS

A total of 542 patients (pembrolizumab, n = 270; chemotherapy, n = 272) were randomly assigned in KEYNOTE-045. The median follow-up was 62.9 months (range 58.6-70.9 months; data cut-off 1 October 2020). At 48 months, overall survival rates were 16.7% for pembrolizumab and 10.1% for chemotherapy; progression-free survival rates were 9.5% and 2.7%, respectively. The median duration of response (DOR) was 29.7 months (range 1.6+ to 60.5+ months) for pembrolizumab and 4.4 months (range 1.4+ to 63.1+ months) for chemotherapy; 36-month DOR rates were 44.4% and 28.3%, respectively. A total of 370 patients were enrolled in KEYNOTE-052. The median follow-up was 56.3 months (range 51.2-65.3 months; data cut-off 26 September 2020). The confirmed objective response rate was 28.9% (95% confidence interval 24.3-33.8), and the median DOR was 33.4 months (range 1.4+ to 60.7+ months); the 36-month DOR rate was 44.8%. Most treatment-related adverse events for pembrolizumab in either study were grade 1 or 2 and manageable, which is consistent with prior reports.

CONCLUSION

With ∼5 years of follow-up, pembrolizumab monotherapy continued to demonstrate durable efficacy with no new safety signals in patients with platinum-resistant metastatic UC and as first-line therapy in cisplatin-ineligible patients.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY AND ID

With ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02256436 (KEYNOTE-045); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02256436 and NCT02335424 (KEYNOTE-052); https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02335424.

Adjuvant pembrolizumab (pembro) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) across UCLA Integrated Staging System (UISS) risk groups and disease stage: Subgroup analyses from the KEYNOTE-564 study

679

Background: Adjuvant pembro prolonged disease-free survival (DFS) for patients (pts) with RCC at increased risk of recurrence after nephrectomy in the phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 study (NCT03142334). This post hoc exploratory analysis evaluated efficacy of adjuvant pembro in pt subgroups based on UISS and disease stage. Methods: Pts with histologically confirmed clear cell RCC (pT2, Grade [G] 4 or sarcomatoid, N0, M0; pT3 or pT4, any G, N0, M0; any pT, any G, N+, M0; or M1 NED) were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pembro 200 mg IV or placebo (pbo) every 3 weeks for ≤17 cycles (~1 y). DFS was assessed by investigator. UISS risk groups were derived retrospectively from TNM stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade, and ECOG PS. UISS groups were intermediate risk (pT2, G4, N0, M0; pT3, G1, N0, M0; or pT3, G2-4, N0, M0, ECOG 0), high risk (pT3, G2-4, N0, M0, ECOG PS 1; pT4, any G, N0, M0; or N1, M0), or M1 NED. Other subgroups were evaluated based on disease stage. Results: Baseline characteristics were balanced within subgroups. Median follow-up was 30.1 mo (range 20.8-47.5). Of 994 enrolled pts, most had UISS intermediate risk (n = 732, 73.6%; pembro n = 359; pbo n = 373); 195 pts (19.6%; pembro n = 100; pbo n = 95) had UISS high risk, and 58 pts (5.8%; pembro and pbo n = 29 each) had M1 NED. In the UISS intermediate risk group, the hazard ratio (HR) for DFS was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.48-0.88; 24-mo rates, pembro: 81.5%, pbo: 72.4%). In the UISS high-risk group, HR for DFS was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.49-1.20; 24-mo rates, pembro: 65.0%, pbo: 55.9%). In the M1 NED group, HR for DFS was 0.28 (95% CI, 0.12-0.66; 24-mo rates, pembro: 78.4%, pbo: 37.9%). DFS by disease stage is in the Table. Conclusions: Consistent with the results of the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, adjuvant pembro prolonged DFS compared with pbo for all subgroups. Results of this exploratory analysis further support the use of adjuvant pembro after nephrectomy as standard of care for pts with RCC at increased risk of recurrence. Clinical trial information: NCT03142334 . [Table: see text]

Heterogeneity in physician and patient preferences for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma: Evidence from latent class analysis

661

Background: To inform shared decision-making, it is important to learn how patients or physicians trade off the features of adjuvant treatments and whether there is heterogeneity within preferences. Methods: An online discrete-choice experiment survey was administered to patients with physician-confirmed renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and physician-defined intermediate high/high risk of recurrence and physicians who treat such patients. Hypothetical treatment choices were defined by median disease-free survival (DFS); 5-year overall survival (OS) rate; mode and frequency of administration; need for concomitant daily pill; treatment duration; and the risks of severe diarrhea, fatigue, and dizziness. After making an adjuvant treatment choice, respondents were presented with the opportunity to opt out of treatment. Patient and physician choice data were analyzed separately using latent class (LC) models, which identify clusters within patients and physicians making similar choices. Each class’ preference weights were used to calculate the conditional relative attribute importance. Results: LC analysis identified three classes among the 250 patients (% respondents) that placed greater relative importance on: 1) 5-year OS and opting into treatment (37.5%), 2) median DFS and opting into treatment (26.9%), and 3) treatment duration and opting out of treatment (35.5%) (Table). Among the 250 physicians, the LC analysis identified three classes that placed greater relative importance on: 1) 5-year OS and recommending treatment (37.5%), 2) median DFS and recommending treatment (37.8%), and 3) not recommending treatment (24.7%). Additionally, each LC analysis showed that the other treatment attributes evaluated were less important, but the importance varied by LC (Table). Conclusions: Heterogeneity in physician and patient preferences for RCC adjuvant therapy was found, highlighting a need for shared decision-making. Discordance within patients and physicians in the propensity to opt out of adjuvant treatment suggests patient-physician dialogue is important. [Table: see text]

Uptake of maintenance immunotherapy and changes in upstream treatment selection in patients with advanced urothelial cancer (aUC)

466

Background: In July 2020, the FDA approved avelumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), for maintenance treatment of aUC that has not progressed with first-line (1L) platinum-containing chemotherapy (chemo). Availability of avelumab may have influenced upstream treatment selection between 1L chemo and 1L ICI (pembrolizumab or atezolizumab). We described avelumab use in real-world practice and determined whether 1L treatment choice changed following its approval. Methods: This cohort study used Flatiron Health’s nationwide de-identified EHR-derived database. Included patients started 1L therapy for aUC in the US before (April 1 2017 to June 30 2020) or after (July 1 2020 to May 31 2022) avelumab approval. We calculated the proportion of patients initiating 1L chemo (carboplatin- or cisplatin-based) or ICI during the pre- and post- avelumab approval periods. Time trends were estimated using multinomial logistic regression for 1L treatment choice regressed on time modeled via a natural cubic spline, allowing for a discontinuity in the time trend at the time of FDA approval. Differences in probabilities of 1L treatment in July 2020 (immediately following approval) compared to June 2020 (immediately prior to approval) were calculated. Maintenance avelumab use was described among patients treated with 1L chemo in the post-approval period, and in a sensitivity analysis, among ‘maintenance eligible’ patients defined as those who were progression-free 28 weeks after 1L chemo start. Results: Among all 1L treatment initiators (n=3,507), the FDA approval of maintenance avelumab was followed by increased use of 1L carboplatin-based chemo (+9.9%; 95% CI 1.1-17.2%) but no significant changes in the use of ICI (-5.8%; 95% CI -15.9-4.4%) or cisplatin-based chemo (-4.2%; 95% CI -12.7-5.2%) (Table). Among patients treated with 1L platinum-chemo (n=485), probability of initiating maintenance avelumab increased over time. In the 22 months after approval, approximately 20.4% (n=99/485) of all 1L chemo-treated patients and 24.3% (n=78/321) of maintenance eligible patients received maintenance avelumab. Conclusions: We found modest uptake of maintenance avelumab for aUC after FDA approval. Potential reasons include limited clinician awareness of maintenance immunotherapy and/or patient preferences against long-term treatment after response to initial chemo. Our finding of higher treatment starts with carboplatin-based chemo in the post-maintenance period suggests increasing preference by clinicians of a strategy that provides patients an opportunity for two effective treatment options. Real-world data can provide important insights on community response to regulatory approvals. [Table: see text]

Patient and physician preferences for adjuvant treatment of renal cell carcinoma: A discrete-choice experiment

635

Background: Although a handful of studies have elicited treatment preferences in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), most focused on advanced disease. This study elicited United States patients’ and physicians’ preferences for adjuvant treatment characteristics. Methods: Patients with physician-confirmed RCC and (physician-defined) intermediate high or high risk of recurrence and physicians who treat such patients completed online surveys in Q1-Q2 2022 with a discrete-choice experiment. Hypothetical treatments were described by median disease-free survival (DFS); 5-year overall survival (OS) rate; mode and frequency of administration; need for concomitant daily pill; treatment duration; and the risks of severe diarrhea, fatigue, and dizziness. Preference weight estimates from random parameter logit analysis were used to calculate the conditional relative importance of attributes and risk tolerance measures. Results: 250 patients (50% post-nephrectomy) and 250 physicians (64% oncologists; 36% urologists) completed the survey. OS was the most important attribute to both patients and physicians, but DFS was also important (Table). OS had a greater influence on physicians’ choices than on patients’ choices. On average, OS was 3.2 and 2.5 times as important as DFS and 5.8-9.1 and 2.4-3 times more important than the evaluated risks for physicians and patients, respectively. Further, DFS was 1.8-2.9 times more important to physicians than the evaluated risks, while the importance of DFS and risks were nearly equivalent for patients. The need for concomitant oral medication was the least important attribute to patients and physicians. Both groups were willing to accept more than a 25-percentage-point increase in the risks of severe diarrhea, fatigue, and dizziness for improvements (from 45% to 60% or 85%) in OS. Conclusions: While both patients and physicians weighted OS improvements more than the other treatment attributes, including risks, physicians tended to place lower importance on changes in risk and administration than patients. Physicians and patients should discuss potential benefits and harms when considering adjuvant RCC therapies. [Table: see text]

Long non-coding RNA lnc-CHAF1B-3 promotes renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating EMT-related genes in renal proximal tubular cells

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a common pathological manifestation of chronic kidney diseases. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubular epithelial cells is considered a major cause of RIF. Although long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reportedly involved in various pathophysiological processes, the roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in the progression of RIF are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the function of lncRNAs in RIF. Microarray assays showed that expression of the lncRNA lnc-CHAF1B-3 (also called claudin 14 antisense RNA 1) was significantly upregulated in human renal proximal tubular cells by both transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and hypoxic stimulation, accompanied with increased expression of EMT-related genes. Knockdown of lnc-CHAF1B-3 significantly suppressed TGF-β1-induced upregulated expression of collagen type I alpha 1, cadherin-2, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, snail family transcriptional repressor I (SNAI1) and SNAI2. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR analyses of paraffin-embedded kidney biopsy samples from IgA nephropathy patients revealed lnc-CHAF1B-3 expression was correlated positively with urinary protein levels and correlated negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate. In situ hybridization demonstrated that lnc-CHAF1B-3 is expressed only in proximal tubules. These findings suggest lnc-CHAF1B-3 affects the progression of RIF by regulating EMT-related signaling. Thus, lnc-CHAF1B-3 is a potential target in the treatment of RIF.

Pembrolizumab versus placebo as post-nephrectomy adjuvant therapy for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (KEYNOTE-564): 30-month follow-up analysis of a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

The first interim analysis of the KEYNOTE-564 study showed improved disease-free survival with adjuvant pembrolizumab compared with placebo after surgery in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma at an increased risk of recurrence. The analysis reported here, with an additional 6 months of follow-up, was designed to assess longer-term efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab versus placebo, as well as additional secondary and exploratory endpoints.

METHODS

In the multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial, adults aged 18 years or older with clear cell renal cell carcinoma with an increased risk of recurrence were enrolled at 213 hospitals and cancer centres in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Eligible participants had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1, had undergone nephrectomy 12 weeks or less before randomisation, and had not received previous systemic therapy for advanced renal cell carcinoma. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) via central permuted block randomisation (block size of four) to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo intravenously every 3 weeks for up to 17 cycles. Randomisation was stratified by metastatic disease status (M0 vs M1), and the M0 group was further stratified by ECOG performance status and geographical region. All participants and investigators involved in study treatment administration were masked to the treatment group assignment. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival by investigator assessment in the intention-to-treat population (all participants randomly assigned to a treatment). Safety was assessed in the safety population, comprising all participants who received at least one dose of pembrolizumab or placebo. As the primary endpoint was met at the first interim analysis, updated data are reported without p values. This study is ongoing, but no longer recruiting, and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03142334.

FINDINGS

Between June 30, 2017, and Sept 20, 2019, 994 participants were assigned to receive pembrolizumab (n=496) or placebo (n=498). Median follow-up, defined as the time from randomisation to data cutoff (June 14, 2021), was 30·1 months (IQR 25·7-36·7). Disease-free survival was better with pembrolizumab compared with placebo (HR 0·63 [95% CI 0·50-0·80]). Median disease-free survival was not reached in either group. The most common all-cause grade 3-4 adverse events were hypertension (in 14 [3%] of 496 participants) and increased alanine aminotransferase (in 11 [2%]) in the pembrolizumab group, and hypertension (in 13 [3%] of 498 participants) in the placebo group. Serious adverse events attributed to study treatment occurred in 59 (12%) participants in the pembrolizumab group and one (<1%) participant in the placebo group. No deaths were attributed to pembrolizumab.

INTERPRETATION

Updated results from KEYNOTE-564 support the use of adjuvant pembrolizumab monotherapy as a standard of care for participants with renal cell carcinoma with an increased risk of recurrence after nephrectomy.

FUNDING

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA.

Impact of label restriction on checkpoint-inhibitor use in bladder cancer and changes in mortality

In 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limited the indication for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in metastatic bladder cancer to patients with programmed cell death protein ligand-1 (PD-L1)–positive tumors. The impact of the label change on survival outcomes remains unknown. We conducted a controlled interrupted time series analysis using a nationwide electronic health record–derived oncology dataset. We used Cox regression to compare mortality in the post- vs prelabel change periods among affected (initiators of ICI or carboplatin-based chemotherapy) vs unaffected (initiators of cisplatin-based chemotherapy) patients. The use of ICI, carboplatin, and cisplatin was similar pre- and postlabel change, but PD-L1 testing increased postlabel change. In adjusted models, survival did not differ after the FDA label change policy compared with prior to the label change in any of the groups. The FDA label restriction on immunotherapy was associated with increased PD-L1 testing but not with changes in treatment patterns or mortality among patients with metastatic bladder cancer.

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) enrolled in KEYNOTE-052 who are potentially platinum ineligible

4561

Background: Frontline cisplatin-based chemotherapy improves survival in patients (pts) with UC, but ̃50% are cisplatin-ineligible owing to poor performance status or comorbidity. The definition of platinum ineligibility is not standardized; hence, treatment decisions are almost solely made by clinical judgment. Pembrolizumab (pembro) showed antitumor activity and manageable toxicity as frontline therapy in 370 cisplatin-ineligible pts in the single arm, phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 trial (NCT02335424). We present effects of pembro on HRQoL of pts in KEYNOTE-052 who were potentially platinum ineligible in this exploratory analysis. Methods: Eligible pts for KEYNOTE-052 were adults with no prior systemic chemotherapy for advanced/metastatic UC, ECOG PS ≤2, and measurable disease per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review. Pembro 200 mg IV was administered Q3W for up to 2 y. Clinical characteristics of frail pts (platinum ineligible) were identified by extensive review of real-world treatment patterns and relevant literature. Consequently, platinum ineligibility was defined as having an ECOG PS ≥2 plus ≥1 of the following: visceral disease, creatinine clearance < 60 mL/min, or age ≥80 y. HRQoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and EQ-5D-3L during the first 4 cycles, then every 2 cycles for 1 year or until treatment discontinuation (whichever occurred first), and at least 30 days after treatment discontinuation. Key end points were change from baseline per the QLQ-C30 global health status (GHS)/QoL score, QLQ-C30 physical functioning subscale, and EQ-5D visual analog scale (VAS). The minimum important difference (MID) was 10 for QLQ-C30 score change (improved: ≥10; stable: –10 to 10; deteriorated: –10 or less); MID for VAS score change was 7 (improved: ≥7; stable: –7 to 7; deteriorated: –7 or less). Results: Median age for 143 pts was 75 y (range, 34-91); 129 pts (90.2%) had visceral disease; 142 (99.3%) had ECOG PS 2; 1 had ECOG PS 3 (enrolled in error). Compliance rate for HRQoL questionnaires was 93.7% at baseline. At the prespecified analysis time of week 9, 77.6% of pts had improved (n = 51) or stable (n = 60) QLQ-C30 GHS/QoL scores, 64.3% had improved (n = 35) or stable (n = 57) QLQ-C30 physical functioning scores, and 62.2% had improved (n = 56) or stable (n = 33) EQ-5D VAS scores. These scores were stable throughout the HRQoL assessment period for pts who continued pembro. Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis, pembro maintained HRQoL for pts with advanced/metastatic UC in KEYNOTE-052 who were potentially platinum-ineligible per the above criteria. Together with the efficacy and safety data from KEYNOTE-052, these data suggest that pembro monotherapy is a valuable treatment option for select pts with advanced UC who are more senior and/or deemed medically frail. Clinical trial information: NCT02335424.

Disease-free and overall survival outcomes for localized RCC patients by disease stage

e16526

Background: Real world evidence (RWE) on patient outcomes among early-stage non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients (pts) of different risk groups are limited. This RWE study evaluated disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) patterns and risk of OS among pts with non-metastatic RCC in the US. Methods: This retrospective analysis identified pts, age ≥18 years, with non-metastatic RCC diagnosis between 01/01/2012-12/31/2015, and surgical treatment for RCC prior to metastatic diagnosis. Pts were identified from the ConcertAI Oncology Dataset which draws electronic medical records from 100 community oncology clinics in the US and followed until 08/19/2021. Pts were stratified into intermediate (int)-high (pT2N0 high grade, pT3N0) or high risk (pT4N0, pTanyN1) RCC. Time to event outcomes (DFS, OS) were examined using Kaplan-Meier methods, and association of recurrence and 5yr OS was examined using Cox proportional hazard model, controlling for baseline and clinical characteristics. DFS was defined as time from initial nephrectomy to first recurrence or death, whichever occurred first. OS was defined as time from initial nephrectomy to death. Results: The study included 274 pts (87% int-high risk, N = 239; 13% high risk, N = 35). Overall, pts were 63.5 yrs (median age), 66% male, 78% White, and 73% had clear cell RCC. Median follow-up was 49.5 months (mths). 54% int-high and 69% high risk pts had recurrence. As seen in the table, median DFS ranged from 14.6-64.8 mths and 5yr DFS rates ranged from 10-61% across risk groups. Median OS was 83.4 mths for int-high and 78.4 mths for high risk pts; 5yr OS rate was 69% for int-high and 58% for high risk. Compared to patients without recurrence, pts with recurrence had shorter median OS (93.8 vs 69.6 mths) and lower 5yr OS rate (85% vs 57%). In pts with recurrence, 5yr OS rate was similar between int-high and high risk groups (58% and 57%). Pts with recurrence were 2.4 times (HR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.5, 3.9) more likely to die 5 yrs post initial nephrectomy compared to pts without recurrence. Conclusions: This study confirms findings from our previous research with SEER data that pts with recurrence had an increased risk of death, compared to pts without. The DFS and OS rates observed in this RWE study are supportive of DFS and OS rates observed in the placebo arm of the KEYNOTE-564 trial. Additionally, poor DFS rates were observed within subgroups of int-high risk pts. The study results indicate the high real-world unmet need in post-nephrectomy int-high or high risk localized RCC pts, highlight the need for effective adjuvant treatments, and inform the design of future interventional trials in non-metastatic RCC pts.[Table: see text]

Adjuvant pembrolizumab for postnephrectomy renal cell carcinoma (RCC): Expanded efficacy analyses from KEYNOTE-564

4512

Background: The randomized, double-blind, phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 study (NCT03142334) met its primary end point of disease-free survival with adjuvant pembrolizumab versus placebo after nephrectomy in patients with localized RCC who are at increased risk for recurrence. Extended follow-up (30-month median follow-up) continued to support the benefit of adjuvant pembrolizumab. We describe additional efficacy analyses of time to first subsequent drug treatment or any-cause death (TFST) and time from randomization to progression on next line of therapy or any-cause death (PFS2). Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed clear cell RCC, with intermediate-high or high risk for recurrence (pT2, grade 4 or sarcomatoid, N0, M0; or pT3-4, any grade, N0 M0; or pT any stage, any grade, N+ M0) after nephrectomy, or after nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions (M1 NED), were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pembrolizumab 200 mg IV or placebo Q3W for up to 17 cycles (̃1 y). Exploratory analyses of TFST and PFS2 were conducted. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate TFST and PFS2. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using a Cox regression model. Results: Of 994 patients, 496 were randomly assigned to receive pembrolizumab and 498 to placebo. Median time from randomization to the data cutoff date (June 14, 2021) was 30.1 months (range, 20.8-47.5). Overall, 67 patients (13.5%) in the pembrolizumab group and 99 patients (19.9%) in the placebo group received ≥1 line of subsequent anticancer drug therapy. Of patients who received ≥1 line of subsequent drug therapy, most in the pembrolizumab group (90.0% [60/67]) and placebo group (85.9% [85/99]) received a VEGF/VEGFR-targeted therapy; 23.9% of patients (16/67) in the pembrolizumab group and 59.6% (59/99) in the placebo group received an anti–PD-1/PD-L1 agent. Seventy-seven TFST events were observed in the pembrolizumab group; 110, in the placebo group. Compared with placebo, adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab delayed TFST (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50-0.90; medians not reached). A total of 108 PFS2 events were observed, 40 (8.1%; 12 death events and 28 progression events) in the pembrolizumab group and 68 (13.7%; 14 death events and 54 progression events) in the placebo group. PFS2 was also delayed with pembrolizumab compared with placebo (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39-0.85; medians not reached). Conclusions: Treatment with adjuvant pembrolizumab reduced risk for TFST and PFS2 compared with placebo. Results of this exploratory analyses suggest sustained clinical benefit of adjuvant pembrolizumab and support the use of adjuvant pembrolizumab after nephrectomy as standard of care for patients with localized RCC at increased risk for recurrence. Clinical trial information: NCT03142334.

Two cases of ceftriaxone-induced encephalopathy treated by hemoperfusion in hemodialysis patients

Ceftriaxone is a third‐generation cephalosporin commonly used to treat infection. However, encephalopathy is an emerging adverse effect of ceftriaxone infusion. These patients present with various symptoms, including those of neurotoxicity, that typically resolve 1 week after discontinuation of ceftriaxone. We experienced two cases of ceftriaxone‐induced encephalopathy that were successfully treated by rapid removal of ceftriaxone by hemoperfusion.

Effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on a rat model of bleomycin-induced interstitial pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Even if lung cancer is detected at an early stage, surgery may be difficult in patients with severe comorbidities, like interstitial pneumonia (IP). Radiation therapy cannot be performed due to the high risk of acute IP exacerbation. Therefore, an effective alternative, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), is required. To prove that acute exacerbation is not induced after PDT in peripheral lung cancer, we investigated the effects of PDT on IP rat models.

METHODS

Bleomycin (BLM) was administered intratracheally. Seven days after administration, left thoracotomy was performed. Talaporfin sodium was injected, and diode laser irradiation (664 nm, 150mW, 100J/cm²) was performed. Seven days after PDT, the whole blood and left lungs were collected. A total of 23 rats, comprising BLM + PDT (n = 4), BLM + non-PDT (n = 10), non-BLM + PDT (n = 2), non-BLM + non-PDT (n = 5), and two rats that died immediately after PDT were observed. Serum levels of Krebs von den Lungen-6, surfactant protein-D, lactate dehydrogenase, and serum C-reactive protein were measured. Fibrosis and macrophage scorings, and the ​​collagen fibers percentage were examined by staining with hematoxylin and eosin, Elastica van Gieson, anti-α smooth muscle antibody, and anti-CD68 antibodies.

RESULTS

There was no remarkable difference in the values of each marker in fibrosis and macrophage scores with or without PDT. In case of death, fibrosis was mild, and PDT was not affected.

CONCLUSIONS

In IP rat models, PDT did not induce lung fibrosis or acute exacerbation.

Impact of FDA label change on immunotherapy for metastatic urothelial cancer (mUC) and subsequent changes in mortality

459

Background: In May 2017, atezolizumab and pembrolizumab (IO) received accelerated approval for first-line treatment of cisplatin-ineligible patients with mUC, irrespective of PDL1 test status. In June 2018, the FDA and EMA restricted IO to cisplatin-ineligible patients with PDL1 positive tumors based on early review of data from confirmatory trials which suggested decreased overall survival in patients with PDL1 negative tumors treated with IO. We assessed the impact of the FDA label change on clinical outcomes of mUC patients in routine care. Methods: We conducted a controlled interrupted time series analysis using the US Flatiron Health electronic health record-derived de-identified database. The study sample included patients from 280 cancer clinics nationwide diagnosed with mUC and compared patients potentially impacted by the label change (cisplatin ineligible patients initiating first-line IO or carboplatin-based chemotherapy) to a comparator group who would have been unaffected by the label change (patients initiating first-line cisplatin-based chemotherapy) from 01 April 2017 to 17 May 2018 (pre-label change) and 20 June 2018 to 01 March 2020 (post-label change), excluding a 30-day wash out period encompassing the time-period between the initial FDA safety alert (18 May 2018) and the official FDA label change (19 June 2018). We used Cox regression to estimate adjusted pre-/post-label change related mortality differences in patients receiving carboplatin-chemotherapy or IO, accounting for secular changes in survival through comparison with the cisplatin comparator group. Results: The study included 829 patients with mUC initiating treatment in the pre-label change period (582 IO or carboplatin, 247 cisplatin) and 1,184 patients in the post-label change period (849 IO or carboplatin, 336 cisplatin), respectively. The use of IO, carboplatin, and cisplatin was similar across time-periods (pre-label change: 44.4%, 25.8%, and 29.8%; post-label change: 48%, 23.6%, 28.4%); while PD-L1 testing increased (6.6% to 28.1%). In adjusted models, there were no differences in survival in any of the groups following the FDA label change policy (table). Conclusions: The U.S. FDA label restriction on first-line immunotherapy was associated with increased PD-L1 testing but was not associated with changes in treatment patterns or improved mortality among patients with mUC.[Table: see text]

Pembrolizumab as post nephrectomy adjuvant therapy for patients with renal cell carcinoma: Results from 30-month follow-up of KEYNOTE-564

290

Background: The double-blind, multicenter, randomized KEYNOTE-564 study (NCT03142334) is the first positive phase 3 study of adjuvant immunotherapy for patients (pts) with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence after nephrectomy or nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions. Adjuvant pembrolizumab resulted in a statistically significant improvement in disease-free survival (DFS) vs placebo with 24 months of follow-up (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53−0.87; P = 0.0010 [one-sided]). We present updated efficacy and safety results from KEYNOTE-564 with 6 months of additional follow-up. Methods: Pts had histologically confirmed, clear cell RCC (pT2, grade 4 or sarcomatoid, N0 M0; pT3 or pT4, any grade, N0 M0; any pT, any grade, N+ M0; or M1 NED [no evidence of disease after primary tumor and soft tissue metastases completely resected ≤1 year from nephrectomy]) and had undergone surgery ≤12 weeks prior to randomization. The primary endpoint was DFS by investigator assessment in all randomized pts (ITT population). Overall survival (OS) was a key secondary endpoint. Safety/tolerability in all treated pts was a secondary endpoint. Results: 994 pts were randomized 1:1 to pembrolizumab (N = 496) or placebo (N = 498). As of data cutoff date of June 14, 2021, median (range) follow-up, defined as time from randomization to data cutoff, was 30.1 (20.8−47.5) months. In this updated analysis, DFS benefit with pembrolizumab was maintained (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.50−0.80; nominal P < 0.0001) and was consistent across subgroups, including pts with M0 disease with intermediate-high risk of recurrence (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52−0.89), M0 high risk of recurrence (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.33−1.10), or M1 NED (HR 0.28, 95% CI 0.12−0.66). The estimated DFS rate at 24 months was 78.3% with pembrolizumab vs 67.3% with placebo. A total of 66 OS events were observed, 23 in the pembrolizumab arm and 43 in the placebo arm (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31−0.86; P = 0.0048); the p-value did not cross the statistical hypothesis testing boundary and additional follow-up is planned for this key secondary endpoint. The estimated OS rate at 24 months was 96.2% with pembrolizumab vs 93.8% with placebo. With additional follow-up, no increase in any-grade or grade 3-4 adverse events, or steroid use for immune-mediated adverse events was observed. No deaths related to pembrolizumab occurred. Conclusions: At 30 months of follow-up, adjuvant pembrolizumab continued to demonstrate a consistent and clinically meaningful improvement in DFS vs placebo in pts with RCC at high risk of recurrence. No new safety signals were observed with pembrolizumab in the adjuvant setting. Clinical trial information: NCT03142334.

Association of TMB and PD-L1 with efficacy of first-line pembrolizumab (pembro) or pembro + chemotherapy (chemo) versus chemo in patients (pts) with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) from KEYNOTE-361

540

Background: The 3-arm, open-label, phase 3 KEYNOTE-361 study (NCT02853305) evaluated first-line pembro ± chemo vs chemo in advanced UC regardless of PD-L1 status. The trial did not meet its primary end points of superior PFS and OS with pembro + chemo vs chemo and thus analysis of pembro monotherapy (mono) vs chemo was exploratory. We explored the association of TMB status and PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) with clinical outcomes in KEYNOTE-361. Methods: In pts with TMB and/or PD-L1 data, the association between TMB (via whole exome sequencing) and PD-L1 (via PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx) and clinical outcomes (ORR, PFS, and OS) was evaluated. In each treatment arm, the hypotheses regarding the associations were evaluated using logistic regression (ORR) and Cox proportional hazards regression (PFS; OS), and 1-sided (pembro; pembro + chemo) and 2-sided (chemo) P values were calculated; significance was prespecified at α = 0.05 without multiplicity adjustment. Clinical utility was assessed using prespecified cutoffs of 175 mut/exome (TMB) and CPS 10 (PD-L1). Clinical data cutoff was April 29, 2020. Results: 820/993 pts (82.6%) had evaluable TMB data (pembro, 252; pembro + chemo, 282; chemo, 286). TMB (log10) was significantly positively associated with ORR, PFS, and OS for pembro ( P < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.007, respectively) and PFS and OS for pembro + chemo ( P= 0.007 and 0.010, respectively). The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve (95% CI) for discriminating response was 0.64 (0.56-0.71) for pembro, 0.53 (0.46-0.60) for pembro + chemo, and 0.52 (0.45-0.59) for chemo. Efficacy by TMB cutoff is reported in the Table. All 993 pts had PD-L1 data (pembro, 302; pembro + chemo, 349; chemo, 342). PD-L1 was significantly positively associated with PFS for pembro ( P= 0.006) and ORR for pembro + chemo ( P= 0.042) but not chemo. Efficacy by PD-L1 CPS is reported in the Table. Conclusions: Strong associations were observed between TMB and all 3 clinical outcomes (ORR, PFS, and OS) with pembro mono in the first-line setting and a reduced association was observed between TMB and clinical outcomes with pembro + chemo. No consistent associations were observed between PD-L1 and clinical outcomes with pembro mono or pembro + chemo. Clinical trial information: NCT02853305. [Table: see text]

Post hoc pooled analysis of first-line (1L) pembrolizumab (pembro) for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC): Outcomes by response at week nine in KEYNOTE-052 and KEYNOTE-361

519

Background: Pembro is a 1L treatment for cisplatin-ineligible pts with UC. This post hoc landmark analysis evaluated clinical outcomes by response at 9 wk to 1L pembro monotherapy in pts with advanced/unresectable or metastatic UC from the single-arm phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 (NCT02335424) and the randomized phase 3 KEYNOTE-361 (NCT02853305) trials. Methods: Cisplatin-ineligible pts with advanced UC were enrolled in KEYNOTE-052 and received pembro (200 mg Q3W for ≤2 y). Platinum-eligible pts with advanced UC who had not previously received systemic chemotherapy (chemo) were enrolled in KEYNOTE-361 and randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive pembro (200 mg Q3W for ≤2 y), pembro + chemo (1000 mg/m2 gemcitabine on d1 and d8 + cisplatin [70 mg/m2] or carboplatin [AUC 5] on d1 of each 3-wk cycle), or chemo. The primary analysis group included pembro monotherapy–treated pts; the sensitivity analysis group included pembro monotherapy–treated pts from KEYNOTE-052 and the choice of carboplatin subpopulation of pembro monotherapy–treated pts from KEYNOTE-361. Landmark analyses of OS by pts with CR, PR, SD, or PD per RECIST v1.1 by BICR at first imaging assessment (wk 9) were pooled for the ITT populations. Duration of CR/PR/SD and OS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Data cutoffs were Sep 26, 2020 (KEYNOTE-052) and Apr 29, 2020 (KEYNOTE-361). Results: The primary analysis group included 681 pembro-treated pts (KEYNOTE-052, N = 374; KEYNOTE-361, N = 307); the sensitivity analysis group included 544 pembro-treated pts (KEYNOTE-052, N = 374; KEYNOTE-361, N = 170). Median time from randomization to cutoff was 51.9 mo (range, 22.0-65.3) and 53.7 mo (range, 22.0-65.3) for the primary and sensitivity analysis groups, respectively. Twenty-five pts (4.6%) had CR and 135 (24.6%) had PR (primary group); 17 pts (3.9%) had CR and 105 (24.1%) had PR (sensitivity group). Median DOR was 25.9 mo for pts with CR/PR at wk 9; pts with CR/PR or SD at wk 9 had longer OS than pts with PD at wk 9 (Table). Conclusions: In this post hoc analysis, pts with advanced UC in KEYNOTE-052 and KEYNOTE-361 with CR/PR at wk 9 had better clinical outcomes with pembro monotherapy than pts with SD or PD; 1L pembro monotherapy continues to show efficacy in advanced UC. Clinical trial information: NCT02335424 and NCT02853305. [Table: see text]

Impact of primary tumor location on efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab (pembro) in patients (pts) with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) enrolled in the phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 and phase 3 KEYNOTE-045 trials

516

Background: Pembro showed antitumor activity in 1L and 2L for pts with UC in the single-arm, phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 study (NCT02335424) and the randomized phase 3 KEYNOTE-045 (NCT02256436) study, respectively. This post hoc exploratory analysis evaluated whether primary tumor location affected efficacy and safety of pembro (KEYNOTE-052; KEYNOTE-045) and chemotherapy (chemo; KEYNOTE-045). Methods: KEYNOTE-052 enrolled cisplatin-ineligible pts with advanced/metastatic UC who had not previously received systemic therapy; they received pembro (200 mg IV Q3W). KEYNOTE-045 enrolled pts with advanced/metastatic UC who had received platinum-containing chemo; pts were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive pembro (200 mg IV Q3W) or investigator’s choice of chemo (paclitaxel, docetaxel, or vinflunine). Both studies required pts to have measurable disease per RECIST v1.1. Upper tract (UT) UC included primary tumors in the renal pelvis or ureter; lower tract (LT) UC included primary tumors in the bladder or urethra. Pts with UT and LT disease (UT/LT) were classified as LT. Pts receiving pembro were treated until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or withdrawal of consent, for up to 2y. End points were PFS, ORR, and DOR per RECIST v1.1 by central radiology assessment and OS. Results: A total of 369 pembro-treated pts (68 UT; 301 LT [79 UT/LT]) from KEYNOTE-052 plus 270 pembro-treated pts (93 UT; 177 LT [33 UT/LT]) and 272 chemo-treated pts (94 UT; 178 LT) from KEYNOTE-045 were evaluated. Median follow-up from randomization to data cutoff (09/26/20 and 10/1/20, respectively) was ≥56 mo. Both studies enrolled a similar percentage of pts with PD-L1–positive tumors (25%-30%). PFS, ORR, DOR, and OS for pembro were consistent regardless of tumor location, although ORR for KEYNOTE-045 was lower for the UT group (Table). In the chemo arm of KEYNOTE-045, similar efficacy was observed regardless of tumor location or regimen. Grade 3-5 TRAEs occurred at similar rates in KEYNOTE-052 (19.1% UT; 21.6% LT) and KEYNOTE-045 (17.2% UT; 16.8% LT). Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis, pembro showed similar clinical activity and manageable safety regardless of primary UC tumor location. Clinical trial information: NCT02256436 and NCT02335424. [Table: see text]

First-line pembrolizumab in advanced urothelial carcinoma: Clinical parameters associated with efficacy in the phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 and phase 3 KEYNOTE-361 trials

521

Background: First-line treatment with pembrolizumab (pembro) monotherapy has shown durable clinical activity in selected patients (pts) with advanced/unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). In a pooled population of pts with advanced UC from the single-arm phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 (NCT02335424) and the randomized, open-label, phase 3 KEYNOTE-361 (NCT02853305) studies, this exploratory analysis evaluated the relationship between baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of first-line pembro monotherapy. Methods: Cisplatin-ineligible pts with advanced UC were enrolled in KEYNOTE-052 and chemotherapy-naive pts with advanced UC were enrolled in KEYNOTE-361. For analysis of predictive factors for ORR and OS in pembro-treated pts, the purposeful selection method was used to build the multivariable logistic regression model (ORR) and multivariable Cox model (OS), beginning with a univariable analysis of each independent variable. Any variable in the univariate model with P < 0.10 was a candidate for the multivariate model. The stepwise selection method was used to select the variables in the final model. Significance of the final model was set at P < 0.05. Data cutoff dates were September 26, 2020 (KEYNOTE-052) and April 29, 2020 (KEYNOTE-361). Results: This pooled analysis included 681 pts treated with pembro monotherapy (KEYNOTE-052, N = 374; KEYNOTE-361, N = 307 [170 were cisplatin ineligible]). Median follow-up was 51.9 mo (range, 22.0-65.3). ORR was 29.4% (95% CI, 26.0-32.9; 69 CRs, 131 PRs), and median DOR was 33.2 mo (range, 1.4+ to 60.7+). Median OS was 12.5 mo (95% CI, 11.0-14.6). By multivariate analysis, independent factors significantly associated with higher ORR were PD-L1 status (combined positive score [CPS] ≥10 vs CPS < 10; odds ratio [OR], 1.90 [95% CI, 1.33-2.71]; P = 0.0004), site of metastasis (lymph node only vs visceral disease; OR, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.06-2.59]; P = 0.0265), liver involvement (absent vs present; OR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.06-2.89]; P = 0.0294), and baseline hemoglobin level ≥10 vs < 10 g/dL; OR, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.09-4.31]; P = 0.0276). Multivariate analysis of OS is displayed in the Table. Conclusions: This exploratory multivariate analysis identified numerous factors, including PD-L1–positive status (CPS ≥10), lymph node only metastasis, and lower ECOG PS score, associated with improved clinical outcomes in pts with advanced UC treated with first-line pembro monotherapy. Clinical trial information: NCT02335424 and NCT02853305. [Table: see text]

Post hoc analysis of the efficacy of pembrolizumab retreatment after progression of advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) in KEYNOTE-045 and KEYNOTE-052

512

Background: Pembrolizumab (pembro) has shown efficacy in advanced/unresectable and metastatic UC (mUC). There is interest in determining whether pts should be treated subsequently with checkpoint inhibitors such as anti–PD-1 therapy if mUC responds then later progresses. Pembro retreatment after disease progression has shown efficacy in melanoma and NSCLC. This post hoc exploratory analysis investigated the efficacy of pembro retreatment for pts with advanced UC or mUC enrolled in KEYNOTE-045 and KEYNOTE-052 with a best overall response (BOR) of SD or better and whose disease progressed after discontinuation or completion of 2 y of therapy. Methods: The phase 3 KEYNOTE-045 trial (NCT02256436) was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of pembro vs chemotherapy (chemo) in pts with mUC that recurred/progressed on platinum containing chemo; ≤2 prior lines of systemic chemo for mUC were permitted. The phase 2 KEYNOTE-052 trial (NCT02335424) was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line pembro in cisplatin-ineligible pts with advanced UC. In both studies, pembro was administered for up to 2 y; pts were eligible for retreatment if they stopped pembro after CR or had a BOR of CR, PR, or SD and completed 2 y of treatment. Pts must have investigator-confirmed radiographic PD after therapy cessation, have ECOG PS score 0-1, and not have received anticancer treatment after the last pembro dose. BOR to retreatment is reported. Results: At data cutoff for KEYNOTE-045 (Oct 1, 2020), 11 pts were retreated: 5 (45%) achieved objective response to retreatment (3 CR; 2 PR; Table) and 6 had SD, for a disease control rate (DCR; CR+PR+SD) of 100%. Median treatment-free interval was 7.7 mo (IQR, 3.6-16.5); median duration of retreatment was 11.4 mo (IQR, 7.6-12.0). Seven pts (64%) were alive at cutoff. At data cutoff for KEYNOTE-052 (Sep 26, 2020), 10 pts were retreated; 5 (50%) had objective response to retreatment (1 CR; 4 PR) and 4 had SD, for a DCR of 90%. Retreatment BOR was PD for 1 pt (10%). Median treatment-free interval was 13.0 mo (9.2-16.6); median duration of retreatment was 6.0 mo (IQR, 4.9-9.2). Four pts (40%) were alive at cutoff. Conclusions: Although the number of pts who received retreatment was small, objective responses were observed. The findings are generally consistent with observations from retreatment in other tumor types (e.g., melanoma). Clinical trial information: NCT02256436 and NCT02335424. [Table: see text]

Precise Measurement of Differential Cross Sections of the Σ^{-}p→Λn Reaction in Momentum Range 470-650 MeV/c

The differential cross sections of the Σ^{-}p→Λn reaction were measured accurately for the Σ^{-} momentum (p_{Σ}) ranging from 470 to 650  MeV/c at the J-PARC Hadron Experimental Facility. Precise angular information about the Σ^{-}p→Λn reaction was obtained for the first time by detecting approximately 100 reaction events at each angular step of Δcosθ=0.1. The obtained differential cross sections show a slightly forward-peaking structure in the measured momentum regions. The cross sections integrated for -0.7≤cosθ≤1.0 were obtained as 22.5±0.68 [statistical error(stat.)] ±0.65 [systematic error(syst.)] mb and 15.8±0.83(stat)±0.52(syst)  mb for 470<p_{Σ}(MeV/c)<550 and 550<p_{Σ}(MeV/c)<650, respectively. These results show a drastic improvement compared with past measurements of the hyperon-proton scattering experiments. They will play essential roles in updating the theoretical models of the baryon-baryon interactions.

Recent progress and future prospects of hyperon nucleon scattering experiment

A new hyperon-proton scattering experiment, dubbed J-PARC E40, was performed to measure differential cross sections of the Σ+p, Σ−p elastic scatterings and the Σ−p → Λn scattering by identifying a lot of Σ particles in the momentum ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 GeV/c produced by the π±p → K+Σ± reactions. We successfully measured the differential cross sections of these three channels with a drastically improved accuracy with a fine angular step. These new data will become important experimental constraints to improve the theories of the two-body baryon-baryon interactions. Following this success, we proposed a new experiment to measure the differential cross sections and spin observables by using a highly polarized Λ beam for providing quantitative information on the ΛN interaction. The results of three Σp channels and future prospects of the Λp scattering experiment are described.

MEASUREMENT OF HALF-VALUE LAYER IN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNERS USING LUMINESCENCE OF POLYETHERSULFONE RESIN BY X-RAY IRRADIATION

In this study, a method for estimating the half-value layer (HVL) and effective energy (Eeff) by imaging the luminescence from a polyethersulfone (PES) resin with rotating irradiation of X-rays in a computed tomography scanner was developed. The luminescence of the PES resin was imaged using a charge-coupled device camera. The PES-HVL was determined from the luminance attenuation profile corresponding to the X-ray attenuation within the resin. The PES-HVLs for tube potentials of 80-135 kVp were converted into Eeff values and were compared to those of a conventional lead-covered case method. The Eeff obtained using the proposed luminescence imaging method agreed within ~3.9% of that obtained using the conventional method. Moreover, dose simulations based on the X-ray spectrum calculated from the HVLs were performed using a poly(methyl methacrylate) phantom with a diameter of 16 cm. The simulated doses based on the luminescence imaging method agreed with the in-phantom dosimetry within ~9%.

Probing Gluon Spin-Momentum Correlations in Transversely Polarized Protons through Midrapidity Isolated Direct Photons in p^{↑}+p Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

Studying spin-momentum correlations in hadronic collisions offers a glimpse into a three-dimensional picture of proton structure. The transverse single-spin asymmetry for midrapidity isolated direct photons in p^{↑}+p collisions at sqrt[s]=200  GeV is measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Because direct photons in particular are produced from the hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force, this measurement is a clean probe of initial-state spin-momentum correlations inside the proton and is in particular sensitive to gluon interference effects within the proton. This is the first time direct photons have been used as a probe of spin-momentum correlations at RHIC. The uncertainties on the results are a 50-fold improvement with respect to those of the one prior measurement for the same observable, from the Fermilab E704 experiment. These results constrain gluon spin-momentum correlations in transversely polarized protons.

Adjuvant Pembrolizumab after Nephrectomy in Renal-Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Patients with renal-cell carcinoma who undergo nephrectomy have no options for adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence that have high levels of supporting evidence.

METHODS

In a double-blind, phase 3 trial, we randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, patients with clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma who were at high risk for recurrence after nephrectomy, with or without metastasectomy, to receive either adjuvant pembrolizumab (at a dose of 200 mg) or placebo intravenously once every 3 weeks for up to 17 cycles (approximately 1 year). The primary end point was disease-free survival according to the investigator's assessment. Overall survival was a key secondary end point. Safety was a secondary end point.

RESULTS

A total of 496 patients were randomly assigned to receive pembrolizumab, and 498 to receive placebo. At the prespecified interim analysis, the median time from randomization to the data-cutoff date was 24.1 months. Pembrolizumab therapy was associated with significantly longer disease-free survival than placebo (disease-free survival at 24 months, 77.3% vs. 68.1%; hazard ratio for recurrence or death, 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53 to 0.87; P = 0.002 [two-sided]). The estimated percentage of patients who remained alive at 24 months was 96.6% in the pembrolizumab group and 93.5% in the placebo group (hazard ratio for death, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.96). Grade 3 or higher adverse events of any cause occurred in 32.4% of the patients who received pembrolizumab and in 17.7% of those who received placebo. No deaths related to pembrolizumab therapy occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Pembrolizumab treatment led to a significant improvement in disease-free survival as compared with placebo after surgery among patients with kidney cancer who were at high risk for recurrence. (Funded by Merck Sharp and Dohme, a subsidiary of Merck; KEYNOTE-564 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03142334.).

Risk of death due to other causes is lower among octogenarians with non-small cell lung cancer after wedge resection than lobectomy/segmentectomy

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the influences of surgical procedures on the postoperative death of octogenarians with clinical Stage IA non-small cell lung cancer excluding cT1mi.

METHODS

We compared overall survival and the cumulative incidence of death due to all and other causes among 1 130 279, and 191 consecutive patients aged ≤79 and ≥80 years after lobectomy, segmentectomy and wedge resection at three institutions. Death due to other causes was defined as death due to any cause except non-small cell lung cancer.

RESULTS

The median followup was 53 months. The 5-year overall survival rates for patients aged ≥ 80 and ≤ 79 years after lobectomy, segmentectomy and wedge resection were respectively, 78.0% (95% confidence interval, 63.8%-87.2%) versus 91.2% (95% confidence interval, 89.0%-92.9%), 68.1% (95% confidence interval, 45.2%-83.1%) versus 90.0% (95% confidence interval, 84.6%-93.5%), and 62.7% (95% confidence interval, 44.0-76.7%) versus 84.4% (95% confidence interval, 76.3%-89.9%) (P < 0.01 for all). The cumulative incidence of death due to other causes after wedge resection was similar between patients aged ≥ 80 and ≤ 79 years (P = 0.45), but significantly higher in those aged ≥ 80, than ≤ 79 years after lobectomy or segmentectomy (P = 0.00015 and 0.00091, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The influence of wedge resection on death due to other causes was lower than that of lobectomy or segmentectomy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer aged ≥ 80 years. Wedge resection might be a useful option for octogenarians even if they can tolerate lobectomy/segmentectomy to avoid postoperative death due to causes other than non-small cell lung cancer.

Pembrolizumab alone or combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy as first-line therapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma (KEYNOTE-361): a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial

BACKGROUND

PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors are active in metastatic urothelial carcinoma, but positive randomised data supporting their use as a first-line treatment are lacking. In this study we assessed outcomes with first-line pembrolizumab alone or combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy for patients with previously untreated advanced urothelial carcinoma.

METHODS

KEYNOTE-361 is a randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial of patients aged at least 18 years, with untreated, locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of up to 2. Eligible patients were enrolled from 201 medical centres in 21 countries and randomly allocated (1:1:1) via an interactive voice-web response system to intravenous pembrolizumab 200 mg every 3 weeks for a maximum of 35 cycles plus intravenous chemotherapy (gemcitabine [1000 mg/m²] on days 1 and 8 and investigator's choice of cisplatin [70 mg/m²] or carboplatin [area under the curve 5] on day 1 of every 3-week cycle) for a maximum of six cycles, pembrolizumab alone, or chemotherapy alone, stratified by choice of platinum therapy and PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS). Neither patients nor investigators were masked to the treatment assignment or CPS. At protocol-specified final analysis, sequential hypothesis testing began with superiority of pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone in the total population (all patients randomly allocated to a treatment) for the dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival (p value boundary 0·0019), assessed by masked, independent central review, and overall survival (p value boundary 0·0142), followed by non-inferiority and superiority of overall survival for pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy in the patient population with CPS of at least 10 and in the total population (also a primary endpoint). Safety was assessed in the as-treated population (all patients who received at least one dose of study treatment). This study is completed and is no longer enrolling patients, and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02853305.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 19, 2016 and June 29, 2018, 1010 patients were enrolled and allocated to receive pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (n=351), pembrolizumab monotherapy (n=307), or chemotherapy alone (n=352). Median follow-up was 31·7 months (IQR 27·7-36·0). Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy versus chemotherapy did not significantly improve progression-free survival, with a median progression-free survival of 8·3 months (95% CI 7·5-8·5) in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group versus 7·1 months (6·4-7·9) in the chemotherapy group (hazard ratio [HR] 0·78, 95% CI 0·65-0·93; p=0·0033), or overall survival, with a median overall survival of 17·0 months (14·5-19·5) in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group versus 14·3 months (12·3-16·7) in the chemotherapy group (0·86, 0·72-1·02; p=0·0407). No further formal statistical hypothesis testing was done. In analyses of overall survival with pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy (now exploratory based on hierarchical statistical testing), overall survival was similar between these treatment groups, both in the total population (15·6 months [95% CI 12·1-17·9] with pembrolizumab vs 14·3 months [12·3-16·7] with chemotherapy; HR 0·92, 95% CI 0·77-1·11) and the population with CPS of at least 10 (16·1 months [13·6-19·9] with pembrolizumab vs 15·2 months [11·6-23·3] with chemotherapy; 1·01, 0·77-1·32). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse event attributed to study treatment was anaemia with pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy (104 [30%] of 349 patients) or chemotherapy alone (112 [33%] of 342 patients), and diarrhoea, fatigue, and hyponatraemia (each affecting four [1%] of 302 patients) with pembrolizumab alone. Six (1%) of 1010 patients died due to an adverse event attributed to study treatment; two patients in each treatment group. One each occurred due to cardiac arrest and device-related sepsis in the pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy group, one each due to cardiac failure and malignant neoplasm progression in the pembrolizumab group, and one each due to myocardial infarction and ischaemic colitis in the chemotherapy group.

INTERPRETATION

The addition of pembrolizumab to first-line platinum-based chemotherapy did not significantly improve efficacy and should not be widely adopted for treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma.

FUNDING

Merck Sharp and Dohme, a subsidiary of Merck, Kenilworth, NJ, USA.

Pembrolizumab versus placebo as post-nephrectomy adjuvant therapy for patients with renal cell carcinoma: Randomized, double-blind, phase III KEYNOTE-564 study

LBA5

Background: Relapse after surgery for high-risk clear cell RCC (ccRCC) is associated with shortened life expectancy. Effective perioperative therapy to reduce this risk remains an unmet need. Adjuvant immune therapy is an attractive potential strategy for these pts. We conducted the KEYNOTE-564 trial to evaluate pembro vs placebo as adjuvant therapy for pts with RCC. Methods: KEYNOTE-564 is a phase III multicenter trial of pembro vs placebo in pts with histologically confirmed ccRCC, with intermediate-high risk (pT2, Gr 4 or sarcomatoid, N0 M0; or pT3, any Gr, N0 M0), high risk (pT4, any Gr, N0 M0; or pT any stage, any Gr, N+ M0), or M1 NED (no evidence of disease after primary tumor + soft tissue metastases completely resected ≤1 year from nephrectomy) (Leibovich et al, 2003; Fuhrman et al, 1982). Pts had undergone surgery ≤12 wks prior to randomization; had no prior systemic therapy; had ECOG PS 0 or 1. Study treatment was given for up to 17 cycles (≈1 yr). The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS) per investigator assessment in all randomized pts (ITT population). Overall survival (OS) was a key secondary endpoint. Safety/tolerability were secondary endpoints, assessed in all treated pts. Results: Between Jun 30, 2017 and Sept 20, 2019, 994 pts were randomized 1:1 to pembro (n=496) or placebo (n=498). As of data cutoff date of Dec 14, 2020, median (range) follow-up, defined as time from randomization to data cutoff, was 24.1 (14.9−41.5) mo. No pts remain on study treatment. Baseline characteristics were generally balanced between arms. At first prespecified interim analysis, the primary endpoint of DFS was met (median not reached [NR] for both arms, HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53−0.87; P=0.0010 [one-sided]). The estimated DFS rate at 24 mo was 77.3% with pembro vs 68.1% with placebo. Overall, DFS benefit was consistent across subgroups. A total of 51 OS events were observed (18 in the pembro arm, 33 in the placebo arm). Median OS was NR for both arms (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.30−0.96; P=0.0164 [one-sided]); the p-value did not cross the statistical hypothesis testing boundary. The estimated OS rate at 24 mo was 96.6% with pembro vs 93.5% with placebo. 470 pts (96.3%) and 452 pts (91.1%) experienced ≥1 all-cause adverse events (AEs) with pembro vs placebo, respectively. Grade 3-5 all-cause AEs occurred in 158 pts (32.4%) with pembro and 88 pts (17.7%) with placebo. No deaths related to pembro occurred. Conclusions: Pembro demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in DFS vs placebo in pts with intermediate-high, high risk or M1 NED RCC. Additional follow-up is planned for the key secondary endpoint of OS. KEYNOTE-564 is the first positive phase III study with a checkpoint inhibitor in adjuvant RCC, and these results support pembro as a potential new standard of care for pts with RCC in the adjuvant setting. Clinical trial information: NCT03142334.

Olanexidine gluconate formulations as environmental disinfectants for enveloped viruses infection control

This study investigated the potential of olanexidine gluconate as environmental disinfectant against enveloped viruses in the suspension test and three non-porous surface tests. In the suspension test, olanexidine gluconate showed immediate virucidal activity. In addition, non-porous surface tests demonstrated that, although the immediate effect of aqueous formulations was weak, the final virucidal efficacy outcompeted that of ethanol for disinfection. Furthermore, the effectiveness of olanexidine gluconate persisted even after drying on environmental surfaces. This study demonstrated the potential usage of olanexidine gluconate formulations as an environmental disinfectant in the infection control of enveloped viruses.

Investigating a tsunamigenic megathrust earthquake in the Japan Trench

The 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake occurred in the Japan Trench 10 years ago, where devastating earthquakes and tsunamis have repeatedly resulted from subduction of the Pacific plate. Densely instrumented seismic, geodetic, and tsunami observation networks precisely recorded the event, including seafloor observations. A large coseismic fault slip that unexpectedly extended to a shallow part of megathrust fault was documented. Strong lateral variations of the coseismic slip near the trench were recorded from marine geophysical studies, along with a possible cause of these variations. The seismic activities in east Japan are still higher than those before the earthquake, and crustal deformation is still occurring. Although the recurrence probability of a great earthquake (magnitude = ~9) in the Japan Trench in the near future is very low, a large normal fault earthquake seaward of the Japan Trench is a concerning possibility.

Impact of subsequent therapy on survival in KEYNOTE-361: Pembrolizumab (pembro) plus chemotherapy (chemo) or pembro alone versus chemo as first-line therapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC)

439

Background: The phase III KEYNOTE-361 study examined the efficacy and safety of 1L pembro + chemo or pembro alone vs chemo for pts with advanced UC. The PFS and OS benefit of pembro + chemo vs chemo did not reach statistical significance; no further formal tesing was done. We present an exploratory analysis of OS by subsequent therapy in KEYNOTE-361 (NCT02853305) to assess how 1L and 2L therapy selection affected survival outcomes; no formal comparisons were conducted. Methods: OS was estimated for pts by whether they received subsequent therapy, and by whether subsequent therapy included an anti–PD-(L)1 agent. Results: 351 pts were randomized to pembro + chemo, 307 pts to pembro, and 352 pts to chemo. As of Apr 29, 2020, the median (range) time from randomization to data cutoff was 31.7 (22.0-42.3) mo. 124/351 pts (35%) in the pembro + chemo arm, 126/307 pts (41%) in the pembro arm, and 215/352 pts (61%) in the chemo arm received any subsequent therapy. Similar rates of subsequent therapy (pembro + chemo: 32%; pembro: 43%; chemo: 59%) were observed for pts who experienced progressive disease (PD) by blinded independent central review (BICR). A higher rate of pts (169/352 [48%]) in the chemo arm received subsequent anti–PD-(L)1 therapy than in either the pembro + chemo arm (23/351 [7%]) or pembro arm (14/307 [5%]). Due to the small pt numbers, pts in the pembro + chemo or pembro arms who received subsequent anti−PD-(L)1 were not considered further. This analysis included all pts who received 2L therapy (465/1010 pts [46%]); the rate of 2L therapy was similar in pts with PD by BICR (274/615 [45%]). Chemo agents alone or in combination, specifically carboplatin, cisplatin, docetaxel, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel, were the most commonly received subsequent therapies for pts who did not receive anti–PD-(L)1 in 2L. Pts who received 1L chemo followed by subsequent anti–PD-(L)1 had longer mOS (19.1 mo [95% CI 16.2-22.2]) than pts with 1L pembro followed by 2L therapy not including an anti−PD-(L)1 agent (16.0 mo [95% CI 11.8-19.2]) (Table). Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis, favorable survival outcomes were observed for pts who received 1L chemo followed by anti–PD-(L)1 compared with pts who received 1L pembro followed by 2L therapy not including an anti–PD-(L)1 agent. These data underline the continued importance of immunotherapy as 2L therapy for advanced UC. Clinical trial information: NCT02853305 . Research Sponsor: Merck & Co., Inc[Table: see text]

Analysis of PFS2 by subsequent therapy in KEYNOTE-361: Pembrolizumab (pembro) plus chemotherapy (chemo) or pembro alone versus chemo as 1L therapy for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC)

448

Background: 1L pembro + chemo did not show statistically superior PFS and OS vs chemo for pts with advanced UC in the phase III KEYNOTE-361 study; OS for pembro vs chemo was not formally tested. We analyzed PFS2 (time from randomization to progressive disease [PD] on first subsequent therapy, or death from any cause, whichever occurs first) by study treatment and subsequent therapy in KEYNOTE-361 (NCT02853305) to determine the effects, if any, of therapy sequence on PFS2. Methods: PFS2 was estimated for pts in each treatment arm, who received any subsequent therapy including any anti–PD-(L)1, any therapy other than anti–PD-(L)1, or no therapy. These were exploratory analyses; no formal comparisons were done. Results: 1010 pts were randomized: 351 pts to receive pembro + chemo, 307 to pembro, and 352 to chemo. As of Apr 29, 2020, the median (range) time from randomization to data cutoff was 31.7 (22.0-42.3) mo. Subsequent therapy was received by 124/351 (35%), 126/307 (41%), and 215/352 (61%) pts in the pembro + chemo, pembro, and chemo arms, respectively. Subsequent anti–PD-(L)1 therapy was received by 169/352 (48%) pts in the chemo arm vs 23/351 (7%) in the pembro + chemo arm and 14/307 (5%) in the pembro arm. Of pts in the pembro arm who received subsequent therapy, >90% received 2L cisplatin-based or carboplatin-based treatment. Median (m) PFS2 (95% CI) for all pts by treatment arm was 14.1 mo (12.6-16.2) with pembro + chemo, 10.9 mo (9.5-12.9) with pembro, and 10.4 mo (9.8-11.2) with chemo. Across treatment arms, pts in the pembro + chemo arm had the longest mPFS2 with any subsequent therapy (14.5 mo [95% CI 13.1-16.6]) (Table). Pts in the pembro arm who received no subsequent therapy had a longer mPFS2 (12.9 mo [95% CI 8.1-17.9]) vs pts in the chemo arm who received no subsequent therapy (9.4 mo [95% CI 7.6-10.6]). Finally, pts treated with 1L pembro in the trial followed by 2L therapy other than anti−PD-(L)1 had comparable mPFS2 (10.2 mo [95% CI 8.6-12.1]) to pts treated with 1L chemo in the trial followed by 2L anti−PD-(L)1 (11.1 mo [95% CI 10.2-12.9]). Conclusions: In this exploratory analysis, treatment sequence of chemo followed by anti−PD-(L)1 upon PD vs anti–PD-(L)1 followed by chemo upon PD did not appear to impact mPFS2. Among pts who did not receive 2L therapy, 1L pembro appeared to be associated with longer mPFS2 than chemo, potentially driven by long-term responders to pembro. Clinical trial information: NCT02853305 . [Table: see text]

1L pembrolizumab (pembro) versus chemotherapy (chemo) for choice-of-carboplatin patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) in KEYNOTE-361

450

Background: 1L pembro is approved in advanced UC for cisplatin-ineligible pts with PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥10 and any platinum-ineligible pts regardless of CPS in the United States based on single-arm trial data. In the phase III KEYNOTE-361 study, 1L pembro + chemo did not statistically significantly improve PFS or OS vs chemo for pts with advanced UC; formal testing of 1L pembro vs chemo was not performed. We present an exploratory analysis of outcomes with pembro vs chemo for choice-of-carboplatin (carbo) pts in KEYNOTE-361 (NCT02853305). Methods: At randomization, choice of platinum agent (cisplatin or carbo) plus gemcitabine for each pt was selected based on investigator’s assessment of cisplatin ineligibility. ORR/DOR per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review and OS were determined for all pts selected for carbo (“choice-of-carbo”) and also choice-of-carbo pts with CPS ≥10. Risk difference assessment for select AEs for pembro vs chemo was conducted in choice-of-carbo pts who received ≥1 dose study treatment. Results: As of Apr 29, 2020, the median (range) time from randomization to data cutoff in the full study cohort was 31.7 (22.0-42.3) mo. At randomization, renal impairment was the most common reason for choice of carbo by investigators (36% of all pts). 170 choice-of-carbo pts were randomized to the pembro arm, and 196 choice-of-carbo pts to the chemo arm. Median OS in this subgroup was 14.6 mo with pembro vs 12.3 mo with chemo (HR 0.83 [95% CI 0.65-1.06]). 18-mo OS rate was 42% with pembro vs 40% with chemo. ORR to pembro vs chemo was 27.6% vs 41.8%. Median (range) DOR with pembro vs chemo was not reached (NR) (3.2+-36.1+ mo) vs 6.3 (1.8+-33.8+) mo. 84/170 (49%) and 89/196 (45%) choice-of-carbo pts in the pembro and chemo arms, respectively, had CPS ≥10. In this subgroup, median OS was 15.6 mo with pembro vs 13.5 mo with chemo (HR 0.82 [95% CI 0.57-1.17]). 18-mo OS rate was 44% with pembro vs 43% with chemo. ORR to pembro vs chemo was 29.8% vs 46.1%. Median (range) DOR with pembro vs chemo was NR (4.2-36.1+ mo) vs 8.3 (2.1+-33.8+) mo. Among treated pts (N=166 for pembro, N=190 for chemo), 112 pts (68%) in the pembro arm and 163 pts (86%) in the chemo arm had grade 3-5 AEs of any cause. Pembro was associated with a higher risk of pruritus, while chemo was associated with a higher risk of decreased white blood cell, neutrophil, and platelet counts, nausea, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, and anemia. Conclusions: Due to the trial design, this subset was not statistically tested and is exploratory. Median OS and 18-mo OS rates did not appear markedly different in the two arms; some parameters such as DOR favored pembro, although longer follow-up is needed to determine median DOR for pembro. The PD-L1 CPS ≥10 did not clearly enrich for responders to pembro in choice-of-carbo pts. Pembro was associated with a lower rate of grade 3-5 AEs of any cause than chemo. Clinical trial information: NCT02853305.