Therapy for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2023.3

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations for patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer with driver alterations.

METHODS

This ASCO living guideline offers continually updated recommendations based on an ongoing systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with the latest time frame spanning February to October 2023. An Expert Panel of medical oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest include efficacy and safety. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

This guideline consolidates all previous updates and reflects the body of evidence informing this guideline topic. Eight new RCTs were identified in the latest search of the literature to date.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations were updated to address first, second, and subsequent treatment options for patients based on targetable driver alterations.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/living-guidelines.

Therapy for Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Without Driver Alterations: ASCO Living Guideline, Version 2023.3

PURPOSE

To provide evidence-based recommendations for patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without driver alterations.

METHODS

This ASCO living guideline offers continually updated recommendations based on an ongoing systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs), with the latest time frame spanning February to October 2023. An Expert Panel of medical oncology, pulmonary, community oncology, research methodology, and advocacy experts were convened. The literature search included systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest include efficacy and safety. Expert Panel members used available evidence and informal consensus to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

RESULTS

This guideline consolidates all previous updates and reflects the body of evidence informing this guideline topic. Ten new RCTs were identified in the latest search of the literature to date.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Evidence-based recommendations were updated to address first, second, and subsequent treatment options for patients without driver alterations.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/living-guidelines.

Response to ABAI Task Force on the Use of Contingent Electric Skin Shock

In this article, the authors provide their response to the Association for Behavior Analysis International (2022) position statement on the use of contingent electric skin shock (CESS). In this response, we address concerns raised by the task force regarding limitations of the Zarcone et al. (2020) review article in which both methodological and ethical concerns were raised about the quality of research in the use of CESS with people with disabilities in the treatment of challenging behavior. We note that with the exception of the Judge Rotenberg Center in Massachusetts, no state or country currently supports the use of CESS as it is not recognized as the standard of care in any other program, school, or facility.

Western Australian adolescent emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

BACKGROUND

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been vast and are not limited to physical health. Many adolescents have experienced disruptions to daily life, including changes in their school routine and family's financial or emotional security, potentially impacting their emotional wellbeing. In low COVID-19 prevalence settings, the impact of isolation has been mitigated for most young people through continued face-to-face schooling, yet there may still be significant impacts on their wellbeing that could be attributed to the pandemic.

METHODS

We report on data from 32,849 surveys from Year 7-12 students in 40 schools over two 2020 survey cycles (June/July: 19,240; October: 13,609), drawn from a study of 79 primary and secondary schools across Western Australia, Australia. The Child Health Utility Index (CHU9D) was used to measure difficulties and distress in responding secondary school students only. Using comparable Australian data collected six years prior to the pandemic, the CHU9D was calibrated against the Kessler-10 to establish a reliable threshold for CHU9D-rated distress.

RESULTS

Compared to 14% of responding 12-18-year-olds in 2013/2014, in both 2020 survey cycles almost 40% of secondary students returned a CHU9D score above a threshold indicative of elevated difficulties and distress. Student distress increased significantly between June and October 2020. Female students, those in older Grades, those with few friendships or perceived poor quality friendships, and those with poor connectedness to school were more likely to score above the threshold.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large dataset collected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of secondary school students with scores indicative of difficulties and distress was substantially higher than a 2013/2014 benchmark, and distress increased as the pandemic progressed, despite the low local prevalence of COVID-19. This may indicate a general decline in social and emotional wellbeing exacerbated by the events of the pandemic.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ANZCTRN (ACTRN12620000922976). Retrospectively registered 17/08/2020. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380429&isReview=true .

Identification of potential germline (GL) variants by routine clinical comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) and confirmatory GL testing in 24 tumor types

10596

Background: Tumor CGP may identify both somatic and GL variants, though confirmatory testing is required to verify which variants originate from the GL. Studies have shown CGP can identify patients who both do and do not meet criteria for genetic counseling (GC). Ideally, improved annotation from tumor CGP could more appropriately direct GC referrals. We explore how a computational algorithm might be used to influence GC and confirmatory GL testing for variants in inherited cancer predisposition genes. Methods: 849 patients from the Aurora Oncology Precision Medicine Program who had routine hybrid-capture based CGP by Foundation Medicine from 8/2018-8/2020 were eligible. A previously published algorithm, SGZ (Sun et al PMID 29415044) which incorporates allele frequency, aneuploidy, and admixed copy number modeling was used to predict whether each single nucleotide variant (SNV) was GL or somatic. SGZ predictions for SNVs in 24 actionable inherited cancer predisposition genes were available to Aurora for review as part of standard screening to identify appropriate GC referrals. For patients who had GL testing, variants in genes on both assays were compared. Results: 76 pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants predicted to be GL by SGZ were detected in 73/849 (9%) patients: ATM (7), BAP1 (2), BRCA1 (13), BRCA2 (8), BRIP1 (1), CHEK2 (18), FH (0), FLCN (2), MLH1 (1), MSH2 (0), MSH6 (3), MUTYH (12), PALB2 (3), PMS2 (1), POLE (0), RAD51C (1), RAD51D (0), RET (1), SDHA/B/C/D (0,0,0,0), TSC2 (0), and VHL (3). 27/73 (37%) patients had GL testing. 25/26 (96%) variants were confirmed to be GL in origin and 1 additional variant was detected by CGP in a region not interrogated by the GL assay: ATM (2/2), BRCA1 (6/6), BRCA2 (2/2), BRIP1 (1/1), CHEK2 (9/9), FLCN (0*/1), MSH6 (1/1), MUTYH (2/2), PALB2 (1/1), RAD51C (1/1), and VHL (0/1). Variants were confirmed in bladder, breast, CRC, glioma, NSCLC, ovary, pancreas, prostate, sarcoma, and gastric cancer. The VHL variant was discordant in a leiomyosarcoma. Conclusions: We identified the potential real-world clinical impact of computationally screening solid tumor patients undergoing routine CGP for potential P/LP GL variants. Predicting GL results with SGZ for 24 inherited cancer predisposition genes was highly concordant with confirmatory GL testing independent of tumor type. CGP annotations can facilitate GC referral and GL testing for at-risk patients, particularly in tumor types which may not typically meet guidelines for GL testing.[Table: see text]

Implementation of Germline Testing for Prostate Cancer: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2019

PURPOSE

Germline testing (GT) is a central feature of prostate cancer (PCA) treatment, management, and hereditary cancer assessment. Critical needs include optimized multigene testing strategies that incorporate evolving genetic data, consistency in GT indications and management, and alternate genetic evaluation models that address the rising demand for genetic services.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary consensus conference that included experts, stakeholders, and national organization leaders was convened in response to current practice challenges and to develop a genetic implementation framework. Evidence review informed questions using the modified Delphi model. The final framework included criteria with strong (> 75%) agreement (Recommend) or moderate (50% to 74%) agreement (Consider).

RESULTS

Large germline panels and somatic testing were recommended for metastatic PCA. Reflex testing-initial testing of priority genes followed by expanded testing-was suggested for multiple scenarios. Metastatic disease or family history suggestive of hereditary PCA was recommended for GT. Additional family history and pathologic criteria garnered moderate consensus. Priority genes to test for metastatic disease treatment included BRCA2, BRCA1, and mismatch repair genes, with broader testing, such as ATM, for clinical trial eligibility. BRCA2 was recommended for active surveillance discussions. Screening starting at age 40 years or 10 years before the youngest PCA diagnosis in a family was recommended for BRCA2 carriers, with consideration in HOXB13, BRCA1, ATM, and mismatch repair carriers. Collaborative (point-of-care) evaluation models between health care and genetic providers was endorsed to address the genetic counseling shortage. The genetic evaluation framework included optimal pretest informed consent, post-test discussion, cascade testing, and technology-based approaches.

CONCLUSION

This multidisciplinary, consensus-driven PCA genetic implementation framework provides novel guidance to clinicians and patients tailored to the precision era. Multiple research, education, and policy needs remain of importance.

The Role of the Factor X Activation Peptide: A Deletion Mutagenesis Approach

To understand the role of the factor X (fX) activation peptide (AP), a deletion mutagenesis approach was employed. Two single-chain, variant enzymes were generated in which 41 residues were deleted from the AP: fXdes-137-183 and fXdes-137-183;N191A, which lacks a carbohydrate moiety at Asn191 due to an alanine substitution. Deletion of the fX AP did not impact fXa catalytic activity. Activation of the variant zymogens, however, was altered. Neither mutant enzyme was activated by the fX coagulant protein from Russell’s viper venom (RVV-X1). Activation by factor VIIa (fVIIa) and fVIIa in the presence of cofactor, lipidated tissue factor (TF), occurred at an accelerated rate for both variants as compared to wild-type fX (WTfX). Similar to fVII, the mutants auto-activated in a cofactor-independent manner, which was characterized by a lag period and accelerated dose-dependently by plasma fXa (kcat/Km, 0.046 ± 0.004 µM−1s−1). Both mutants were also found to be activated by fVIIa (0.31 ± 0.03 µM−1s−1), fIXa (0.30 ± 0.03 µM−1 s−1), and thrombin (0.00078 ± 0.00015 µM−1s−1). In all cases, the rate of activation was faster for fXdes-137-183;N191A as compared to fXdes-137-183. We propose that the fX AP and Asn191 carbohydrate serve primarily as negative autoregulation mechanisms to prevent spurious activation of fX and secondarily in cofactor dependence and activator specificity.

The abbreviations used are: TF, human tissue factor; AP, activation peptide; HEPES, (N-[2-Hydroxyethyl]piperazine-N’-[2-ethanesulfonic acid]); PEG, polyethylene glycol 8000; BSA, bovine serum albumin; Tris, (Tris[hydroxymethyl] aminomethane); EDTA, (Ethylenedinitrilo)-tetraacetic acid; SDSPAGE, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; RVV-X, X activating protein from Russell’s viper venom; gla, γ-carboxylated glutamic acid; WTfX, wild type factor X; PC:PS, phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidylserine; fXa, fIXa, f Va, fVIIa, and fVIIIa, activated coagulation factor X, IX, V, VII, and VIII; ATIII, antithrombin; TFPI, tissue factor pathway inhibitor.

Adrenocortical carcinoma and succinate dehydrogenase gene mutations: an observational case series

OBJECTIVE

Germline loss-of-function mutations in succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) genes results in rare tumor syndromes that include pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma, and others. Here we report a case series of patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) that harbor SDHx mutations.

PATIENTS AND RESULTS

We report four unrelated patients with ACC and SDHx mutations. All cases presented with Cushing syndrome and large adrenal masses that were confirmed to be ACC on pathology. All four ACC specimens were found to have truncating mutations in either SDHC or SDHA, while cases 1, 2 and 3 also had the mutations confirmed in the germline: Case 1: SDHC c.397C > T, pR133X; Case 2: SDHC c.43C > T, p.R15X; Case 3: SDHA c.91C > T, p.R31X; Case 4: SDHA c.1258C > T, p.Q420X. Notably, Case 1 had a father and daughter who both harbored the same SDHC germline mutation, and the father had a paraganglioma and renal cell carcinoma. A combination of next generation sequencing, and/or immunohistochemistry, and/or mass spectroscopy was used to determine whether there was loss of heterozygosity and/or loss of SDH protein expression or function within the ACC. Potential evidence of loss of heterozygosity was observed only in Case 2.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed truncating mutations in SDHA or SDHC in the ACC and/or germline of four unrelated patients. Given how statistically improbable the concurrence of ACC and pathogenic germline SDHx mutations is expected to be, these observations raise the question whether ACC may be a rare manifestation of SDHx mutation syndromes. Further studies are needed to investigate the possible role of SDH deficiency in ACC pathogenesis.

Randomized trial of vitamin B6 for preventing hand-foot syndrome from capecitabine chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine that is used to treat various malignancies. Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a dose-limiting toxicity of capecitabine that can limit the use of this agent in some patients. Some investigators have observed that pyridoxine (vitamin B6) can ameliorate HFS that is caused by capecitabine. We designed a prospective trial to determine if pyridoxine can prevent HFS in patients who receive capecitabine.

METHODS

In our double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned eligible patients who were treated with capecitabine to receive either daily pyridoxine 100 mg or placebo along with their capecitabine-containing chemotherapy regimen. Patients were observed during the first 4 cycles of capecitabine treatment. The primary endpoint was the incidence and grade of HFS that occurred in both study arms.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2011, 77 patients were randomly assigned to receive either pyridoxine (n = 38) or placebo (n = 39). Dosages of capecitabine were equally matched between both arms of the study. HFS occurred after a median of 2 chemotherapy cycles in both groups. HFS developed in 10 of 38 (26%) patients in the pyridoxine group and in 8 of 39 (21%) patients in the placebo group (P = .547). Therefore, the risk of HFS was 5 percentage points higher in pyridoxine group (95% confdence interval [CI] for difference, -13 percentage points to +25 percentage points). Given our study results, a true benefit from pyridoxine can be excluded. No difference in HFS grades was observed.

LIMITATIONS

Single-institution study.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic pyridoxine (vitamin B6), given concomitantly with capecitabine-containing chemotherapy, was not effective for the prevention of HFS.

Oligometastatic Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Brain Without Radiologically Detected Primary

A 60-year-old Polish male was admitted into our hospital with complaint of right-sided lower extremity weakness. CT of head showed a left frontal 2.6 × 1.5 cm mass. Staging work-up did not show any other associated lesions in the chest or abdomen. Brain tumor was resected with histology consistent with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with most likely lung primary because of TTF-1 positivity. Following recovery from surgery, he had external beam radiation therapy to the brain and systemic chemotherapy with four cycles of cisplatin/etoposide. Patient is alive and doing well 6 months post diagnosis with no evidence of recurrence.

Demographics, response, and overall survival of patients with advanced renal cell cancer to sunitinib in a cohort of minority patient population

e16164

Background: Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor active in renal cell cancer (RCC). There is scanty literature of its efficacy in minority population. Methods: 21 patients (pts) with RCC who received sunitinib between February 2006-September 2007 were identified and studied as a retrospective cohort. Clinical and survival data were analyzed using fisher's test, chi square test, Kaplan Meier analyses. Results: Of the 21 patients, 11 (52%) were female and 10 (47%) male, 7 (33.3%) African American, 7 (33.3%) Hispanic, and 5 (23.8%) Caucasian. Median age at diagnosis was 59 years (32–74). 7 (33.3%) had clear cell and 3 (14.3%) sarcomatoid pathology. Mixed, poorly differentiated, papillary and unknown histology were 2 (9.5%) each. 12 (57%) pts had stage 4 disease at diagnosis, stage 3 in 3 (14.3%), stage 2 in 1 (4.8%) and 5 (23%) had missing data. 14(66.7%) pts underwent nephrectomy while 7 (33.3%) did not. 6 (28.6%) pts has good MSKCC risk score, 11 (52.4%) intermediate risk and 3 (14.3%) poor risk. Sunitinib was given at a dose of 50 mg daily for 4 wks followed by 2 wks off. Median duration of treatment was 2.5 months (0–9 mts) and median follow up was 13 mts (1–21 mts). Common grade 3–4 toxicities observed were hand foot syndrome (n = 2), hypertension (n = 2) and thrombocytopenia (n = 1). 4 pts discontinued therapy due to adverse events. 5 (23.8%) has stable disease and 13 (61.9%) had progressive disease. Response to sunitinib was not influenced by sex, race, performance status, MSKCC Score, serum calcium level, LDH and hemoglobin level. Median survival of the group was 4 mts with no difference based on gender (p = 0.8), ethnicity (p = 0.8) or histologic type (p = 0.7). Survival of pts with ECOG performance status (PS) 1 was 8 mts, PS 2 was 4 mts, PS 3 was 2 mts (p = 0.001), MSKCC good risk was 9.4 mts, intermediate score was 9.4 mts and poor risk was 2 mts (p = 0.18). Hemoglobin (p = 0.6), LDH (p = 0.6), calcium (p = 0.2) did not affect the survival. Conclusions: In this minority cohort of pts with RCC treated with sunitinib, response and median survival is much lower than the historical controls. Tolerability and side effect profile are similar to reported literature. Prospective studies are warranted in the treatment of RCC with sunitinib in ethnic minority population.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Retrospective review of toxicities and response of two commonly used regimens (FOLFOX6 and XELOX) in stage IV colorectal cancer

13568

Background: Oxaliplatin and 5FU based regimens have become standard first line treatment for stage IV colorectal cancer. At our institution predominately the regimens FOLFOX6 (oxaliplatin/infusional 5FU via a central venous catheter) and XELOX (oxaliplatin/ capecitabine given orally) are used. We performed a retrospective review of 40 patients to see if any differences, primarily in toxicities, but also in response, emerged. Methods: . Twenty consecutive patients with Stage IV colorectal cancer who received FOLFOX6 as initial therapy and twenty consecutive patients who received initial XELOX, with the oxaliplatin given via a peripheral IV, were analyzed. The decision to administer FOLFOX6 or XELOX was not made for clinical reasons, but came about from logistical difficulties placing central venous catheters in our institution, due to cost and operating time. Comparisons were performed with a Mann Whitney test. The two groups were well matched in terms of sex, age, and performance status. Response evaluations were made based on RECIST criteria. Results: Toxicities compared in the two groups (FOLFOX6 v. XELOX) were gastrointestinal, >Gr. II (5 v. 20%); dermatologic, >Gr. III (0 v. 35%); bone marrow, > Gr. II (15 v. 20%); neurologic, >Gr. III peripheral neuropathy (10 v. 10%); and development of arm pain/discomfort (0 v. 30%). The two toxicities reaching a significant difference, with the higher incidence from XELOX, were > Grade II dermatitis (p= 0.03) and development of arm pain (p=0.05). The response rate of FOLFOX6 was 75% and that for XELOX was 55% (p value of 0.144). Conclusions: Our conclusions from this analysis are that the two regimens are comparable in terms of response, but that FOLFOX6 may be preferable in order to avoid severe dermatitis and if XELOX is the treatment choice, serious consideration should given to administer the oxaliplatin via a central catheter.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Inferring handedness from lithic evidence

Until recently research into the origins of human handedness has been hampered by the lack of valid techniques for inferring handedness in pre-modern populations. A method developed by Toth for inferring handedness from lithic evidence, based on orientation of the cortex on lithic flakes, has produced promising results. However, this method is limited in applicability and has a variable signal to noise ratio. The authors describe a separate method, based on the orientation of the cone of percussion in lithic flakes, for inferring handedness from the lithic evidence. This method complements the cortex method. Some preliminary experimental evidence is presented which indicates that handedness can be inferred from lithic evidence using the cone of percussion method. Suggestions for further research are made.

Radiotherapy alone compared with radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to determine whether primary treatment with both radiotherapy and chemotherapy is superior to radiotherapy alone in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1980 to December 1988, 77 patients from two Veterans Affairs hospitals with clinically staged nonmetastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus received either radiotherapy alone (RT group) or concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy (RT + CT group) with curative intent. Each group originated at a different hospital, but all patients were irradiated in the same radiotherapy department. Chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Forty-two patients received RT alone, and 35 received RT + CT. Locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were compared.

RESULTS

Locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival rates were significantly higher in the RT + CT group when compared to RT group, 26% vs 5%, 20%, vs 2%, and 29% vs 7%, respectively, at 2 years (P = .01, 0.02 and 0.02, respectively). The median survival was 14 months for the RT + CT group and 7.5 months for the RT group. There was no difference in the incidence of distant metastases except for bone metastases. No one in the RT + CT group developed bone metastases compared to nine patients in the RT group (P = .01).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective analysis shows improved locoregional control, disease-free survival, and survival when chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and 5-FU is given in addition to radiation for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Bony metastases were absent in those who received chemotherapy.

Phase II study of amonafide in the treatment of patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and the neck. An Illinois Cancer Center study

Amonafide (nafidimide), a synthetic organic compound with an inhibitory effect on cellular replication, was used in a phase II study conducted by the Illinois Cancer Center in order to assess its efficacy and toxicity in advanced or recurrent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. Eligible patients had received no more than one prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, had normal bone marrow, renal and hepatic function, ECOG performance status of 0-2, and bidimensionally measurable disease. Eligible patients were administered amonafide at a starting dose of 300 mg/m2 for five consecutive days every 3 weeks with dose escalation or de-escalation according to established hematologic criteria in the absence of disease progression. Nineteen of 22 entered patients were evaluable for response and all patients were evaluable for toxicity. Eleven of 19 patients achieved stable disease. Median time to progression after start of treatment was 57 days, for the 18 patients for whom the date of progression is known. There were no partial or complete responses. Hematologic toxicity was dose limiting with grade 3-4 neutropenia in 50 percent of patients and 4 deaths associated with neutropenic sepsis. Non-hematologic toxicity was mild to moderate with nausea and vomiting predominating. In this study, amonafide was a myelotoxic, inactive treatment in advanced/recurrent head and neck cancer. Further use in head and neck cancer appears unwarranted.