Development of a multigenomic liquid biopsy (PROSTest) for prostate cancer in whole blood

INTRODUCTION

We describe the development of a molecular assay from publicly available tumor tissue mRNA databases using machine learning and present preliminary evidence of functionality as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for prostate cancer (PCa) in whole blood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assessed 1055 PCas (public microarray data sets) to identify putative mRNA biomarkers. Specificity was confirmed against 32 different solid and hematological cancers from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 10,990). This defined a 27-gene panel which was validated by qPCR in 50 histologically confirmed PCa surgical specimens and matched blood. An ensemble classifier (Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, XGBoost) was trained in age-matched PCas (n = 294), and in 72 controls and 64 BPH. Classifier performance was validated in two independent sets (n = 263 PCas; n = 99 controls). We assessed the panel as a postoperative disease monitor in a radical prostatectomy cohort (RPC: n = 47).

RESULTS

A PCa-specific 27-gene panel was identified. Matched blood and tumor gene expression levels were concordant (r = 0.72, p < 0.0001). The ensemble classifier ("PROSTest") was scaled 0%-100% and the industry-standard operating point of ≥50% used to define a PCa. Using this, the PROSTest exhibited an 85% sensitivity and 95% specificity for PCa versus controls. In two independent sets, the metrics were 92%-95% sensitivity and 100% specificity. In the RPCs (n = 47), PROSTest scores decreased from 72% ± 7% to 33% ± 16% (p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney test). PROSTest was 26% ± 8% in 37 with normal postoperative PSA levels (<0.1 ng/mL). In 10 with elevated postoperative PSA, PROSTest was 60% ± 4%.

CONCLUSION

A 27-gene whole blood signature for PCa is concordant with tissue mRNA levels. Measuring blood expression provides a minimally invasive genomic tool that may facilitate prostate cancer management.

Critical evaluation of artificial intelligence as a digital twin of pathologists for prostate cancer pathology

Prostate cancer pathology plays a crucial role in clinical management but is time-consuming. Artificial intelligence (AI) shows promise in detecting prostate cancer and grading patterns. We tested an AI-based digital twin of a pathologist, vPatho, on 2603 histological images of prostate tissue stained with hematoxylin and eosin. We analyzed various factors influencing tumor grade discordance between the vPatho system and six human pathologists. Our results demonstrated that vPatho achieved comparable performance in prostate cancer detection and tumor volume estimation, as reported in the literature. The concordance levels between vPatho and human pathologists were examined. Notably, moderate to substantial agreement was observed in identifying complementary histological features such as ductal, cribriform, nerve, blood vessel, and lymphocyte infiltration. However, concordance in tumor grading decreased when applied to prostatectomy specimens (κ = 0.44) compared to biopsy cores (κ = 0.70). Adjusting the decision threshold for the secondary Gleason pattern from 5 to 10% improved the concordance level between pathologists and vPatho for tumor grading on prostatectomy specimens (κ from 0.44 to 0.64). Potential causes of grade discordance included the vertical extent of tumors toward the prostate boundary and the proportions of slides with prostate cancer. Gleason pattern 4 was particularly associated with this population. Notably, the grade according to vPatho was not specific to any of the six pathologists involved in routine clinical grading. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential utility of AI in developing a digital twin for a pathologist. This approach can help uncover limitations in AI adoption and the practical application of the current grading system for prostate cancer pathology.

Biweekly vs Triweekly Cabazitaxel in Older Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: The CABASTY Phase 3 Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Many patients 65 years or older with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) are denied taxane chemotherapy because this treatment is considered unsuitable.

Objective

To determine whether biweekly cabazitaxel (CBZ), 16 mg/m2 (biweekly CBZ16), plus prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) at each cycle reduces the risk of grade 3 or higher neutropenia and/or neutropenic complications (eg, febrile neutropenia, neutropenic infection, or sepsis) compared with triweekly CBZ, 25 mg/m2 (triweekly CBZ25), plus G-CSF (standard regimen).

Design, Setting, and Participants

A total of 196 patients 65 years or older with progressive mCRPC were enrolled in this prospective phase 3 randomized clinical trial conducted in France (18 centers) and Germany (7 centers) between May 5, 2017, and January 7, 2021. All patients had received docetaxel and at least 1 novel androgen receptor-targeted agent.

Interventions

Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive biweekly CBZ16 plus G-CSF and daily prednisolone (experimental group) or triweekly CBZ25 plus G-CSF and daily prednisolone (control group).

Main Outcome and Measures

The primary end point was the occurrence of grade 3 or higher neutropenia measured at nadir and/or neutropenic complications.

Results

Among 196 patients (97 in the triweekly CBZ25 group and 99 in the biweekly CBZ16 group), the median (IQR) age was 74.6 (70.4-79.3) years, and 181 (92.3%) had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1. The median (IQR) follow-up duration was 31.3 (22.5-37.5) months. Relative dose intensities were comparable between groups (median [IQR], 92.7% [83.7%-98.9%] in the triweekly CBZ25 group vs 92.8% [87.0%-98.9%] in the biweekly CBZ16 group). The rate of grade 3 or higher neutropenia and/or neutropenic complications was significantly higher with triweekly CBZ25 vs biweekly CBZ16 (60 of 96 [62.5%] vs 5 of 98 [5.1%]; odds ratio, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.08; P < .001). Grade 3 or higher adverse events were more common with triweekly CBZ25 (70 of 96 [72.9%]) vs biweekly CBZ16 (55 of 98 [56.1%]). One patient (triweekly CBZ25 group) died of a neutropenic complication.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, compared with the standard regimen, biweekly CBZ16 plus G-CSF significantly reduced by 12-fold the occurrence of grade 3 or higher neutropenia and/or neutropenic complications, with comparable clinical outcomes. The findings suggest that biweekly CBZ16 regimen should be offered to patients 65 years or older with mCRPC for whom the standard regimen is unsuitable.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02961257.

Immunohistochemical expression of TROP‑2 (TACSTD2) on the urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder and other types of cancer

In metastatic or locally advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC), therapeutic options have been limited to chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Novel targets and drugs such as antibody drug conjugates have been developed, and enfortumab vedotin targeting nectin-4 and sacituzumab govitecan (SG) targeting trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP-2), the protein product of the TACSTD2 gene, have been approved. The expression of TROP-2 was investigated within UC and other types of carcinomas, and within the tissue of different healthy organs to understand treatment responses and toxicities. The expression of TROP-2 in the tissues of 42 patients with UC, 13 patients with other types of cancer and in the normal tissues of 11 patients was retrospectively analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining of the TROP-2 protein was performed on a BenchMark ULTRA IHC/ISH System (Roche Tissue Diagnostics; Roche Diagnostics, Ltd.) according to accredited staining protocols in a routine immunohistochemistry accredited and certified facility of the laboratory of immunohistochemistry at the Institute of Pathology (Gerhard-Domagk Institute)- University Hospital Muenster (UKM)-Muenster-Germany]. Different expression levels of TROP-2 were observed, and the highest expression rate of TROP-2 was observed in UC, independent of the tumor stage. However, normal urothelial cells had similar expression levels. Except for ductal carcinoma in situ, the expression of TROP-2 was reduced in other types of cancer and in the healthy tissues from other organs, including pancreas, gall bladder, colon and prostate. Given the treatment response based on the expression level of TROP-2, SG would be effective in almost all cases of UC. However, it would also have an effect on the normal urothelium.

Randomized phase 2 Cabazitaxel dose individualization and Neutropenia prevention Trial (CAINTA) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

PURPOSE

There is ongoing controversy about the recommended dose of cabazitaxel in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

This multicenter phase II open-label, randomized, parallel-group study compared 3-weekly cabazitaxel at 25 mg/m2 (conventional Arm A) with cabazitaxel therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) (experimental Arm B) in mCRPC. The primary objective was to improve the clinical feasibility rate (CFR) defined as the absence of grade 4 neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, any thrombocytopenia with bleeding, febrile neutropenia, severe non-hematological toxicity, withdrawal for cabazitaxel-related toxicity or death. 60 patients had to be randomized to detect a difference in CFR of 35% (power 80%, 2-sided alpha 10%).

RESULTS

40 patients were randomized to Arm A and 33 patients to Arm B. CFR was 69.4% in Arm A and 64.3% in Arm B (p = 0.79). Week-12 PSA response was 38.5% in both arms. A radiological response by RECIST v.1.1 was seen in 3 (9.7%) patients in Arm A versus 6 (23.1%) patients in Arm B (P = 0.28), disease progression was higher in Arm A compared to Arm B (61.3% versus 30.8%, P = 0.05). Median PFS was longer in Arm B compared to Arm A (9.5 versus 4.4 months, HR = 0.46, P = 0.005). Median OS was higher in Arm B compared to Arm A (16.2 versus 7.3 months, HR = 0.33, P <0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacokinetic-guided dosing of cabazitaxel in patients with mCRPC is feasible and improves clinical outcome due to individual dose escalations in 55% of patients.

Efficacy and safety of darolutamide (DARO) in combination with androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) and docetaxel (DOC) by disease volume and disease risk in the phase 3 ARASENS study

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Background: In ARASENS (NCT02799602), DARO plus ADT and DOC significantly reduced the risk of death by 32.5% (HR 0.68; 95% CI: 0.57–0.80; P<0.0001) vs placebo (PBO) + ADT + DOC in patients (pts) with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC), with similar overall incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) between groups. The effect of DARO on overall survival (OS) was consistent across prespecified subgroups, including de novo and recurrent disease. For pts with mHSPC, outcomes based on disease volume and risk provide additional information to clinicians. Methods: Pts with mHSPC were randomized 1:1 to DARO 600 mg twice daily or PBO, with ADT + DOC. High-volume disease was defined as visceral metastases and/or ≥4 bone metastases with ≥1 beyond the vertebral column/pelvis (CHAARTED criteria). High-risk disease was defined as ≥2 risk factors: Gleason score ≥8, ≥3 bone lesions, and presence of measurable visceral metastasis (LATITUDE criteria). OS for these subgroups was assessed using an unstratified Cox regression model. Results: Of 1305 pts in the full analysis set, 1005 (77%) had high-volume disease, 912 (70%) had high-risk disease, 300 (23%) had low-volume disease, and 393 (30%) had low-risk disease. DARO + ADT + DOC prolonged OS regardless of high- or low-volume disease with HRs of 0.69 and 0.68 vs PBO + DOC + ADT, respectively. OS benefit of DARO vs PBO was also similar for pts with high- or low-risk disease. DARO improved clinically relevant secondary endpoints vs PBO in high/low-volume and risk subgroups, with HRs generally in the range of those observed in the overall population. Incidences of TEAEs were consistent with the overall ARASENS population across subgroups by high/low volume and high/low risk. Conclusions: In pts with mHSPC, the benefits of early treatment intensification with DARO + ADT + DOC on OS and key pt-relevant secondary efficacy endpoints vs PBO + ADT + DOC were similar in patients with high- and low-volume as well as high- and low-risk mH+SPC. The favorable safety profile of DARO was reconfirmed in high/low-volume and high/low-risk populations. DARO + ADT + DOC sets a new standard of care for pts with mHSPC. Clinical trial information: NCT02799602 . [Table: see text]

Prediction of early prostate cancer recurrence using a liquid biopsy approach

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Background: A critical clinical concern after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer (PCa) is the timely identification of residual disease. Recurrent disease (biochemical recurrence: BCR) develops in approximately 30% of radical prostatectomies within 5 years of surgery. Currently, clinicopathological variables, including pathological tumor stage (pT-stage), Gleason score and PSA, or algorithmic combinatorial calculations (e.g., CAPRA-S) are used to predict BCR. Early and objective prediction of individuals at high risk of BCR would enable stratification of follow-up strategies and facilitate therapeutic therapy. To achieve these goals, we developed a liquid biopsy, the PROSTest, to identify PCa. This is a 27 multigene algorithmic signature with a high sensitivity and specificity (>90%) for PCa detection. We investigated if the PROSTest had utility as a predictive biomarker for BCR. Methods: Prospective recruitment of 60 PCa for radical prostatectomy with assessment of standard pathological, clinical and biomarker (PSA) data. D’Amico Risk scores and CAPRA-S were calculated. Blood was collected for PROSTest measurement pre-surgery. Target genes were amplified using qPCR and scored (0-100) using algorithmic analysis. Pre-surgical PROSTest scores were evaluated as predictors of BCR and compared with standard criteria as well as DR and CAPRA-S scores. Data was evaluated using Mann-Whitney U-test, multiple regression analyses, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox-proportional modeling. All data: median (range). Results: Consent was obtained in 48 (80%) patients. Median age (range) was 64 (50-82). Gleason was predominantly 7 (85%; 26: 7A, 15: 7B); TNM was primarily T2c (48%) and T3a (32%) with nodal disease evident in 8% and 0% cM1 disease. Resections were R0 (85%) and 7 R1. The median follow-up was 42 days (range: 14-782). Early BCR occurred in 8 (17%) patients. This included 3/7 (43%) of R1 and 5/41 (12%) R0 resections. PSMA imaging confirmed 3 LN recurrences and new visceral ( n=1) and bone ( n=1) disease. D’Amico Risk scores were mostly “high” (88% with risk score ≥50%) and were not associated with early BCR. CAPRA-S scores were higher in those who developed early BCR (5: 1-9) than in those who did not (2: 0-5). Pre-surgical PROSTest scores were elevated in all (median 59: 15-81). Multiple regression analysis identified only PROSTest score ≥60 and nodal status were associated with BCR. The median Recurrence Free Survival (mRFS) was 89 days compared to undefined in those with baseline PROSTest scores ≥60 (HR: 9.7; 95%CI: 2.16-43.7; p=0.003). No recurrences were identified in those with scores <60. Conclusions: Early biochemical recurrence (within 3 months of surgery) can be accurately predicted by elevated (≥60) pre-surgical PROSTest blood gene expression scores. This suggests the marker could be used as a stratification tool for neoadjuvant therapy, or to guide the frequency of monitoring during follow-up.

Development and validation of a multigenomic liquid biopsy (PROSTest) for prostate cancer detection

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Background: A crucial requirement in prostate cancer (PCa) management is an accurate, easily measurable, liquid biopsy that can define the molecular pathology of an individual PCa. We report the development and clinical validation of a novel PCa-specific, multi-genomic biomarker. Methods: We identified candidate mRNA biomarkers in PCa-Adeno transcriptomes ( n=1,159) using several strategies: co-expression networks, differential expression, and functional enrichment. mRNA transcripts were screened in an independent tumor tissue ( n=50) set and validated as biomarkers in the TCGA-PRAD ( n=500) dataset. An amalgam of Random Forest, Gradient Boosted Machines and Support Vector Machines, all standard machine learning classifiers, was used to develop a classification algorithm and probability score in a peripheral blood gene expression test cohort ( n=430). This multigene biomarker was validated in two independent clinical blood sample sets (Set I: PCa n=77, controls n=54; Set II: PCa n=132, controls/BPH n=99) to determine as PCa-specificity and diagnostic efficacy Clinical utility was evaluated versus Gleason scores, T-staging and PSA ( n=209) and in a prostatectomy cohort ( n=47). Results: The pipeline identified 27 of PCa gene markers in the tumor tissue set and TCGA-PRAD dataset. Gene expression was significantly correlated ( r=0.72, p<0.0001) in matched tissue/blood samples. The PROSTest (scale: 0-100) ensemble algorithm (developed in blood) had a sensitivity for PCa of 92.2% (95% CI: 83.8-97.1%; Set I) and 95.0% (95% CI: 89.9-98%. Set II). The specificity was 100% for Set I (95% CI: 93.4-100%) and 100% for Set II (95% CI: 96.3-100%). PCa scores were significantly ( p<0.0001) lower for controls (Set I: 17±4; Set II: 18±4) and BPH (19±6) to PCa; 82±19 (Set I) and 80±19 (Set II). The AUROC was 0.98±0.01. PROSTest scores were elevated ( p<0.05) in T2-4 and were significantly correlated with Gleason ( r=0.93, p<0.02). In contrast, PSA from matched samples was not associated ( p=NS) with clinically significant disease (Gleason 7-10 or T2-4 tumors). In head-to-head comparisons, the PROSTest was considerably more accurate than PSA for detecting significant disease (z-statistic: 2.43, p=0.015). In the R0 prostatectomy cohort, all scores were elevated (72±7) and significantly decreased post-surgery (26±8, p<0.0001, n=37). Individuals with residual disease ( n=10) exhibited elevated (60±4) post-surgical scores. Conclusions: The PROSTEst is a multigenomic blood-based PCR tool that accurately (>90%) identifies prostate cancer. It is significantly more accurate than PSA for the detection and stratification of clinically significant prostate disease. A multigenomic liquid biopsy for PCA provides a real-time, non-invasive method for detection of a PCa and may facilitate the early identification of residual/recurrent disease.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Prognostic Model for Urologic Cancers: A SEER-Based Study

Simple Summary

We describe a risk profile reconstruction model for cancer-specific survival estimation for continuous time points after urologic cancer diagnosis. We used artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithms, a national cancer registry data, and accessible clinical parameters for the risk-profile reconstruction. We derived a risk stratification model and estimated the minimum follow-up duration and the likelihood for risk stability in prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers. The estimated follow-up duration was in alignment with recognized clinical guidelines for these cancers. Moreover, the estimated follow-up duration was differed by the cancer origin and the disease dissemination status. Overall, the reconstruction of the population’s risk profile for the cancer-specific prognostic score estimation is feasible using AI and has potential application in clinical settings to improve risk stratification and surveillance management.

Abstract

Background: Prognostication is essential to determine the risk profile of patients with urologic cancers. Methods: We utilized the SEER national cancer registry database with approximately 2 million patients diagnosed with urologic cancers (penile, testicular, prostate, bladder, ureter, and kidney). The cohort was randomly divided into the development set (90%) and the out-held test set (10%). Modeling algorithms and clinically relevant parameters were utilized for cancer-specific mortality prognosis. The model fitness for the survival estimation was assessed using the differences between the predicted and observed Kaplan–Meier estimates on the out-held test set. The overall concordance index (c-index) score estimated the discriminative accuracy of the survival model on the test set. A simulation study assessed the estimated minimum follow-up duration and time points with the risk stability. Results: We achieved a well-calibrated prognostic model with an overall c-index score of 0.800 (95% CI: 0.795–0.805) on the representative out-held test set. The simulation study revealed that the suggestions for the follow-up duration covered the minimum duration and differed by the tumor dissemination stages and affected organs. Time points with a high likelihood for risk stability were identifiable. Conclusions: A personalized temporal survival estimation is feasible using artificial intelligence and has potential application in clinical settings, including surveillance management.

Impact of trial-eligibility as factor for clinical outcome of patients with renal cell carcinoma treated with first-line pazopanib: Subgroup analysis from the prospective, non-interventional study PAZOREAL

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Background: In a real-world setting, a substantial number of patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) do not meet all eligibility criteria for a clinical trial. Thus, data on effectiveness and safety of 1st-line (1L) treatment with pazopanib (PAZO) as well as quality of life (QoL) is underrepresented for those pts and data on treatment sequences implementing PAZO as 1L are sparse. Methods: PAZOREAL is a prospective, multi-center, non-interventional study to evaluate effectiveness, safety and QoL in pts with mRCC treated with 1L PAZO, and nivolumab (NIVO) or everolimus in second and third line. In this subgroup analysis, the clinical outcome of trial-eligible (TE) and trial-ineligible (TIE) pts with mRCC was assessed by means of overall survival (OS), time on drug (ToD), treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) and QoL evaluated by EQ-5D-5L. Pts were rated TIE if they met at least one of the following three ‘TIE criteria’: (i) Karnofsky Performance Status < 70%, (ii) hemoglobin below the lower limit of normal, and (iii) non-clear cell carcinoma1. Results: Of 398 pts treated between December 2015 and February 2021, 376 pts received 1L treatment with PAZO. The median age was 69.7 years. 146 pts were categorized TE and 184 pts TIE, for 46 pts assessment was not applicable. Most of all pts were initially treated with PAZO 800 mg (TE: 71.9% vs TIE: 63.0%). Median ToD for PAZO was 7.7 months (95% CI 6.1-9.0) for TE and 6.0 months (95% CI 4.5-8.1) for TIE. A similar fraction of TE and TIE pts were treated with 2L NIVO (43.8% vs 44.0%). Median OS was 53.2 months (95% CI 38.9-NA) for TE and 26.0 months (95% CI 17.3-35.9) for TIE. The 12-month OS rate was 77.9% for TE and 67.1% for TIE. In patient reported outcome (PRO) measures, baseline QoL was estimated higher for TE than TIE, i.e., 63.2% TE vs 49.2% TIE pts had no limitations for mobility and 82.9% TE vs 61.7% TIE pts were independent in self-care. Frequency of related TEAEs grade 3/4 were comparable for TE and TIE (26.7% vs 25.0%), while TE tended to have less related serious TEAEs (13.0% vs 16.3%). Treatment was discontinued due to related TEAEs in 19.2% of TE and 13.0% of TIE pts. Conclusions: PAZOREAL provides real-world data for mRCC pts usually not represented in clinical trials during the study period. As it was to be expected, median OS and PRO were more favorable for TE than for the TIE pts, reflecting the difference in general condition between these groups. But more importantly, these data underline the tolerability of 1L PAZO treatment even for TIE pts, which is supported by comparable ToD for 1L PAZO and the comparable safety profile in both subgroups.1 Marschner, N. et al. Clin Genitourin Cancer 2017; 15(2):e209-215. doi:10.1016/j.clgc.2016.08.022.

The prognostic potential of alkaline phosphatase and lactic acid dehydrogenase in bmCRPC patients without significant PSA response under enzalutamide

Background

In patients with bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (bmCRPC) on systemic treatment, it is difficult to differentiate between continuous rise of prostate specific antigen (PSA) representing progression, and PSA-surge, which is followed by clinical response or stable disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of dynamic changes of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH) levels as a predictor of clinical efficacy or therapeutic resistance of patients who do not show a sufficient initial PSA decline of ≥50% from baseline during early therapy with Enzalutamide.

Methods

Forty-eight men with bmCRPC on Enzalutamide 07/2010-09/2019 with initially rising PSA were analyzed. We monitored PSA, LDH and ALP at week 0, 2, 4, and every 4 weeks thereafter and analyzed the correlation between ALP rising at 12 weeks with or without LDH-normalization and the association with survival. For this we used Kaplan Meier analysis and uni- and multivariate cox-regression models.

Results

In Kaplan-Meier analysis, ALP rising at 12 weeks with or without LDH-normalization was associated with significantly worse median progression-free survival (PFS) of 3 months vs. 5 months (Log rank P = 0.02) and 3 months vs. 5 months (P = 0.01), respectively and overall survival (OS) with 8 months vs. 15 months (P = 0.02) and 8 months vs. 17 months (P < 0.01). In univariate analysis of PFS, ALP rising at 12 weeks alone, ALP rising at 12 weeks without LDH-normalization and application of Enzalutamide after chemotherapy showed a statistically significant association towards shorter PFS (hazard ratio (HR): 0.51, P = 0.04; HR: 0.48, P = 0.03; HR: 0.48, P = 0.03). Worse OS was significantly associated with ALP rising at 12 weeks alone, ALP rising at 12 weeks without LDH-normalization, and application of Enzalutamide after chemotherapy (HR: 0.47, P = 0.02; HR: 0.36, P < 0.01; HR: 0.31, P < 0.01). In multivariate analysis only the application of Enzalutamide after chemotherapy remained an independent prognostic factor for worse OS (HR: 0.36, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Dynamic changes of ALP (non-rise) and LDH (normalization) under therapy with Enzalutamide may be associated with clinical benefit, better PFS, and OS in patients with bmCRPC who do not show a PSA decline.

Final analysis of a non-interventional study on cabozantinib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma after prior checkpoint inhibitor therapy (CaboCHECK)

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Background: Data for cabozantinib after IO-combinations in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) remain scarce. We therefore evaluated safety and effectiveness of cabozantinib after failure of IO-based therapies. Methods: Data from patients (pts) with mRCC and cabozantinib treatment after IO-based therapy was retrospectively collected from medical records. Primary endpoint was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs). Response rate was assessed clinically (CRR) and/or according to RECIST 1.1. Overall Survival (OS) and Progression Free Survival (PFS) were assessed from start of therapy and data were compared for pts with starting dose of 60 mg (cohort A) vs < 60 mg (cohort B) in a post-hoc analysis. Descriptive statistics and KM-plots were utilized, where appropriate. Results: This final analysis (cut off 08-Oct-21) assessed 56 eligible pts (71.4% male) with median age of 66 yrs. 87.5% (n = 49) had previous nephrectomy. 66.1% (n = 37) had clear cell RCC. 89.3% (n = 50) had ≥2 previous lines. ECOG ≤1 was 33.9% (n = 19). IMDC factors were 0 in 2 (3.6%), ≥1 in 21 (37.5%), missing in 31 pts (55.4%). 62.5% (n = 35) started at reduced dose. 55.4% (n = 31) required dose reductions and 1.8% (n = 1) discontinuation. Median treatment duration was 6.1 months (m). PR was 10.7% (n = 6), SD 19.6% (n = 11), PD 12.5% (n = 7) and missing in 57.1% (n = 32). Median OS and PFS were 15.34 m (95% CI 8.94, 20.93) and 6.34 m (95% CI 5.29, 8.25) in the ITT, 10.48 m (95% CI 6.01, 34.14) and 6.51 m (95% CI 2.99, 10.87) in cohort A and 16.46 m (95% CI 9.56, 23.33) and 6.34 m (95% CI 4.86, 8.71) in cohort B, respectively. All grade AEs and grade 3-5 AEs were 87.5% (n = 49) and 44.6% (n = 25) in the ITT, 95.0% (n = 19) and 55.0% (n = 11) in cohort A and 85.7% (n = 30) and 40.0% (n = 14) in cohort B. SAEs were reported in 21.4% (n = 12) of pts, which were 30.0% (n = 6) of cohort A and 17.1% (n = 6) of cohort B. Treatment related SAEs were reported in 10.7% (n = 6) of pts, which were 15.0% (n = 3) in cohort A and 8.6% (n = 3) in cohort B. Conclusions: Cabozantinib directly after IO therapy was safe and feasible. No new safety signals were reported. A reduced starting dose was frequently utilized and was not associated with adverse outcomes. Our data supports the use of cabozantinib after IO-failure. Major limitation was the retrospective nature of our study.[Table: see text]

Prostate-specific membrane antigen and fibroblast activation protein distribution in prostate cancer: preliminary data on immunohistochemistry and PET imaging

Introduction

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has been recently presented as new imaging target for malignant diseases and offers high contrast to surrounding normal tissue. FAP tracer uptake has been reported in various tumor entities. The aim of this study was to compare FAP and Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression in primary prostate cancer employing histological analyses and PET imaging in two small patient collectives.

Methods

Two independent small patient collectives were included in this study. For cohort A, data of 5 prostate cancer patients and 3 patients with benign prostate hyperplasia were included. Patients with prostate cancer were initially referred for PSMA PET staging. Radical prostatectomy was performed in all patients and prostate specimen of patients and biopsies of healthy controls were available for further evaluation. Histological workup included HE and immunohistochemistry using PSMA Ab, FAP Ab. Cohort B consists of 6 Patients with diagnosed mCRPC and available PSMA as well as FAP PET.

Results

Patients with proven prostate cancer infiltration exhibited strong positivity for PSMA in both primary tumors and lymph node metastases while stainings for FAP were found positive in some cases, but not all (2/5). Controls with BPH presented moderate PSMA staining and in one case also with a positive FAP staining (1/3). PET imaging with FAP seemed to result in more precise results in case of low PSMA expression than PSMA-PET.

Conclusions

While PSMA staining intensity is a valid indicator of prostate cancer in both primary tumor and lymph node metastases, the expression of FAP seems to be heterogeneous but not necessarily linked to cancer-associated fibroblasts. It is also present in inflammation-associated myofibroblasts. Therefore, its ultimate role in prostate cancer diagnosis remains a subject of discussion.

ALP bouncing and LDH normalization in bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients under therapy with Enzalutamide: an exploratory analysis

Background

In bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (bmCRPC) treated with Enzalutamide commonly used prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can be misleading since initial PSA-flares may occur. In other therapies, bouncing of alkaline phosphatase (ALP-bouncing) was shown to be a promising surrogate for survival outcome. Low lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is usually associated with better outcome. We evaluated the prognostic ability of ALP-bouncing, LDH, PSA, and the combination of these markers after initiation of Enzalutamide.

Methods

Eighty-nine patients with bmCRPC and dynamic changes of PSA, LDH and ALP were analyzed. ALP-bouncing, an increase after therapy start followed by a decline below baseline during the first 8 weeks, LDH-normalization and PSA-decline were analyzed regarding their association with survival using Kaplan-Meier analyses and uni- and multivariate (UV and MV) Cox-regression models.

Results

In Kaplan-Meier analysis a PSA-decline >50%, LDH-normalization and ALP-bouncing were associated with longer median progression-free survival (PFS) with 7 [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.2-9.8] vs. 3 (2.3-3.7) months for PSA-decline (log-rank P<0.01), 6 (4.1-8) vs. 2 (1.2-2.8) for LDH-normalization (P<0.01) and 8 (0-16.3) vs. 3 (1.9-4.1) for ALP-bouncing (P=0.01). Analysis of overall survival (OS) showed similar, not for all parameters significant, results with 17 (11.7-22.3) vs. 12 (7.0-17.1) months for PSA (P=0.35), 17 (13.2-20.8) vs. 7 (5.8-8.2) for LDH-normalization (P<0.01) and 19 (7.9-30.1) vs. 12 (7.7-16.3) for ALP-bouncing (P=0.32). In UV analysis, ALP-bouncing [hazard ratio (HR): 0.5 (0.3-1.0); P=0.02], PSA-decline >50% [HR: 0.5 (0.3-0.7); P<0.01] and LDH-normalization [HR: 0.4 (0.2-0.6); P<0.01] were significantly associated with longer PFS. For OS, LDH-normalization significantly prognosticated longer survival [HR: 0.4 (0.2-0.6); P<0.01]. In MV analysis, LDH-normalization was associated with a trend towards better OS [HR: 0.5 (0.2-1.1); P=0.09]. Comparing ALP-bouncing, LDH-normalization and PSA-decline with a PSA-decline alone, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly longer PFS [11 (0.2-21.8) vs. 4 (0-8.6); P=0.01] and OS [20 (17.7-22.3) vs. 8 (0.3-15.7); P=0.02] in favor of the group presenting with the beneficial dynamics of all three markers. In UV analysis, the presence of favorable changes in the three markers was significantly associated with longer PFS [HR: 0.2 (0.1-0.7); P<0.01] and OS [HR: 0.3 (0.1-0.8); P=0.02].

Conclusions

ALP-bouncing and LDH-normalization may add to identification of bmCRPC-patients with favorable prognosis under Enzalutamide.

Assessment of prognosis by established prognosis scores and physicians' judgement in mRCC patients: an analysis of the STAR-TOR registry

Background

Temsirolimus is a mTOR inhibitor approved for the first-line treatment of advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (a/mRCC) with poor prognosis. In treatment of a/mRCC several prognostic scoring systems are used. We assessed the prognostic value of these scores in a large temsirolimus treated cohort and compared the results with the physician’s prognosis.

Methods

A German multicenter registry (STAR-TOR) for a/mRCC patients (NCT00700258) was established to evaluate the efficacy and safety of temsirolimus 25 mg weekly in a routine clinical setting. These prospective data were systematically analyzed and followed-up by an independent clinical research organization to compare established prognostic scores (MSKCC, IMDC and Hudes) with the risk assessment by treating physicians based on their medical expertise and match them with survival outcomes.

Results

This interim analysis included 547 patients between 02/2008 and 05/2015 in 87 centers. Either prognostic tool resulted in significant and clinically meaningful differentiation between good, intermediate and poor prognosis. However, physician’s prognosis identified more patients with good prognosis (9.1% vs. 1.3%). In patients with good physician’s prognosis and intermediate prognosis by MSKCC, overall survival was nearly doubled compared to consensual intermediate prognosis (26.6 vs. 13.6 months), albeit without reaching statistical significance (P=0.09). For poor prognosis assessed by the physician, MSKCC performed statistically better for differentiation between poor and intermediate prognosis with a median overall survival of 10.3 vs. 5.5 months (P<0.01).

Conclusions

Physician’s prognosis may be able to identify a subset of patients treated with temsirolimus with good prognosis when MSKCC-determines intermediate prognosis while the MSKCC score could identify patients which were falsely placed in the poor risk group by physicians.

Radium-223 (Ra-223) versus novel antihormone therapy (NAH) for progressive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) after 1 line of NAH: RADIANT, an international phase 4, randomized, open-label study

TPS5093

Background: Men with mCRPC often receive sequential NAH (abiraterone and enzalutamide) despite reported cross-resistance, indicating a need for further life-prolonging options for progressive disease after prior NAH. Ra-223 is a targeted alpha therapy approved for mCRPC with symptomatic bone metastases based on the phase 3 ALSYMPCA study, in which it demonstrated significantly increased overall survival (OS), reduced symptomatic skeletal event (SSE) risk, improved quality of life, and reduced treatment-emergent adverse event rates vs placebo. As life-prolonging therapy is increasingly used in hormone-sensitive settings, this study has been designed to assess Ra-223 outcomes in patients with mCRPC that progressed after prior treatment with NAH and docetaxel for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) or mCRPC. Methods: This study is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, international ethical and good clinical practice guidelines, and local laws and regulations, with institutional review board/ethics committee approval at each site and written informed consent from patients before participation. This trial is registered with EudraCT: 2019-000476-42. Participants must be ≥18 years old, with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0/1; they must have mCRPC that progressed on/after ≥3 months of NAH for mHSPC or mCRPC and ≥2 cycles of docetaxel unless they refused or were ineligible, with ≥2 bone metastases on bone scan, no visceral metastases, and a worst pain score ≥1 on the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form. Patients are randomized 1:1 to Ra-223 or NAH: Ra-223 55 kBq/kg intravenously every 4 weeks for 6 cycles or until disease progression, death, or withdrawal of consent if earlier; or abiraterone 1000 mg + prednisone 10 mg daily (if prior enzalutamide) or enzalutamide 160 mg daily (if prior abiraterone) until disease progression, death, or withdrawal of consent. NAH dosing may be modified to manage adverse events. Patients must use luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogs, if not surgically castrated, and bone health agents (bisphosphonates or denosumab) throughout the study. The primary endpoint is OS. Secondary endpoints are time to first SSE, radiologic progression-free survival, time to pain progression, adverse events, fracture incidence, and time to deterioration in quality of life (FACT-P total score). Using a test with a two-sided alpha of 0.05, 90% power, and randomization ratio of 1:1, approximately 508 events are required to detect a 33% increase in OS with Ra-223 vs NAH, assuming a median OS of 10 months with NAH. The expected study duration is 55 months, with a target of 696 patients to be randomized. The first patient was enrolled on November 9, 2020; 5 patients have been randomized and 2 have started treatment to date. Clinical trial information: 2019-000476-42.

Presence of CTCs and its prognostic potential compared to AR-V7 expression in mCRPC undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy

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Background: Biomarkers predicting response to mCRPC treatment are rare. CTCs and AR-V7 status have been discussed as potential prognosticators. Methods: We evaluated 64 patients (pts.) treated with abiraterone (n=47) or enzalutamide (n=17), determined CTCs and analyzed AR-V7 status in correlation with survival using Kaplan-Meier-estimates and Cox-regression-models. Results: For PSA response, CTC- vs. CTC+ were not different (p=0.25) whereas AR-V7 status was predictive (68.2% AR-V7- and 33.3% AR-V7+ pts. (p=0.01)). Median PSA PFS was 17 mo. (CI 9.5-24.5) for CTC- and 6 (CI 5.2-6.9) for CTC+ pts. (p<0.01) with 9 mo. (CI 4.2-13.8) for CTC+/AR-V7- and 5 (CI 3.0–7.0) for CTC+/AR-V7+ pts. (p=0.04). In univariate cox regression analysis (UV), prior abiraterone or enzalutamide (A/E) (p=0.01), bone metastases (p=0.03), CTC+ (p=0.01), AR-V7+ (p=0.01), Hb ≤12 g/dl (p=0.01) and PSA decline ≥50% (p<0.01) were significant prognosticators. Within the CTC+ subgroup, AR-V7+ (p=0.02) and PSA decline ≥50% (p=0.03) showed a relevant difference. In multivariate analysis (MV), for CTC+ pts, AR-V7+ (p=0.02), PSA decline ≥50% (p=0.02) and visceral metastases (p=0.02) remained independent prognosticators. The analysis for PFS resulted in 22 mo. (CI NA) for CTC- compared to 9 (CI 7.7-10.3) for CTC+ (p=0.01) and 10 mo. (CI 8.2-11.8) for CTC+/AR-V7- vs. 6 (CI 1.9-10.1) for CTC+/AR-V7+ (p=0.07). Performing UV, prior A/E (p<0.01), CTC+ (p=0.01), AR-V7+ (p=0.01), Hb ≤12 (p<0.01), PSA decline ≥50% (p<0.01) and ALP elevated at baseline (p=0.03) showed statistically significant differences. Within the CTC+ subgroup, prior A/E (p=0.01), visceral metastases (p=0.02), Hb ≤12 (p=0.01) and PSA decline ≥50% (p=0.03) were significant prognosticators, whereas AR-V7+ was not. In MV of CTC+ pts, visceral metastases (p=0.02), PSA decline ≥50% (p=0.02) and Hb ≤12 (p=0.05) remained independent prognosticators. Median OS was not reached for CTC- and 17 mo. (CI 9.8–24.2) for CTC+ (p<0.01) with 27 (CI 10.6-43.4) vs. 14 (CI 10.4-17.7) mo. for AR-V7- and AR-V7+, respectively (p=0.06). UV resulted in statistically relevant differences for prior docetaxel (p=0.01), prior A/E (p<0.01), visceral metastases (p=0.02), CTC+ (p=0.01), AR-V7+ (p<0.01) and Hb ≤12 (p< 0.01). Within CTC+, prior docetaxel (p<0.01), prior A/E (p=0.01), visceral metastases (p<0.01) and Hb ≤12 (p<0.01) were statistically relevant parameters. UV for AR-V7 status did not result in a significant difference for OS either. In MV, CTC status as well as Hb ≤12 remained independent prognosticators (p=0.04 and p<0.01, respectively). For MV of CTC+, visceral metastases (p=0.01), Hb ≤12 (p<0.01) and prior docetaxel (p=0.01) were independent prognosticators of OS. Conclusions: Presence of CTCs seems to prognosticate PFS and OS in mCRPC patients undergoing Androgen-deprivation while presence of AR-V7 does not despite its predictive potential.

PSMA PET total tumor volume predicts outcome of patients with advanced prostate cancer receiving [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy in a bicentric analysis

INTRODUCTION

[177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 (Lu-PSMA) radioligand therapy is an emerging treatment option for patients with end-stage prostate cancer. However, response to Lu-PSMA therapy is only achieved in approximately half of patients. It is clinically important to identify patients at risk of poor outcome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate pretherapeutic PSMA PET derived total tumor volume and related metrics as prognosticators of overall survival in patients receiving Lu-PSMA therapy.

METHODS

A total number of 110 patients form the Departments of Nuclear Medicine Münster and Essen were included in this retrospective analysis. Baseline PSMA PET-CT was available for all patients. Employing a previously published approach, all tumor lesions were semi-automatically delineated in PSMA PET-CT acquisitions. Total lesion number, total tumor volume (PSMA-TV), total lesion uptake (PSMA-TLU = PSMA-TV * SUVmean), and total lesion quotient (PSMA-TLQ = PSMA-TV / SUVmean) were quantified for each patient. Log2 transformation was used for regressions.

RESULTS

Lesion number, PSMA-TV, and PSMA-TLQ were prognosticators of overall survival (HR = 1.255, p = 0.009; HR = 1.299, p = 0.005; HR = 1.326, p = 0.002). In a stepwise backward Cox regression including lesion number, PSMA-TV, PSA, LDH, and PSMA-TLQ, only the latter two remained independent and statistically significant negative prognosticators of overall survival (HR = 1.632, p = 0.011; HR = 1.239, p = 0.024). PSMA-TLQ and LDH were significant negative prognosticators in multivariate Cox regression in contrast to PSA value.

CONCLUSION

PSMA-TV was a statistically significant negative prognosticator of overall survival in patients receiving Lu-PSMA therapy. PSMA-TLQ was an independent and superior prognosticator of overall survival compared with PSMA-TV.

Real-world outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma according to risk factors: the STAR-TOR registry

Aim: Examine outcomes in sunitinib-treated patients by International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) or Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) risk factors. Patients & methods: Patients enrolled in STAR-TOR registry (n = 327). End points included overall survival, progression-free survival and objective response rate. Results: Overall survival was similar for IMDC 0 versus 1 (p = 0.238) or 2 versus ≥3 (p = 0.156), but different for MSKCC (0 vs 1, p = 0.037; 2 vs ≥3, p = 0.001). Progression-free survival was similar for IMDC 2 versus 3 (p = 0.306), but different for MSKCC (p = 0.009). Objective response rate was different for IMDC 1 (41.9%) and 2 (29.5%) and similar for MSKCC 1 (34.4%) and 2 (31.0%). Conclusion: Outcome data varied according to IMDC or MSKCC. MSKCC model accurately stratify patients into risk groups. Clinical trial registration: NCT00700258 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

KEYNOTE-365 cohort B: Pembrolizumab (pembro) plus docetaxel and prednisone in abiraterone (abi) or enzalutamide (enza)–pretreated patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)—New data after an additional 1 year of follow-up

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Background: For men with mCRPC, systemic therapies such as docetaxel and cabazitaxel improve survival, but more effective treatments are needed. KEYNOTE-365 (NCT02861573) is a phase 1b/2 study to examine the safety and efficacy of pembro in combination with 4 different study medications (cohorts A, B, C, D) in mCRPC. Previous data from cohort B with a median of 20 months of follow-up showed that pembro + docetaxel and prednisone was well tolerated and had antitumor activity in patients (pts) with mCRPC previously treated with abi or enza. New efficacy and safety data after an additional year of follow-up are presented. Methods: Cohort B enrolled pts who did not respond to or were intolerant to ≥4 weeks of abi or enza in the prechemotherapy mCRPC state and whose disease progressed within 6 months of screening (determined by PSA progression or radiologic bone/soft tissue progression). Pts received pembro 200 mg IV every 3 weeks (Q3W), docetaxel 75 mg/m2 IV Q3W, and oral prednisone 5 mg twice daily. Primary end points were safety, PSA response rate (PSA decrease >50% from baseline), and ORR per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review. Efficacy and safety were assessed in all pts as treated. Results: Of the 104 treated pts, median age was 68.0 years (range, 50-86), 23.1% had PD-L1–positive tumors (combined positive score ≥1), 25.0% had visceral disease, and 50.0% had measurable disease. Median time from enrollment to data cutoff was 32.4 months (range 13.9-40.3); 101 pts discontinued, primarily because of disease progression (77.9%). Efficacy outcomes are reported in the table below. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 100 pts (96.2%); the most frequent (≥30%) were diarrhea (41.3%), fatigue (41.3%), and alopecia (40.4%). Grade 3-5 TRAEs occurred in 46 pts (44.2%). Five pts (4.8%) died of AEs; 2 were treatment-related pneumonitis. Conclusions: After another year of follow-up, pembro + docetaxel and prednisone showed improved ORR and PSA response rates compared to the prior dataset in pts with mCRPC previously treated with abi or enza. Safety was consistent with known profiles of each agent and will be further evaluated in a phase 3 study (KEYNOTE-921). Clinical trial information: NCT02861573. [Table: see text]

Prognostic Implications of Immunohistochemical Biomarkers in Non-muscle-invasive Blad Cancer and Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is a very heterogeneous disease and divided into invasive and non-invasive disease. In non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), recurrence after transurethral resection or instillation-therapy, and progression to invasive disease are issues of concern. In muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), systemic recurrence after radical treatment is a pressing problem, as the available therapies in this setting are of limited efficacy. For both entities there are only few clinicopathological prognostic biomarkers to identify subgroups at risk to aid in decision making to whom to offer early radical cystectomy in case of NMIBC or neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy in case of MIBC to improve outcomes. Despite advances in surgery and intravesical therapy, up to 30% of NMIBC-patients suffer progression to MIBC. After cystectomy around 50% of MIBC patients suffer local or systemic recurrence and subsequently succumb to the disease. Standard features, like pathological staging and grading, are not sufficient to identify patients at risk beyond doubt. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics in combination with standard pathological features could be used to improve risk stratification of patients, guide treatment plans and ultimately improve outcomes. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis can detect altered regulatory pathway-products. Until now a plethora of prognostic IHC-biomarkers has been reported on in UCB, but only few have been validated and no biomarker is in routine use or recommended by guidelines. In this review we discuss the prognostic potential of the most promising IHC-biomarkers in NMIBC and MIBC with a focus on prognostication of recurrence and stage progression in NMIBC as well as recurrence-free, cancer-specific and overall survival in MIBC.

Effect of comorbidities/comedications on sunitinib outcomes for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: the STAR-TOR registry

Aim: Examine the effects of baseline hypertension (HTN) and statin or proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use on sunitinib treatment outcomes in STAR-TOR, a real-world registry. Materials & methods: Presence or absence of HTN and use or nonuse of statins or PPIs were determined at registry entry. End points included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Data were from 557 patients. Presence or absence of HTN did not affect OS or PFS. PFS (median [95% CI]) was longer in statin users (9.4 [6.5-13.6] months) versus nonusers (6.9 [5.7-8.2] months) (p = 0.0442). OS was shorter in PPI users (20.2 [14.9-28.3] months) versus nonusers (25.7 [22.7-33.0] months) (p = 0.0212). Conclusion: Comorbidities and comedications may affect real-world sunitinib treatment outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT00700258 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Consensus paper: current state of first- and second-line therapy in advanced clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

The therapy of advanced (clear-cell) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has recently experienced tremendous changes. Several new treatments have been developed, with PD-1 immune-checkpoint inhibition being the backbone of therapy. Diverse immunotherapy combinations change current first-line standards. These changes also require new approaches in subsequent lines of therapy. In an expert panel, we discussed the new treatment options and how they change clinical practice. While first-line immunotherapies introduce a new level of response rates, data on second-line therapies remains poor. This scenario poses a challenge for clinicians as guideline recommendations are based on historical patient cohorts and agents may lack the appropriate label for their in guidelines recommended use. Here, we summarize relevant clinical data and consider appropriate treatment strategies.

[Immunotherapy in bladder cancer-quo vadis? Update on current trials and developments]

BACKGROUND

Great advances have been made for the treatment of urothelial carcinoma by the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors (CPI). Single-agent immunotherapy with CPIs has been approved for patients with metastatic or locally advanced inoperable urothelial carcinoma who have either progressed during or after platinum-based chemotherapy or who are cisplatin-ineligible. For cisplatin-ineligible patients, approval is restricted to patients with high programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. For patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) or patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who receive curative therapy, no CPIs have received approval in Germany.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an overview of the current landscape of immunotherapy in patients with urothelial carcinoma.

METHODS

Summary of the therapeutic landscape and resulting challenges based on currently published data using a PubMed search.

RESULTS

In the treatment of metastatic or inoperable urothelial carcinoma, CPIs represent standard treatment. Depending on the results of currently performed trials, an extension of its use to the perioperative setting (neoadjuvant/adjuvant) and to patients with Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) unresponsive NMIBC in the near future is currently being discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Immuno-oncologic treatment using CPIs has become an integral part of the management of patients with advanced bladder cancer. For biomarker-based patient selection and combination therapies, there is an urgent need for further investigations within clinical trial protocols.

Analysis of PSMA expression and outcome in patients with advanced Prostate Cancer receiving 177Lu-PSMA-617 Radioligand Therapy

Rationale: PSMA-PET-CT enables measuring molecular expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in vivo, which is the target molecule of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 (Lu-PSMA) therapy. However, the correlation of PSMA expression and overall survival (OS) in patients treated with Lu-PSMA therapy is currently unclear; especially with regard to coexistence of high and low PSMA expressing metastases. To this end, this retrospective single arm study elucidates the correlation of PSMA expression and overall survival in patients treated with Lu-PSMA therapy. Additionally, PET based criteria to define low PSMA expression were explored. Methods: Eighty-five patients referred to Lu-PSMA therapy were included in the analysis. Pretherapeutic ⁶⁸Ga-PSMA-PET-CT scans were available for all patients. SUV_max of the highest PSMA expressing metastasis (PSMA_max), SUV_max of the lowest PSMA expressing metastasis (PSMA_min), and average SUV_max of all metastases (PSMA_average) amongst other PET parameters were measured for each patient. A log-rank cutoff-finder was used to determine low (lowPSMA_average) and high (highPSMA_average) average PSMA expression as well as low (lowPSMA_min) and high (highPSMA_min) minimal PSMA expression. Results: PSMA_average was a significant prognosticator of overall survival in contrast to PSMA_max (HR: 0.959; p = 0.047 vs. HR: 0.992; p = 0.231). Optimal log rank cut-offs were: PSMA_average = 14.3; PSMA_min = 10.2. Patients with low average PSMA expression (lowPSMA_average) had significantly shorter survival compared to those with high average expression (highPSMA_average) (5.3 vs. 15.1 months; p < 0.001; HR: 3.738, 95%CI = 1.953-7.154; p < 0.001). Patients with low PSMA expressing metastases (lowPSMA_min) had shorter survival compared to those without a low PSMA expressing metastasis (highPSMA_min) (p = 0.003; 7.9 months vs. 21.3; HR: 4.303, 95%CI = 1.521-12.178; p = 0.006). Patients that were classified as highPSMA_average but with lowPSMA_min had an intermediate overall survival (11.4 months; longer compared to lowPSMA_average, 5.3 months, p = 0.002; but shorter compared to highPSMA_min, 21.3 months, p = 0.02). Conclusion: Low average PSMA expression is a negative prognosticator of overall survival. Absence of low PSMA expressing metastases is associated with best overall survival and the maximum PSMA expression seems not suited to prognosticate overall survival. Low PSMA expression might therefore be a negative prognosticator for the outcome of patients treated with Lu-PSMA therapy. Future studies are warranted to elucidate the degree of low PSMA expression tolerable for Lu-PSMA therapy.

Sequential treatment with pazopanib followed by nivolumab in patients with renal cell carcinoma: Updated interim results of the non-interventional study PAZOREAL

e17075

Background: Real-world evidence is urgently needed to monitor the translation of new treatment approaches into routine clinical practice as well as to improve cancer treatment and survivorship care. Methods: PAZOREAL is a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study to evaluate effectiveness, tolerability, safety, and quality of life (QoL) in patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with 1st-line pazopanib (PAZO) followed by 2nd-line nivolumab (NIVO). The primary variable was time on drug (TD) in the respective treatment (Tx) lines. Other endpoints include overall survival (OS), safety and QoL evaluated by EQ-5D-5L. Results: Between December 2015 and September 2017, 414 pts were enrolled and 388 pts started first-line PAZO Tx, 136 pts subsequently received NIVO as second-line Tx. At time of data-cut (30 Sep 2019) median TD was 6.5 months (95%CI 5.7-7.6) for 1st-line PAZO and 4.6 months (95%CI 3.3-6.0) for 2nd-line NIVO. 9.0% of 1st-line PAZO pts and 5.9% of 2nd-line NIVO pts achieved a complete response and disease control rate was 58.0% (95% CI 53.0-62.8) and 44.9% (95% CI 36.8-53.2) for PAZO or NIVO, respectively. Median OS was 32.6 months (95% CI 28.0-38.9) for all pts, 32.6 months (95%CI 28.2-NA) for pts with 2nd-line NIVO and 32.3 months (95%CI 18.8-NA) for pts with other 2nd-line Tx. The most commonly reported treatment emergent AEs were diarrhea (37.2%), nausea (21.7%) and fatigue (19.1%) for PAZO Tx and diarrhea (8.8%), peripheral edema (5.9%) and dyspnea, fatigue, nausea, rash, vomiting (5.1% each) for NIVO. 66 pts (17.1%) discontinued PAZO and 7 pts (5.1%) discontinued NIVO due to related TEAEs. During 1st-line PAZO Tx, mean EQ-5D-5L utility scores initially decreased slightly by time, returned to baseline level and remained stable afterwards. During 2nd-line NIVO Tx the utility scores initially increased by time and remained stable thereafter. Similar tendencies were reported for mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Conclusions: The interim results of the PAZOREAL study confirm favorable clinical trial outcomes, the good benefit-risk profile and the sustained QoL in pts with mRCC in a real-world setting. The sequential treatment with PAZO followed by NIVO is effective and well tolerated. Clinical trial information: NIS-Nr.: 6687.

Combinatorial expression of androgen receptor splice variants: No predictive value in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with enzalutamide (enza) or abiraterone (abi)

e17547

Background: Playing an important role in prostate cancer, androgen receptor (AR) signaling is a common therapeutic target. Novel hormonal treatment (NHT) using enza or abi prolongs overall survival in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, biomarkers predicting therapy response are limited. AR-V7, as the most abundant AR splice variant, has gained clinical interest. Nonetheless, current discussions on its predictive power are diverse. Given that AR-V7 as a sole biomarker is not efficient in predicting response to NHT, we aimed to increase the predictive potential by analysis of combinatorial AR splice variant (AR-V) expression in mCRPC patients undergoing NHT. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 60 patients who started on either abi or enza. Presence of circulating tumor cells (CTC) as well as expression of AR-V3, -7 and -9 were assessed. Outcomes in CTC-, CTC+/AR-V- and CTC+/AR-V+ patients were analyzed considering PSA reduction, PSA-PFS, PFS and OS. Results: PSA reduction of 50% was predominantly found in CTC- patients (78.5%) compared to CTC+/AR-V- (55.5%) and CTC+/AR-V+ (39.3%) without statistical significance (P = 0.059). When taking co-expression of two or more AR-V into account there was no difference in PSA response either (one AR-V 42.9%, two AR-V 33.3%, three AR-V 41.6%, P = 0.154). Median PSA-PFS was 17 months (95%CI 15.7 – 18.3), 13 months (95%CI 6.8 – 19.2) and 5 months (95%CI 3.6 – 6.4) for CTC- pts, CTC+/AR-V- pts and CTC+/AR-V+ pts, respectively (P = 0.005). However, comparing CTC- and CTC+ pts, differences become even more apparent (P = 0.004), CTC+/AR-V- and AR-V+ pts showed less statistically significant differences (P = 0.029). Median PFS and OS were not reached for CTC- pts. PFS was 10 months (95%CI 6.2 – 13.8) for CTC+/AR-V- pts and 9 months (95%CI 1.1 – 16.9) for CTC+/AR-V+ pts (P = 0.004, only CTC- vs. CTC+ P = 0.002). OS was 28 months (95%CI 16.8 – 39.2) for CTC+/AR-V- pts and 15 months (95%CI 7.9 – 22.1) for CTC+/AR-V+ pts (P = 0.014, only CTC- vs. CTC+ P = 0.006). Regarding PFS and OS, there was no difference comparing only CTC+/AR-V- and AR-V+ pts (P = 0.356 and P = 0.244). Conclusions: AR splice variants have prognostic power in stratifying mCRPC patients suffering from a more advanced stage of disease. Nonetheless, our study clearly demonstrates the lack of predictive power of AR splice variants for response to NHT. Additionally, we prove the importance of CTC analysis rather than AR-V expression being more valuable in mCRPC.

Pembrolizumab (pembro) plus docetaxel and prednisone in patients (pts) with abiraterone acetate (abi) or enzalutamide (enza)-pretreated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC): KEYNOTE-365 cohort B efficacy, safety and, biomarker results

5550

Background: Pembro + docetaxel and prednisone (cohort B) has shown antitumor activity in pts with mCRPC in the phase I/II KEYNOTE-365 study (NCT02861573). Updated efficacy and safety and new biomarker data from cohort B are reported. Methods: Pts who received at least 4 wk of abi or enza in the prechemotherapy mCRPC setting and whose disease progressed within 6 mo of screening were eligible. Pts received pembro 200 mg IV + docetaxel 75 mg/m2 IV Q3W and prednisone 5 mg orally twice daily. Primary end points were PSA response rate (PSA decrease ≥50%; confirmed by a second value ≥3 weeks later), ORR per RECIST v1.1 by blinded independent central review, and safety. Key secondary end points were DCR per RECIST v1.1 (CR+PR+SD or non-CR/non-PD ≥6 mo), DOR per RECIST v1.1, radiographic PFS (rPFS) per PCWG-modified RECIST, and OS. Biospecimens (blood, tissue) were collected for biomarker analysis, including tissue PD-L1 expression, androgen receptor variant 7 (AR-v7) expression in circulating tumor cells, and a T-cell-inflamed gene expression profile (GEP). Results: Of 105 enrolled pts, 104 were treated, and 50% had measurable disease. Median (range) time from enrollment to data cutoff was 19.9 mo (1.4-27.8) for all pts and 21.8 mo (17.9-27.8) for pts with ≥27 wks follow-up (n=72). Confirmed PSA response rate was 28% in 103 pts with a baseline PSA assessment. Median time to PSA progression was 6.2 mo (95% CI, 3.7-7.4). In pts with measurable disease and ≥27 wks follow-up (n=39), ORR was 18% (7/39, all PRs) and DCR was 51%. Median DOR was 6.7 mo (range, 3.4-9.0+ [+ indicates ongoing responder]); 5 pts had a response for ≥6 mo. In all pts, median rPFS was 8.3 mo (95% CI, 7.6-10.1) and OS was 20.4 mo (16.9-NR). At 6 mo, the rPFS rate was 72.8% and OS rate was 95.3%. Treatment-related AEs (TRAEs) occurred in 96% of all pts; most frequent were alopecia (39%), diarrhea (38%), and fatigue (38%). Grade 3-5 TRAEs occurred in 40% of pts; 2 pts died of TRAEs (pneumonitis). Overall, 24% of pts were PD-L1+ (combined positive score ≥1). Of 57 pts with AR-v7 data, 17.5% were AR-v7+, 77% were AR-v7−, and 5% were undetermined. GEP was not significantly associated with ORR or PSA response. Conclusions: Pembro + docetaxel and prednisone showed activity in pts with abi or enza-pretreated mCRPC. Safety of the combination was consistent with the known profiles of the individual agents. A phase 3 study of this combination is ongoing (KEYNOTE-921, NCT03834506). Clinical trial information: NCT02861573 .

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]

A genomic blood test (NETest) identifies neuroendocrine transformation of prostate cancer

e17511

Background: Neuroendocrine-like differentiation (NELD) and an aggressive phenotype are key features of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Current blood-based biomarkers cannot detect these treatment-refractory variants. Our aim was to evaluate the NETest, a blood-based 51-marker gene neuroendocrine detection tool, as a CRPC-diagnostic versus prostate cancer (PCA). Methods: In silico evaluation: NETest gene identification in the TCGA-PRAD ( n= 500 PCA) and CRPC RNAseq datasets (cBIOPortal: dbGap-phs000909.v.p1, tissue samples: n= 47, including 15 CRPC). Blood gene expression: PCA: n= 50, CRPC: n= 40, hormone-sensitive PCA: n= 75 and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH: n= 41). NETest assay: Normalized gene expression, algorithmically assessed and scored: 0-100. Cut-off 20. PSA: ECLIA diagnostic assay: cut-off 4ng/L, > 10ng/ml = actionable value. Statistics: ANOVA, AUROC analyses and sensitivity/specificity metrics. Data is mean±SEM. Results: RNAseq: Two (4%) of the 51 NETest genes were identified in TCGA-PCA. In contrast, all 51 NETest genes (100%) were identified in CRPC tumors. Thirty-three (65%) were detected as upregulated (1.09-1425-fold vs. normal tissue). Blood-PCR: 49/51 (96%) NETest genes detected in CRPC blood. NELD-gene expression was significantly upregulated ( > 2-fold, p< 0.01) in CRPC vs. PCA ( TPH1, PNMA2, SSTR etc). NETest scores were elevated in CRPC (79±2.8) (ANOVA, p< 0.0001) vs. PCA (22±2) and BPH (23±3). The AUC differentiating CRPC from PCA was 0.93 ( p< 0.0001). NETest was elevated in 94% of CRPC vs. 13% PCA and 15% BPH (both p< 0.001). The diagnostic sensitivities and specificities were 94% and 87%, respectively. PSA: PSA was elevated in CRPC (220±372ng/ml). This was different to PCA (14±20ng/ml, p< 0.0001) and BPH (10.3±5.7ng/ml, p< 0.003). The AUC for CRPC vs. PCA/BPH was 0.70 ( p= 0.10). PSA > 10ng/ml occurred in 70% of CRPC, 60% of PCA ( p= NS) and 39% of BPH ( p< 0.05). The AUC for NETest (0.93) was significantly better than PSA (z-statistic: 4.63, p< 0.0001). Conclusions: The NETest is a liquid biopsy that detects neuroendocrine neoplasia genes in the blood and accurately identifies NELD in castration-resistant prostate cancer. We anticipate that the NETest could be used to provide real-time information relevant to the evolving neuroendocrine status of a PCA during therapy.

A randomized phase II study of nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus standard of care in previously untreated and advanced non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (SUNIFORECAST)

TPS5103

Background: Non-clear cell renal cell carcinomas (nccRCC) are a heterogeneous group of tumors accounting for approximately 25% of RCC patients (pts.). Since most clinical trials focus on clear-cell RCC (ccRCC) only, data on treatment strategies for nccRCC are limited. The combination of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab (IO/IO) has recently been approved for treatment in RCC showing a significant improvement in overall response rate (ORR), progression free (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in intermediate and high-risk pts. compared to sunitinib in a phase-III trial. Furthermore retrospective analysis in nccRCC patients have shown promising results for IO/IO as well in these entities. Methods: In this prospective randomized phase-II multicenter European trial adults with advanced or metastatic nccRCC without prior systemic therapy are eligible. Other key inclusion criteria include: available tumor tissue, Karnofsky > 70% and measurable disease per RECIST 1.1. All histological diagnoses are reviewed by a central pathologist. The study plans to randomize ~306 pts. stratified for papillary or non-papillary non-clear cell histology and by the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk score. Pts. will be randomized 1:1 to either i) Nivolumab 3mg/kg intravenously (IV) plus Ipilimumab 1mg/kg IV every 3 weeks for 4 doses followed by Nivolumab fixed dose 240mg IV every 2 weeks or ii) standard of care therapy according to the approved schedule. Treatment will be discontinued in case of unacceptable toxicity or withdrawal of informed consent. Pts may continue treatment beyond progression, if clinical benefit is achieved and treatment is well tolerated. Primary endpoint is the OS rate at 12 months. Secondary endpoints include OS rate at 6 and 18 months, median OS, PFS, ORR and quality of life. The trial is in progress and 122 patients (78 pts with papillary, 37 pts with non-papillary histology) have been enrolled until now. Clinical trial information: NCT03075423 .

A blood-based multi-mRNA liquid biopsy with >90% accuracy for diagnosis and assessment of prostate cancers

5574

Background: There are a paucity of blood-based biomarkers with clinical utility for prostate cancer (PCa). We developed a circulating mRNA (27-gene) prostate cancer signature to diagnose and manage PCa. Methods: Gene identification: Publicly available PCa transcriptome sets ( n= 1,159 samples) were evaluated and compared with normal blood-based transcriptomes using gene co-expression network enrichment, differential expression and functional enrichment analyses to identify candidate markers. Gene expression evaluation: Seven PCA cell lines and two normal prostate epithelial lines were used to assess candidate genes. Marker genes were determined in PCa tumor tissue ( n= 50) and validated in the TCGA-PRAD ( n= 500) dataset. Blood gene expression: Set #I: PCA: n= 132, BPH: n= 44, controls n= 55. Set #II: n= 50 (biochemical recurrence [BCR]). We constructed an artificial intelligence PCa model using classification algorithm analyses. Scoring: normalized algorithmically analyzed gene expression (0 to 100), positive score >20. PSA: BPH ( n= 44) and PCa ( n= 132). Clinical score assessment: Surgical cohort: ( n= 47), samples: pre-surgical and post: 1 week - 14 months. Statistics: Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson-correlation, Fisher’s and AUROC analyses (Mean±SEM). Results: Transcriptomic analysis identified 27 candidates. Cell lines/tissue: Expression levels were significantly elevated ( p< 0.001, 2.1-35.8-fold) in cell lines and PCa surgical samples. All 27 markers were confirmed in TCGA-PRAD samples (average TPM: 58 to 10,366). Blood: In Set#I, levels in PCa were 47±2 ( p< 0.0001) compared to BPH (19±1) and controls (18±0.5); AUROC: 0.92 (BPH) and 0.94 (controls), with an accuracy of 85-88%, a sensitivity of 86% and specificities 82 and 93%. For PSA, the AUROC (PCa vs. BPH) was 0.51 ( p= 0.88). PSA was positive in 86% of BPH and was > 10ng/ml in 30%. PSA was positive in 83% of PCa and > 10ng/ml in 40% (Fisher’s p= 0.28). PSA accuracy ( > 10ng/ml) was 48%. Levels in Set#II (BCR) were 44±3. ProstaTest-was positive in 48 (96%). Surgical cohort ( n= 47): Prostatest accuracy 100% pre-surgery. Resection decreased levels (KW-statistic: 57.4, p< 0.0001) from 52±1 to 23.5±2. Conclusions: A 27-gene blood signature was developed for PCa that exhibited a diagnostic accuracy of 92%; significantly better than PSA (48%, p< 0.0001). Surgical resection significantly ( p< 0.0001) decreased levels. Biochemical recurrence was accurately detected (96%). A multi-gene prostate cancer liquid biopsy is likely to have clinical utility in both diagnosis and monitoring of PCa.

Real-world outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma according to risk factors: Analysis of the STAR TOR registry

628

Background: Metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treatment is partly informed by risk group. The two most commonly used prognostic models, the International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), stratify patients (pts) into favorable (0 risk factors [RFs]), intermediate (1–2 RFs) or high risk (≥3 RFs) groups. This study examined real-world outcomes according to IMDC and MSKCC RFs in sunitinib-treated pts with mRCC. Methods: Data were extracted on 19 June 2019 from a large, prospective German multicenter registry (STAR-TOR). Only pts with sufficient data for risk stratification by IMDC and MSKCC were included in this analysis. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The impact of RFs on survival was assessed using Cox’s regression analysis and the chi square test. Results: According to IMDC or MSKCC, 16.7% and 15.3%, 26.2% and 30.8%, 18.7% and 24.7%, and 38.5% and 29.2 of pts had 0, 1, 2 and ≥3 RFs, respectively. In IMDC intermediate pts, only < 1 year diagnosis to therapy (24.8%) was the most common RF; in MSKCC intermediate pts, < 1 year diagnosis to therapy with low hemoglobin (19.9%) were the most common. OS was not significantly different for pts with 0 vs 1 (p = 0.24), or 2 vs ≥3 (p = 0.16) IMDC RFs, but was significant according to MSKCC RFs (0 vs 1, p = 0.04; 2 vs ≥3, p < 0.01). OS was significantly longer for pts with 1 vs 2 RFs for IMDC (p = 0.03) and MSKCC (p = 0.04), but PFS was not (IMDC, p = 0.29; MSKCC, p = 0.12). OS was significantly longer for 0 vs 2, 0 vs ≥3, and 1 vs ≥3 RFs for IMDC and MSKCC RFs (all comparisons, p < 0.01). Similar results were observed for PFS with the exception of 0 vs 1 IMDC RF (p = 0.01). Conclusions: The intermediate risk group appears to be heterogeneous. OS for pts with 1 RF may align with the favorable risk group and pts with 2 RFs may align with the poor risk group.[Table: see text]

KEYNOTE-365 cohort B updated results: Pembrolizumab (pembro) plus docetaxel and prednisone in abiraterone (abi) or enzalutamide (enza)-pretreated patients (pts) with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)

103

Background: KEYNOTE-365 (NCT02861573) is a phase 1b/2 study to evaluate pembro in combination with other agents in mCRPC. Here we report updated results from cohort B (pembro + docetaxel and prednisone). Methods: Cohort B enrolled pts who failed or were intolerant to ≥4 wk of abi or enza in the prechemotherapy mCRPC state and whose disease progressed within 6 mo of screening as determined by PSA progression or radiologic bone/soft tissue progression. Pts received pembro 200 mg IV + docetaxel 75 mg/m2 IV Q3W and prednisone 5 mg orally twice daily. Primary end points were safety, PSA response rate (confirmed PSA decrease >50%), and ORR per blinded independent central review (BICR). Results: Of 104 treated pts, 72 discontinued, primarily due to progression (55%). Median age was 68 y (range 50-86), 24% were PD-L1+, 25% had visceral disease, and 50% had measurable disease. Median follow-up was 13 mo for all pts (n=104) and 19 mo for pts who had ≥27 wk of follow up (n=72). See table for efficacy outcomes. Treatment-related AEs occurred in 100 pts (96%); most frequent (≥30%) were alopecia, diarrhea, and fatigue (39% each). Grade 3-5 treatment-related AEs occurred in 42 pts (40%). Five pts died of AEs; 2 deaths were from treatment-related AEs (pneumonitis). Conclusions: With additional follow-up, pembro + docetaxel and prednisone continued to show activity in pts with mCRPC who failed previous antihormonal therapy. Safety of the combination was consistent with the known profiles of the individual agents and will be further evaluated in a phase 3 study (KEYNOTE-921). Clinical trial information: NCT02861573. [Table: see text]

Effect of comorbidities/comedications on treatment outcomes with sunitinib in patients (pts) with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): Subgroup analyses from the STAR-TOR registry

631

Background: Sunitinib remains an important treatment option for mRCC, but the effect of comorbidities/comedications on sunitinib treatment outcomes have not been fully explored. Methods: Data were collated from STAR-TOR, an ongoing real-world registry. Cutoff date for analysis was 19 June 2019. This subgroup analysis assessed the presence or absence of hypertension (HTN), and the use or non-use of statins and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), determined at the time of entry to the registry. Treatment endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR). OS and PFS were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier methods. Differences within subgroups were tested using Log-rank test for OS and PFS, and Fisher’s exact test for ORR. Results: 557 sunitinib-treated pts were analyzed; 366 had HTN and 191 did not, 130 used statins and 427 did not, and 165 used PPIs and 392 did not. Median (m) OS (95% confidence intervals) was similar in pts with and without HTN (25.4 [21.1, 31.5] vs 21.5 [15.2, 28.0] months; p = 0.215). mPFS (8.0 [6.5, 9.9] vs 6.3 [5.4, 8.2] months; p = 0.140) and ORR (31.2% vs 30.9%; p = 1.000) were also similar in pts with and without HTN. mOS was similar in pts who used statins vs those who did not (27.8 [20.2, 35.4] vs 24.0 [19.4, 27.3] months; p = 0.884), while mPFS was significantly longer in pts who used statins (9.4 [6.5, 13.6] vs 6.9 [5.7, 8.2] months; p = 0.044). ORR was 37.8% vs 29.0% in pts who did and did not use statins (p = 0.072). mOS was significantly shorter in pts who used PPIs vs those who did not (20.2 [14.9, 28.3] vs 25.7 [22.7, 33.0] months; p = 0.021). mPFS (5.8 [4.6, 8.2] vs 8.0 [6.5, 9.8] months; p = 0.091) and ORR (26.6% vs 33.0%; p = 0.177) were similar in pts who did and did not use PPIs. Conclusions: In sunitinib-treated pts with mRCC in a real-world registry, mPFS was significantly longer and there was a trend toward better ORR in pts who used statins, whereas mOS was significantly shorter and there was a trend toward shorter mPFS in pts who used PPIs. Common comedications may affect sunitinib treatment outcomes in pts with mRCC.

[Knowledge of German-speaking urologists regarding the association between penile cancer and human papilloma virus: results of a survey of the European PROspective Penile Cancer Study (E-PROPS)]

BACKGROUND

 A recent meta-analysis showed that penile cancer (PeC) is associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV) in 50 % of patients in Europe. It is unknown whether urologists are aware of the impact of viral carcinogenesis.

METHODS

 A (German-language) survey comprising 14 items was created and sent to urologists of 45 clinical centres in Germany (n = 34), Austria (n = 8), Switzerland (n = 2) and Italy/South Tyrol (n = 1) once in Q3/2018. According to a predefined quality standard, a total of 557 surveys were eligible for final data analysis (response rate: 85.7 %). Among other questions, urologists were asked to state the frequency of HPV-associated PeC in Europe. 4 potential answers were provided: (A)-"< 25 %", (B)-"25 - 50 %", (C)-"> 50 - 75 %", (D)-"level of association unknown". For the final calculation, a tolerance of ± 50 % was considered acceptable, so B and C were deemed correct answers. Based on a bootstrap-adjusted multivariate logistic regression model, criteria independently predicting a correct answer were identified.

RESULTS

 Categories A-D were selected in 19.2 % (n = 107), 48.8 % (n = 272), 12.9 % (n = 72) and 19 % (n = 106), respectively, representing a rate of 61.8 % of urologists (n = 344) reaching the endpoint (B + C). Autonomous performance of chemotherapy for PeC by urologists within the given centre (OR 1.55, p[Bootstrap] = 0.036) and the centre's number of urological beds (OR 1.02, p[Bootstrap] = 0.025) were the only parameters showing a significant independent impact on the endpoint. In contrast, the status of a university centre (p = 0.143), a leading position of the responding urologist (p = 0.375) and the number of PeC patients treated per year and centre (p = 0.571) did not significantly predict a correct answer.

CONCLUSIONS

 Our results demonstrate insufficient knowledge on the association of PeC and HPV among German-speaking urologists.

Additional Local Therapy for Liver Metastases in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Receiving Systemic PSMA-Targeted Therapy

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ¹⁷⁷Lu-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-617 (¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA) and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) for the treatment of liver metastases of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Methods: Safety and survival of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and liver metastases assigned to ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA alone (n = 31) or in combination with SIRT (n = 5) were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, a subgroup (n = 10) was analyzed using morphologic and molecular response criteria. Results: Median estimated survival was 5.7 mo for ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA alone and 8.4 mo for combined sequential ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA and SIRT. ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA achieved discordant therapy responses with both regressive and progressive liver metastases in the same patient (best vs. worst responding metastases per patient: -35% vs. +63% diameter change; P < 0.05). SIRT was superior to ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA for the treatment of liver metastases (0% vs. 56% progression). Conclusion: The combination of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA and SIRT is efficient and feasible for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA alone seems to have limited response rates in the treatment of liver metastases.

A prognostic score for overall survival in patients treated with abiraterone in the pre- and post-chemotherapy setting

Background: Therapy resistance remains a serious dilemma in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with primary or secondary resistance frequently occurring against any given therapy. Available prognostic models for Abiraterone Acetate (AA) are specifically designed for either pre- or post-chemotherapy settings and mostly based on trial datasets not necessarily reflecting real-life.

Results: A score of 0–2 (low-risk) is associated with an OS-probability of 80.0% (95%CI: 71.3–90.6) and 50.5% (95%CI: 38.7–66.0) after 1 and 2 years while a score of 3–4 (high risk) is associated with an OS-probability of 35.3% (95%CI: 22.3–55.8) and 5.7% (95%CI: 1.5–21.8), respectively. The bootstrapping survival analysis of the scoring-system revealed a median c-index of 0.80 (IQR: 0.79–0.82).

Material and Methods: We developed a scoring-system using four real-life parameters 117 mCRPC patients treated with AA either pre- or post-chemotherapy. These parameters were evaluated using COX regression analysis. The scoring-system consists of binary-categorized parameters; when any of these exceeds the given cut-off, one point is added up to a final score ranging between 0–4 points. The final score was stratified by a median threshold of 2 into low- and high-risk groups. We evaluated the discriminative ability of our scoring-system using concordance probability (C-index) and Kaplan–Meier-analysis and applied a 100-times bootstrap for survival analysis.

Conclusions: Our study introduces a novel prognostic scoring-system for OS of real-life mCRPC patients receiving AA treatment irrespective of the line of therapy. The scoring-system is simple and can be easily utilized based on PSA and LDH values, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, and ECOG performance status.

Second line chemotherapy and visceral metastases are associated with poor survival in patients with mCRPC receiving 177Lu-PSMA-617

The purpose of this study was to identify previous treatments and biomarker profile features that prognosticate overall survival (OS) in patients with mCRPC receiving ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617.

Methods: 109 mCRPC patients treated with a median of 3 cycles of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 were included. Data were analyzed according to OS as well as PSA response patterns with regard to prior therapies, laboratory biomarkers and metastatic extent in univariate as well as multivariate Cox's proportional hazards models. PSA decline was assessed using the lowest PSA levels after the first cycle of therapy (initial PSA response) and during the entire observation period (best PSA response).

Results: In total, 54 patients (49.5%) died during the observation period. First and second line chemotherapy were performed in 85% and 26%, and Abiraterone and Enzalutamide were administered in 83% and 85%, respectively. Any initial PSA decline occurred in 55% while 25% showed a PSA decline of ≥50%. The median estimated OS was 9.9 months (95% CI: 7.2-12.5) for all patients. Any initial decline of PSA was associated with significantly prolonged OS (15.5 vs. 5.7 months, p = 0.002). Second line cabazitaxel chemotherapy (6.7 vs. 15.7 months, p = 0.002) and presence of visceral metastases (5.9 vs. 16.4 months, p<0.001) were associated with shorter OS. Only visceral metastases remained significant in a multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 is an effective therapy for patients with mCRPC. However, the present data indicate that its beneficial effects on OS are strongly influenced by pretreatment (history of second line chemotherapy with cabazitaxel) and the presence of visceral metastases at onset of ¹⁷⁷Lu-PSMA-617 treatment.

Combination possibility and deep learning model as clinical decision-aided approach for prostate cancer

This study aims to introduce as proof of concept a combination model for classification of prostate cancer using deep learning approaches. We utilized patients with prostate cancer who underwent surgical treatment representing the various conditions of disease progression. All possible combinations of significant variables from logistic regression and correlation analyses were determined from study data sets. The combination possibility and deep learning model was developed to predict these combinations that represented clinically meaningful patient's subgroups. The observed relative frequencies of different tumor stages and Gleason score Gls changes from biopsy to prostatectomy were available for each group. Deep learning models and seven machine learning approaches were compared for the classification performance of Gleason score changes and pT2 stage. Deep models achieved the highest F1 scores by pT2 tumors (0.849) and Gls change (0.574). Combination possibility and deep learning model is a useful decision-aided tool for prostate cancer and to group patients with prostate cancer into clinically meaningful groups.

Sequential treatment with pazopanib (PAZO) followed by nivolumab (NIVO) in patients with advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC): Third interim results of the non-interventional study PAZOREAL

4574

Background: Randomized clinical trials for the implementation of new therapies include only a selection of patients that are later treated with these new options. Thus, real-world evidence is urgently needed not only to monitor the translation of treatment approaches into routine practice but also to improve cancer treatment and survivorship care on a broader scale. Methods: PAZOREAL is a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional study to evaluate effectiveness [primary time on drug (TD)], tolerability, safety, and quality of life (QoL) in patients (pts) with mRCC, treated with 1st L PAZO followed by 2nd L NIVO or everolimus (EVE). Results: Between Dec. 2015 and Sep. 2017, 421 pts were enrolled and 402 pts started 1st L PAZO treatment (Tx), 127 and 5 pts received NIVO and EVE as 2nd L Tx, resp., 56 entered follow-up. At time of data-cut (08 Nov 2018) median TD was 6.6 months (95%CI 6.0-7.9) for 1st L PAZO and 4.1 months (95%CI 3.2-5.8) for 2nd L NIVO (all pts), 8.1 months (95% CI 6.6-9.5) for PAZO and 3.2 (2.7-6.5) for NIVO Tx for trial eligible pts (39.1% of 402 pts). Median TD for pts with or without prior nephrectomy was 7.6 vs 4.5 months, resp. The clinical benefit rate of 1st L PAZO was 58.2 % (95% CI 53.3-62.9) based on investigator assessment. Median OS of PAZO was 29.5 months (95%CI 23.6-NA) for all pts, 28.2 months (95% CI 22.2-NA) for NIVO in 2nd L. The most commonly reported AEs for PAZO Tx were diarrhea (35%), nausea (20.3%) and fatigue (17.5%). Most common PAZO-related grade 3/4 adverse events were hypertension (5%), hypertensive crisis (2.3%) and GGT increase (1.8%). QoL evaluated by EQ-5D-5L remained stable over different Tx lines. Conclusions: The interim results of the PAZOREAL study confirm a favorable overall survival in pts with mRCC treated with 1st L PAZO in a real-world setting, good benefit-risk profile of PAZO and sustained QoL monitored over several treatment lines. In Germany NIVO as 2nd L Tx is commonly applied after 1st L Tx with PAZO.