Endoscopic submucosal dissection with versus without traction for pathologically staged T1B esophageal cancer: a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Positive vertical margins (VMs) are common after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of T1b esophageal cancer (EC) and are associated with an increased risk of recurrence. Traction during ESD provides better exposure of the submucosa and may allow deeper dissection, potentially reducing the risk of positive VMs. We conducted a retrospective multicenter study to compare the proportion of resections with positive VMs in ESD performed with versus without traction in pathologically staged T1b EC.

METHODS

Patients who underwent ESD revealing T1b EC (squamous or adenocarcinoma) at 10 academic tertiary referral centers in the United States (n = 9) and Brazil (n = 1) were included. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted. ESD using either traction techniques (tunneling, pocket) or traction devices (clip line, traction wire) were classified as ESD with traction (Tr-ESD) and those without were classified as conventional ESD without traction. The primary outcome was a negative VM. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations with negative VMs.

RESULTS

A total of 166 patients with pathologically staged T1b EC underwent Tr-ESD (n = 63; 38%) or conventional ESD without traction (n = 103; 62%). Baseline factors were comparable between both groups. On multivariable analysis, Tr-ESD was found to be independently associated with negative VMs (odds ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-4.91; P = .037) and R0 resection (odds ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-6.23; P = .008).

CONCLUSION

Tr-ESD seems to be associated with higher odds of negative VMs than ESD without traction for pathologically staged T1b EC, and future well-conducted prospective studies are warranted to establish the findings of the current study.

Emerging and Clinically Accepted Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and the sixth most diagnosed malignancy worldwide. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the traditional, ubiquitous biomarker for HCC. However, there has been an increasing call for the use of multiple biomarkers to optimize care for these patients. AFP, AFP-L3, and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence II (DCP) have described clinical utility for HCC, but unfortunately, they also have well established and significant limitations. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), genomic glycosylation, and even totally non-invasive salivary metabolomics and/or micro-RNAS demonstrate great promise for early detection and long-term surveillance, but still require large-scale prospective validation to definitively validate their clinical validity. This review aims to provide an update on clinically available and emerging biomarkers for HCC, focusing on their respective clinical strengths and weaknesses.

Circulating Tumor DNA Profiling in Liver Transplant for Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Cholangiocarcinoma, and Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Programmatic Proof of Concept

INTRODUCTION

Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a promising, non-invasive diagnostic and surveillance biomarker in solid organ malignancy. However, its utility before and after liver transplant (LT) for patients with primary and secondary liver cancers is still underexplored.

METHODS

Patients undergoing LT for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with ctDNA testing were included. CtDNA testing was conducted pre-transplant, post-transplant, or both (sequential) from 11/2019 to 09/2023 using Guardant360, Guardant Reveal, and Guardant360 CDx.

RESULTS

21 patients with HCC (n = 9, 43%), CRLM (n = 8, 38%), CCA (n = 3, 14%), and mixed HCC/CCA (n = 1, 5%) were included in the study. The median follow-up time was 15 months (range: 1-124). The median time from pre-operative testing to surgery was 3 months (IQR: 1-4; range: 0-5), and from surgery to post-operative testing, it was 9 months (IQR: 2-22; range: 0.4-112). A total of 13 (62%) patients had pre-transplant testing, with 8 (62%) having ctDNA detected (ctDNA+) and 5 (32%) not having ctDNA detected (ctDNA-). A total of 18 (86%) patients had post-transplant testing, 11 (61%) of whom were ctDNA+ and 7 (33%) of whom were ctDNA-. The absolute recurrence rates were 50% (n = 5) in those who were ctDNA+ vs. 25% (n = 1) in those who were ctDNA- in the post-transplant setting, though this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.367). Six (29%) patients (HCC = 3, CCA = 1, CRLM = 2) experienced recurrence with a median recurrence-free survival of 14 (IQR: 6-40) months. Four of these patients had positive post-transplant ctDNA collected following diagnosis of recurrence, while one patient had positive post-transplant ctDNA collected preceding recurrence. A total of 10 (48%) patients had sequential ctDNA testing, of whom n = 5 (50%) achieved ctDNA clearance (+/-). The remainder were ctDNA+/+ (n = 3, 30%), ctDNA-/- (n = 1, 10%), and ctDNA-/+ (n = 1, 11%). Three (30%) patients showed the acquisition of new genomic alterations following transplant, all without recurrence. Overall, the median tumor mutation burden (TMB) decreased from 1.23 mut/Mb pre-transplant to 0.00 mut/Mb post-transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with ctDNA positivity experienced recurrence at a higher rate than the ctDNA- patients, indicating the potential role of ctDNA in predicting recurrence after curative-intent transplant. Based on sequential testing, LT has the potential to clear ctDNA, demonstrating the capability of LT in the treatment of systemic disease. Transplant providers should be aware of the potential of donor-derived cell-free DNA and improved approaches are necessary to address such concerns.

Distinct intratumoral microbiome of young-onset and average-onset colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The unexplained rise of young-onset CRC (yoCRC, age <50 years) is of concern. Evidence suggests that microbial dysbiosis may be a contributing factor, but the tumor microbial profile of yoCRC in comparison to average-onset CRC (aoCRC, age >60) has not been fully investigated.

METHODS

16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed in tumor and paired adjacent non-malignant fresh frozen tissue specimens prospectively collected from 136 yoCRC and 140 aoCRC patients. Phyloseq, microbiomeSeq, metagenomeSeq, and NetComi were utilized for bioinformatics analysis. Statistical tests included Fisher's exact test, ANOVA, PERMANOVA with Bonferroni correction, linear regression, and Wilcoxon test. p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

FINDINGS

yoCRC patients were more likely to have left-sided (72.8 vs. 54.3%), rectal (36.7% vs. 25%), and stage IV (28% vs. 15%) tumors. yoCRC tumors had significantly higher microbial alpha diversity (p = 1.5 × 10-5) and varied beta diversity (R2 = 0.31, p = 0.013) than aoCRC tumors. yoCRC tumors were enriched with Akkermansia and Bacteroides, whereas aoCRC tumors showed greater relative abundances of Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas, Fusobacterium, and Escherichia/Shigella. Akkermansia had a predominantly negative correlation with the microbial communities in yoCRC tumors. yoCRC and aoCRC tumors had distinct microbial profiles associated with tumor location, sidedness, stage, and obesity. Fusobacterium (R2 = -0.23, p = 0.001) and Akkermansia (R2 = 0.05, p = 0.001) abundance correlated with overall survival in yoCRC.

INTERPRETATION

Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the microbial perturbations in yoCRC tumors. We identify microbial candidates that may highlight a distinct pathogenesis of yoCRC and serve as preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic targets.

FUNDING

Sondra and Stephen Hardis Chair in Oncology Research (A.A.K.).

Neutrophil extracellular traps induced by chemotherapy inhibit tumor growth in murine models of colorectal cancer

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a web-like structure of cytosolic and granule proteins assembled on decondensed chromatin, kill pathogens and cause tissue damage in diseases. Whether NETs can kill cancer cells is unexplored. Here, we report that a combination of glutaminase inhibitor CB-839 and 5-FU inhibited the growth of PIK3CA-mutant colorectal cancers (CRCs) in xenograft, syngeneic, and genetically engineered mouse models in part through NETs. Disruption of NETs by either DNase I treatment or depletion of neutrophils in CRCs attenuated the efficacy of the drug combination. Moreover, NETs were present in tumor biopsies from patients treated with the drug combination in a phase II clinical trial. Increased NET levels in tumors were associated with longer progression-free survival. Mechanistically, the drug combination induced the expression of IL-8 preferentially in PIK3CA-mutant CRCs to attract neutrophils into the tumors. Further, the drug combination increased the levels of ROS in neutrophils, thereby inducing NETs. Cathepsin G (CTSG), a serine protease localized in NETs, entered CRC cells through the RAGE cell surface protein. The internalized CTSG cleaved 14-3-3 proteins, released BAX, and triggered apoptosis in CRC cells. Thus, our studies illuminate a previously unrecognized mechanism by which chemotherapy-induced NETs kill cancer cells.

Genomic Predictors Associated With Exceptional Response to Systemic Therapy in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

INTRODUCTION

Exceptional response to therapy is rare in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. This study explored potential genomic differences between typical and exceptional responses that could confer more favorable biology.

METHODS

We included exceptional responders and controls with advanced pancreatic cancer from Cleveland Clinic from April 2013 to August 2017. Exceptional responders were defined as patients with an overall survival of more than 18 months for metastatic disease and more than 24 months for locally advanced disease. Clinical data were obtained, and next-generation sequencing was performed. Statistical analyses comparing the 2 groups were performed using descriptive statistics, the Kaplan-Meier method, and the log-rank test.

RESULTS

The study comprised 4 exceptional responders and 6 controls. Both groups were well balanced in age, sex, race, and treatment regimens. Exceptional responders had significantly fewer nonsynonymous mutations than controls (2.25 vs 5.17; P = .014). A mutation count of less than 3 was associated with significantly better progression-free survival (17.2 vs 2.3 months; P = .002) and overall survival (29.4 vs 4.6 months; P = .013). Tumor mutational burden did not differ between exceptional responders and controls (4.88 vs 5.70 mut/Mb; P = .39).

CONCLUSION

A lower number of nonsynonymous mutations may correlate with exceptional outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer. These findings should encourage future studies into genomic signatures of exceptional response.

A Narrative Medicine Pilot Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents

Narrative medicine (NM) is the practice of reflecting on patient stories, which can improve physician empathy and has been linked to higher levels of well-being. We implemented a NM curriculum for a large internal medicine residency program and report the curriculum's positive effects.

Referral, Uptake, and Outcome of Genetic Counseling and Testing in Patients With Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

BACKGROUND

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) is rapidly increasing. Pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) are detected in 16% to 20% of patients who have EOCRC, highlighting a need for genetic counseling (GC) and multigene panel testing in these patients. We aimed to determine the rate of referral to GC and uptake and outcomes of germline testing in patients with EOCRC.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged <50 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) from 2010 to 2019 at Cleveland Clinic. Demographic data were extracted, including age, sex, self-reported race, and family history of CRC. The proportions of patients with GC referral and completion of GC and genetic testing were investigated, and genetic testing results were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors independently associated with GC referral and uptake.

RESULTS

A total of 791 patients with EOCRC (57% male and 43% female) were included; 62% were referred for GC, and of those who were referred, 79% completed a GC appointment and 77% underwent genetic testing. Of those who underwent testing, 21% had a PGV detected; 82% were in known CRC-associated genes, with those associated with Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis the most common, and 11% were in other actionable genes. Referral to GC was positively associated with family history of CRC (odds ratio [OR], 2.11; 95% CI, 1.51-2.96) and more recent year of diagnosis (2010-2013 vs 2017-2019; OR, 5.36; 95% CI, 3.59-8.01) but negatively associated with older age at diagnosis (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.92).

CONCLUSIONS

Referral to GC for patients with EOCRC is increasing over time; however, even in recent years, almost 25% of patients were not referred for GC. We found that 1 in 5 patients with EOCRC carry actionable PGVs, highlighting the need for health systems to implement care pathways to optimize GC referral and testing in all patients with EOCRC.

Immunotherapy Plus Locoregional Therapy Leading to Curative-Intent Hepatectomy in HCC: Proof of Concept Producing Durable Survival Benefits Detectable with Liquid Biopsy

BACKGROUND

Immunotherapy has emerged as an improved systemic treatment for select patients with advanced unresectable HCC. Objective response is reported in 30% of patients, yet complete response (pCR) allowing for curative-intent resection is rare. Locoregional therapies (LRTs) seem to show synergistic effects with immunotherapy, though this effect has not been scientifically reported. We report a cohort of patients showing pCR to immunotherapy + LRT as a proof of concept for the proposed treatment approach for locally unresectable HCC.

METHODS

Patients with unresectable HCC treated with immunotherapy as an intended destination therapy from 2016 to 2023 were included. The electronic health record was queried for oncologic information, locoregional therapies, surgical interventions, and long-term outcomes. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing was obtained using Guardant360, and tumor mutational burden (TMB) was defined as the number of somatic mutations per megabase.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients with advanced HCC received immunotherapy + LRT as a destination therapy. In total, 11 of 96 patients showed a complete response according to mRECIST criteria. Four of these (36.4%) ultimately underwent curative-intent resection. The median follow-up was 24.9 (IQR 15.6-38.3) months. Overall survival rates in those with complete response at 1, 3, and 5 years were 100%, 91%, and 81.8%, respectively, which were significantly improved compared to those of the cohort not achieving pCR (p < 0.001). All four patients undergoing immunotherapy + LRT followed by curative-intent hepatectomy have no evidence of disease (NED). Of those undergoing surgery, ctDNA was cleared in 75% (n = 3), providing an additional objective measurement of complete response. All four patients were TMB+ before beginning this treatment course, with three being TMB-, indicating stable and complete disease response.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunotherapy + locoregional therapy can help downstage a significant proportion of patients with initially unresectable HCC, allowing for curative-intent surgery. The survival benefit associated with complete response seems durable up to 3 years after achieving this response. ctDNA measurement was converted from positive to negative in this cohort, providing additional indication of response.

Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Brain Metastases from Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Treated with Stereotactic Radiosurgery

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Prior studies have reported outcomes for brain metastases from gastrointestinal (GI) primary cancers treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS); however, most include a majority of colorectal cancer. Few studies specifically evaluate SRS treatment response for brain metastases from upper GI cancers. We report our institutional outcomes for patients with upper GI cancers who were treated with SRS for brain metastases.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with an upper GI cancer who underwent SRS for brain metastases between 1991 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed from a single institution IRB-approved database. The primary endpoint was local failure (LF) and secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS). LF was estimated using the Cumulative Incidence Function with death as a competing risk. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier Method. Predictors of cumulative incidence of LF were assessed using competing risk regression.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients with 107 brain metastases were analyzed. Forty-two (86%) patients were male. The median follow-up time was 6.7 months (range: 0.4-61.7 months) and median OS was 7.5 months (range: 0.9-61.7 months). The median Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) was 80 (range: 40-100). The primary disease site was esophagus in 87 (81%) lesions, pancreas in 10 (9.3%) lesions, stomach in 5 (4.7%) lesions, liver in 2 (1.9%) lesions, gallbladder in 2 (1.9%) lesions, and small intestine in 1 (0.9%) lesion. The median metastasis size was 1.4 cm (range: 0.3-6.7 cm). The median prescription dose and fraction number were 24 Gy (range: 14-30 Gy) and 1 fraction (range: 1-2 fractions), respectively. The cumulative incidence of LF at 6 and 12 months was 5.6% (95% CI: 2.3-11%) and 12% (95% CI: 6.9-20%), respectively. Overall survival at 6 and 12 months was 59% (95% CI: 50-69%) and 35% (95% CI: 27-46%), respectively. On univariate analysis, female gender (HR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.61, p = 0.005), Black race (HR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.03-0.23, p = <0.001), and larger tumors (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03-1.78, p = 0.03) were significantly associated with local failure.

CONCLUSION

SRS for brain metastases from upper GI cancers is an appropriate treatment option and provides excellent local control. Unlike prior studies that have reported lower local control rates for all GI cancers with brain metastases treated with SRS, our data show that local failure rates in brain metastases from upper GI cancers specifically are more consistent with previously published data from other disease sites. Further studies evaluating SRS treatment response for brain metastases from GI cancers should separate upper GI and lower GI cancers.

Immunotherapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma-a Large Tertiary Center Experience

INTRODUCTION

Combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist has become the first line systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, two-thirds of patients do not respond to ICI-based treatments and biomarkers for response remain elusive.

METHODS

Patients with advanced HCC who received Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab combination or Nivolumab during 2016-2022 were identified in our Liver Cancer Database. Retrospective review of their clinical data was performed to investigate parameters that could be predictive of immunotherapy response.

RESULTS

96 patients received Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab (n=60) or Nivolumab (n=36). Median age at diagnosis was 67.1 years. 70 patients had received treatment and 26 patients were treatment naïve before starting immunotherapy. Mean pre-treatment AFP was 9780.7 (±32035) ng/mL. Confirmed objective response (complete or partial) was seen in 29% of the population (n=27). Disease remained stable in 12% (n=11) and progressed in 60% (n=56). On univariate analysis, pre-treatment AFP>400 ng/mL was associated with objective response (OR=4.5, 95% CI:1.7-11.9, p=0.0015), while white race (OR=0.35, 95% CI:0.13-0.92, p=0.030) and prior radiotherapy (OR=0.14, 95% CI:0.01-1.1, p=0.033) or systemic therapy with TKIs (OR=0.25, 95% CI:0.08-0.81, p=0.017) were associated with poor response. On multivariate analysis only AFP>400 ng/mL remained associated with response (OR=3.7, 95% CI:1.3-10.5, p=0.014). Overall survival (OS) at one and three years was 86% and 43% in responders, and 45% and 29% in non-responders, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In our institutional experience, treatment naivety and pre-treatment AFP>400 ng/mL were associated with objective response. Prospective studies aimed at identifying factors associated with response to immunotherapy will aide patient selection.

RLY-4008, the First Highly Selective FGFR2 Inhibitor with Activity across FGFR2 Alterations and Resistance Mutations

Oncogenic activation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) drives multiple cancers and represents a broad therapeutic opportunity, yet selective targeting of FGFR2 has not been achieved. Although the clinical efficacy of pan-FGFR inhibitors (pan-FGFRi) validates FGFR2 driver status in FGFR2 fusion-positive intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, their benefit is limited by incomplete target coverage due to FGFR1- and FGFR4-mediated toxicities (hyperphosphatemia and diarrhea, respectively) and the emergence of FGFR2 resistance mutations. RLY-4008 is a highly selective, irreversible FGFR2 inhibitor designed to overcome these limitations. In vitro, RLY-4008 demonstrates >250- and >5,000-fold selectivity over FGFR1 and FGFR4, respectively, and targets primary alterations and resistance mutations. In vivo, RLY-4008 induces regression in multiple xenograft models-including models with FGFR2 resistance mutations that drive clinical progression on current pan-FGFRi-while sparing FGFR1 and FGFR4. In early clinical testing, RLY-4008 induced responses without clinically significant off-isoform FGFR toxicities, confirming the broad therapeutic potential of selective FGFR2 targeting.

SIGNIFICANCE

Patients with FGFR2-driven cancers derive limited benefit from pan-FGFRi due to multiple FGFR1-4-mediated toxicities and acquired FGFR2 resistance mutations. RLY-4008 is a highly selective FGFR2 inhibitor that targets primary alterations and resistance mutations and induces tumor regression while sparing other FGFRs, suggesting it may have broad therapeutic potential. See related commentary by Tripathi et al., p. 1964. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 1949.

Circulating Tumor DNA in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis: Analysis of Patients Receiving Liver Resection and Transplant

PURPOSE

Liver metastases occur in about 50% of colorectal cancer cases and drive patient outcomes. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a diagnostic, surveillance, and tumor mutational information tool.

METHODS

Patients with colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CCLM) seen in a multidisciplinary liver tumor clinic from January to August 2022 received ctDNA testing on each visit. ctDNA was obtained using the Guardant360 platform. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is defined as the number of identified mutations per megabase of genome analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients had available ctDNA, with 34 (65%) tested preoperatively and 18 (35%) postoperatively; nine patients had sequential pre- and postoperative testing. The median time to test result was 12 days (IQR, 10-13.5). There were a greater number of somatic mutations identified preoperatively (n = 29 v n = 11) and a greater genomic heterogeneity (P = .0069). The mean TMB score was 12.77 in those without pathologic response to cytotoxic therapy and 6.0 in those with pathologic response (P = .10). All nine patients with sequential testing were positive preoperatively, compared with just three (33.3%) postoperatively (P = .0090). Positive postoperative ctDNA was associated with the increased likelihood of disease recurrence after resection (57%) versus negative ctDNA (0%, P = .0419).

CONCLUSION

Routine ctDNA screening in patients with CCLM is logistically feasible. Liver resection and/or transplant may be associated with clearance of detectable ctDNA and a reduction in TMB or genomic heterogeneity. Persistence of ctDNA alterations postresection appears predictive of disease recurrence. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings, and longitudinal ctDNA testing is needed to monitor changing tumor biology.

Liquid Biopsy by ctDNA in Liver Transplantation for Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Metastatic liver disease develops in 50% of cases and drives patient outcomes. Although the ideal treatment for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) is resection, only a third of patients are suitable for this approach. Reports of liver transplantation in selected patients with unresectable CRLM have shown encouraging results compared to conventional forms of therapy. No study to date has examined the utility of liquid biopsy circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for evaluation of residual disease in this cohort of patients. We report a small series of liver transplantation in patients with CRLM in whom ctDNA was assessed peri-operatively.

METHODS

Five patients underwent liver transplantation for unresectable CRLM or liver failure following CRLM treatment from 2018 to 2022. Clinical data, cross-sectional imaging, and serum biomarkers including peri-operative ctDNA were reviewed from electronic medical records.

RESULTS

All patients are alive without radiologic evidence of disease at time of this publication. Median time of follow-up was 32 months (IQR 6.6-40 months). ctDNA was assessed before (4 patients) and after transplant (6 patients). One patient experienced a pulmonary recurrence that was resected, for whom pre-recurrence ctDNA was not available; the remaining patients have not experienced recurrence. Four patients are without evidence of ctDNA following transplant, and two demonstrate persistent ctDNA positivity post-transplant. Three of four patients with positive pre-transplant ctDNA remain ctDNA-negative post-transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

Liver transplantation for liver-confined unresectable CRLM is emerging as a valid surgical option in selected patients. The significance of liquid biopsy in this population remains elusive due to lack of data. The clearance of ctDNA after transplant in these patients with metastatic disease and despite their immunosuppression is notable. The significance and usefulness of liquid biopsy in patient selection, surveillance, and as an indication for treatment warrant further investigation.

Biomarkers for Response to Anti-PD-1/Anti-PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Large Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that block PD-1/PD-L1 have consistently demonstrated durable clinical activity across multiple histologies but have low overall response rates for many cancers-indicating that too few patients benefit from ICIs. Many studies have explored potential predictive biomarkers (eg, PD-1/PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden [TMB]), no consensus biomarker has been identified.

METHODS

This meta-analysis combined predictive accuracy metrics for various biomarkers, across multiple cancer types, to determine which biomarkers are most accurate for predicting ICI response. Data from 18,792 patients from 100 peer-reviewed studies that evaluated putative biomarkers for response to anti-PD-1/anti- PD-L1 treatment were meta-analyzed using bivariate linear mixed models. Biomarker performance was assessed based on the global area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and 95% bootstrap confidence intervals.

RESULTS

PD-L1 immunohistochemistry, TMB, and multimodal biomarkers discriminated responders and nonresponders better than random assignment (AUCs >.50). Excluding multimodal biomarkers, these biomarkers correctly classified at least 50% of the responders (sensitivity 95% CIs, >.50). Notably, variation in biomarker performance was observed across cancer types.

CONCLUSIONS

Although some biomarkers consistently performed better, heterogeneity in performance was observed across cancer types, and additional research is needed to identify highly accurate and precise biomarkers for widespread clinical use.

Precision Oncology Targets in Biliary Tract Cancer

Targeted therapies in biliary tract cancer (BTC) are emerging as options for patients not who do not respond to first-line treatment. Agents acting on tumor-specific oncogenes in BTC may target fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), B-raf kinase (BRAF), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2). Additionally, given the heterogeneous genetic landscape of advanced BTCs, many harbor genetic aberrations that are common among solid tumors, including RET fusions, tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) fusions, and high tumor mutational burden (TMB). This review aims to provide updates on the evolving array of therapeutics available, and to summarize promising works on the horizon.

Shorter Time to Treatment Is Associated With Improved Survival in Rural Patients With Breast Cancer Despite Other Adverse Socioeconomic Factors

BACKGROUND

Cancer care in rural areas poses unique challenges, including access and proximity to care. This study examined differences in time to treatment initiation (TTI), a potential surrogate for access, and predictors of overall survival (OS) between rural and nonrural patients with breast cancer.

METHODS

Women with stage I to III breast cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2012 in facilities accredited by the National Cancer Database of Commission on Cancer (CoC) were included. Differences between rural and nonrural patients in demographics, disease and treatment characteristics, socioeconomic factors, and TTI were assessed by χ2 test. The effects on OS of age, insurance status, cancer center type, community median income, percentage of the community who had not graduated from high school, and TTI were assessed using Cox models.

RESULTS

The study population was composed of 1,205,031 patients, 18,417 (2%) of whom were rural. Compared with nonrural patients, rural patients were more likely to be older, to be White, to receive care at nonacademic centers, to have government insurance or annual income less than $38,000, and to be less educated (P < .0001). Rural patients also had shorter median TTI (3 vs 4 weeks; P < .0001), which was associated with improved OS (P < .0001), and were more likely to have TTI less than 4 weeks and less than 8 weeks (P < .0001 for both). Shorter TTI (both <4 weeks vs 8 weeks and 4-8 weeks vs >8 weeks) was also associated with improved OS (P < .0001 for both). After adjusting for disease stage and demographic-, socioeconomic-, and treatment-related factors, rural status was associated with improved OS compared with nonrural status (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89-0.96; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite several adverse demographic and socioeconomic factors, rural patients with breast cancer with access to CoC-accredited facilities had significantly shorter TTI and better OS compared with nonrural patients. The clinical significance of this is undetermined; however, these data suggest that improving TTI can mitigate disparities in rural cancer care.

Outcomes for endoscopic submucosal dissection of pathologically staged T1b esophageal cancer: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for T1b esophageal cancer (EC) and its recurrence rates remain unclear in the West. Using a multicenter cohort, we evaluated technical outcomes and recurrence rates of ESD in the treatment of pathologically staged T1b EC.

METHODS

We included patients who underwent ESD of T1b EC at 7 academic tertiary referral centers in the United States (n = 6) and Brazil (n = 1). We analyzed demographic, procedural, and histopathologic characteristics and follow-up data. Time-to-event analysis was performed to evaluate recurrence rates.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients with pathologically staged T1b EC after ESD were included in the study. A preprocedure staging EUS was available in 54 patients and was Tis/T1a in 27 patients (50%) and T1b in 27 patients (50%). En-bloc resection rate was 92.4% (61/66) and R0 resection rate was 54.5% (36/66). Forty-nine of 66 patients (74.2%) did not undergo surgery immediately after resection and went on to surveillance. Ten patients had ESD resection within the curative criteria, and no recurrences were seen in a 13-month (range, 3-18.5) follow-up period in these patients. Ten of 39 patients (25.6%) with noncurative resections had residual/recurrent disease. Of the 10 patients with noncurative resection, local recurrence alone was seen in 5 patients (12.8%) and metastatic recurrence in 5 patients (12.8%). On univariate analysis, R1 resection had a higher risk of recurrent disease (hazard ratio, 6.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-30.36; P = .023).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS staging of T1b EC has poor accuracy, and a staging ESD should be considered in these patients. ESD R0 resection rates were low in T1b EC, and R1 resection was associated with recurrent disease. Patients with noncurative ESD resection of T1b EC who cannot undergo surgery should be surveyed closely, because recurrent disease was seen in 25% of these patients.

Abstract CT246: Phase 1b/2 study of giloralimab in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX with or without budigalimab in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer

Background: The 5-year survival rate for metastatic pancreatic cancer is ~3%, indicating an urgent need for novel therapies. Combination therapy with modified FOLFIRINOX (leucovorin, irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin) and immunotherapy has been proposed for first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer to improve tolerability and clinical efficacy, respectively (NCCN, Pancreatic. 2021; Vonderheide, Annu. Rev. Med. 2020). The present study evaluates the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor activity of modified FOLFIRINOX + giloralimab (CD40 agonist) with or without budigalimab (anti-PD-1) in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Methods: Multicenter, randomized phase 1b/2 study (NCT04807972) in patients (18-75 years) with untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer. The phase 1b (dose escalation) examines the safety dose level of giloralimab in a triplet of modified FOLFIRINOX + giloralimab + budigalimab using a Bayesian optimal interval [BOIN] design. BOIN design is utilized to guide giloralimab escalation decisions. In phase 2 (dose expansion), patients are randomized 1:1:1 to receive treatment with modified FOLFIRINOX (cohort A), modified FOLFIRINOX + giloralimab (cohort B), or modified FOLFIRINOX + giloralimab + budigalimab (cohort C). Randomization is stratified according to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status. Primary objectives are to assess the safety and tolerability of modified FOLFIRINOX + giloralimab + budigalimab (phase 1b) and to evaluate overall survival in patients treated with modified FOLFIRINOX + giloralimab with or without budigalimab (versus those receiving modified FOLFIRINOX alone; phase 2). Secondary objectives include characterizing the pharmacokinetics of giloralimab and budigalimab in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX, assessing the efficacy of modified FOLFIRINOX + giloralimab with or without budigalimab, and evaluating the safety/tolerability of modified FOLFIRINOX + giloralimab with or without budigalimab. Patients will receive giloralimab and budigalimab intravenously in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX in a 28-day cycle. Dose-limiting toxicities are assessed during the first cycle of dosing. Adverse events are evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analysis are collected at designated time points throughout the study. Responses are assessed by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Survival outcomes are described using the Kaplan-Meier method. Approximately 129 patients are planned to be included. Enrollment started in June 2021, with 7 patients enrolled as of November 2021.

Citation Format: Dung T. Le, Marcia Cruz-Correa, David L. Bajor, Rocio Garcia-Carbonero, Marion Harris, Roberto Pazo-Cid, Hedy Kindler, Nelson Yee, Suneel Kamath, Maulik Patel, Hua Fang, William Henner, Patrick Hardesty, Martha Blaney, Michael McDevitt, Talia Golan. Phase 1b/2 study of giloralimab in combination with modified FOLFIRINOX with or without budigalimab in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr CT246.

Esophageal adenocarcinoma: A dire need for early detection and treatment

Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Esophageal adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of esophageal cancer in the United States, and its incidence has risen dramatically in the last few decades. Modern endoscopic and surgical techniques have significantly improved morbidity and mortality rates of patients undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer. However, most cases are diagnosed at a late stage when the prognosis is poor, emphasizing the need for an effective screening strategy. This clinical overview focuses on screening, multidisciplinary evaluation, and treatment of early esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Abstract P02-02: First results of RLY-4008, a potent and highly selective FGFR2 inhibitor in a first-in-human study in patients with FGFR2-altered cholangiocarcinoma and multiple solid tumors

INTRODUCTION: Oncogenic FGFR2 alterations (fusions/rearrangements, amplifications, mutations) are key drivers in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and multiple solid tumors. Current pan-FGFR inhibitor (FGFRi) therapy is limited by off-isoform toxicity and acquired FGFR2 kinase domain resistance mutations. RLY-4008 is a highly selective and potent oral inhibitor designed to target both FGFR2 driver and resistance mutations. We initiated a first-in-human study in advanced solid tumors patients (pts) to define the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy of RLY-4008 (NCT04526106). METHODS: Adult pts received RLY-4008 QD or BID on a 4-week cycle following a BOIN escalation design. Adverse events (AEs), PK, ctDNA and anti-tumor activity (RECIST 1.1) were assessed. RESULTS: As of 16AUG21, 45 pts (35 CCA; 10 other) have been treated with RLY-4008 at total daily doses of 30-200 mg (18 pts BID; 27 pts QD). 44 pts had oncogenic FGFR2 alterations (26 fusions/13 mutations/5 amplifications). The median number of prior anti-neoplastic therapies was 3 (range 1-15). 94% (33/35) of CCA pts had prior chemotherapy and 69% (24/35) had prior FGFRi. 56% (9/16) CCA pts with prior FGFRi and evaluable ctDNA had ≥1 FGFR2 resistance mutation at baseline, most commonly at positions 549 (8/9), 617 (3/9), or 564 (2/9). RLY-4008 had rapid absorption (Tmax 1-7h), half-life to support QD dosing (18-34 h), dose-dependent exposure (AUC; Cmax) and predicted FGFR2 occupancy &gt;85% across dose levels. The MTD has not been defined, and QD dose exploration continues to select the optimal biologically efficacious dose. AEs occurring in &gt;20% of pts include stomatitis (49%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE, 38%), dry mouth (29%), and nail toxicities (22%), majority of which were ≤Gr 2. 6 pts had Gr 1-2 retinopathy, which resolved in all cases. 5 AEs were considered dose limiting toxicities: 4 in BID (rash/PPE/mucositis/hyperbilirubinemia) and 1 in QD (retinopathy). No Gr 4/5 drug-related AEs were seen. 25 pts remain on treatment (range 1-37 weeks). RLY-4008 showed broad anti-tumor activity across dose levels and FGFR2 alterations with radiographic tumor reductions of ≥10% in 59% pts (19/32; -11% to -83%). Activity was seen in FGFRi-naïve, FGFR2-fusion+ CCA with PRs in 50% of pts (3/6, 2 confirmed and 1 pending confirmation; -56% to -83%). Activity was also seen in FGFRi pre-treated FGFR2-fusion+ CCA pts (N=16) with 16 SD, including 9 pts with tumor reduction ≥10% (from -12% to -35%). Of the FGFRi pre-treated FGFR2-fusion+ CCA patients with detectable FGFR2 resistance mutations in ctDNA at baseline, 78% (7/9) were undetectable at C2D1. CONCLUSION: RLY-4008 demonstrates promising safety, tolerability, and clinical activity in FGFR2-altered solid tumor pts, including those who progressed on prior FGFRi therapy. Consistent with the FGFR2-selective mechanism, minimal off-isoform toxicity (FGFR1-hyperphosphatemia; FGFR4-diarrhea) was seen. These encouraging data validate selective targeting of FGFR2 and suggest that RLY-4008 has potential to overcome resistance to FGFRi.

Citation Format: Lipika Goyal, Mitesh Borad, Vivek Subbiah, Amit Mahipal, Suneel Kamath, Kabir Mody, Robin Katie Kelley, Richard Kim, Vaibhav Sahai, Anthony El-Khoueiry, Efrat Dotan, Oleg Schmidt-Kittler, Jinshan Shen, Kai Yu Jen, Alicia Deary, Wei Guo, Mahesh Padval, Cori Ann J. Sherwin, Charles Ferte, Beni Wolf, Alison M. Schram. First results of RLY-4008, a potent and highly selective FGFR2 inhibitor in a first-in-human study in patients with FGFR2-altered cholangiocarcinoma and multiple solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC Virtual International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2021 Oct 7-10. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2021;20(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P02-02.

Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Management of Early Stage Esophageal Cancer

Early esophageal cancer involves the mucosal and submucosal layers of the esophagus. Early esophageal cancer is a heterogeneous group, and achieving optimal outcomes requires a multidisciplinary approach to align patients to their optimal treatment. Although organ-sparing endoscopic resection has become the preferred management option for superficial esophageal cancer, it is not adequate in all tumors, such as high-risk lesions with poorly differentiated pathology, lymphovascular invasion, or deep submucosal invasion. In such high-risk lesions, surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation may be required. In this article, we present our multidisciplinary approach to early esophageal cancer.

Does prehospital time affect survival of major trauma patients where there is no prehospital care?

BACKGROUND

Survival after major trauma is considered to be time dependent. Efficient prehospital care with rapid transport is the norm in developed countries, which is not available in many lower middle and low-income countries. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of prehospital time and primary treatment given on survival of major trauma patients in a setting without prehospital care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective observational study was carried out in a university hospital in Mumbai, from January to December 2014. The hospital has a trauma service but no organized prehospital care or defined interhospital transfer protocols. All patients with life- and/or limb-threatening injuries were included in the study. Injury time and arrival time were noted and the interval was defined as "prehospital time" for the directly arriving patients and as "time to tertiary care" for those transferred. Primary outcome measure was in-hospital death (or discharge).

RESULTS

Of 1181 patients, 352 were admitted directly from the trauma scene and 829 were transferred from other hospitals. In-hospital mortality was associated with age, mechanism and mode of injury, shock, Glasgow Coma Score <9, Injury Severity Score ≥16, need for intubation, and ventilatory support on arrival; but neither with prehospital time nor with time to tertiary care. Transferred patients had a significantly higher mortality (odds ratio = 1.869, 95% confidence interval = 1.233-2.561, P = 0.005) despite fewer patients with severe injury. Two hundred and ninety-four (35%) of these needed airway intervention while 108 (13%) needed chest tube insertion on arrival to the trauma unit suggesting inadequate care at primary facility.

CONCLUSION

Mortality is not associated with prehospital time but with transfers from primary care; probably due to deficient care. To improve survival after major trauma, enhancement of resources for resuscitation and capacity building of on-duty doctors in primary centers should be a priority in countries with limited resources.

Staphylococcus epidermidis Protection Against Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in an Inner-City Outpatient Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) have been disproportionally affected by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection, in particular by clones USA300 and USA500. However, the contribution of epidemiological, bacterial, and immunological risk factors to the excess of S aureus in PLWH remain incompletely understood.

Methods.

In this cross-sectional study, we determined the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of S aureus colonization in 93 PLWH attending an urban human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic. Participants completed a structured interview assessing demographic information and risk factors for MRSA. Swabs were obtained from the nose, throat, and groin and cultured for S aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Results.

Most participants had well controlled HIV infection (89, 96% CD4 >200). Thirty-six (39%) individuals were colonized with S aureus at 1 or more body sites, including 6 (6%) with MRSA. Regular gym use was a risk factor for S aureus but not MRSA carriage. In contrast, S epidermidis was present in almost all individuals (n = 84, 90%), predominantly in the nares (n = 66, 71%). Using generalized estimating equation models, we observed that the odds of S aureus colonization were significantly and drastically reduced when S epidermidis was detected (P = .0001). After controlling for site, gender, and age, we identified that the odds of S aureus colonization were 80% less if S epidermidis was present (adjusted odds ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, .09–.45; P < .0001).

Conclusions.

Taken together, we observed a lower prevalence of S aureus and MRSA colonization than has been previously reported in PLWH. In this cohort, colonization with S epidermidis was protective against S aureus colonization.

Is ‘Clicky Hip’ a Risk Factor in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

Background: The role of the ‘clicky hip’ symptom as a prognostic predictor of developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH) is controversial. We aim to study the role of isolated hip clicks as a prognostic predictor of DDH. Material and methods: 235 babits with persisting or referred with clicky hip beyond six weeks of age were prospectively followed up to note the incidence of DDH. Of these 176 babies were referred for a hip click without additional risk factors. Results: 7 out of 176 cases (4 - IIa, 2 - IIb, 1 - IIc) had initial abnormal ultrasound examination based on Graf classification. However, all babies with isolated hip clicks eventually had normal hips on clinical and radiographic examination. Discussion: While screening of babies with clicky hips does help in diagnosing the odd case of DDH this is not consistently reproducible. Modifying the targeted ultrasound screening by including clicky hip as a risk factor will not reduce the incidence of missed cases. Isolated clicks in the hip joint beyond six weeks age are rarely a predictor of DDH. However when in doubt such cases should be referred to be reviewed by an orthopaedic surgeon or a radiologist experienced in hip ultrasound.

Impact of obesity severity and duration on pancreatic β- and α-cell dynamics in normoglycemic non-human primates

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is associated with high insulin and glucagon plasma levels. Enhanced β-cell function and β-cell expansion are responsible for insulin hypersecretion. It is unknown whether hyperglucagonemia is due to α-cell hypersecretion or to an increase in α-cell mass. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of the β-cell and α-cell function and mass in pancreas of obese normoglycemic baboons.

METHODS

Pancreatic β- and α-cell volumes were measured in 51 normoglycemic baboons divided into six groups according to overweight severity or duration. Islets morphometric parameters were correlated to overweight and to diverse metabolic and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS

Relative α-cell volume (RαV) and relative islet α-cell volume (RIαV) increased significantly with both overweight duration and severity. Conversely, in spite of the induction of insulin resistance, overweight produced only modest effects on relative β-cell volume (RβV) and relative islet β-cell volume (RIβV). Of note, RIβV did not increase neither with overweight duration nor with overweight severity, supposedly because of the concomitant, greater increase in RIαV. Baboons' body weights correlated with serum levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α soluble receptors, demonstrating that overweight induces abnormal activation of the signaling of two cytokines known to impact differently β- and α-cell viability and replication.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, overweight and insulin resistance induce in baboons a significant increase in α-cell volumes (RαV, RIαV), whereas have minimal effects on the β cells. This study suggests that an increase in the α-cell mass may precede the loss of β cells and the transition to overt hyperglycemia and diabetes.